485BPOS 1 d485bpos.htm 485BPOS 485BPOS
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2008

Registration Nos. 333-119022; 811-21634

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

   FORM N-1A   
   REGISTRATION STATEMENT   
   UNDER   
   THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933    x  
   Pre-Effective Amendment No.    ¨  
   Post-Effective Amendment No. 16    x  
   and/or   
   REGISTRATION STATEMENT   
   UNDER   
   THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940    x  
   Amendment No. 19    x  

 

 

Access One Trust

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000

Bethesda, Maryland 20814

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (240) 497-6400

With copies to:

 

Michael L. Sapir

Chairman

ProFund Advisors LLC

7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000

Bethesda, Maryland 20814

 

John Loder, Esq.

Ropes & Gray LLP

One International Place

Boston, MA 02110-2624

 

Bruce Treff, Esq.

BISYS Fund Services

100 Summer St., Suite 1500

Boston, MA 02110

(Name and Address of Agent for Service Process)

Approximate Date of Commencement of the Proposed Public Offering of the Securities:

 

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

 

¨ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
x on February 28, 2008 pursuant to paragraph (b)
¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following:

 

¨ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

Prospectus

 

February 29, 2008

 

Access Flex High Yield FundSM

 

Investor and Service Class

 

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund SM

 

Investor and Service Class

 

Like shares of all mutual funds, these securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents

 

3    Access Flex High Yield FundSM
7    Access Flex Bear High Yield FundSM
11    Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies and Risks
12    General Information
14    Shareholder Services Guide
20    Fund Management
22    Financial Highlights

 

2  


Table of Contents

 

Access Flex High Yield FundSM

 

Investment Summary

 

Investment Objective

Access Flex High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the total return of the high yield market consistent with maintaining reasonable liquidity.

If the Access Flex High Yield Fund is successful in meeting its objective, its net asset value should generally gain value as the high yield market is rallying (gaining value). Conversely, its net asset value should generally decrease in value as the high yield market is falling (losing value). These results are generally similar to those of most traditional high yield mutual funds.

The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

The Access Flex High Yield Fund will achieve its high yield exposure primarily through credit default swaps (“CDSs”) but may invest in each of the following types of financial instruments without limitation, consistent with applicable regulations:

>  

High yield debt securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”)

>  

Other debt and money market instruments

>  

Interest rate swap agreements and futures contracts

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in securities and other financial instruments that in combination should have economic characteristics similar to the high yield debt (“junk bond”) market and/or in high yield debt securities. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in the policy.

ProFund Advisors LLC (“ProFund Advisors” or the “Advisor”) seeks to invest the Fund’s assets so that the combination of its investments provide investment results that correspond to the high yield market and may employ strategies that result in high portfolio turnover. A high level of portfolio turnover may negatively affect performance by increasing transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. In managing the Fund, the Advisor takes into consideration, among other things, the relative liquidity of and transaction costs associated with a particular investment and industry diversification of the Fund’s overall portfolio. The Advisor does not conduct fundamental analysis in managing the Fund.

High yield debt securities are generally debt securities rated BB+ and lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service (“S&P”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Ba1 or below by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or if unrated, securities that the Advisor determines to be of comparable quality. High yield debt securities also include corporate notes, convertible debt securities and preferred securities. In addition, the Fund may invest in other instruments that provide exposure to the high yield bond market, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), unit investment trusts and other investment companies that invest primarily in high yield debt instruments.

CDSs are a type of swap contract. CDSs are typically bilateral financial contracts that transfer credit exposure between two parties. They may be used by the Access Flex High Yield Fund to obtain credit risk exposure similar to that of a direct investment in high yield bonds. One party to a CDS (the “buyer”) receives credit protection or sheds credit risk, whereas the other party (the “seller”) to a CDS is selling credit protection or taking on credit risk. The seller typically receives one or more pre-determined periodic payments from the other party. These payments are in consideration for guaranteeing to make a specific payment to the buyer should a negative credit event occur with respect to one of the issuers referenced in the CDS. An additional adjustment to account for market premiums or discounts may be paid or received when initially entering into or closing a position. The amount of credit protection purchased is measured by the “notional amount” of the CDS. A CDS may be either “funded” or “unfunded.” The Fund will generally use unfunded CDSs. A funded CDS has an interest rate component whereas an unfunded CDS does not. Where an unfunded CDS is used, the Fund would normally expect to obtain interest rate exposure through other means such as government notes, futures, or interest rate swaps. Interest rate swap agreements are typically bilateral financial contracts that involve the exchange of payments based on a fixed rate of interest applied to a notional amount with payments based on a floating rate of interest. Since the Fund seeks exposure to the high yield market, it will normally be a net seller of CDSs. For further information on CDSs and other types of swap agreements the Fund may use, please see “Investments and Risks” in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

The Access Flex High Yield Fund seeks to maintain exposure to the high yield bond markets regardless of market conditions and without taking defensive positions in cash or other instruments in anticipation of an adverse climate for the high yield bond markets. As a result, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective during this period. To find out if the Fund has sufficient assets to invest to attempt to meet its objective, you may call 1-888-776-3637. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities or financial instruments with respect to foreign securities.

 

Principal Risk Considerations

Like all investments, investing in the Fund entails risks. Many factors affect the value of an investment in the Fund. The factors most likely to have a significant impact on the Fund’s portfolio are called “principal risks.” The principal risks for the Fund are described below. The Fund may be subject to risks in addition to those identified as principal risks.

>  

Active Investor Risk ProFund Advisors expects a significant portion of the assets of the Fund to come from professional money managers and investors who use the Fund as part of active trading or tactical asset allocation strategies. These strategies often call for frequent trading of Fund shares to take advantage of anticipated changes in market conditions. Active trading could increase the rate of portfolio turnover, which may increase costs and could negatively affect Fund performance. In addition, large movements of assets into and out of the Fund may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective or maintain a consistent level of operating expenses. In certain circumstances, the Fund’s expense ratio may vary from current estimates or the historical ratio disclosed in this Prospectus.

>  

Aggressive Investment Technique Risk The Fund may use investment techniques that may be considered aggressive, including the use of swap agreements, CDSs and similar instruments. Such techniques may expose the Fund to potentially dramatic changes (losses or gains) in the value of its portfolio holdings and the risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments and the relevant security, index or market. These techniques also may expose the Fund to risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in high yield debt securities, including: 1) the risk that an instrument is temporarily mispriced; 2) credit,

 

Access Flex High Yield Fund  ·   3


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performance, or documentation risk on the amount the Fund expects to receive from a counterparty; 3) the risk that securities prices, interest rates and currency markets will move adversely and the Fund will incur significant losses; 4) imperfect correlation between the price of financial instruments and movements in the prices of the underlying securities; 5) the risk that the cost of holding a financial instrument might exceed its total return; and 6) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a particular instrument and possible exchange imposed price fluctuation limits, either of which may make it difficult or impossible to adjust the Fund’s position in a particular instrument when desired. These and other risks associated with such techniques such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and counterparty risk are described elsewhere in this section.

>  

CDS Risk The Fund will normally be a net “seller” of CDSs. When the Fund is a seller of an unfunded CDS, upon the occurrence of a credit event, the Fund has an obligation to pay the par value of a defaulted reference obligation and take delivery from the counterparty of such obligation. Since CDSs are usually physically settled, the counterparty may first need to purchase the obligation in order to deliver it and obtain par value payment or an equivalent cash value. An active market may not exist for any of the CDSs in which the Fund invests or in the reference obligations subject to the CDS. As a result, the Fund’s ability to maximize returns or minimize losses on such CDSs may be impaired. Other risks of CDSs include the difficulties in valuing the CDS, pricing transparency and the risk that the CDSs utilized by the Fund perform in a manner that does not correlate to the high yield bond markets or performs in other ways that are not expected. The Fund’s positions in CDSs are also subject to counterparty risk, market risk and interest rate risk. Because certain CDSs involve many reference issuers and there are no limitations on the notional amount established for the CDS, the Fund may use a single counterparty or a small number of counterparties, in which case, counterparty risk would be amplified. A credit default swap may involve greater risks than if the Fund invested directly in the underlying reference obligations. For example, a credit default swap may increase the Fund’s credit risk because it has exposure to both the issuer of the underlying reference obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. In addition, credit defaults swaps may be difficult to value depending on whether an active market exists for the credit default swaps in which the Fund invests. Investing in CDSs may be considered an aggressive investment technique.

>  

Concentration Risk Concentration risk results from maintaining exposure to issuers conducting business in a specific industry. The risk of concentrating investments in a particular industry is that a Fund will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that industry than a Fund that does not concentrate its investments. The Fund may have significant exposure to an individual issuer. Such a fund will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that specific issuer, which may be different from the risks generally associated with the benchmark as a whole.

>  

Counterparty Risk The counterparty to a financial instrument may default on its obligations under the related agreement. In this circumstance, the Fund may lose money. The Fund will usually have a contractual relationship only with the counterparty to a swap agreement or CDS and not the obligors of the reference obligations. As a result, the Fund generally will have no right directly to enforce compliance by the obligors with the terms of the reference obligations, no rights of set-off against the reference obligors, or any voting or other rights of ownership with respect to the reference obligations.

>  

Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a debt instrument becomes unwilling or unable to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise meet its obligations. Securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk, which are often reflected in credit ratings. Credit risk generally is not a factor for U.S. Government securities. Certain securities issued by U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which the Fund may invest are neither issued nor guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government and may be exposed to credit risk.

>  

Debt Instrument Risk Debt instruments may have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates, credit risk and other factors affecting debt securities. Typically, the value of outstanding debt instruments falls when interest rates rise. The values of debt instruments with longer maturities may fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than those of instruments with shorter maturities. Many types of debt instruments are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the security will repay principal prior to the maturity date. Debt instruments allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates. Also, the securities of certain U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which a Fund may invest are neither issued by nor guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, and may be exposed to credit risk.

>  

Early Close/Trading Halt Risk An exchange or market may close early or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities may be restricted, as a result, the Fund may be unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments at certain times when it otherwise might do so. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, accurately price its investments and/or may incur substantial trading losses.

>  

Equity Risk The equity markets are volatile, and the value of securities, futures, options contracts, and other instruments correlated with the equity markets may fluctuate dramatically from day to day. This volatility may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

>  

Foreign Currency Risk Investments denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to risk factors in addition to investments denominated in U.S. dollars. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency could change significantly as foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Risks related to foreign currencies also include those related to economic or political developments, market inefficiencies or a higher risk that essential investment information may be incomplete, unavailable or inaccurate. A U.S. dollar investment in Depositary Receipts or Ordinary Shares of foreign issuers traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to foreign currency risk.

>  

Foreign Investment Risk Securities of foreign issuers and related financial instruments correlated to such stocks may be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts for a variety of reasons, including the effects of economic or political developments, public health and safety issues, demographic changes, market inefficiencies or a higher risk that essential investment information may be incomplete, unavailable or inaccurate. Additionally, certain countries may lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards or have standards that differ from U.S. standards. Securities or financial instruments purchased by a Fund may be affected by fluctuations in foreign currencies, as described under Foreign Currency Risk above.

>  

High Yield Risk Investment in or exposure to high yield (lower rated) debt instruments (also known as “junk bonds”) may involve greater levels of interest rate, credit, liquidity and valuation risk than for higher rated instruments. High yield debt instruments may be sensitive to economic changes,

 

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political changes, or adverse developments specific to a company. These securities are subject to greater risk of loss, greater sensitivity to interest rate and economic changes, valuation difficulties, and a potential lack of a secondary or public market for securities. High yield debt instruments are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments and, therefore, such instruments generally involve greater risk of default or price changes than higher rated debt instruments. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these securities and reduce market liquidity (liquidity risk). Less active markets may diminish the Fund’s ability to obtain accurate market quotations when valuing the portfolio securities and thereby give rise to valuation risk. High yield debt instruments may also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, these instruments may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security resulting in a decreased return for investors. If the issuer of a security is in default with respect to interest or principal payments, the issuer’s security could lose its entire value. Furthermore, the transaction costs associated with the purchase and sale of high yield debt instruments may vary greatly depending upon a number of factors and may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

>  

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that securities and related financial instruments may fluctuate in value due to changes in interest rates. Commonly, investments subject to interest rate risk will decrease in value when interest rates rise and increase in value when interest rates decline. The value of securities with longer maturities may fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than securities with shorter maturities.

>  

Issuer Specific Risk The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand of the issuer’s goods or services.

>  

Liquidity Risk In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the securities or financial instruments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of ProFund Advisors. Certain derivative securities, such as over-the-counter contracts, held by the Fund may also be illiquid. This may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains, or from achieving a high correlation with the total return of the high yield market. In addition, the Fund may not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time periods described in this Prospectus as a result of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other reasons.

>  

Management Risk The Advisor will apply various investment techniques and strategies in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these techniques and strategies will achieve the desired results.

>  

Market Risk The Fund is subject to market risks that will affect the value of its shares, including adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments, as well as developments that have an impact on specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market. The Fund should normally lose value on days when the securities underlying the benchmark decline.

>  

Non-Diversification Risk The Fund has the ability to concentrate a relatively high percentage of its investments in the securities of a small number of issuers. This would make the performance of the Fund more susceptible to a single economic, political or regulatory event than a diversified mutual fund might be.

>  

Portfolio Turnover Risk The Fund’s strategy may involve high portfolio turnover to rebalance the Fund’s investment exposure. A high level of portfolio turnover may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders.

>  

Repurchase Agreement Risk The Fund may enter into certain types of repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are generally subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty to the agreement could default on the agreement. If a seller defaults, the Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of the sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement, including interest. In addition, if the seller becomes involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, the Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if, for example, the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and required to return the underlying collateral to the seller or its assigns.

>  

Valuation Risk In certain circumstances, portfolio securities may be valued using techniques other than market quotations. See the discussion under “General Information” under “Calculating Share Prices.” The value established for a portfolio security may be different from what would be produced through the use of another methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio securities that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their value from one day to the next than would be the case if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that a Fund could sell a portfolio security for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio security is sold at a discount to its established value.

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. The Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective, and an investment in the Fund could lose money. The Fund is not a complete investment program.

The Fund presents some risks not traditionally associated with most mutual funds. Please refer to the section titled “Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies and Risks” later in this Prospectus and the SAI for additional information regarding strategies and risks.

 

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Fund Performance

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Access Flex High Yield Fund by showing the variability of the Access Flex High Yield Fund returns from year to year and by comparing average annual total returns for the Investor Class Shares and Service Class Shares to a broad measure of market performance. Past performance, before and after taxes, is no guarantee of future results.

Average annual total returns are shown on a before and after-tax basis for Investor Class Shares only. After-tax returns for Service Class Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as a retirement account. After-tax returns may exceed the return before taxes due to a tax benefit from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund shares.

 

Annual Returns of Investor Class Shares as of December 31

 

LOGO

 

During the period covered in the bar chart, the highest return on Investor Class Shares of Access Flex High Yield Fund for one quarter was 3.94% (quarter ended June 30, 2005) and the lowest return was -3.58% (quarter ended March 31, 2005).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

As of December 31, 2007

     One Year      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
Investor Class Shares                12/17/04

- Before Taxes

     4.82%      5.86%     

- After Taxes on Distributions

     3.14%      3.26%     

- After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares

     3.12%      3.46%     
Service Class Shares(1)      3.83%      4.96%      12/17/04
Bear Stearns High Yield Composite Index(2)      2.09%      5.13%     
(1) Reflects no deduction for taxes.
(2) Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Since Inception returns are calculated from the date the Fund commenced operations.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

The table below describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Wire Fee $10 (This charge may be waived at the discretion of the Fund.)

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)

     Investor
Class
     Service
Class
Management Fees       0.75%       0.75%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees       0.00%       1.00%
Other Expenses*       0.77%       0.77%
             
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses       1.52%       2.52%

 

* “Other expenses” include fees paid for management (non-advisory) services, as described under “Fund Management” later in this Prospectus, legal and audit fees, printing costs, registration fees, custodial, fund accounting, administration and transfer agency fees, sub-transfer agency and administrative services fees charged by financial services firms, costs associated with independent trustees and certain other miscellaneous expenses.

 

Example: This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of each period. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual cost may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:

 

        One Year      Three Years      Five Years      Ten Years
Investor Class      $155      $480         $829      $1,813
Service Class      $255      $785      $1,340      $2,856

 

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Access Flex Bear High Yield FundSM

 

Investment Summary

 

Investment Objective

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market consistent with maintaining reasonable liquidity.

If the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund is successful in meeting its objective, its net asset value should generally lose value as the high yield market is rallying (gaining value). Conversely, its net asset value should generally increase in value as the high yield market is falling (losing value). These results are generally opposite those of most traditional high yield mutual funds.

The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will achieve its high yield exposure primarily through credit default swaps (“CDSs”) but may invest in each of the following types of financial instruments without limitation, consistent with applicable regulations:

>  

Interest rate swap agreements and futures contracts

>  

Other financial instruments whose value is derived from high yield debt securities

>  

Debt and money market instruments

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in securities and other financial instruments that in combination should provide inverse exposure to the high yield debt (“junk bond”) market and/or in high yield debt securities. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in the policy.

ProFund Advisors LLC (“ProFund Advisors” or the “Advisor”) seeks to invest the Fund’s assets so that the combination of its investments provide investment results that inversely correspond to the high yield market and may employ strategies that result in high portfolio turnover. A high level of portfolio turnover may negatively affect performance by increasing transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. The Advisor also may use short sales to seek investment results that are inverse to the performance of the high yield debt market or to adjust the Fund’s investment exposure to debt securities. In managing the Fund, the Advisor takes into consideration, among other things, the relative liquidity of and transaction costs associated with a particular investment and industry diversification of the Fund’s overall portfolio. The Advisor does not conduct fundamental analysis in managing the Fund.

High yield debt securities that the Fund will seek inverse exposure to are generally debt securities rated BB+ and lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service (“S&P”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Ba1 or below by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or if unrated, securities that the Advisor determines to be of comparable quality. High yield debt securities also include corporate notes, convertible debt securities and preferred securities. In addition, the Fund may invest in other instruments that provide exposure to the high yield bond market, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), unit investment trusts and other investment companies that invest primarily in high yield debt instruments.

CDSs are a type of swap contract. CDSs are typically bilateral financial contracts that transfer credit exposure between two parties. They may be used by the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund to obtain credit risk exposure opposite to that of a direct investment in high yield bonds. One party to a CDS (the “buyer”) receives credit protection or sheds credit risk, whereas the other party (the “seller”) to a CDS is selling credit protection or taking on credit risk. The seller typically receives one or more pre-determined periodic payments from the other party. These payments are in consideration for guaranteeing to make a specific payment to the buyer should a negative credit event occur with respect to one of the issuers referenced in the CDS. An additional adjustment to account for market premiums or discounts may be paid or received when initially entering into or closing a position. The amount of credit protection purchased is measured by the “notional amount” of the CDS. A CDS may be either “funded” or “unfunded.” The Fund will generally use unfunded CDSs. A funded CDS has an interest rate component whereas an unfunded CDS does not. Where an unfunded CDS is used, the Fund would normally expect to obtain interest rate exposure opposite to that of a direct investment in fixed income instruments by selling futures or entering into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swap agreements are typically bilateral financial contracts that involve the exchange of payments based on a fixed rate of interest applied to a notional amount with payments based on a floating rate of interest. Since the Fund seeks inverse exposure to the high yield market, it will normally be a net buyer of CDSs. For further information on CDSs and other types of swap agreements the Fund may use, please see “Investments and Risks” in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

Short selling involves borrowing a security and then selling it. If the Fund buys back the security at a price lower than the price at which it sold the security plus accrued interest, the Fund will earn a positive return (profit) on the difference. If the current market price plus accrued interest is greater when the security is bought back, the Fund will incur a negative return (loss) on the transaction.

The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to maintain inverse exposure to the high yield bond markets regardless of market conditions and without taking defensive positions in cash or other instruments in anticipation of a favorable climate for the high yield bond markets (which would generally be adverse market conditions for this Fund). As a result, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective during this period. To find out if the Fund has sufficient assets to invest to attempt to meet its objective, you may call 1-888-776-3637. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities or financial instruments with respect to foreign securities

 

Principal Risk Considerations

Like all investments, investing in the Fund entails risks. Many factors affect the value of an investment in the Fund. The factors most likely to have a significant impact on the Fund’s portfolio are called “principal risks.” The principal risks for the Fund are described below. The Fund may be subject to risks in addition to those identified as principal risks.

>  

Active Investor Risk ProFund Advisors expects a significant portion of the assets of the Fund to come from professional money managers and investors who use the Fund as part of active trading or tactical asset allocation strategies. These strategies often call for frequent trading of Fund shares to take advantage of anticipated changes in market conditions. Active trading could increase the rate of portfolio turnover, which may increase costs and could negatively affect Fund performance. In addition, large movements of assets into and out of

 

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the Fund may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective or maintain a consistent level of operating expenses. In certain circumstances, the Fund’s expense ratio may vary from current estimates or the historical ratio disclosed in this Prospectus.

>  

Aggressive Investment Technique Risk The Fund may use investment techniques that may be considered aggressive, including the use of swap agreements, CDSs and similar instruments. Such techniques may expose the Fund to potentially dramatic changes (losses or gains) in the value of its portfolio holdings and the risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments and the relevant security, index or market. These techniques also may expose the Fund to risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing in a manner opposite to the high yield market, including: 1) the risk that an instrument is temporarily mispriced; 2) credit, performance, or documentation risk on the amount the Fund expects to receive from a counterparty; 3) the risk that securities prices, interest rates and currency markets will move adversely and the Fund will incur significant losses; 4) imperfect correlation between the price of financial instruments and movements in the prices of the underlying securities; 5) the risk that the cost of holding a financial instrument might exceed its total return; and 6) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a particular instrument and possible exchange imposed price fluctuation limits, either of which may make it difficult or impossible to adjust the Fund’s position in a particular instrument when desired. These and other risks associated with such techniques such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and counterparty risk are described elsewhere in this section.

>  

CDS Risk The Fund will normally be a net “buyer” of CDSs. When the Fund is a buyer of an unfunded CDS, upon the occurrence of a credit event, the counterparty to the Fund has an obligation to pay the par value of a defaulted reference obligation and take delivery from the Fund of such obligation. Since CDSs are usually physically settled, the Fund may first need to purchase the obligation in order to deliver it and obtain par value payment or an equivalent cash value. An active market may not exist for any of the CDSs in which the Fund invests or in the reference obligations subject to the CDS. As a result, the Fund’s ability to maximize returns or minimize losses on such CDSs may be impaired. Other risks of CDSs include the difficulties in valuing the CDS, pricing transparency and the risk that the CDSs utilized by the Fund perform in a manner that does not correlate to the high yield bond markets or performs in other ways that are not expected. The Fund’s positions in CDSs are also subject to counterparty risk, market risk and interest rate risk. Because certain CDSs involve many reference issuers and there are no limitations on the notional amount established for the CDS, the Fund may use a single counterparty or a small number of counterparties, in which case, counterparty risk would be amplified. A credit default swap may involve greater risks than if the Fund invested directly in the underlying reference obligations. For example, a credit default swap may increase the Fund’s credit risk because it has exposure to both the issuer of the underlying reference obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. In addition, credit defaults swaps may be difficult to value depending on whether an active market exists for the credit default swaps in which the Fund invests. Investing in CDSs may be considered an aggressive investment technique.

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Concentration Risk Concentration risk results from maintaining exposure to issuers conducting business in a specific industry. The risk of concentrating investments in a particular industry is that a Fund will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that industry than a Fund that does not concentrate its investments. The Fund may have significant exposure to an individual issuer. Such a fund will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that specific issuer, which may be different from the risks generally associated with the benchmark as a whole.

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Counterparty Risk The counterparty to a financial instrument may default on its obligations under the related agreement. In this circumstance, the Fund may lose money. The Fund will usually have a contractual relationship only with the counterparty to a swap agreement or CDS and not the obligors of the reference obligations. As a result, the Fund generally will have no right directly to enforce compliance by the obligors with the terms of the reference obligations, no rights of set-off against the reference obligors, or any voting or other rights of ownership with respect to the reference obligations.

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Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a debt instrument becomes unwilling or unable to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise meet its obligations. Securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk, which are often reflected in credit ratings. Credit risk generally is not a factor for U.S. Government securities. Certain securities issued by U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which the Fund may invest are neither issued nor guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government and may be exposed to credit risk.

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Debt Instrument Risk Debt instruments may have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates, credit risk and other factors affecting debt securities. Typically, the value of outstanding debt instruments falls when interest rates rise. The values of debt instruments with longer maturities may fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than those of instruments with shorter maturities. Many types of debt instruments are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the security will repay principal prior to the maturity date. Debt instruments allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates. Also, the securities of certain U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which a Fund may invest are neither issued by nor guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, and may be exposed to credit risk.

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Early Close/Trading Halt Risk An exchange or market may close early or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities may be restricted, as a result, the Fund may be unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments at certain times when it otherwise might do so. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, accurately price its investments and/or may incur substantial trading losses.

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Equity Risk The equity markets are volatile, and the value of securities, futures, options contracts, and other instruments correlated with the equity markets may fluctuate dramatically from day to day. This volatility may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

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Foreign Currency Risk Investments denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to risk factors in addition to investments denominated in U.S. dollars. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency could change significantly as foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Risks related to foreign currencies also include those related to economic or political developments, market inefficiencies or a higher risk that essential investment information may be incomplete, unavailable or inaccurate. A U.S. dollar investment in Depositary Receipts or Ordinary Shares of foreign issuers traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to foreign currency risk.

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Foreign Investment Risk Securities of foreign issuers and related financial instruments correlated to such stocks may be more

 

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volatile than their U.S. counterparts for a variety of reasons, including the effects of economic or political developments, public health and safety issues, demographic changes, market inefficiencies or a higher risk that essential investment information may be incomplete, unavailable or inaccurate. Additionally, certain countries may lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards or have standards that differ from U.S. standards. Securities or financial instruments purchased by a Fund may be affected by fluctuations in foreign currencies, as described under Foreign Currency Risk above.

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High Yield Risk Investment in or exposure to high yield (lower rated) debt instruments (also known as “junk bonds”) may involve greater levels of interest rate, credit, liquidity and valuation risk than for higher rated instruments. High yield debt instruments may be sensitive to economic changes, political changes, or adverse developments specific to a company. These securities are subject to greater risk of loss, greater sensitivity to interest rate and economic changes, valuation difficulties, and a potential lack of a secondary or public market for securities. High yield debt instruments are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments and, therefore, such instruments generally involve greater risk of default or price changes than higher rated debt instruments. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these securities and reduce market liquidity (liquidity risk). Less active markets may diminish the Fund’s ability to obtain accurate market quotations when valuing the portfolio securities and thereby give rise to valuation risk. High yield debt instruments may also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, these instruments may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security resulting in a decreased return for investors. If the issuer of a security is in default with respect to interest or principal payments, the issuer’s security could lose its entire value. Furthermore, the transaction costs associated with the purchase and sale of high yield debt instruments may vary greatly depending upon a number of factors and may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

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Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the risk that securities and related financial instruments may fluctuate in value due to changes in interest rates. Commonly, investments subject to interest rate risk will decrease in value when interest rates rise and increase in value when interest rates decline. The value of securities with longer maturities may fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than securities with shorter maturities.

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Inverse Correlation Risk Because the Fund’s investment objective is to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, the Fund will generally lose value as the high yield market is rallying (gaining value). This result is the opposite of those of traditional high yield mutual funds, and certain of the risks discussed apply to the Fund in an inverse or opposite fashion than they would apply to a traditional high yield mutual fund.

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Issuer Specific Risk The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand of the issuer’s goods or services.

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Liquidity Risk In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the securities or financial instruments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of ProFund Advisors. Certain derivative securities, such as over-the-counter contracts, held by the Fund may also be illiquid. This may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains, or from achieving a high inverse correlation with the total return of the high yield market. In addition, the Fund may not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time periods described in this Prospectus as a result of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other reasons.

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Management Risk The Advisor will apply various investment techniques and strategies in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these techniques and strategies will achieve the desired results.

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Market Risk The Fund is subject to market risks that will affect the value of its shares, including adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments, as well as developments that have an impact on specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market. The Fund should normally gain value on days when the securities underlying the benchmark decline.

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Non-Diversification Risk The Fund has the ability to concentrate a relatively high percentage of its investments in the securities of a small number of issuers. This would make the performance of the Fund more susceptible to a single economic, political or regulatory event than a diversified mutual fund might be.

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Portfolio Turnover Risk The Fund’s strategy may involve high portfolio turnover to rebalance the Fund’s investment exposure. A high level of portfolio turnover may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders.

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Repurchase Agreement Risk The Fund may enter into certain types of repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are generally subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty to the agreement could default on the agreement. If a seller defaults, the Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of the sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement, including interest. In addition, if the seller becomes involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, the Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if, for example, the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and required to return the underlying collateral to the seller or its assigns.

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Short Sale Risk The Fund’s use of short sales may involve additional transaction costs and other expenses. As a result, the cost of maintaining a short position may exceed the return on the position, which may cause the Fund to lose money. Under certain market conditions, short sales can increase the volatility, and decrease the liquidity, of certain securities or positions and may lower the Fund’s return or result in a loss. Entering into short positions through financial instruments such as futures, options, and swap agreements may also cause the Fund to be exposed to short sale risk. Selling short may be considered an aggressive investment technique. See Aggressive Investment Technique Risk.

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Valuation Risk In certain circumstances, portfolio securities may be valued using techniques other than market quotations. See the discussion under “General Information” under “Calculating Share Prices.” The value established for a portfolio security may be different from what would be produced through the use of another methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio securities that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their value from one day to the next than would be the case if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that a Fund could sell a portfolio security for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio security is sold at a discount to its established value.

 

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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. The Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective, and an investment in the Fund could lose money. The Fund is not a complete investment program.

The Fund presents some risks not traditionally associated with most mutual funds. Please refer to the section titled “Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies and Risks” later in this Prospectus and the SAI for additional information regarding strategies and risks.

 

Fund Performance

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund by showing the variability of the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund returns and by comparing average annual total returns for the Investor Class Shares and Service Class Shares to a broad measure of market performance. Past performance, before and after taxes, is no guarantee of future results.

Average annual total returns are shown on a before and after-tax basis for Investor Class Shares only. After-tax returns for Service Class Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as a retirement account. After-tax returns may exceed the return before taxes due to a tax benefit from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund shares.

 

Annual Returns of Investor Class Shares as of December 31

 

LOGO

 

During the period covered in the bar chart, the highest return on Investor Class Shares of Access Flex Bear High Yield for one quarter was 3.44% (quarter ended June 30, 2007) and the lowest return was -2.29% (quarter ended September 30, 2007).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

As of December 31, 2007

     One Year      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
Investor Class Shares                4/27/05

- Before Taxes

     0.55%      -3.35%     

- After Taxes on Distributions

     -0.77%      -3.83%     

- After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares

     0.36%      -3.11%     
Service Class Shares(1)      -0.47%      -4.36%      4/27/05
Bear Stearns High Yield Composite Index(2)      2.09%      6.59%     
(1) Reflects no deduction for taxes.
(2) Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Since Inception returns are calculated from the date the Fund commenced operations.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Wire Fee $10 (This charge may be waived at the discretion of the Fund.)

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)

     Investor
Class
     Service
Class
Management Fees      0.75%      0.75%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees      0.00%      1.00%
Other Expenses*      0.68%      0.68%
             
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses      1.43%      2.43%
* “Other expenses” include fees paid for management (non-advisory) services, as described under “Fund Management” later in this Prospectus, legal and audit fees, printing costs, registration fees, custodial, fund accounting, administration and transfer agency fees, sub-transfer agency and administrative services fees charged by financial services firms, costs associated with independent trustees and certain other miscellaneous expenses.

 

Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of each period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:

 

        One Year      Three Years      Five Years      Ten Years
Investor Class      $146      $452         $782      $1,713
Service Class      $246      $758      $1,296      $2,766

 

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Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies and Risks

 

This section provides additional information regarding some of the principal investments and related risks of the Funds. It also describes characteristics and risks of additional securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds from time to time. This Prospectus does not attempt to disclose all of the various types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds. The following describes various instruments and strategies that the Funds may use in pursuing their investment objectives. Like all investments, investing in the Funds entails risks. Many factors affect the value of an investment in the Funds. The factors most likely to have a significant impact on each Fund’s portfolio are called “principal risks.” The principal risks for each Fund are identified in the Investment Summary. The Funds may be subject to risks in addition to those identified as principal risks.

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Cash Positions, such as money market instruments, U.S. Government securities, repurchase agreements and other cash equivalent positions, may be held by the Funds for investment purposes to provide liquidity for shareholder transactions or to back investments in financial instruments.

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Debt Instruments include bonds and other instruments, such as certificates of deposit, Euro time deposits, commercial paper (including asset-backed commercial paper), notes, funding agreements and U.S. Government securities, that are used by U.S. and foreign banks, financial institutions, corporations, or other entities to borrow money from investors. Holders of debt instruments have a higher priority claim to assets than do holders of equity securities. Typically, the debt issuer pays the investor a fixed, variable or floating rate of interest and must repay the borrowed amount at maturity. Some debt instruments, such as zero coupon bonds, are sold at a discount from their face values instead of paying interest.

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Depositary Receipts (“DRs”) include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and New York Shares (“NYSs”).

  Ÿ  

ADRs represent the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a bank or trust company. ADRs are an alternative to purchasing the underlying securities in their national markets and currencies. Investment in ADRs has certain advantages over direct investment in the underlying foreign securities because: (i) ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated investments that are easily transferable and for which market quotations are readily available, and (ii) issuers whose securities are represented by ADRs are generally subject to auditing, accounting and financial reporting standards similar to those applied to domestic issuers.

  Ÿ  

GDRs are receipts for shares in a foreign-based corporation traded in capital markets around the world. While ADRs permit foreign corporations to offer shares to American citizens, GDRs allow companies in Europe, Asia, the United States and Latin America to offer shares in many markets around the world.

  Ÿ  

A New York Share is a share of New York registry, representing equity ownership in a non-U.S. company, allowing for a part of the capital of the company to be outstanding in the U.S. and part in the home market. It is issued by a U.S. transfer agent and registrar on behalf of the company and created against the cancellation of the local share by the local registrar. One New York Share is always equal to one ordinary share. New York Share programs are typically managed by the same banks that manage ADRs, as the mechanics of the instrument are very similar. New York Shares are used primarily by Dutch companies.

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Equity Securities include common stock, preferred stock, depositary receipts, convertible securities and rights and warrants. Stocks represent an ownership interest in a corporation. While the Funds seek exposure or inverse exposure to the high yield bond markets through the use of financial instruments, each Fund may invest in or seek exposure or inverse exposure to equity securities and other types of securities when the Advisor believes they offer more attractive opportunities. To the extent the Funds invest in equity securities, the Funds will be subject to equity risk. The equity markets are volatile, and the value of securities, futures, options contracts and other instruments correlated with the equity markets may fluctuate dramatically from day-to-day. This volatility may cause the value of an investment in the Funds to decrease. As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the equity risk considerations for the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

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Financial Instruments include investment contracts whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset, interest rate or index such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swap agreements, forward contracts, structured notes, options on securities and stock indexes and cash investments in debt or money market instruments covering such positions. The Funds may invest in financial instruments as a substitute for investing directly in bonds. Financial instruments may also be used to employ leveraged investment techniques and as an alternative to selling short. Use of financial instruments may involve costs, in addition to transaction costs.

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Forward Contracts are two-party contracts entered into with dealers or financial institutions where a purchase or sale of a specific quantity of a commodity, security, foreign currency or other financial instrument is agreed upon at a set price, with delivery and settlement at a specified future date. Forwards may also be structured for cash settlement, rather than physical delivery.

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Futures or Futures Contracts, are contracts to pay a fixed price for an agreed-upon amount of commodities or securities, or the cash value of the commodities or securities on an agreed-upon date. The price of a futures contract theoretically reflects a cost of financing and the dividend or interest yield of the underlying securities.

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High Yield Debt Instruments, such as bonds and debt securities, are generally those securities rated BB+ and lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service (“S&P”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Ba1 or below by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or if unrated, of comparable quality. Below investment grade fixed income securities are high-yield, high risk securities, commonly called “junk bonds,” which are considered speculative. Below investment grade fixed income securities generally pay higher yields (greater income) than investment in higher-quality securities; however, below investment grade securities involve greater risk to timely payment of principal and interest, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of the security. As noted above, the Access Flex High Yield Fund seeks to correspond generally to the total return of the high yield market and thus an investment in the Fund will generally decline in value when the high yield market is losing value. By contrast, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus an investment in the Fund will generally decline in value when the high yield market is gaining value.

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Investment Company Securities, such as open end investment companies and exchange traded funds, provide a means for the Funds to obtain exposure to certain markets. Each Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of other non-affiliated investment companies in accordance with current law, and without limit in money market mutual funds. As

 

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a shareholder of an investment company, the Funds may indirectly bear service and other fees that are in addition to the fees the Funds pay to service providers.

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Money Market Instruments are short-term debt instruments that have terms-to-maturity of less than 397 days and exhibit high quality credit profiles. Money market instruments include U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.

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Option Contracts grant one party a right, for a price, either to buy or sell a security or futures contract at a fixed price during a specified period or on a specified day. A call option gives one the right to buy a stock at an agreed-upon price on or before a certain date. A put option gives one the right to sell a stock at an agreed-upon price on or before a certain date.

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Repurchase Agreements are contracts in which the seller of securities, usually U.S. Government securities, agrees to buy them back at a specified time and price. Repurchase agreements are primarily used by a Fund as a short-term investment vehicle for cash positions.

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Structured Notes are debt obligations which may include components such as swaps, forwards, options, caps or floors which change its return pattern. Structured notes may be used to alter the risks to a portfolio, or alternatively may be used to expose a portfolio to asset classes or markets in which one does not desire to invest directly.

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Swap Agreements are two-party contracts where the parties agree to exchange net returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments.

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U.S. Government Securities are securities issued by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities. Some, but not all, U.S. Government securities are guaranteed as to principal or interest and are backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government. Other U.S. Government securities are backed by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and some are backed only by the credit of the issuing organization.

The SAI contains more information about each Fund’s investment strategies and related risks.

 

General Information

 

Calculating Share Prices

The price at which you purchase, redeem and exchange shares is the net asset value (“NAV”) per share next determined after your transaction request is received by the transfer agent in good order (i.e., required forms are complete and, in the case of a purchase, correct payment is received). Each Fund calculates its NAV by taking the market value of the assets attributed to the class, subtracting any liabilities attributed to the class, and dividing that amount by the number of that class’ outstanding shares.

Each Fund normally calculates its daily share price for each class of shares at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) every day the NYSE is open for business except for Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day (due to the fact that Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day are currently the only two holidays where the bond markets are closed and the NYSE is open).

NYSE Holiday Schedule: The NYSE is open every week, Monday through Friday, except when the following holidays are celebrated: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (the third Monday in January), Presidents’ Day (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), Independence Day, Labor Day (the first Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day. Exchange holiday schedules are subject to change without notice. The NYSE may close early on the day before each of these holidays and the day after Thanksgiving Day.

To the extent a Fund’s portfolio investments trade in markets on days when the Fund is not open for business, the value of the Fund’s assets may vary on those days. In addition, trading in certain portfolio investments may not occur on days a Fund is open for business. If the exchange or market on which a Fund’s underlying investments are primarily traded closes early, the NAV may be calculated prior to its normal calculation time.

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s (formerly known as the Bond Market Association) (“SIFMA”) Proposed Early Close Schedule: On the following days in 2008, SIFMA has recommended that the bond markets close at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time: Thursday, March 20, 2008; Friday, May 23, 2008; Thursday, July 3, 2008; Friday, August 29, 2008; Friday, October 10, 2008; Wednesday, November 26, 2008; Friday, November 28, 2008; Wednesday, December 24, 2008 and Friday, December 26, 2008. SIFMA may announce changes to this schedule or other early close dates from time to time. A Fund may cease taking transaction requests including requests to exchange to or from other funds managed by the Advisor or affiliates of the Advisor on such days at the cut-off time.

Each Fund’s assets are valued primarily on the basis of information furnished by a pricing service or market quotations. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. Securities traded regularly in the over-the-counter market (other than the NASDAQ) are valued on the basis of the mean between the bid and asked quotes furnished by primary market makers for those securities. Futures contracts purchased and held by a Fund are generally valued at the last sale price prior to the time the Fund determines its NAV. If market quotations are not readily available, an investment may be valued by other methods that the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value. The use of such a fair valuation method may be appropriate if, for example: (i) market quotations do not accurately reflect fair value of an investment; (ii) an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market); (iii) a trading halt closes an exchange or market early; or (iv) other events result in an exchange or market delaying its normal close. Fair valuation procedures involve the risk that the Fund’s valuation of an investment may be higher or lower than the price the investment might actually command if the Fund sold it. See “Valuation Risk” in this Prospectus and the Fund’s SAI for more details.

 

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Dividends and Distributions

At least annually, each of the Funds intends to declare and distribute to shareholders all of the year’s net investment income and net capital gains, if any:

 

    Dividends   Capital Gains
Fund   Accrued   Paid   Paid
 
Access Flex High Yield Fund   Quarterly   Quarterly   Annually
 
Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund   Annually   Annually   Annually

The Funds do not announce dividend distribution dates in advance. Certain investment strategies employed by certain Funds may produce income or net short-term capital gains which the Funds would seek to distribute more frequently. The Funds may declare additional capital gains distributions during a year. A Fund will reinvest distributions in additional shares of that Fund unless a shareholder has written to request distributions in cash (by check, wire or Automated Clearing House (“ACH”)). By selecting the distribution by check or wire option, the shareholder agrees to the following conditions:

  Ÿ  

If a shareholder elects to receive distributions by check or wire, each Fund will, nonetheless, automatically reinvest such distributions in additional shares of the Fund if they are $10 or less (and payable by check) or $25 or less (and payable by wire). A shareholder may elect to receive distributions via ACH or reinvest such distribution in shares of another Fund regardless of amount.

  Ÿ  

Any dividend or distribution check, which has been returned, or has remained uncashed for a period of six months from the issuance date, will be cancelled, and the funds will be reinvested (net of any bank charges) on the date of cancellation into the appropriate class of the Fund from which such distribution was paid or, if the account is closed or only the Money Market ProFund is open, the funds will be reinvested into the Money Market ProFund (information about the Money Market ProFund is contained in a separate Prospectus which may be obtained by calling (888) 776-5717); and

  Ÿ  

Any account on which a dividend or distribution check was returned or remained uncashed for a period of six months will automatically have the dividend and distribution payment election adjusted so that all future dividends or distributions are reinvested into the appropriate class of the fund from which such dividend or distribution would have been paid, unless subsequent distribution checks have been cashed.

 

Tax Consequences

The following information is a general summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in a Fund and does not address any foreign, state or local tax consequences. Please see “Taxation” in the SAI for more information.

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Each Fund intends to qualify as a “regulated investment company” for federal income tax purposes. As such the Funds do not ordinarily pay federal income tax on net investment income and net capital gains that they distribute to shareholders.

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The Funds expect to distribute all or substantially all of their net investment income and capital gains to shareholders every year or more often if in the best interest of the Fund shareholders. Shareholders will generally be subject to tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they receive cash or choose to have the distributions and dividends reinvested.

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Distributions are taxable to a shareholder even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund prior to the shareholder’s purchase of the Fund shares (which income or gains were thus included in the price paid for the Fund shares).

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Distributions of net investment income (including short-term capital gains) are generally taxed to a shareholder as ordinary income; distributions of net long-term capital gains that are properly designated as capital gain dividends are taxed to a shareholder as long-term capital gains.

>  

Whether a distribution of capital gains by a Fund is taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or at the capital gains rate depends on how long the Fund has owned (or is treated as having owned) the investments generating the distribution, not on how long an investor has owned shares of the Fund. Distributions of gains from investments that a Fund has owned (or is treated as having owned) for more than 12 months and that are properly designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions of gains from investments that a Fund has owned (or is treated as having owned) for 12 months or less and gains on the sale of bonds characterized as market discount will be taxable as ordinary income.

>  

For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, distributions of investment income designated by a Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level. The Funds do not expect a significant portion of their distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.

>  

Dividends and distributions declared by the Funds in October, November or December of one year and paid in January of the next year will be taxable to shareholders in the calendar year in which the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.

>  

If shareholders redeem their Fund shares, they may have a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon how long they have held the shares. Shareholder transactions in the Fund’s shares resulting in gain from selling shares held for more than one year generally are taxed at capital gain rates, while those resulting from sales of shares held for one year or less generally are taxed at ordinary income rates.

>  

If shareholders exchange Fund shares for shares of a different fund, this will be treated as a sale of the Fund’s shares and any gain on the transaction will generally be subject to federal income tax.

>  

Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced — in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets — for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.

>  

Distributions from investments in securities of foreign issuers, if any, including dividend or interest payments, may be subject to withholding and other taxes at the source. In such cases, a Fund’s yield on those securities would decrease. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to such foreign taxes. In addition, a Fund’s investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate a Fund’s recognition of income and may affect the timing or amount of a Fund’s distributions.

>  

A Fund’s investment in certain debt instruments and a Fund’s use of derivatives may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such instruments. As a result, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements under the Code.

 

General Information  ·   13


Table of Contents

 

>  

A Fund’s use of derivatives will also affect the amount, timing, and character of the Fund’s distributions. In addition, because the U.S. tax rules applicable to derivatives are complex and uncertain in various respects, an adverse determination or future Internal Revenue Service guidance with respect to these rules may affect whether a Fund has made distributions in an amount sufficient to maintain qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a fund-level tax.

>  

Distributions by a Fund to retirement plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws will not be taxable. Special tax rules apply to investments through such plans. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the suitability of the Fund as an investment through such a plan and the tax treatment of distributions (including distributions of amounts attributable to an investment in the Fund) from such a plan.

>  

The Funds may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 28% of all taxable distributions and redemption proceeds payable through 2010 to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with correct taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. After 2010 the withholding tax rate on such shareholders will be 31%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

>  

In general dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (such shareholder, a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2008, a Fund generally was not required to withhold any amounts with respect to distributions of (i) U.S.-source interest income that would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by a foreign person, and (ii) net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, in each case to the extent such distributions were properly designated by the Fund and certain other requirements were met. Legislation to extend this exemption was proposed but not enacted in 2007. It is unclear whether similar legislation will be enacted in 2008.

Because each investor’s tax circumstances are unique and because the tax laws are subject to change, it is recommended that shareholders consult their own tax advisors about federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investment in the Funds.

 

Shareholder

Services Guide

 

You may purchase

shares using any of the
following methods.

  How to Make
an Initial Purchase
 

Fund

Minimums

 

The minimum initial investment amounts are:

>   $4,000 for Roth, Regular and Spousal IRAs held in discretionary accounts controlled by a financial professional.

>   $5,000 for other discretionary accounts controlled by a financial professional.

>   $15,000 for self-directed accounts controlled directly by investors.

   
    Step 1: Complete a New Account Form (see “Completing your New Account Form”.)
   
By Mail   Step 2: Make your check payable to the Fund. Write the name of the Fund and your account number, if known, on the check.
 
   

Step 3: Send the signed New Account Form and check to:

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

   
    Step 1: Complete a New Account Form (see “Completing your New Account Form”).
   
   

Step 2: Fax the New Account Form to (800) 782-4797 (toll-free) or (614) 470-8718. Call the Fund to:

>   confirm receipt of the faxed New Account Form,

>   request your new account number, and

>   receive a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from the Fund).

Send the original, signed New Account Form to:

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

   
By Wire  

Step 3: Call Access One Trust to receive the Fund’s wiring instructions.

    Your wire normally must be received and accepted by the Fund between 8:00 a.m. and 1:40 p.m., Eastern Time for the Fund to purchase shares the day of the wire transfer. Investment instructions provided to the Fund may be cancelled if the wire transfer is not received by 1:40 p.m., Eastern Time. The Fund is not responsible for transfer errors by the sending or receiving bank and will not be liable for any loss incurred due to a wire transfer not having been received. On any day that the Fund calculates its NAV earlier than normal, the Fund reserves the right to adjust the times noted above, except the 8:00 a.m. beginning time.
 
    Step 1: Go to www.profunds.com
 
By Internet   Step 2: Click on the “Open Account” Button.
 
    Step 3: Complete an on-line New Account Form.
   

Through

a Financial

Professional

  Contact your financial professional with your instructions.

 

14   ·  General Information


Table of Contents

 

You may purchase

shares using any of the
following methods.

  How to Purchase
Additional Shares

Fund

Minimums

  The minimum subsequent purchase amount is $100.
    Step 1: Complete an investment slip, which is attached to your transaction confirmation statement. If an investment slip is not readily available, you may send written instructions which include your name, account number, name and share class of the Fund and the purchase amount. Make sure that your investment meets the additional purchase minimum.
By Mail   Step 2: Make your check payable to the Fund. Write the name of the Fund and your account number, if known, on the check.
   

Step 3: Send the investment slip and check to:

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

By Wire  

Step 1: Call Access One Trust to inform us of:

>   your account number,

>   the amount to be wired, and

>   the Fund in which you wish to invest. You will then be given a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from Access One Trust).

    Step 2: Contact your bank to initiate your wire transfer.
By ACH  

Step 1: Call Access One Trust to inform us of:

>   the fact that you want to make an ACH purchase,

>   your account number,

>   the purchase amount, and

>   the Fund(s) in which you wish to invest.

You will then be given a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from the Trust). Please note the maximum ACH purchase is $50,000.

    Step 1: Go to www.profunds.com
    Step 2: Click on the “Access Account” Button.
By Internet   Step 3: Enter User Name and Password
    Step 4: Follow transaction instructions for making a purchase.

Through

a Financial

Professional

  Contact your financial professional with your instructions.

 

Contact Information
Telephone:   (888) 776-3637 or
(614) 470-8122 — Individual Investors only
(888) 776-5717 — Institutions and
Financial Professionals only
Fax:   (800) 782-4797 (toll-free)
or (614) 470-8718
Internet:   www.accesshighyield.com
Regular mail:   Access One Trust
P.O. Box 182800
Columbus, OH 43218-2800
Overnight mail:   Access One Trust
c/o Citi Fund Services
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, OH 43219

 

Opening a New Account

The Funds each offer two classes of shares in this Prospectus: Investor Class Shares and Service Class Shares. Investor Class Shares may be purchased directly through ProFunds Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) or through authorized financial professionals. Service Class Shares may only be purchased through authorized financial professionals and have service and distribution expenses not applicable to Investor Class Shares. There is a separate New Account Form for each class of shares. Please ensure you have the correct New Account Form before completing it. Each Fund reserves the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, or to cease investment operations entirely.

 

Fund Accounts

To open a Fund account, you will need to complete a New Account Form. You should also read this Prospectus carefully prior to opening your account. Contact the Funds to request a New Account Form or download a New Account Form from the Funds’ Internet website. For guidelines to help you complete the Form, see instructions on this page. You may also open a new account on-line. Go to www.profunds.com, select “Open Account” and follow the instructions. Please note that new accounts opened on-line may be funded through ACH, or by check. For accounts funded through ACH, the maximum initial investment amount is $50,000.

 

Retirement Plan Accounts

Several types of Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) and tax-sheltered annuities (“TSA or 403(b)(7) plans”) are available. Please visit the Trust’s Internet website or contact the Trust for a retirement plan account application. The IRA custodian charges an annual fee of $15 per social security number for all types of IRAs. The annual fee may be waived and/or the Advisor may pay the fee in certain circumstances. Other types of retirement accounts, such as profit sharing, money purchase and 401(k) accounts may be established; however, the Trust does not sponsor these plans nor does the Trust provide retirement reporting for these types of plans. Please visit the Trust’s Internet web-site or contact the Fund for a retirement plan account application.

 

Accounts Through Financial Professionals

Contact your financial professional for information on opening an account to invest in the Funds.

 

Completing your New Account Form

>  

You must provide each account holder’s social security number or tax identification number and date of birth on the New Account Form.

>  

Attach the title page and signature page of trust documents when establishing a trust account. Contact the Fund for information on what is required on each page.

>  

When establishing an account for your corporation, partnership or self directed retirement plan, please indicate the correct account type to ensure proper tax reporting, and provide a certified resolution or other documentation evidencing your authority to open the account and engage in transactions.

>  

You must provide a street address (the Funds do not accept P.O. Box only addresses, but APO and FPO Armed Forces mailing addresses are acceptable). If account holders have different addresses, each address must be provided.

>  

Be sure all parties named on the account sign the New Account Form.

Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person or entity who opens an account. Some or all of the information provided will be used by the Funds and/or their agents to verify the identity of the persons opening an account. If this information is not provided, the Funds may not be able to open your account. Accounts may be restricted or closed, and monies withheld,

 

Shareholder Services Guide  ·   15


Table of Contents

 

pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under federal regulations. You may be asked to provide additional information to verify your identity consistent with the requirements under anti-money laundering regulations. In addition, transaction orders, including orders for purchases, exchanges and redemptions may be suspended, restricted, cancelled or processed and the proceeds may be withheld.

 

Purchasing Shares

You have the option to send purchase orders by mail or fax and to send purchase proceeds by check, ACH or wire. All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Cash, starter checks, Internet-based checks, credit cards, travelers’ checks, money orders and credit card checks are not accepted. Third-party checks are generally not accepted to open an account.

 

The Funds price shares you purchase at the price per share next computed after we (or an authorized financial intermediary) receive your purchase request in good order. To be in good order, a purchase request must include a wire, check or ACH received by stated cut-off times, and for new accounts, a properly completed New Account Form. The Funds cannot accept wire or

ACH purchases on bank holidays. The Funds and the Funds’ Distributor may reject any purchase request for any reason.

 

Important information you should know when you purchase Shares:

>  

Instructions, written or by telephone, given to the Fund for wire transfer requests do not constitute a transaction request received in “good order” until the wire transfer has been received by the Fund. A wire purchase will be considered in good order if (i) you have completed and faxed a New Account Form; (ii) you have contacted the Fund and received a confirmation number, and (iii) the Fund receives and accepts your wire during the Fund’s wire processing times noted in the chart on page 17 and further described under “Additional Shareholder Information.”

>  

Although the Funds do not charge for wire receipt, your bank may charge a fee to send wires. Please be sure that the wire is sufficient to cover your purchase and any such bank fees.

>  

If the New Account Form does not designate a share class, your investment will be made in the Investor Class of the identified Fund. If no Fund is identified, your investment will be made in the Investor Class shares of the Money Market ProFund. Neither the Fund nor its Distributor will be responsible for checks, ACH or wires being returned or rejected. If the check, ACH or wire cannot be identified, it may be returned or rejected. Checks submitted to a Fund will be automatically deposited upon receipt at our Administrative Office in Columbus, Ohio.

>  

If it is determined that account information is not in good order, any amount deposited will be refunded by check no earlier than ten business days from receipt of such payment to allow adequate time for the original check to clear through the banking system.

>  

A Fund will ordinarily cancel your purchase order if your bank does not honor your check or ACH for any reason, or if your wire transfer is not received by the designated cut-off time. If your purchase transaction is cancelled, you will be responsible for any losses that may result from any decline in the value of the cancelled purchase. The Fund (or its agents) have the authority to redeem shares in your account(s) to cover any losses. Any profit on a cancelled transaction will accrue to the Fund.

>  

The Trust may reject or cancel any purchase orders for any reason.

>  

The minimum for initial and subsequent purchases may be waived in certain circumstances.

 

Exchanging Shares

Shareholders can, free of charge and without a limit on frequency or maximum amount, exchange Investor or Service Class shares of either Fund for Investor or Service Class shares of any publicly available series of Access One Trust (the “Trust”) (each an “Access One Fund”) or ProFunds (information about ProFunds is contained in a separate prospectus which may be obtained by calling (888) 776-5717). Exchange requests, like any other share transaction, are subject to the Funds’ transaction cut-off times described on pages 17 and 18. Please note that the transaction cut-off times of one fund may differ from those of another fund. In an exchange between funds with different cut-off times, you will receive the price next computed after the exchange request is made for both the redemption and the purchase transactions involved in the exchange. You will be responsible for any losses if sufficient redemption proceeds are not available to pay the purchase price of shares purchased. Please consult the prospectus of the fund into which you are exchanging for the applicable cut-off times. Contact an Authorized Financial Professional to initiate an exchange. You can also perform exchanges by mail and on-line at www.profunds.com.

The Fund will need the following information to process your exchange:

>  

the account number applicable to the exchange transaction request.

>  

the number of shares, percentage, or the dollar value of the shares you wish to exchange.

>  

the share class and name of the Access One Fund or ProFund that you are exchanging into.

 

Important information you should know when you exchange Shares:

>  

An exchange involves selling shares of one fund and buying shares of another fund. Exchanges are taxable transactions. Exchanges within a retirement account may not be taxable. Please contact your tax advisor for more information.

>  

The Funds can only honor exchanges between accounts registered in the same name and having the same address and taxpayer identification number.

>  

None of the Funds, the Funds’ Distributor nor the Funds’ transfer agent are required to verify that there is a sufficient balance in the account to cover the exchange. You will be responsible for any loss if there are insufficient funds available to cover the exchange due to insufficient shares or due to a decline in the value of the fund from which you are exchanging.

>  

The redemption and purchase will be processed at the next calculated NAVs of the Funds and the Access One Fund or ProFund that you are exchanging into after your exchange request is received in good order.

>  

The exchange privilege may be modified or discontinued at any time.

>  

Before exchanging into an Access One Fund or ProFund, please read the fund’s prospectus.

>  

Financial intermediaries may have their own rules about exchanges or transfers and may impose limits on the number of such transactions you are permitted to make during a given time period.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Redeeming Shares

You may redeem all or part of your shares at the NAV next determined after your redemption request is received in good order. Only the registered owner(s) of the account or persons authorized in writing by the registered owner(s) may redeem shares.

 

You may exchange

or redeem shares

using any of the

following methods.

  How to Exchange or
Redeem Shares
 
Minimum   At least $1,000 from a Fund within a self-directed account or, if less, your entire holdings in such Fund.
 
By Mail  

Send a signed letter to:

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

The letter should include information necessary to process your request as described on pages 16 and 17. The Funds may require a signature guarantee in certain circumstances. See “Signature Guarantees” under “Additional Shareholder Information” on page 18 or call the Funds for additional information.

 
By Telephone  

Shareholder Services Representative:

(888) 776-3637 or (614) 470-8122 — Individual Investors only

(888) 776-5717 — Financial Professionals and Institutions only

Interactive Voice Response System (IVR):

Call (888) 776-3637 (toll-free) or (614) 470-8122 and follow the step-by-step instructions.

 
By Internet  

www.profunds.com

Select the “Access Account” navigation bar, enter your User Name and Password and follow the step-by-step instructions. Please make sure you receive and record your confirmation number for later reference. Your transaction is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from the Fund.

 
Through
a Financial Professional
  Contact your financial professional with your instructions.

 

The Fund will need the following information to process your redemption request:

>  

name(s) of account owners;

>  

account number(s);

>  

your daytime telephone number;

>  

the dollar amount, percentage or number of shares being redeemed; and

>  

how you would like to receive your redemption proceeds (see options below). Unless otherwise requested, your redemption proceeds will be sent by check to the registered account owner’s address of record by U.S. mail.

 

You may receive your redemption proceeds:

>  

By Check: Normally, redemption proceeds will be sent by check to the address listed on the account.

>  

By Wire: You may have your redemption proceeds wired directly into a designated bank account by establishing a wire redemption option on your account. The Funds charge a $10 service fee for a wire transfer of redemption proceeds under certain circumstances, and your bank may charge an additional fee to receive the wire. If you would like to establish this option on an existing account, please call the Fund.

>  

By ACH: You may have your redemption proceeds sent to your bank account via ACH by establishing this option on your account. Funds sent through ACH should reach your bank in approximately two business days. While there is no fee charged by the Funds for this service, your bank may charge a fee. If you would like to establish this option on an existing account, please call the Fund.

 

Important information you should know when you sell shares:

>  

Fund shareholders automatically have telephone redemption privileges unless they elect not to have these privileges on the New Account Form.

>  

If you request that redemption proceeds be sent to a bank account or an address other than the bank account or address you have previously established on your Fund account, you must make the request in writing. The signatures of registered owners must be guaranteed (see “Signature Guarantees”).

>  

If you are selling some, but not all, of your shares, your remaining account balance should be above the minimum investment amount to keep your Fund position open.

>  

A Fund normally remits redemption proceeds within seven days of redemption. For redemption of shares purchased by check, ACH or through a Fund’s automatic investment plan, the Fund may wait up to 10 business days before sending redemption proceeds to ensure that its transfer agent has collected the original purchase payment.

>  

To redeem shares from a retirement account, your request must be in writing on a retirement account distribution form. You should consult your tax advisor before redeeming shares and making distributions from your tax qualified account because doing so may have adverse tax consequences to you. Call the Fund to request a retirement account distribution form or download the form from the Fund’s Internet website.

>  

Your right of redemption may be suspended, or the date of payment postponed for any period during which: (i) the NYSE or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is closed (other than customary weekend or holiday closings); (ii) trading on the NYSE, or other securities exchanges or markets as appropriate, is restricted, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); (iii) an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC; or (iv) for such other periods as the SEC, by order, may permit for protection of a Fund’s investors. Proceeds cannot be sent by wire or ACH on bank holidays.

 

Additional Shareholder Information

 

Account Minimums

Account minimums apply to all accounts with the Funds, including retirement plans, and apply to the total initial value of an account. These minimums may be different for investments made through certain financial intermediaries. In addition, each Fund reserves the right to modify its minimum account requirements at any time with or without prior notice.

Each Fund reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an investor’s account, including a retirement account, if the account holder’s aggregate account balance falls below the applicable minimum investment amount due to transaction activity. You will be given at least 30 days’ notice to reestablish the minimum balance if your Fund balance falls below the applicable account minimum. If you do not increase your balance during the notice period, the Fund may sell all of your shares and send the proceeds to you. Your shares will be sold at the NAV on the day your Fund position is closed.

 

Transaction Cut-Off Times

All shareholder transaction orders are processed at the NAV next determined after your transaction order is received in good order by the Fund’s transfer agent, distributor, or financial intermediary designated by Access One Trust as an authorized agent. Transaction orders must be received in good order by the Fund’s transfer agent or distributor before the cut-off times detailed in

 

Shareholder Services Guide   ·   17


Table of Contents

 

the table below to be processed at that business day’s NAV. A completed New Account Form does not constitute a purchase order until the transfer agent deems it to be in good order, processes the New Account Form and receives correct payment by check, ACH or wire transfer on any business day prior to the designated cut-off time. Trades placed via telephone must be initiated (i.e., the call must be received and in queue) by the cut-off time and communicated in good order by the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Certain financial intermediaries may impose cut-off times different from those described below. The following are transaction cut-off times for the Funds.

 

Method  

Normal

Cut-Off Time

(Eastern Time)*

 

Additional Transaction Information

(Eastern Time)*

 
By Mail   4:00 p.m.  
 

By

Telephone,

Wire,

Internet and

IVR

  2:00 p.m.   The Funds accept all transactions starting at 8:00 a.m. through the transaction cut-off time and from 4:30 p.m. through 9:00 p.m.
* On certain days before or after a NYSE holiday, SIFMA may recommend that the bond markets close early. On such days, the Funds will cease taking transactions 2 hours prior to the close of the open auction of the 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond futures. On most such days the open auction 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond futures close at 1:00 p.m. ET, which would result in an 11:00 a.m. ET Fund cut-off time.

 

Signature Guarantees

Certain redemption requests must include a signature guarantee for each registered account owner if any of the following apply:

>  

Your account address has changed within the last 10 business days.

>  

A check is being mailed to an address different than the one on your account.

>  

A check or wire is being made payable to someone other than the account owner.

>  

Redemption proceeds are being transferred to an account with a different registration.

>  

A wire or ACH transfer is being sent to a financial institution other than the one that has been established on your account with the Fund or the bank account has been established within the previous 10 business days.

>  

Other unusual situations as determined by the Fund’s transfer agent.

The Funds reserve the right to waive signature guarantee requirements, require a signature guarantee under other circumstances or reject or delay a redemption if the signature guarantee is not in good form. Faxed signature guarantees are generally not accepted.

Signature guarantees may be provided by an eligible financial institution such as a commercial bank, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) member firm such as a stock broker, a savings association or a national securities exchange. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. The Funds reserve the right to reject a signature guarantee if it is not provided by a STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantor.

 

About Telephone and Internet Transactions

Telephone and Internet transactions, whether initiated by a shareholder or a shareholder’s agent, are extremely convenient but are not free from risk. Neither the Funds, the Funds’ Distributor nor the Funds’ agents will be responsible for any losses resulting from unauthorized telephone or Internet transactions if reasonable security procedures are followed. Telephone conversations may be recorded or monitored for verification, recordkeeping and quality assurance purposes. For transactions over the Inter-net, we recommend the use of a secure internet browser. In addition, you should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately upon receipt. If you do not want the ability to initiate transactions by telephone or Internet, call the Fund for instructions.

During periods of heavy market activity or other times, it may be difficult to reach the Funds by telephone or to transact business over the Internet. Technological irregularities may also make the use of the Internet slow or unavailable at times. If you are unable to reach us by telephone or unable to transact business over the Internet, consider sending written instructions.

The Funds may terminate the receipt of purchase, redemption or exchange orders by telephone or the Internet at any time, in which case you may purchase, redeem or exchange shares by other means.

 

Exchanges or Redemptions in Excess of Share Balances

If you initiate exchange or redemption transactions that, in total, exceed the balance of your shares in a Fund, some transactions may be processed while others may not. This may result in Fund positions that you did not anticipate. Neither the Funds, the Funds’ transfer agent nor the Funds’ Distributor will be responsible for transactions that did not process in this circumstance. You may be liable for losses resulting from exchanges cancelled due to insufficient balances.

 

Uncashed Redemption Check Procedures

Generally, redemption checks which have been returned to a Fund, or have remained uncashed for a period of six months from the issuance date, will be cancelled and re-issued. Re-issued checks will be mailed to the address of record, net of any bank fees. If a re-issued check is returned, the proceeds will be deposited into the shareholder’s account from which the redemption was sent.

 

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted a “Policy Regarding Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares” applicable to the Access Flex High Yield Fund and the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund. Pursuant to this Policy, it is the general policy of those Funds to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund shares. These Funds impose no restrictions and charge no redemption fees to prevent or minimize frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares other than a $10 wire fee under certain circumstances. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Policy, the Trust may reject any purchase request for any reason.

As noted under “Investment Summary — Principal Risk Considerations — Active Investor Risk,” frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares could increase the rate of portfolio turnover. A high level of portfolio turnover may negatively affect performance by increasing transaction costs of the Funds and generating greater tax liabilities for public shareholders. In addition, large movements of assets into and out of the Funds may negatively impact a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective or maintain a consistent level of operating expenses. In certain circumstances, a Fund’s expense ratio may vary from current estimates or the historical ratio disclosed in this Prospectus.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

A description of the Trust’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Trust’s SAI and on the Funds’ website at www.accesshighyield.com.

 

Additional Shareholder Services

 

Automatic Investment and Withdrawal Plans

Shareholders may purchase and/or redeem shares automatically on a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly or annual basis. The minimum automatic purchase is $100. The minimum automatic

 

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Table of Contents

 

redemption is $500. The redemption minimum is waived for IRA accounts for shareholders over 70 1/2 years of age. You may sign-up for these services on the New Account Form, or you may download or request an Optional Services Form to add these services to an existing account.

 

Account Statements and Confirmations

Shareholders with Fund accounts will receive quarterly statements showing the market value of their Fund account at the close of the statement period in addition to any transaction information for the period. Shareholders will also receive transaction confirmations for most Fund transactions. Direct shareholders (i.e., those who do not invest through a financial professional) should review their account statements and confirmations as soon as they are received. You may also receive statements and confirmations electronically. See “Electronic Documentation Program — Paperfree”.

 

Tax Statements

Each year, the Funds will send tax information to assist you in preparing your income tax returns. These statements will report the previous year’s dividend and capital gains distributions, proceeds from the sales of shares, and distributions from, and contributions to, IRAs and some other retirement plans sponsored by the Trust. Normally, in February of each year, the Funds will send a Statement of Average Cost which shows the average cost of shares that you redeemed during the previous calendar year, using the average cost single-category method established by the IRS. Retirement accounts, accounts opened by transfer, business accounts, and certain other accounts will not receive a Statement of Average Cost.

 

Electronic Document Delivery Program — PaperFree

You may elect to receive your account statements and confirmations electronically through PaperFree, the Trust’s electronic document delivery service. You may also choose to receive your prospectus, shareholder reports, and other documents electronically. To enroll for this service, please register on the Trust’s Internet website. You may elect the PaperFree service by completing the appropriate section on the New Account Form. The Trust will then send you a link to the enrollment site.

 

Financial Intermediaries

Certain financial intermediaries may accept purchase and redemption orders on the Funds’ behalf. Such purchase and redemptions orders will be deemed to have been received by the Fund at the time an authorized financial intermediary accepts the orders. Your financial intermediary has the responsibility to transmit your orders and payment promptly and may specify different transaction order cut-off times, shares transaction policies and limitations, including limitations on the numbers of exchanges, than those described in this Prospectus. In addition, the financial intermediary may impose additional restrictions or charge fees not described in this Prospectus. If your order and payment is not received from your financial intermediary timely, your order may be cancelled and the financial intermediary could be liable for resulting fees or losses. Although the Fund may use broker dealers who sell fund shares to effect portfolio transactions, the Fund does not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor when selecting broker dealers to effect portfolio transactions.

Investor Class Shares and Service Class Shares bear fees payable to certain intermediaries or financial institutions for provision of record keeping, sub-accounting services, transfer agency and other administrative services. These expenses paid by the Fund are included in “Other Expenses” under “Annual Fund Operating Expenses” in this Prospectus.

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

Under a Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan (the “Plan”) adopted by the Trustees, the Funds may pay brokerdealers (including ProFunds Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”)), investment advisers, banks, trust companies, accountants, estate planning firms, or other financial institutions or securities industry professionals (“Authorized Firms”), a fee as compensation for service and distribution related activities and/or shareholder services.

Under the Plan, the Service Class Shares may pay the Distributor, financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers, up to 0.75%, on an annualized basis, of the average daily net assets attributable to Service Class Shares as reimbursement or compensation for service and distribution related activities. In addition, under the Plan, the Funds may pay up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Service Class Shares as compensation for shareholder services. Over time, fees paid under the Plan will increase the cost of a Service Class shareholder’s investment and may cost more than other types of sales charges.

The Distributor may pay all or any portion of the fee paid pursuant to the Plan (the “Distribution/Service Fee”) to securities dealers or other organizations (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) as commissions, asset-based sales charges or other compensation with respect to the sale of Service Class Shares, or for providing personal services to investors in Service Class Shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, and may retain all or any portion of the Distribution/Service Fee as compensation for the Distributor’s services as principal underwriter of the Service Class Shares of the Funds.

 

Payments to Financial Firms

The Advisor or other service providers may utilize their own resources to finance distribution or service activities on behalf of the Funds, including compensating the Distributor and other third parties for distribution related activities or the provision of shareholder services. These payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses section of the fee table for the Funds contained in this Prospectus.

In addition, the Distributor and the Advisor may from time to time make additional payments at their own expense or provide other incentives to selected financial firms as compensation for services. A financial firm is one that, in exchange for compensation, sells, among other products, mutual fund shares (including the shares offered in this Prospectus) or provides services for mutual fund shareholders. Financial firms include registered investment advisers, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and banks. In addition, the Distributor and the Advisor may from time to time make additional payments such as cash bonuses or provide other incentives to selected financial firms as compensation for services (including preferential services) such as, without limitation, paying for active asset allocation services provided to investors in the Funds, providing the Funds with “shelf space” or a higher profile for the financial firms’ financial consultants and their customers, placing the Funds on the financial firms’ preferred or recommended fund list, granting the Distributor or the Advisor access to the financial firms’ financial consultants, providing assistance in training and educating the financial firms’ personnel, and furnishing marketing support and other specified services. These payments may be significant to the financial firms and may also take the form of sponsorship of seminars or informational meetings or payment for attendance by persons associated with the financial firms at seminars or informational meetings.

A number of factors will be considered in determining the amount of these additional payments to financial firms. On some occasions, such payments may be conditioned upon levels of sales, including the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of the shares of an Access One Fund, all other Access One Funds, other funds sponsored by the Advisor and/or a particular class of shares, during a specified period of time. The Distributor and the Advisor may also make payments to one or more participating financial firms based upon factors such as the amount of assets a

 

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financial firm’s clients have invested in the Access One Funds and the quality of the financial firm’s relationship with the Distributor or the Advisor. The additional payments described above are made at the Distributor’s or the Advisor’s expense, as applicable. These payments may be made, at the discretion of the Distributor or the Advisor to some of the financial firms that have sold the greatest amounts of shares of the Access One Funds. In certain cases, the payments described in the preceding sentence may be subject to certain minimum payment levels.

Representatives of the Distributor and the Advisor visit financial firms on a regular basis to educate financial advisors about the Access One Funds and to encourage the sale of Access One Fund shares to their clients. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

If investment advisers, distributors or affiliates of mutual funds other than the Access One Funds make payments (including, without limitation, sub-transfer agency fees, platform fees, bonuses and incentives) in differing amounts, financial firms and their financial consultants may have financial incentives for recommending a particular mutual fund (including the Access One Funds) over other mutual funds. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, a financial firm and its financial consultants may also have a financial incentive for recommending a particular share class over other share classes. You should consult with your financial advisor and review carefully any disclosure by the financial firm as to compensation received by that firm and/or your financial advisor.

For further details about the payments made by the Distributor or Advisor to financial firms, please see the SAI.

 

Fund Management

 

Board of Trustees and Officers

The Funds’ Board of Trustees is responsible for the general supervision of the Funds. The Funds’ officers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Funds.

 

Investment Adviser

ProFund Advisors LLC, located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, serves as the investment adviser to the Funds and provides management services to the Funds. ProFund Advisors has served as the investment advisor and management services provider since the Funds’ inception in 2004. ProFund Advisors oversees the investment and reinvestment of the assets in each Fund. For its investment advisory services, ProFund Advisors is entitled to receive annual fees equal to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of each Fund. ProFund Advisors bears the costs of providing advisory services.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory agreement of the Funds is available in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders dated October 31, 2007. During the year ended October 31, 2007, each Fund for which the Advisor served as investment adviser and which had a full year of operations, paid the Advisor fees in the following amounts (fees paid reflect the effects of any expense limitation arrangements in place for the period):

 

Fees Paid

(as a percentage of average daily net assets)

     

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   0.75%

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   0.75%

ProFund Advisors is owned by Michael L. Sapir, Louis M. Mayberg and William E. Seale.

Michael L. Sapir, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ProShare Advisors LLC since inception and ProFund Advisors LLC since 1997, formerly served as senior vice president of Padco Advisors, Inc., which advises Rydex® Funds. In addition, Mr. Sapir practiced law, primarily representing financial institutions for over 13 years, most recently as a partner in a Washington-based law firm. He holds degrees from Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.) and the University of Miami (M.B.A. and B.A.).

Louis M. Mayberg, President of ProFund Advisors LLC since 1997 and president of ProShare Advisors LLC since inception, co-founded National Capital Companies, L.L.C., an investment bank specializing in financial service companies mergers and acquisitions and equity underwritings in 1986, and managed its financial services hedge fund. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Finance from The George Washington University.

William E. Seale, Ph.D., Chief Economist of ProFund Advisors since 2005, Chief Investment Officer from 2003-2004 and from October 2006-present and Director of Portfolio from 1997-2003. Dr. Seale has more than 30 years of experience in the financial markets. His background includes a five-year presidential appointment as a commissioner of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and an appointment as Chairman of the Finance Department at The George Washington University. He earned his degrees at the University of Kentucky.

 

Portfolio Management

Each Fund is managed by an investment team overseen by William E. Seale, Ph.D. and George O. Foster, CFA.

William E. Seale, Ph.D., Chief Investment Officer for ProFund Advisors LLC from 2003-2004 and since October 2006 and Chief Investment Officer for ProShare Advisors LLC since October 2006. Dr. Seale is principally responsible for development and oversight of Portfolio Strategy for the Advisor. More information about Dr. Seale is set forth above.

George O. Foster, CFA, ProFund Advisor — Director of Portfolio since 2004, Assistant Director of Portfolio and Senior Portfolio Manager from 2000 to 2004, and Portfolio Manager from 1999 to 2000. ProShare Advisors — Director of Portfolio since September 2007. Mr. Foster earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University and a M.B.A. in Finance from The George Washington University. Mr. Foster holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the Washington Association of Money Managers.

 

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The following table summarizes the service and experience of the members of the investment team with the most significant joint responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Funds:

 

Name and Title  

Length of

Service to
Team

  Business Experience During
Last 5 Years
 
Jeffrey Ploshnick Senior Portfolio Manager   Since 11/2006   ProFund Advisors – Senior Portfolio Manager since May 2007; and Portfolio Manager February 2001 – April 2007.
 
Ryan Dofflemeyer Associate Portfolio Manager   Since 11/2005   ProFund Advisors – Associate Portfolio Manager since August 2007; Junior Portfolio Analyst October 2003 – August 2007. Investment Company Institute – Research Assistant, September 2001 – October 2003.

 

The SAI provides additional information about Portfolio Manager compensation, accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager and their ownership of the Access One Funds and ProFunds.

 

Other Service Providers

ProFunds Distributors, Inc., located at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219 acts as the distributor of ProFund shares and is an affiliate of Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”) (formerly BISYS Fund Services Limited Partnership). Citi, located at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, acts as the administrator to the ProFunds, providing operations, compliance and administrative services.

The Advisor also performs certain management services, including client support and other administrative services, for the Funds under a Management Services Agreement. The Advisor is entitled to receive annual fees equal to 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Funds for such services. During the year ended October 31, 2007, each Fund for which the Advisor served as investment adviser and which had a full year of operations paid the Advisor fees in the following amounts:

 

Fees Paid

(as a percentage of average daily net assets)

     

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   0.15%

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   0.15%

 

Fund Management  ·   21


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Financial Highlights

Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated.

 

The following tables are intended to help you understand the financial history of each Access One Fund since inception.

Certain information reflects financial results of a single share. The total return information represents the rate of return and the per share operating performance that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the applicable class of shares of the Funds, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP whose report, along with the financial statements of the Funds, appears in the Annual Reports of the Trust which are available upon request.

 

Access Flex High Yield Fund

 

          Investment Activities     Distributions to Shareholders From                 Ratios to Average Net Assets     Supplemental Data  
    Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
    Total from
Investment
Activities
    Net
Investment
Income
    In Excess
of Net
Investment
Income
    Return
of
Capital
    Net Realized
Gains on
Investments
    Total
Distributions
    Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period
  Total
Return
(excludes
sales
charge)
    Gross
Expenses(b)
    Net
Expenses(b)
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(b)
    Net Assets,
End of
Period (000’s)
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(c)
 
Investor Class                                
Year Ended October 31, 2007   $ 28.66   0.90   0.69     1.59     (0.88 )   (0.63 )           (1.51 )   $ 28.74   5.65 %   1.52 %   1.52 %   3.12 %   $ 24,785   1,757 %
Year Ended October 31, 2006   $ 29.37   0.80   2.03     2.83     (1.41 )   (1.64 )   (0.02 )   (0.47 )   (3.54 )   $ 28.66   10.30 %   1.72 %   1.72 %   2.80 %   $ 66,787   1,900 %
December 17, 2004 through October 31, 2005(d),(e)   $ 30.00   0.42   (0.06 )   0.36     (0.99 )               (0.99 )   $ 29.37   1.30 %(f)   2.86 %   1.95 %   1.63 %   $ 22,023   2,542 %(f)
Service Class                                
Year Ended October 31, 2007   $ 28.72   0.61   0.69     1.30     (0.75 )   (0.53 )           (1.28 )   $ 28.74   4.62 %   2.52 %   2.52 %   2.12 %   $ 5,723   1,757 %
Year Ended October 31, 2006   $ 29.27   0.51   2.22     2.73     (1.28 )   (1.51 )   (0.02 )   (0.47 )   (3.28 )   $ 28.72   9.99 %   2.72 %   2.72 %   1.80 %   $ 9,363   1,900 %
December 17, 2004 through October 31, 2005(d),(e)   $ 30.00   0.16   (0.14 )   0.02     (0.75 )               (0.75 )   $ 29.27   0.13 %(f)   3.86 %   2.95 %   0.63 %   $ 294   2,542 %(f)
Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund  
Investor Class                                
Year Ended October 31, 2007   $ 27.33   1.02   (0.90 )   0.12                         $ 27.45   0.44 %   1.43 %   1.43 %   3.70 %   $ 129,159    
Year Ended October 31, 2006   $ 28.75   0.90   (2.32 )   (1.42 )                       $ 27.33   (4.94 )%   1.57 %   1.57 %   3.18 %   $ 87,950    
April 27, 2005 through October 31, 2005(d)   $ 30.00   0.24   (1.49 )   (1.25 )                       $ 28.75   (4.17 )%(f)   1.92 %   1.92 %   1.61 %   $ 244,904   (f)
Service Class                                
Year Ended October 31, 2007   $ 26.88   0.75   (0.89 )   (0.14 )                       $ 26.74   (0.52 )%   2.43 %   2.43 %   2.70 %   $ 13,015    
Year Ended October 31, 2006   $ 28.57   0.62   (2.31 )   (1.69 )                       $ 26.88   (5.92 )%   2.57 %   2.57 %   2.18 %   $ 11,458    
April 27, 2005 through October 31, 2005(d)   $ 30.00   0.09   (1.52 )   (1.43 )                       $ 28.57   (4.77 )%(f)   2.92 %   2.92 %   0.61 %   $ 5,318   (f)
(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.
(b) Annualized for periods less than one year.
(c) Portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to instruments having a maturity of less than one year from acquisition or derivative instruments (including swap agreements and futures contracts). The portfolio turnover rate can be high and volatile due to the sales and purchases of fund shares during the period. Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.
(d) Commencement of operations.
(e) There was no significant income earned or expenses incurred from the date of initial capitalization (December 15, 2004) to the date of public offering (December 17, 2004).
(f) Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

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  23


Table of Contents

 

Additional information about certain investments of the Funds is available in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders of the Funds. In the annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected performance during the fiscal year covered by the report.

You can find more detailed information about the Funds in the current SAI, dated February 29, 2008, which we have filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and which is incorporated by reference into, and is legally a part of, this Prospectus. A copy of the SAI, annual and semi-annual reports are available, free of charge, on-line at www.accesshighyield.com. You may also receive a free copy of a SAI, or the annual or semi-annual reports, or ask questions about investing in the Funds, by writing us at the address set forth below.

 

Access One Trust

 

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

 

or call our toll-free numbers:

1-888-776-3637 For Individual Investors Only

1-888-776-5717 Institutions and Financial Professionals Only

 

or visit our web site www.accesshighyield.com

 

You can find reports and other information about the Fund on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), or you can get copies of this information, after payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. Information about the Fund, including its SAI, can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For information on the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.

 

LOGO

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-21634

 

FlexHYI+S0208


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

Prospectus

 

February 29, 2008

 

Access Flex High Yield FundSM

 

Class A Shares and Service Class Shares

 

Access Flex Bear High Yield FundSM

 

Class A Shares and Service Class Shares

 

Like shares of all mutual funds, these securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents

 

3    Access Flex High Yield FundSM
7    Access Flex Bear High Yield FundSM
11    Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies and Risks
12    General Information
16    Shareholder Services Guide
22    Fund Management
24    Financial Highlights

 

2  


Table of Contents

 

Access Flex High Yield FundSM

 

Investment Summary

 

Investment Objective

Access Flex High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the total return of the high yield market consistent with maintaining reasonable liquidity.

If the Access Flex High Yield Fund is successful in meeting its objective, its net asset value should generally gain value as the high yield market is rallying (gaining value). Conversely, its net asset value should generally decrease in value as the high yield market is falling (losing value). These results are generally similar to those of most traditional high yield mutual funds.

The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

The Access Flex High Yield Fund will achieve its high yield exposure primarily through credit default swaps (“CDSs”) but may invest in each of the following types of financial instruments without limitation consistent with applicable regulations:

>  

High yield debt securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”)

>  

Other debt and money market instruments

>  

Interest rate swap agreements and futures contracts

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in securities and other financial instruments that in combination should have economic characteristics similar to the high yield debt (“junk bond”) market and/or in high yield debt securities. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in the policy.

ProFund Advisors LLC (“ProFund Advisors” or the “Advisor”) seeks to invest the Fund’s assets so that the combination of its investments provide investment results that correspond to the high yield market and may employ strategies that result in high portfolio turnover. A high level of portfolio turnover may negatively affect performance by increasing transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. In managing the Fund, the Advisor takes into consideration, among other things, the relative liquidity of and transaction costs associated with a particular investment and industry diversification of the Fund’s overall portfolio. The Advisor does not conduct fundamental analysis in managing the Fund.

High yield debt securities are generally debt securities rated BB+ and lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service (“S&P”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Ba1 or below by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or if unrated, securities that the Advisor determines to be of comparable quality. High yield debt securities also include corporate notes, convertible debt securities and preferred securities. In addition, the Fund may invest in other instruments that provide exposure to the high yield bond market, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), unit investment trusts and other investment companies that invest primarily in high yield debt instruments.

CDSs are a type of swap contract. CDSs are typically bilateral financial contracts that transfer credit exposure between two parties. They may be used by the Access Flex High Yield Fund to obtain credit risk exposure similar to that of a direct investment in high yield bonds. One party to a CDS (the “buyer”) receives credit protection or sheds credit risk, whereas the other party (the “seller”) to a CDS is selling credit protection or taking on credit risk. The seller typically receives one or more pre-determined periodic payments from the other party. These payments are in consideration for guaranteeing to make a specific payment to the buyer should a negative credit event occur with respect to one of the issuers referenced in the CDS. An additional adjustment to account for market premiums or discounts may be paid or received when initially entering into or closing a position. The amount of credit protection purchased is measured by the “notional amount” of the CDS. A CDS may be either “funded” or “unfunded.” The Fund will generally use unfunded CDSs. A funded CDS has an interest rate component whereas an unfunded CDS does not. Where an unfunded CDS is used, the Fund would normally expect to obtain interest rate exposure through other means such as government notes, futures, or interest rate swaps. Interest rate swap agreements are typically bilateral financial contracts that involve the exchange of payments based on a fixed rate of interest applied to a notional amount with payments based on a floating rate of interest. Since the Fund seeks exposure to the high yield market, it will normally be a net seller of CDSs. For further information on CDSs and other types of swap agreements the Fund may use, please see “Investments and Risks” in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

The Access Flex High Yield Fund seeks to maintain exposure to the high yield bond markets regardless of market conditions and without taking defensive positions in cash or other instruments in anticipation of an adverse climate for the high yield bond markets. As a result, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective during this period. To find out if the Fund has sufficient assets to invest to attempt to meet its objective, you may call 1-888-776-3637. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities or financial instruments with respect to foreign securities.

 

Principal Risk Considerations

Like all investments, investing in the Fund entails risks. Many factors affect the value of an investment in the Fund. The factors most likely to have a significant impact on the Fund’s portfolio are called “principal risks.” The principal risks for the Fund are described below. The Fund may be subject to risks in addition to those identified as principal risks.

>  

Active Investor Risk ProFund Advisors expects a significant portion of the assets of the Fund to come from professional money managers and investors who use the Fund as part of active trading or tactical asset allocation strategies. These strategies often call for frequent trading of Fund shares to take advantage of anticipated changes in market conditions. Active trading could increase the rate of portfolio turnover, which may increase costs and could negatively affect Fund performance. In addition, large movements of assets into and out of the Fund may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective or maintain a consistent level of operating expenses. In certain circumstances, the Fund’s expense ratio may vary from current estimates or the historical ratio disclosed in this Prospectus.

>  

Aggressive Investment Technique Risk The Fund may use investment techniques that may be considered aggressive, including the use of swap agreements, CDSs and similar instruments. Such techniques may expose the Fund to potentially dramatic changes (losses or gains) in the value of its portfolio holdings and the risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments and the relevant security, index or market. These techniques also may expose the Fund to risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in high yield debt securities, including: 1) the risk that an instrument is temporarily mispriced; 2) credit, performance, or documentation risk on the amount the Fund expects to receive from a counterparty; 3) the risk that securities prices, interest rates and currency markets will move adversely and the Fund will incur significant losses; 4) imperfect correlation between

 

Access Flex High Yield Fund  ·   3


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the price of financial instruments and movements in the prices of the underlying securities; 5) the risk that the cost of holding a financial instrument might exceed its total return; and 6) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a particular instrument and possible exchange imposed price fluctuation limits, either of which may make it difficult or impossible to adjust the Fund’s position in a particular instrument when desired. These and other risks associated with such techniques such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and counterparty risk are described elsewhere in this section.

>  

CDS Risk The Fund will normally be a net “seller” of CDSs. When the Fund is a seller of an unfunded CDS, upon the occurrence of a credit event, the Fund has an obligation to pay the par value of a defaulted reference obligation and take delivery from the counterparty of such obligation. Since CDSs are usually physically settled, the counterparty may first need to purchase the obligation in order to deliver it and obtain par value payment or an equivalent cash value. An active market may not exist for any of the CDSs in which the Fund invests or in the reference obligations subject to the CDS. As a result, the Fund’s ability to maximize returns or minimize losses on such CDSs may be impaired. Other risks of CDSs include the difficulties in valuing the CDS, pricing transparency and the risk that the CDSs utilized by the Fund perform in a manner that does not correlate to the high yield bond markets or performs in other ways that are not expected. The Fund’s positions in CDSs are also subject to counterparty risk, market risk and interest rate risk. Because certain CDSs involve many reference issuers and there are no limitations on the notional amount established for the CDS, the Fund may use a single counterparty or a small number of counterparties, in which case, counterparty risk would be amplified. A credit default swap may involve greater risks than if the Fund invested directly in the underlying reference obligations. For example, a credit default swap may increase the Fund’s credit risk because it has exposure to both the issuer of the underlying reference obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. In addition, credit defaults swaps may be difficult to value depending on whether an active market exists for the credit default swaps in which the Fund invests. Investing in CDSs may be considered an aggressive investment technique.

>  

Concentration Risk Concentration risk results from maintaining exposure to issuers conducting business in a specific industry. The risk of concentrating investments in a particular industry is that a Fund will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that industry than a Fund that does not concentrate its investments. The Fund may have significant exposure to an individual issuer. Such a fund will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that specific issuer, which may be different from the risks generally associated with the benchmark as a whole.

>  

Counterparty Risk The counterparty to a financial instrument may default on its obligations under the related agreement. In this circumstance, the Fund may lose money. The Fund will usually have a contractual relationship only with the counterparty to a swap agreement or CDS and not the obligors of the reference obligations. As a result, the Fund generally will have no right directly to enforce compliance by the obligors with the terms of the reference obligations, no rights of set-off against the reference obligors, or any voting or other rights of ownership with respect to the reference obligations.

>  

Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a debt instrument becomes unwilling or unable to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise meet its obligations. Securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk, which are often reflected in credit ratings. Credit risk generally is not a factor for U.S. Government securities. Certain securities issued by U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which the Fund may invest are neither issued nor guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government and may be exposed to credit risk.

>  

Debt Instrument Risk Debt instruments may have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates, credit risk and other factors affecting debt securities. Typically, the value of outstanding debt instruments falls when interest rates rise. The values of debt instruments with longer maturities may fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than those of instruments with shorter maturities. Many types of debt instruments are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the security will repay principal prior to the maturity date. Debt instruments allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates. Also, the securities of certain U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which a Fund may invest are neither issued by nor guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, and may be exposed to credit risk.

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Early Close/Trading Halt Risk An exchange or market may close early or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities may be restricted, as a result, the Fund may be unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments at certain times when it otherwise might do so. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, accurately price its investments and/or may incur substantial trading losses.

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Equity Risk The equity markets are volatile, and the value of securities, futures, options contracts, and other instruments correlated with the equity markets may fluctuate dramatically from day to day. This volatility may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

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Foreign Currency Risk Investments denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to risk factors in addition to investments denominated in U.S. dollars. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency could change significantly as foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Risks related to foreign currencies also include those related to economic or political developments, market inefficiencies or a higher risk that essential investment information may be incomplete, unavailable or inaccurate. A U.S. dollar investment in Depositary Receipts or Ordinary Shares of foreign issuers traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to foreign currency risk.

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Foreign Investment Risk Securities of foreign issuers and related financial instruments correlated to such stocks may be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts for a variety of reasons, including the effects of economic or political developments, public health and safety issues, demographic changes, market inefficiencies or a higher risk that essential investment information may be incomplete, unavailable or inaccurate. Additionally, certain countries may lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards or have standards that differ from U.S. standards. Securities or financial instruments purchased by a Fund may be affected by fluctuations in foreign currencies, as described under Foreign Currency Risk above.

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High Yield Risk Investment in or exposure to high yield (lower rated) debt instruments (also known as “junk bonds”) may involve greater levels of interest rate, credit, liquidity and valuation risk than for higher rated instruments. High yield debt instruments may be sensitive to economic changes, political changes, or adverse developments specific to a company. These securities are subject to greater risk of loss, greater sensitivity to interest rate and economic changes, valuation difficulties, and a potential lack of a secondary or public market for securities. High yield debt instruments are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments and, therefore, such instruments generally involve greater risk of default or price changes than higher rated debt instruments. An economic downturn or period of rising

 

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interest rates could adversely affect the market for these securities and reduce market liquidity (liquidity risk). Less active markets may diminish the Fund’s ability to obtain accurate market quotations when valuing the portfolio securities and thereby give rise to valuation risk. High yield debt instruments may also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, these instruments may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security resulting in a decreased return for investors. If the issuer of a security is in default with respect to interest or principal payments, the issuer’s security could lose its entire value. Furthermore, the transaction costs associated with the purchase and sale of high yield debt instruments may vary greatly depending upon a number of factors and may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

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Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the risk that securities and related financial instruments may fluctuate in value due to changes in interest rates. Commonly, investments subject to interest rate risk will decrease in value when interest rates rise and increase in value when interest rates decline. The value of securities with longer maturities may fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than securities with shorter maturities.

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Issuer Specific Risk The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand of the issuer’s goods or services.

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Liquidity Risk In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the securities or financial instruments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of ProFund Advisors. Certain derivative securities, such as over-the-counter contracts, held by the Fund may also be illiquid. This may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains, or from achieving a high correlation with the total return of the high yield market. In addition, the Fund may not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time periods described in this Prospectus as a result of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other reasons.

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Management Risk The Advisor will apply various investment techniques and strategies in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these techniques and strategies will achieve the desired results.

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Market Risk The Fund is subject to market risks that will affect the value of its shares, including adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments, as well as developments that have an impact on specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market. The Fund should normally lose value on days when the securities underlying the benchmark decline.

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Non-Diversification Risk The Fund has the ability to concentrate a relatively high percentage of its investments in the securities of a small number of issuers. This would make the performance of the Fund more susceptible to a single economic, political or regulatory event than a diversified mutual fund might be.

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Portfolio Turnover Risk The Fund’s strategy may involve high portfolio turnover to rebalance the Fund’s investment exposure. A high level of portfolio turnover may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders.

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Repurchase Agreement Risk The Fund may enter into certain types of repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are generally subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty to the agreement could default on the agreement. If a seller defaults, the Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of the sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement, including interest. In addition, if the seller becomes involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, the Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if, for example, the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and required to return the underlying collateral to the seller or its assigns.

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Valuation Risk In certain circumstances, portfolio securities may be valued using techniques other than market quotations. See the discussion under “General Information” under “Calculating Share Prices.” The value established for a portfolio security may be different from what would be produced through the use of another methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio securities that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their value from one day to the next than would be the case if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that a Fund could sell a portfolio security for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio security is sold at a discount to its established value.

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. The Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective, and an investment in the Fund could lose money. The Fund is not a complete investment program.

The Fund presents some risks not traditionally associated with most mutual funds. Please refer to the section titled “Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies and Risks” later in this Prospectus and the SAI for additional information regarding strategies and risks.

 

Fund Performance

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Access Flex High Yield Fund by showing the variability of the Access Flex High Yield Fund returns from year to year and by comparing average annual total returns for the Class A Shares and Service Class Shares to a broad measure of market performance. Past performance, before and after taxes, is no guarantee of future results.

Average annual total returns are shown on a before and after-tax basis for Service Class Shares only. After-tax returns for A Class Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as a retirement account. After-tax returns may exceed the return before taxes due to a tax benefit from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund shares.

 

Annual Returns of Service Class Shares as of December 31

 

LOGO

 

During the period covered in the bar chart, the highest return on Service Class Shares of Access Flex High Yield Fund for one quarter was 4.41% (quarter ended September 30, 2006) and the lowest return was -3.87% (quarter ended March 31, 2005).

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

As of December 31, 2007

     One Year      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
Service Class Shares                12/17/04

- Before Taxes

     3.83%      4.96%     

- After Taxes on Distributions

     2.61%      2.75%     

- After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares

     2.48%      2.92%     
Class A Shares(1),(2)      -0.42%      4.05%      7/3/06
Bear Stearns High Yield Composite Index(3)      2.09%      5.13%     
(1) Reflects 4.75% maximum sales charge and no deduction for taxes.
(2) Class A Shares were not in existence prior to 7/3/06. Performance for periods prior to that is based on the historical performance of the Service Class Shares and has been adjusted for the expenses and maximum sales charges applicable to the Class A Shares.
(3) Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Since inception returns are calculated from the date the Fund commenced operations.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

The table below describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)      Class A      Service
Class
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases (as a % of original purchase price)      4.75%(1)      None
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of the original purchase price)      None(2)      None
Sales charge (load) on reinvested distributions      None      None
Wire fee(3)      $10      $10

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)

     Class A      Service
Class
Management Fees      0.75%      0.75%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees      0.25%      1.00%
Other Expenses*      0.77%      0.77%
             
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses      1.77%      2.52%

 

(1) Lower front-end sales charges for Class A shares may be available with a purchase of $50,000 or more. See “Sales Charges” on page 14.
(2) Certain purchases of Class A shares will not be subject to a front-end sales charge but will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed less than 18 months after purchase. See “Sales Charges” on page 14.
(3) This charge may be waived at the discretion of the Fund.
* “Other expenses” include fees paid for management (non-advisory) services as described under “Fund Management” later in this Prospectus, legal and audit fees, printing costs, registration fees, custodial, fund accounting, administration and transfer agency fees, sub-transfer agency and administrative services fees charged by financial services firms, costs associated with independent trustees and certain other miscellaneous expenses.

 

Example: This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of each period. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual cost may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:

 

        One Year      Three Years      Five Years      Ten Years
Class A      $646      $1,006      $1,389      $2,460
Service Class      $255      $785      $1,340      $2,856

 

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Access Flex Bear High Yield FundSM

 

Investment Summary

 

Investment Objective

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market consistent with maintaining reasonable liquidity.

If the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund is successful in meeting its objective, its net asset value should generally lose value as the high yield market is rallying (gaining value). Conversely, its net asset value should generally increase in value as the high yield market is falling (losing value). These results are generally opposite those of most traditional high yield mutual funds.

The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will achieve its high yield exposure primarily through credit default swaps (“CDSs”) but may invest in each of the following types of financial instruments without limitation, consistent with applicable regulations:

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Interest rate swap agreements and futures contracts

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Other financial instruments whose value is derived from high yield debt securities

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Debt and money market instruments

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in securities and other financial instruments that in combination should provide inverse exposure to the high yield debt (“junk bond”) market and/or in high yield debt securities. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in the policy.

ProFund Advisors LLC (“ProFund Advisors” or the “Advisor”) seeks to invest the Fund’s assets so that the combination of its investments provide investment results that inversely correspond to the high yield market and may employ strategies that result in high portfolio turnover. A high level of portfolio turnover may negatively affect performance by increasing transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. The Advisor also may use short sales to seek investment results that are inverse to the performance of the high yield debt market or to adjust the Fund’s investment exposure to debt securities. In managing the Fund, the Advisor takes into consideration, among other things, the relative liquidity of and transaction costs associated with a particular investment and industry diversification of the Fund’s overall portfolio. The Advisor does not conduct fundamental analysis in managing the Fund.

High yield debt securities that the Fund will seek inverse exposure to are generally debt securities rated BB+ and lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service (“S&P”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Ba1 or below by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or if unrated, securities that the Advisor determines to be of comparable quality. High yield debt securities also include corporate notes, convertible debt securities and preferred securities. In addition, the Fund may invest in other instruments that provide exposure to the high yield bond market, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), unit investment trusts and other investment companies that invest primarily in high yield debt instruments.

CDSs are a type of swap contract. CDSs are typically bilateral financial contracts that transfer credit exposure between two parties. They may be used by the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund to obtain credit risk exposure opposite to that of a direct investment in high yield bonds. One party to a CDS (the “buyer”) receives credit protection or sheds credit risk, whereas the other party (the “seller”) to a CDS is selling credit protection or taking on credit risk. The seller typically receives one or more pre-determined periodic payments from the other party. These payments are in consideration for guaranteeing to make a specific payment to the buyer should a negative credit event occur with respect to one of the issuers referenced in the CDS. An additional adjustment to account for market premiums or discounts may be paid or received when initially entering into or closing a position. The amount of credit protection purchased is measured by the “notional amount” of the CDS. A CDS may be either “funded” or “unfunded.” The Fund will generally use unfunded CDSs. A funded CDS has an interest rate component whereas an unfunded CDS does not. Where an unfunded CDS is used, the Fund would normally expect to obtain interest rate exposure opposite to that of a direct investment in fixed income instruments by selling futures or entering into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swap agreements are typically bilateral financial contracts that involve the exchange of payments based on a fixed rate of interest applied to a notional amount with payments based on a floating rate of interest. Since the Fund seeks inverse exposure to the high yield market, it will normally be a net buyer of CDSs. For further information on CDSs and other types of swap agreements the Fund may use, please see “Investments and Risks” in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

Short selling involves borrowing a security and then selling it. If the Fund buys back the security at a price lower than the price at which it sold the security plus accrued interest, the Fund will earn a positive return (profit) on the difference. If the current market price plus accrued interest is greater when the security is bought back, the Fund will incur a negative return (loss) on the transaction.

The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to maintain inverse exposure to the high yield bond markets regardless of market conditions and without taking defensive positions in cash or other instruments in anticipation of a favorable climate for the high yield bond markets (which would generally be adverse market conditions for this Fund). As a result, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective during this period. To find out if the Fund has sufficient assets to invest to attempt to meet its objective, you may call 1-888-776-3637. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities or financial instruments with respect to foreign securities.

 

Principal Risk Considerations

Like all investments, investing in the Fund entails risks. Many factors affect the value of an investment in the Fund. The factors most likely to have a significant impact on the Fund’s portfolio are called “principal risks.” The principal risks for the Fund are described below. The Fund may be subject to risks in addition to those identified as principal risks.

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Active Investor Risk ProFund Advisors expects a significant portion of the assets of the Fund to come from professional money managers and investors who use the Fund as part of active trading or tactical asset allocation strategies. These strategies often call for frequent trading of Fund shares to take advantage of anticipated changes in market conditions. Active trading could increase the rate of portfolio turnover, which may increase costs and could negatively affect Fund performance. In addition, large movements of assets into and out of the Fund may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective or maintain a consistent level of operating expenses. In certain circumstances, the Fund’s expense ratio may vary from current estimates or the historical ratio disclosed in this Prospectus.

 

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Aggressive Investment Technique Risk The Fund may use investment techniques that may be considered aggressive, including the use of swap agreements, CDSs and similar instruments. Such techniques may expose the Fund to potentially dramatic changes (losses or gains) in the value of its portfolio holdings and the risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments and the relevant security, index or market. These techniques also may expose the Fund to risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing in a manner opposite to the high yield market, including: 1) the risk that an instrument is temporarily mispriced; 2) credit, performance, or documentation risk on the amount the Fund expects to receive from a counterparty; 3) the risk that securities prices, interest rates and currency markets will move adversely and the Fund will incur significant losses; 4) imperfect correlation between the price of financial instruments and movements in the prices of the underlying securities; 5) the risk that the cost of holding a financial instrument might exceed its total return; and 6) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a particular instrument and possible exchange imposed price fluctuation limits, either of which may make it difficult or impossible to adjust the Fund’s position in a particular instrument when desired. These and other risks associated with such techniques such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and counterparty risk are described elsewhere in this section.

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CDS Risk The Fund will normally be a net “buyer” of CDSs. When the Fund is a buyer of an unfunded CDS, upon the occurrence of a credit event, the counterparty to the Fund has an obligation to pay the par value of a defaulted reference obligation and take delivery from the Fund of such obligation. Since CDSs are usually physically settled, the Fund may first need to purchase the obligation in order to deliver it and obtain par value payment or an equivalent cash value. An active market may not exist for any of the CDSs in which the Fund invests or in the reference obligations subject to the CDS. As a result, the Fund’s ability to maximize returns or minimize losses on such CDSs may be impaired. Other risks of CDSs include the difficulties in valuing the CDS, pricing transparency and the risk that the CDSs utilized by the Fund perform in a manner that does not correlate to the high yield bond markets or performs in other ways that are not expected. The Fund’s positions in CDSs are also subject to counterparty risk, market risk and interest rate risk. Because certain CDSs involve many reference issuers and there are no limitations on the notional amount established for the CDS, the Fund may use a single counterparty or a small number of counterparties, in which case, counterparty risk would be amplified. A credit default swap may involve greater risks than if the Fund invested directly in the underlying reference obligations. For example, a credit default swap may increase the Fund’s credit risk because it has exposure to both the issuer of the underlying reference obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. In addition, credit defaults swaps may be difficult to value depending on whether an active market exists for the credit default swaps in which the Fund invests. Investing in CDSs may be considered an aggressive investment technique.

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Concentration Risk Concentration risk results from maintaining exposure to issuers conducting business in a specific industry. The risk of concentrating investments in a particular industry is that a Fund will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that industry than a Fund that does not concentrate its investments. The Fund may have significant exposure to an individual issuer. Such a fund will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that specific issuer, which may be different from the risks generally associated with the benchmark as a whole.

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Counterparty Risk The counterparty to a financial instrument may default on its obligations under the related agreement. In this circumstance, the Fund may lose money. The Fund will usually have a contractual relationship only with the counterparty to a swap agreement or CDS and not the obligors of the reference obligations. As a result, the Fund generally will have no right directly to enforce compliance by the obligors with the terms of the reference obligations, no rights of set-off against the reference obligors, or any voting or other rights of ownership with respect to the reference obligations.

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Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a debt instrument becomes unwilling or unable to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise meet its obligations. Securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk, which are often reflected in credit ratings. Credit risk generally is not a factor for U.S. Government securities. Certain securities issued by U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which the Fund may invest are neither issued nor guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government and may be exposed to credit risk.

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Debt Instrument Risk Debt instruments may have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates, credit risk and other factors affecting debt securities. Typically, the value of outstanding debt instruments falls when interest rates rise. The values of debt instruments with longer maturities may fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than those of instruments with shorter maturities. Many types of debt instruments are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the security will repay principal prior to the maturity date. Debt instruments allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates. Also, the securities of certain U.S. government agencies, authorities or instrumentalities in which a Fund may invest are neither issued by nor guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, and may be exposed to credit risk.

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Early Close/Trading Halt Risk An exchange or market may close early or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities may be restricted, as a result, the Fund may be unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments at certain times when it otherwise might do so. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, accurately price its investments and/or may incur substantial trading losses.

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Equity Risk The equity markets are volatile, and the value of securities, futures, options contracts, and other instruments correlated with the equity markets may fluctuate dramatically from day to day. This volatility may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

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Foreign Currency Risk Investments denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to risk factors in addition to investments denominated in U.S. dollars. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency could change significantly as foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Risks related to foreign currencies also include those related to economic or political developments, market inefficiencies or a higher risk that essential investment information may be incomplete, unavailable or inaccurate. A U.S. dollar investment in Depositary Receipts or Ordinary Shares of foreign issuers traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to foreign currency risk.

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Foreign Investment Risk Securities of foreign issuers and related financial instruments correlated to such stocks may be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts for a variety of reasons, including the effects of economic or political developments, public health and safety issues, demographic changes, market inefficiencies or a higher risk that essential investment information may be incomplete, unavailable or inaccurate. Additionally, certain countries may lack uniform accounting

 

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and disclosure standards or have standards that differ from U.S. standards. Securities or financial instruments purchased by a Fund may be affected by fluctuations in foreign currencies, as described under Foreign Currency Risk above.

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High Yield Risk Investment in or exposure to high yield (lower rated) debt instruments (also known as “junk bonds”) may involve greater levels of interest rate, credit, liquidity and valuation risk than for higher rated instruments. High yield debt instruments may be sensitive to economic changes, political changes, or adverse developments specific to a company. These securities are subject to greater risk of loss, greater sensitivity to interest rate and economic changes, valuation difficulties, and a potential lack of a secondary or public market for securities. High yield debt instruments are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments and, therefore, such instruments generally involve greater risk of default or price changes than higher rated debt instruments. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these securities and reduce market liquidity (liquidity risk). Less active markets may diminish the Fund’s ability to obtain accurate market quotations when valuing the portfolio securities and thereby give rise to valuation risk. High yield debt instruments may also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, these instruments may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security resulting in a decreased return for investors. If the issuer of a security is in default with respect to interest or principal payments, the issuer’s security could lose its entire value. Furthermore, the transaction costs associated with the purchase and sale of high yield debt instruments may vary greatly depending upon a number of factors and may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

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Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the risk that securities and related financial instruments may fluctuate in value due to changes in interest rates. Commonly, investments subject to interest rate risk will decrease in value when interest rates rise and increase in value when interest rates decline. The value of securities with longer maturities may fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than securities with shorter maturities.

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Inverse Correlation Risk Because the Fund’s investment objective is to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, the Fund will generally lose value as the high yield market is rallying (gaining value). This result is the opposite of those of traditional high yield mutual funds, and certain of the risks discussed apply to the Fund in an inverse or opposite fashion than they would apply to a traditional high yield mutual fund.

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Issuer Specific Risk The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand of the issuer’s goods or services.

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Liquidity Risk In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the securities or financial instruments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of ProFund Advisors. Certain derivative securities, such as over-the-counter contracts, held by the Fund may also be illiquid. This may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains, or from achieving a high inverse correlation with the total return of the high yield market. In addition, the Fund may not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time periods described in this Prospectus as a result of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other reasons.

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Management Risk The Advisor will apply various investment techniques and strategies in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these techniques and strategies will achieve the desired results.

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Market Risk The Fund is subject to market risks that will affect the value of its shares, including adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments, as well as developments that have an impact on specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market. The Fund should normally gain value on days when the securities underlying the benchmark decline.

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Non-Diversification Risk The Fund has the ability to concentrate a relatively high percentage of its investments in the securities of a small number of issuers. This would make the performance of the Fund more susceptible to a single economic, political or regulatory event than a diversified mutual fund might be.

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Portfolio Turnover Risk The Fund’s strategy may involve high portfolio turnover to rebalance the Fund’s investment exposure. A high level of portfolio turnover may have a negative impact on performance by increasing transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders.

>  

Repurchase Agreement Risk The Fund may enter into certain types of repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are generally subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty to the agreement could default on the agreement. If a seller defaults, the Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of the sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement, including interest. In addition, if the seller becomes involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, the Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if, for example, the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and required to return the underlying collateral to the seller or its assigns.

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Short Sale Risk The Fund’s use of short sales may involve additional transaction costs and other expenses. As a result, the cost of maintaining a short position may exceed the return on the position, which may cause the Fund to lose money. Under certain market conditions, short sales can increase the volatility, and decrease the liquidity, of certain securities or positions and may lower the Fund’s return or result in a loss. Entering into short positions through financial instruments such as futures, options, and swap agreements may also cause the Fund to be exposed to short sale risk. Selling short may be considered an aggressive investment technique. See Aggressive Investment Technique Risk.

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Valuation Risk In certain circumstances, portfolio securities may be valued using techniques other than market quotations. See the discussion under “General Information” under “Calculating Share Prices.” The value established for a portfolio security may be different from what would be produced through the use of another methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio securities that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their value from one day to the next than would be the case if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that a Fund could sell a portfolio security for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio security is sold at a discount to its established value.

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. The Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective, and an investment in the Fund could lose money. The Fund is not a complete investment program.

The Fund presents some risks not traditionally associated with most mutual funds. Please refer to the section titled “Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies and Risks” later in

 

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund  ·   9


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this Prospectus and the SAI for additional information regarding strategies and risks.

 

Fund Performance

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund by showing the variability of the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund returns and by comparing average annual total returns for the Class A Shares and Service Class Shares to a broad measure of market performance. Past performance, before and after taxes, is no guarantee of future results.

Average annual total returns are shown on a before and after-tax basis for Service Class Shares only. After-tax returns for A Class Shares will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as a retirement account. After-tax returns may exceed the return before taxes due to a tax benefit from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund shares.

 

Annual Returns of Service Class Shares as of December 31

 

LOGO

                                    [CHART]

                                        

 

During the period covered in the bar chart, the highest return on Service Class Shares of Access Flex Bear High Yield for one quarter was 3.17% (quarter ended June 30, 2007) and the lowest return was -2.56% (quarter ended September 30, 2007).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

As of December 31, 2007

     One Year      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
Service Class Shares                4/27/05

- Before Taxes

     -0.47%      -4.36%     

- After Taxes on Distributions

     -1.51%      -4.73%     

- After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares

     -0.30%      -3.89%     
Class A Shares(1),(2)      -4.43%      -5.40%      9/8/05
Bear Stearns High Yield Composite Index(3)      2.09%      6.59%     
(1) Reflects 4.75% maximum sales charge and no deduction for taxes.
(2) Class A Shares were not in existence prior to 9/8/05. Performance for periods prior to that is based on the historical performance of the Service Class Shares and has been adjusted for the expenses and maximum sales charges applicable to the Class A Shares.
(3) Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Since Inception returns are calculated from the date the Fund commenced operations.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)      Class A      Service
Class
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases (as a % of original purchase price)      4.75%(1)      None
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of the original purchase price)      None(2)      None
Sales charge (load) on reinvested distributions      None      None
Wire fee(3)      $10      $10

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)

     Class A      Service
Class
Management Fees      0.75%      0.75%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees      0.25%      1.00%
Other Expenses*      0.68%      0.68%
             
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses      1.68%      2.43%

 

(1) Lower front-end sales charges for Class A shares may be available with a purchase of $50,000 or more. See “Sales Charges” on page 14.
(2) Certain purchases of Class A shares will not be subject to a front-end sales charge but will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed less than 18 months after purchase. See “Sales Charges” on page 14.
(3) This charge may be waived at the discretion of the Fund.
* “Other expenses” include fees paid for management (non-advisory) services as described under “Fund Management” later in this Prospectus, legal and audit fees, printing costs, registration fees, custodial, fund accounting, administration and transfer agency fees, sub-transfer agency and administrative services fees charged by financial services firms, costs associated with independent trustees and certain other miscellaneous expenses.

 

Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of each period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:

 

        One Year      Three Years      Five Years      Ten Years
Class A      $638      $979      $1,344      $2,368
Service Class      $246      $758      $1,296      $2,766

 

 

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Additional Information Regarding Investment Strategies and Risks

 

This section provides additional information regarding some of the principal investments and related risks of the Funds. It also describes characteristics and risks of additional securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds from time to time. This Prospectus does not attempt to disclose all of the various types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Funds. The following describes various instruments and strategies that the Funds may use in pursuing their investment objectives. Like all investments, investing in the Funds entails risks. Many factors affect the value of an investment in the Funds. The factors most likely to have a significant impact on each Fund’s portfolio are called “principal risks.” The principal risks for each Fund are identified in the Investment Summary. The Funds may be subject to risks in addition to those identified as principal risks.

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Cash Positions, such as money market instruments, U.S. Government securities, repurchase agreements and other cash equivalent positions, may be held by the Funds for investment purposes to provide liquidity for shareholder transactions or to back investments in financial instruments.

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Debt Instruments include bonds and other instruments, such as certificates of deposit, Euro time deposits, commercial paper (including asset-backed commercial paper), notes, funding agreements and U.S. Government securities, that are used by U.S. and foreign banks, financial institutions, corporations, or other entities to borrow money from investors. Holders of debt instruments have a higher priority claim to assets than do holders of equity securities. Typically, the debt issuer pays the investor a fixed, variable or floating rate of interest and must repay the borrowed amount at maturity. Some debt instruments, such as zero coupon bonds, are sold at a discount from their face values instead of paying interest.

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Depositary Receipts (“DRs”) include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and New York Shares (“NYSs”).

  Ÿ  

ADRs represent the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a bank or trust company. ADRs are an alternative to purchasing the underlying securities in their national markets and currencies. Investment in ADRs has certain advantages over direct investment in the underlying foreign securities because: (i) ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated investments that are easily transferable and for which market quotations are readily available, and (ii) issuers whose securities are represented by ADRs are generally subject to auditing, accounting and financial reporting standards similar to those applied to domestic issuers.

  Ÿ  

GDRs are receipts for shares in a foreign-based corporation traded in capital markets around the world. While ADRs permit foreign corporations to offer shares to American citizens, GDRs allow companies in Europe, Asia, the United States and Latin America to offer shares in many markets around the world.

  Ÿ  

A New York Share is a share of New York registry, representing equity ownership in a non-U.S. company, allowing for a part of the capital of the company to be outstanding in the U.S. and part in the home market. It is issued by a U.S. transfer agent and registrar on behalf of the company and created against the cancellation of the local share by the local registrar. One New York Share is always equal to one ordinary share. New York Share programs are typically managed by the same banks that manage ADRs, as the mechanics of the instrument are very similar. New York Shares are used primarily by Dutch companies.

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Equity Securities include common stock, preferred stock, depositary receipts, convertible securities and rights and warrants. Stocks represent an ownership interest in a corporation. While the Funds seek exposure or inverse exposure to the high yield bond markets through the use of financial instruments, each Fund may invest in or seek exposure or inverse exposure to equity securities and other types of securities when the Advisor believes they offer more attractive opportunities. To the extent the Funds invest in equity securities, the Funds will be subject to equity risk. The equity markets are volatile, and the value of securities, futures, options contracts and other instruments correlated with the equity markets may fluctuate dramatically from day-to-day. This volatility may cause the value of an investment in the Funds to decrease. As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the equity risk considerations for the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

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Financial Instruments include investment contracts whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset, interest rate or index such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swap agreements, forward contracts, structured notes, options on securities and stock indexes and cash investments in debt or money market instruments covering such positions. The Funds may invest in financial instruments as a substitute for investing directly in bonds. Financial instruments may also be used to employ leveraged investment techniques and as an alternative to selling short. Use of financial instruments may involve costs, in addition to transaction costs.

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Forward Contracts are two-party contracts entered into with dealers or financial institutions where a purchase or sale of a specific quantity of a commodity, security, foreign currency or other financial instrument is agreed upon at a set price, with delivery and settlement at a specified future date. Forwards may also be structured for cash settlement, rather than physical delivery.

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Futures or Futures Contracts, are contracts to pay a fixed price for an agreed-upon amount of commodities or securities, or the cash value of the commodities or securities on an agreed-upon date. The price of a futures contract theoretically reflects a cost of financing and the dividend or interest yield of the underlying securities.

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High Yield Debt Instruments, such as bonds and debt securities, are generally those securities rated BB+ and lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service (“S&P”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Ba1 or below by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or if unrated, of comparable quality. Below investment grade fixed income securities are high-yield, high risk securities, commonly called “junk bonds,” which are considered speculative. Below investment grade fixed income securities generally pay higher yields (greater income) than investment in higher-quality securities; however, below investment grade securities involve greater risk to timely payment of principal and interest, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of the security. As noted above, the Access Flex High Yield Fund seeks to correspond generally to the total return of the high yield market and thus an investment in the Fund will generally decline in value when the high yield market is losing value. By contrast, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus an investment in the Fund will generally decline in value when the high yield market is gaining value.

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Investment Company Securities, such as open end investment companies and exchange traded funds, provide a means for the Funds to obtain exposure to certain markets. Each Fund

 

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may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of other non-affiliated investment companies in accordance with current law, and without limit in money market mutual funds. As a shareholder of an investment company, the Funds may indirectly bear service and other fees that are in addition to the fees the Funds pay to service providers.

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Money Market Instruments are short-term debt instruments that have terms-to-maturity of less than 397 days and exhibit high quality credit profiles. Money market instruments include U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements.

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Option Contracts grant one party a right, for a price, either to buy or sell a security or futures contract at a fixed price during a specified period or on a specified day. A call option gives one the right to buy a stock at an agreed-upon price on or before a certain date. A put option gives one the right to sell a stock at an agreed-upon price on or before a certain date.

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Repurchase Agreements are contracts in which the seller of securities, usually U.S. Government securities, agrees to buy them back at a specified time and price. Repurchase agreements are primarily used by a Fund as a short-term investment vehicle for cash positions.

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Structured Notes are debt obligations which may include components such as swaps, forwards, options, caps or floors which change its return pattern. Structured notes may be used to alter the risks to a portfolio, or alternatively may be used to expose a portfolio to asset classes or markets in which one does not desire to invest directly.

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Swap Agreements are two-party contracts where the parties agree to exchange net returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments.

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U.S. Government Securities are securities issued by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities. Some, but not all, U.S. Government securities are guaranteed as to principal or interest and are backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government. Other U.S. Government securities are backed by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and some are backed only by the credit of the issuing organization.

The SAI contains more information about each Fund’s investment strategies and related risks.

 

General Information

 

Calculating Share Prices

The price at which you purchase, redeem and exchange shares is the net asset value (“NAV”) per share next determined after your transaction request is received by the transfer agent in good order (i.e., required forms are complete and, in the case of a purchase, correct payment is received). Each Fund calculates its NAV by taking the market value of the assets attributed to the class, subtracting any liabilities attributed to the class, and dividing that amount by the number of that class’ outstanding shares. Each Fund normally calculates its daily share price for each class of shares at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) every day the NYSE is open for business except for Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day (due to the fact that Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day are currently the only two holidays where the bond markets are closed and the NYSE is open).

NYSE Holiday Schedule: The NYSE is open every week, Monday through Friday, except when the following holidays are celebrated: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (the third Monday in January), Presidents’ Day (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), Independence Day, Labor Day (the first Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day. Exchange holiday schedules are subject to change without notice. The NYSE may close early on the day before each of these holidays and the day after Thanksgiving Day.

To the extent a Fund’s portfolio investments trade in markets on days when the Fund is not open for business, the value of the Fund’s assets may vary on those days. In addition, trading in certain portfolio investments may not occur on days a Fund is open for business. If the exchange or market on which a Fund’s underlying investments are primarily traded closes early, the NAV may be calculated prior to its normal calculation time.

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s (formerly known as the Bond Market Association) (“SIFMA”) Proposed Early Close Schedule: On the following days in 2008, SIFMA has recommended that the bond markets close at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time: Thursday, March 20, 2008; Friday, May 23, 2008; Thursday, July 3, 2008; Friday, August 29, 2008; Friday, October 10, 2008; Wednesday, November 26, 2008; Friday, November 28, 2008; Wednesday, December 24, 2008 and Friday, December 26, 2008. SIFMA may announce changes to this schedule or other early close dates from time to time. A Fund may cease taking transaction requests including requests to exchange to or from other funds managed by the Advisor or affiliates of the Advisor on such days at the cut-off time.

Each Fund’s assets are valued primarily on the basis of information furnished by a pricing service or market quotations. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. Securities traded regularly in the over-the-counter market (other than the NASDAQ) are valued on the basis of the mean between the bid and asked quotes furnished by primary market makers for those securities. Futures contracts purchased and held by a Fund are generally valued at the last sale price prior to the time the Fund determines its NAV. If market quotations are not readily available, an investment may be valued by other methods that the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value. The use of such a fair valuation method may be appropriate if, for example: (i) market quotations do not accurately reflect fair value of an investment; (ii) an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market); (iii) a trading halt closes an exchange or market early; or (iv) other events result in an exchange or market delaying its normal close. Fair valuation procedures involve the risk that the Fund’s valuation of an investment may be higher or lower than the price the investment might actually command if the Fund sold it. See “Valuation Risk” in this Prospectus and the Fund’s SAI for more details.

 

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Dividends and Distributions

At least annually, each of the Funds intends to declare and distribute to shareholders all of the year’s net investment income and net capital gains, if any:

 

    Dividends   Capital Gains
Fund   Accrued   Paid   Paid
 
Access Flex High Yield Fund   Quarterly   Quarterly   Annually
 
Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund   Annually   Annually   Annually

The Funds do not announce dividend distribution dates in advance. Certain investment strategies employed by certain Funds may produce income or net short-term capital gains which the Funds would seek to distribute more frequently.

The Funds may declare additional capital gains distributions during a year. A Fund will reinvest distributions in additional shares of that Fund unless a shareholder has written to request distributions in cash (by check, wire or Automated Clearing House (“ACH”)). By selecting the distribution by check or wire option, the shareholder agrees to the following conditions:

  Ÿ  

If a shareholder elects to receive distributions by check or wire, each Fund will, nonetheless, automatically reinvest such distributions in additional shares of the Fund if they are $10 or less (and payable by check) or $25 or less (and payable by wire). A shareholder may elect to receive distributions via ACH or reinvest such distribution in shares of another Fund regardless of amount.

  Ÿ  

Any dividend or distribution check, which has been returned, or has remained uncashed for a period of six months from the issuance date, will be cancelled, and the funds will be reinvested (net of any bank charges) on the date of cancellation into the appropriate class of the Fund from which such distribution was paid or, if the account is closed or only the Money Market ProFund is open, the funds will be reinvested into the Money Market ProFund (information about the Money Market ProFund is contained in a separate Prospectus which may be obtained by calling (888) 776-5717); and

  Ÿ  

Any account on which a dividend or distribution check was returned or remained uncashed for a period of six months will automatically have the dividend and distribution payment election adjusted so that all future dividends or distributions are reinvested into the appropriate class of the fund from which such dividend or distribution would have been paid, unless subsequent distribution checks have been cashed.

 

Tax Consequences

The following information is a general summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in a Fund and does not address any foreign, state or local tax consequences. Please see “Taxation” in the SAI for more information.

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Each Fund intends to qualify as a “regulated investment company” for federal income tax purposes. As such the Funds do not ordinarily pay federal income tax on net investment income and net capital gains that they distribute to shareholders.

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The Funds expect to distribute all or substantially all of their net investment income and capital gains to shareholders every year or more often if in the best interest of the Fund shareholders. Shareholders will generally be subject to tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they receive cash or choose to have the distributions and dividends reinvested.

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Distributions are taxable to a shareholder even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund prior to the shareholder’s purchase of the Fund shares (which income or gains were thus included in the price paid for the Fund shares).

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Distributions of net investment income (including short-term capital gains) are generally taxed to a shareholder as ordinary income; distributions of net long-term capital gains that are properly designated as capital gain dividends are taxed to a shareholder as long-term capital gains.

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Whether a distribution of capital gains by a Fund is taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or at the capital gains rate depends on how long the Fund has owned (or is treated as having owned) the investments generating the distribution, not on how long an investor has owned shares of the Fund. Distributions of gains from investments that a Fund has owned (or is treated as having owned) for more than 12 months and that are properly designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions of gains from investments that a Fund has owned (or is treated as having owned) for 12 months or less and gains on the sale of bonds characterized as market discount will be taxable as ordinary income.

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For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, distributions of investment income designated by a Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level. The Funds do not expect a significant portion of their distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.

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Dividends and distributions declared by the Funds in October, November or December of one year and paid in January of the next year will be taxable to shareholders in the calendar year in which the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.

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If shareholders redeem their Fund shares, they may have a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon how long they have held the shares. Shareholder transactions in the Fund’s shares resulting in gain from selling shares held for more than one year generally are taxed at capital gain rates, while those resulting from sales of shares held for one year or less generally are taxed at ordinary income rates.

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If shareholders exchange Fund shares for shares of a different fund, this will be treated as a sale of the Fund’s shares and any gain on the transaction will generally be subject to federal income tax.

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Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced — in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets — for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.

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Distributions from investments in securities of foreign issuers, if any, including dividend or interest payments, may be subject to withholding and other taxes at the source. In such cases, a Fund’s yield on those securities would decrease. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to such foreign taxes. In addition, a Fund’s investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate a Fund’s recognition of income and may affect the timing or amount of a Fund’s distributions.

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A Fund’s investment in certain debt instruments and a Fund’s use of derivatives may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such instruments. As a result, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements under the Code.

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A Fund’s use of derivatives will also affect the amount, timing, and character of the Fund’s distributions. In addition, because the U.S. tax rules applicable to derivatives are complex and

 

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uncertain in various respects, an adverse determination or future Internal Revenue Service guidance with respect to these rules may affect whether a Fund has made distributions in an amount sufficient to maintain qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a fund-level tax.

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Distributions by a Fund to retirement plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws will not be taxable. Special tax rules apply to investments through such plans. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the suitability of the Fund as an investment through such a plan and the tax treatment of distributions (including distributions of amounts attributable to an investment in the Fund) from such a plan.

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The Funds may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 28% of all taxable distributions and redemption proceeds payable through 2010 to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with correct taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. After 2010 the withholding tax rate on such shareholders will be 31%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

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In general dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (such shareholder, a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2008, a Fund generally was not required to withhold any amounts with respect to distributions of (i) U.S.-source interest income that would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by a foreign person, and (ii) net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, in each case to the extent such distributions were properly designated by the Fund and certain other requirements were met. Legislation to extend this exemption was proposed but not enacted in 2007. It is unclear whether similar legislation will be enacted in 2008.

Because each investor’s tax circumstances are unique and because the tax laws are subject to change, it is recommended that shareholders consult their own tax advisors about federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investment in the Funds.

 

Sales Charges

Class A Shares are sold at NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge is used to pay your financial intermediary a sales commission. The sales charge is up to a total of 4.75% of the purchase price of your investment in connection with your initial purchase. Except as described below, the offering price includes the front-end sales charge. However, in some cases, described below, your purchase may not be subject to an initial sales charge, and the offering price will be the net asset value. In other cases, you may be eligible for a reduced sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount of your purchase. The current sales charge rates are as follows:

 

Amount of Investment   Sales Charge
as a % of
Offering Price
 

Sales Charge
as a % of

Net Amount
Invested

 
Less than $50,000   4.75%   4.99%
 
$50,000 but less than $100,000   4.50%   4.71%
 
$100,000 but less than $250,000   3.50%   3.63%
Amount of Investment   Sales Charge
as a % of
Offering Price
 

Sales Charge
as a % of

Net Amount
Invested

 
$250,000 but less than $500,000   2.50%   2.56%
 
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000   2.00%   2.04%
 
Over $1,000,000   0.00%   0.00%*
* For investments of $1 million or more, Class A Shares are sold at NAV, without any up-front sales charge. However, if you sell your shares within 18 months of purchase, you will normally have to pay a 1.00% CDSC based on the lesser of your initial purchase price or the net amount you have invested. The CDSC is used to reimburse ProFunds Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) for paying your financial intermediary a sales commission up to a total of 1.00% of the purchase price of your investment in connection with your initial purchase. For more information about whether your financial intermediary has entered into such an arrangement, contact your intermediary directly.

 

Information regarding the Funds’ sales charge reductions is available on the Funds’ website (www.accesshighyield.com) free of charge. Additional information regarding sales charges is also available in the SAI.

 

How to Reduce your Sales Charges

You may be eligible to purchase Class A Shares for reduced sales charges. To qualify for these reductions, you or your financial intermediary must provide sufficient information, in writing and at the time of purchase, to verify that your purchase qualifies for such treatment. For additional information, including information on aggregating purchases among related accounts to receive reduced sales charges, see the SAI. Consistent with the policies described in this Prospectus, you and your “immediate family” (your spouse and your children under the age of 21) may combine your holdings of any series of Access One Trust (the “Trust”) (each an “Access One Fund”) or ProFund, which are offered through a separate prospectus, on which a sales charge was paid to reduce your sales charge. Therefore, references to “you” and “your” in the following paragraphs regarding sales charges refer to you and your immediate family. Please see the SAI or refer to www.accesshighyield.com for further information.

 

Rights of Accumulation

To qualify for the lower sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases of Class A Shares, you may combine your new purchases of Class A Shares with the shares of any other Class A Shares of the Fund that you already own or Class A Shares of any Access One Fund or ProFund upon which a sales charge was paid. The applicable initial sales charge for the new purchase is based on the total of your current purchase and the current value of all other Class A Shares of the Access One Funds or ProFunds upon which a sales charge was paid that you own calculated at their then current public offering price. Additionally, you may combine simultaneous purchases of Class A Shares of one Fund with Class A Shares of any other Access One Fund or ProFund (other than initial purchases of the Money Market ProFund and Access Money Market Fund) to reduce the sales charge rate that applies to purchases of each Fund’s Class A Shares. The reduced sales charge will apply only to current purchases and must be requested in writing when you buy your shares. Class A Shares of the Money Market ProFund and Access Money Market Fund that have not been subject to a sales charge will not be counted for purposes of reducing your sales charge. If you qualify for a reduced sales charge, the reduced sales charge applies to the total amount of money being invested, even if only a portion of that amount exceeds the breakpoint for the reduced sales charge. For example, if you already own qualifying Class A Shares of an Access One Fund with a value of $80,000 and wish to invest an additional $40,000 in Class A Shares of an Access One Fund, the

 

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reduced initial sales charge of 3.50% will apply to the full $40,000 purchase and not just to the $20,000 in excess of the $100,000 breakpoint. To qualify for obtaining the discount applicable to a particular purchase, you or your financial intermediary must furnish the transfer agent with a list of the account numbers and the names in which your Fund accounts are registered at the time the purchase is made.

 

Letters of Intent

You may pay reduced initial sales charges by indicating on the account application that you intend to provide a Letter of Intent (“LOI”), and then fulfilling the conditions of that LOI. Under a LOI, you commit to purchase a specified dollar amount of Class A Shares of a Fund or another Access One Fund or ProFund during a 13-month period. At your written request, Class A Share purchases made during the previous 90 days may be included. The amount you agree to purchase determines the initial sales charge you pay. If the full-face amount of the LOI is not invested by the end of the 13-month period, your account will be adjusted to the higher initial sales charge level for the amount actually invested. You are not legally bound by the terms of your LOI to purchase the number of your shares stated in the LOI. The LOI does, however, authorize the Funds to hold in escrow 4% of the total amount you intend to purchase. If you do not complete the total intended purchase at the end of the 13-month period, the Funds’ transfer agent will redeem the necessary portion of the escrowed shares to make up the difference between the reduced rate sales charge (based on the amount you intended to purchase) and the sales charge that would normally apply (based on the actual amount you purchased). As discussed above, Class A Shares of the Money Market ProFund and the Access Money Market Fund that have not been subject to a sales charge will not be counted for purposes of reducing your sales charge. By marking the LOI section on the account application and by signing the account application, you indicate that you understand and agree to the terms of the LOI and that you are bound by the provisions described below.

 

Calculating the Initial Sales Charge

>  

Each purchase of Fund shares normally subject to an initial sales charge made during the 13-month period will be made at the public offering price applicable to a single transaction of the total dollar amount indicated by the LOI (to determine what the applicable public offering price is, look at the sales charge table in the section on “Initial Sales Charges” in the Prospectus).

>  

It is your responsibility at the time of purchase to specify the account numbers that should be considered in determining the appropriate sales charge.

>  

The offering price may be further reduced as described above under “Rights of Accumulation” if the transfer agent is advised of all other accounts at the time of the investment.

>  

Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions will not be applied to the LOI.

 

Calculating the Number of Shares to be Purchased

>  

Purchases made within 90 days before signing an LOI will be applied toward completion of the LOI at your request. The LOI effective date will be the date of the first purchase within the 90-day period.

>  

If you meet the original obligation at any time during the 13-month period, you may revise the intended investment amount upward by submitting a written and signed request. This revision will not change the original expiration date.

>  

The transfer agent will process necessary adjustments upon the expiration or completion date of the LOI.

 

Fulfilling the Intended Investment

>  

By signing an LOI, you are not making a binding commitment to purchase additional shares, but if purchases made within the 13-month period do not total the amount specified, you will have to pay the increased amount of sales charge.

>  

To assure compliance with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the transfer agent will escrow in the form of shares an appropriate dollar amount (computed to the nearest full share) out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary). All dividends and any capital gain distributions on the escrowed shares will be credited to you. All shares purchased, including those escrowed, will be registered in your name. If the total investment specified under this LOI is completed within the 13- month period, the escrowed shares will be promptly released.

>  

If the intended investment is not completed, you will pay the transfer agent the difference between the sales charge on the specified amount and the sales charge on the amount actually purchased. If you do not pay such difference within 20 days of the expiration date, you irrevocably appoint the transfer agent as your attorney-in fact to surrender for redemption any or all shares, to make up such difference within 60 days of the expiration date.

 

Canceling the LOI

>  

If at any time before completing the LOI Program you wish to cancel the agreement, you must give written notice to the Distributor.

>  

If at any time before completion the LOI Program you request the transfer agent to liquidate or transfer beneficial ownership of your total shares, the LOI will be automatically canceled. If the total amount purchased is less than the amount specified in the LOI, the transfer agent will redeem an appropriate number of escrowed shares equal to the difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge that would have been paid if the total purchases had been made at a single time.

 

Repurchase of Class A Shares

If you have redeemed Class A Shares of any Access One Fund within the past 365 days, upon which you originally paid the front-end sales charge, you may repurchase an equivalent dollar amount of Class A Shares of any Access One Fund at NAV without the normal front-end sales charge. In effect, this allows you to reacquire shares that you may have had to redeem without re-paying the front-end sales charge. You may exercise this privilege only once and must notify the Distributor that you intend to do so in writing. You must provide the Distributor with the following information: (i) the date on which your Class A Shares of an Access One Fund were redeemed, (ii) your account number and (iii) an indication that you would like to repurchase Class A Shares of an Access One Fund. The Distributor must receive your purchase order within 365 days of your redemption. Note that if you reacquire shares through separate installments (e.g., through monthly or quarterly repurchases), the sales charge waiver will only apply to those portions of your repurchase order received within 365 days of your redemption.

As discussed above, Class A Shares of the Money Market ProFund that have not been subject to a sales charge will not be counted for purposes of reducing your sales charge.

 

Sales Charge Waivers

The sales charge on purchases of Class A Shares is waived for certain types of investors, including:

>  

Directors and officers of any Fund sponsored by the Advisor or any of its subsidiaries and their immediate families (i.e., spouse, children, mother or father).

>  

Employees of the Advisor and their immediate families, or any full-time employee or registered representative of the Distributor or of broker-dealers having dealer agreements with the Distributor (a “Selling Broker”) and their immediate families (or any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons).

>  

Any full-time employee of a bank, savings and loan, credit union or other financial institution that utilizes a Selling Broker to clear purchases of the Fund’s shares and their immediate families.

 

General Information  ·   15


Table of Contents

 

>  

Participants in certain “wrap-fee” or asset allocation programs or other fee based arrangements sponsored by broker-dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor.

>  

Any accounts established on behalf of registered investment advisers or their clients by broker-dealers that charge a transaction fee and that have entered into agreements with the Distributor.

>  

Separate accounts used to fund certain unregistered variable annuity contracts or Section 403(b) or 401(a) or (k) accounts.

>  

Purchases by a trust institution or bank trust department for a managed account that is charged an asset-based fee. Employee benefit plans (except SIMPLE IRA, SEP and SARSEP plans and plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans)), 403(b) programs, and accounts managed by third parties do not qualify for this waiver.

>  

Purchases by a broker-dealer for a managed account that is charged an asset-backed fee. Employee benefit plans (except SIMPLE IRA, SEP and SARSEP plans and plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans)) and 403(b) programs do not qualify for this waiver.

>  

Purchases by a registered investment adviser that is not part of an organization primarily engaged in the brokerage business for an account that is managed on a discretionary basis and is charged an asset-based fee. Employee benefit plans (except SIMPLE IRA, SEP and SARSEP plans and plans covering self-employed individuals and their employees (formerly Keogh/H.R. 10 plans)) and 403(b) programs do not qualify for this waiver.

>  

Purchases by a bank trust officer, registered representative or other employee (or a member of one of their immediate families) of investment professionals having agreements with a Selling Broker. A member of the immediate family of a bank trust officer, a registered representative, or other employee of investment professionals having agreements with a Selling Broker, is a spouse of one of those individuals, an account for which one of those individuals is acting as custodian for a minor child and a trust account that is registered for the sole benefit of a minor child of one of those individuals.

 

Sales Charge Exceptions

You will not pay initial sales charges on the following:

>  

New purchases of Class A Shares of the Money Market ProFund.

>  

Class A Shares purchased by reinvesting dividends and distributions.

>  

When exchanging Class A Shares of an Access One Fund for Class A Shares of another Access One Fund or ProFund offering such class, unless you are exchanging Class A Shares of the Money Market ProFund that have not previously been subject to a sales charge.

 

Shareholder Services Guide

 

You may purchase

shares using any of the
following methods.

  How to Make
an Initial Purchase
   

Fund

Minimums

 

The minimum initial investment amounts are:

>   $4,000 for Roth, Regular and Spousal IRAs held in discretionary accounts controlled by a financial professional.

>   $5,000 for other discretionary accounts controlled by a financial professional.

>   $15,000 for self-directed accounts controlled directly by investors.

   

By Mail

  Step 1: Complete a New Account Form (see “Completing your New Account Form”.)
  Step 2: Make your check payable to the Fund. Write the name of the Fund and your account number, if known, on the check.
 

Step 3: Send the signed New Account Form and check to:

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

   
    Step 1: Complete a New Account Form (see “Completing your New Account Form”).
   
   

Step 2: Fax the New Account Form to (800) 782-4797 (toll-free) or (614) 470-8718. Call the Fund to:

>   confirm receipt of the faxed New Account Form,

>   request your new account number, and

>   receive a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from the Fund).

Send the original, signed New Account Form to:

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

   
By Wire  

Step 3: Call Access One Trust to receive the Fund’s wiring instructions.

    Your wire normally must be received and accepted by the Fund between 8:00 a.m. and 1:40 p.m., Eastern Time for the Fund to purchase shares the day of the wire transfer. Investment instructions provided to the Fund may be cancelled if the wire transfer is not received by 1:40 p.m., Eastern Time. The Fund is not responsible for transfer errors by the sending or receiving bank and will not be liable for any loss incurred due to a wire transfer not having been received. On any day that the Fund calculates its NAV earlier than normal, the Fund reserves the right to adjust the times noted above, except the 8:00 a.m. beginning time.
   

By Internet
(Service Class only)

  Step 1: Go to www.profunds.com
  Step 2: Click on the “Open Account” Button.
  Step 3: Complete an on-line New Account Form.
   

Through a
Financial

Professional

  Contact your financial professional with your instructions.

 

16   ·  Shareholder Services Guide


Table of Contents

 

You may purchase

shares using any of the
following methods.

 

How to Purchase

Additional Shares

 

Fund

Minimums

  The minimum subsequent purchase amount is $100.
   
    Step 1: Complete an investment slip, which is attached to your transaction confirmation statement. If an investment slip is not readily available, you may send written instructions which include your name, account number, name and share class of the Fund and the purchase amount. Make sure that your investment meets the additional purchase minimum.
   
By Mail   Step 2: Make your check payable to the Fund. Write the name of the Fund and your account number, if known, on the check.
   
   

Step 3: Send the investment slip and check to:

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

   
By Wire  

Step 1: Call Access One Trust to inform us of:

>   your account number,

>   the amount to be wired, and

>   the Fund in which you wish to invest. You will then be given a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from Access One Trust).

  Step 2: Contact your bank to initiate your wire transfer.
   
By ACH  

Step 1: Call Access One Trust to inform us of:

>   the fact that you want to make an ACH purchase,

>   your account number,

>   the purchase amount, and

>   the Fund(s) in which you wish to invest.

You will then be given a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from the Trust). Please note the maximum ACH purchase is $50,000.

   

By Internet
(Service Class only)

  Step 1: Go to www.profunds.com
  Step 2: Click on the “Access Account” Button.
  Step 3: Enter User Name and Password.
  Step 4: Follow transaction instructions for making a purchase.
   

Through

a Financial

Professional

  Contact your financial professional with your instructions.

 

Contact Information
Telephone:  

(888) 776-3637 or

(614) 470-8122 — Individual Investors only (888) 776-5717 — Institutions and Financial Professionals only

Fax:  

(800) 782-4797 (toll-free)

or (614) 470-8718

Internet:   www.accesshighyield.com
Regular mail:  

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

Overnight mail:  

Access One Trust

c/o Citi Fund Services

3435 Stelzer Road

Columbus, OH 43219

 

Opening a New Account

The Funds each offer two classes of shares in this Prospectus: Class A Shares and Service Class shares. Each class of shares may only be purchased through a financial advisor, securities dealer or other financial intermediary authorized to sell the Funds’ shares (“Authorized Financial Professional”). Each share class represents investments in the same portfolio of securities, but each class has its own expense structure, allowing you to choose the class that best fits your situation. There is a separate New Account Form for each class of shares. Please ensure you have the correct New Account Form before completing it. Each Fund reserves the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, or to cease investment operations entirely.

 

Fund Accounts

To open a Fund account, you will need to complete a New Account Form. You should also read this Prospectus carefully prior to opening your account. Contact the Funds to request a New Account Form or download a New Account Form from the Funds’ Internet website. For guidelines to help you complete the Form, see instructions on this page. You may also open a new account on-line. Go to www.profunds.com, select “Open Account” and follow the instructions. Please note that new accounts opened on-line may be funded through ACH or by check. For accounts funded through ACH, the maximum initial investment amount is $50,000.

 

Retirement Plan Accounts

Several types of Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) and tax-sheltered annuities (“TSA or 403(b)(7) plans”) are available. Please visit the Trust’s Internet website or contact the Trust for a retirement plan account application. The IRA custodian charges an annual fee of $15 per social security number for all types of IRAs. The annual fee may be waived and/or the Advisor may pay the fee in certain circumstances. Other types of retirement accounts, such as profit sharing, money purchase and 401(k) accounts may be established; however, the Trust does not sponsor these plans nor does the Trust provide retirement reporting for these types of plans. Please visit the Trust’s Internet website or contact the Fund for a retirement plan account application.

 

Accounts Through Financial Professionals

Contact your financial professional for information on opening an account to invest in the Funds.

 

Completing your New Account Form

>  

You must provide each account holder’s social security number or tax identification number and date of birth on the New Account Form.

>  

Attach the title page and signature page of trust documents when establishing a trust account. Contact the Fund for information on what is required on each page.

>  

When establishing an account for your corporation, partnership or self directed retirement plan, please indicate the correct account type to ensure proper tax reporting, and provide a certified resolution or other documentation evidencing your authority to open the account and engage in transactions.

>  

You must provide a street address (the Funds do not accept P.O. Box only addresses, but APO and FPO Armed Forces mailing addresses are acceptable). If account holders have different addresses, each address must be provided.

>  

Be sure all parties named on the account sign the New Account Form.

Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person or entity who opens an account. Some or all of the information provided will be used by the Funds and/or their agents to verify the identity of the persons opening an account. If this information is not provided, the Funds may not be able to open your account.

 

Shareholder Services Guide  ·   17


Table of Contents

 

Accounts may be restricted or closed, and monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under federal regulations. You may be asked to provide additional information to verify your identity consistent with the requirements under anti-money laundering regulations. In addition, transaction orders, including orders for purchases, exchanges and redemptions may be suspended, restricted, cancelled or processed and the proceeds may be withheld.

 

Purchasing Shares

You have the option to send purchase orders by mail or fax and to send purchase proceeds by check, ACH or wire. All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Cash, starter checks, Internet-based checks, credit cards, travelers’ checks, money orders and credit card checks are not accepted. Third-party checks are generally not accepted to open an account.

The Funds price shares you purchase at the price per share next computed after we (or an authorized financial intermediary) receive your purchase request in good order. To be in good order, a purchase request must include a wire, check or ACH received by stated cut-off times, and for new accounts, a properly completed New Account Form. The Funds cannot accept wire or ACH purchases on bank holidays. The Funds and the Funds’ Distributor may reject any purchase request for any reason.

 

Important information you should know when you purchase Shares:

>  

Instructions, written or by telephone, given to the Fund for wire transfer requests do not constitute a transaction request received in “good order” until the wire transfer has been received by the Fund. A wire purchase will be considered in good order if (i) you have completed and faxed a New Account Form; (ii) you have contacted the Fund and received a confirmation number, and (iii) the Fund receives and accepts your wire during the Fund’s wire processing times noted in the chart on page 19 and further described under “Additional Shareholder Information.”

>  

Although the Funds do not charge for wire receipt, your bank may charge a fee to send wires. Please be sure that the wire is sufficient to cover your purchase and any such bank fees.

>  

If the New Account Form does not designate a share class, your investment will be made in the Investor Class of the identified Fund. If no Fund is identified, your investment will be made in the Investor Class shares of the Money Market ProFund. Neither the Fund nor its Distributor will be responsible for checks, ACH or wires being returned or rejected. If the check, ACH or wire cannot be identified, it may be returned or rejected. Checks submitted to a Fund will be automatically deposited upon receipt at our Administrative Office in Columbus, Ohio.

>  

If it is determined that account information is not in good order, any amount deposited will be refunded by check no earlier than ten business days from receipt of such payment to allow adequate time for the original check to clear through the banking system.

>  

A Fund will ordinarily cancel your purchase order if your bank does not honor your check or ACH for any reason, or if your wire transfer is not received by the designated cut-off time. If your purchase transaction is cancelled, you will be responsible for any losses that may result from any decline in the value of the cancelled purchase. The Fund (or its agents) have the authority to redeem shares in your account(s) to cover any losses. Any profit on a cancelled transaction will accrue to the Fund.

>  

The Trust may reject or cancel any purchase orders for any reason.

>  

The minimum for initial and subsequent purchases may be waived in certain circumstances.

 

Exchanging Shares

Shareholders can, free of charge and without a limit on frequency or maximum amount, exchange Class A shares or Service Class shares of either Fund for Class A shares or Service Class shares of any publicly available series of Access One Trust (each an “Access One Fund”) or ProFunds (information about ProFunds is contained in a separate prospectus which may be obtained by calling (888) 776-5717). Exchange requests, like any other share transaction, are subject to the Funds’ transaction cut-off times described on pages 19 and 20. Please note that the transaction cut-off times of one fund may differ from those of another fund. In an exchange between funds with different cut-off times, you will receive the price next computed after the exchange request is made for both the redemption and the purchase transactions involved in the exchange. You will be responsible for any losses if sufficient redemption proceeds are not available to pay the purchase price of shares purchased. Please consult the prospectus of the fund into which you are exchanging for the applicable cut-off times. Contact an Authorized Financial Professional to initiate an exchange. You can also perform exchanges by mail and on-line at www.profunds.com.

The Fund will need the following information to process your exchange:

>  

the account number applicable to the exchange transaction request.

>  

the number of shares, percentage, or the dollar value of the shares you wish to exchange.

>  

the share class and name of the Access One Fund or ProFund that you are exchanging into.

 

Important information you should know when you exchange Shares:

>  

An exchange involves selling shares of one fund and buying shares of another fund. Exchanges are taxable transactions. Exchanges within a retirement account may not be taxable. Please contact your tax advisor for more information.

>  

The Funds can only honor exchanges between accounts registered in the same name and having the same address and taxpayer identification number.

>  

None of the Funds, the Funds’ Distributor nor the Funds’ transfer agent are required to verify that there is a sufficient balance in the account to cover the exchange. You will be responsible for any loss if there are insufficient funds available to cover the exchange due to insufficient shares or due to a decline in the value of the fund from which you are exchanging.

>  

The redemption and purchase will be processed at the next calculated NAVs of the Funds and the Access One Fund or ProFund that you are exchanging into after your exchange request is received in good order.

>  

The exchange privilege may be modified or discontinued at any time.

>  

Before exchanging into an Access One Fund or ProFund, please read the fund’s prospectus.

>  

Financial intermediaries may have their own rules about exchanges or transfers and may impose limits on the number of such transactions you are permitted to make during a given time period.

 

Redeeming Shares

You may redeem all or part of your shares at the NAV next determined after your redemption request is received in good order. Only the registered owner(s) of the account or persons authorized in writing by the registered owner(s) may redeem shares.

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

You may exchange

or redeem shares using
any of the following
methods.

 

How to Exchange or
Redeem Shares

 
Minimum   At least $1,000 from a Fund within a self-directed account or, if less, your entire holdings in such Fund.
   
By Mail  

Send a signed letter to:

Access One Trust

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

The letter should include information necessary to process your request as described on pages 18 and 19. The Funds may require a signature guarantee in certain circumstances. See “Signature Guarantees” under “Additional Shareholder Information” on page 20 or call the Funds for additional information.

   
By Telephone  

Shareholder Services Representative:

(888) 776-3637 or (614) 470-8122 — Individual Investors only

(888) 776-5717 — Financial Professionals and Institutions only

Interactive Voice Response System (IVR):

Call (888) 776-3637 (toll-free) or (614) 470-8122 and follow the step-by-step instructions.

   

By Internet

(Service Class only)

 

www.profunds.com

Select the “Access Account” navigation bar, enter your User Name and Password and follow the step-by-step instructions. Please make sure you receive and record your confirmation number for later reference. Your transaction is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from the Fund.

 
Through
a Financial Professional
  Contact your financial professional with your instructions.

 

The Fund will need the following information to process your redemption request:

>  

name(s) of account owners;

>  

account number(s);

>  

your daytime telephone number;

>  

the dollar amount, percentage or number of shares being redeemed; and

>  

how you would like to receive your redemption proceeds (see options below). Unless otherwise requested, your redemption proceeds will be sent by check to the registered account owner’s address of record by U.S. mail.

 

You may receive your redemption proceeds:

>  

By Check: Normally, redemption proceeds will be sent by check to the address listed on the account.

>  

By Wire: You may have your redemption proceeds wired directly into a designated bank account by establishing a wire redemption option on your account. The Funds charge a $10 service fee for a wire transfer of redemption proceeds under certain circumstances, and your bank may charge an additional fee to receive the wire. If you would like to establish this option on an existing account, please call the Fund.

>  

By ACH: You may have your redemption proceeds sent to your bank account via ACH by establishing this option on your account. Funds sent through ACH should reach your bank in approximately two business days. While there is no fee charged by the Funds for this service, your bank may charge a fee. If you would like to establish this option on an existing account, please call the Fund.

 

Important information you should know when you sell shares:

>  

Fund shareholders automatically have telephone redemption privileges unless they elect not to have these privileges on the New Account Form.

>  

If you request that redemption proceeds be sent to a bank account or an address other than the bank account or address you have previously established on your Fund account, you must make the request in writing. The signatures of registered owners must be guaranteed (see “Signature Guarantees”).

>  

If you are selling some, but not all, of your shares, your remaining account balance should be above the minimum investment amount to keep your Fund position open.

>  

A Fund normally remits redemption proceeds within seven days of redemption. For redemption of shares purchased by check, ACH or through a Fund’s automatic investment plan, the Fund may wait up to 10 business days before sending redemption proceeds to ensure that its transfer agent has collected the original purchase payment.

>  

To redeem shares from a retirement account, your request must be in writing on a retirement account distribution form. You should consult your tax advisor before redeeming shares and making distributions from your tax qualified account because doing so may have adverse tax consequences to you. Call the Fund to request a retirement account distribution form or download the form from the Fund’s Internet website.

>  

Your right of redemption may be suspended, or the date of payment postponed for any period during which: (i) the NYSE or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is closed (other than customary weekend or holiday closings); (ii) trading on the NYSE, or other securities exchanges or markets as appropriate, is restricted, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); (iii) an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC; or (iv) for such other periods as the SEC, by order, may permit for protection of a Fund’s investors. Proceeds cannot be sent by wire or ACH on bank holidays.

 

Additional Shareholder Information

 

Account Minimums

Account minimums apply to all accounts with the Funds, including retirement plans, and apply to the total initial value of an account. These minimums may be different for investments made through certain financial intermediaries. In addition, each Fund reserves the right to modify its minimum account requirements at any time with or without prior notice.

Each Fund reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an investor’s account, including a retirement account, if the account holder’s aggregate account balance falls below the applicable minimum investment amount due to transaction activity. You will be given at least 30 days’ notice to reestablish the minimum balance if your Fund balance falls below the applicable account minimum. If you do not increase your balance during the notice period, the Fund may sell all of your shares and send the proceeds to you. Your shares will be sold at the NAV on the day your Fund position is closed.

 

Transaction Cut-Off Times

All shareholder transaction orders are processed at the NAV next determined after your transaction order is received in good order by the Fund’s transfer agent, distributor, or financial intermediary designated by Access One Trust as an authorized agent. Transaction orders must be received in good order by the Fund’s transfer agent or distributor before the cut-off times detailed in the table below to be processed at that business day’s NAV. A completed New Account Form does not constitute a purchase order until the transfer agent deems it to be in good order, processes the New Account Form and receives correct payment by check, ACH or wire transfer on any business day prior to the designated cut-off time. Trades placed via telephone must be initiated (i.e., the call must be received and in queue) by the cut-off time and communicated in good order by the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Certain financial inter-

 

Shareholder Services Guide  ·   19


Table of Contents

 

mediaries may impose cut-off times different from those described below. The following are transaction cut-off times for the Funds.

 

Method  

Normal

Cut-Off Time

(Eastern Time)*

 

Additional Transaction Information

(Eastern Time)*

 
By Mail   4:00 p.m.  
 

By Telephone,

Wire, Internet

and IVR

  2:00 p.m.   The Funds accept all transactions starting at 8:00 a.m. through the transaction cut-off time and from 4:30 p.m. through 9:00 p.m.
*On certain days before or after a NYSE holiday, SIFMA may recommend that the bond markets close early. On such days, the Funds will cease taking transactions 2 hours prior to the close of the open auction of the 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond futures. On most such days the open auction 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond futures close at 1:00 p.m. ET, which would result in an 11:00 a.m. ET Fund cut-off time.

 

Signature Guarantees

Certain redemption requests must include a signature guarantee for each registered account owner if any of the following apply:

>  

Your account address has changed within the last 10 business days.

>  

A check is being mailed to an address different than the one on your account.

>  

A check or wire is being made payable to someone other than the account owner.

>  

Redemption proceeds are being transferred to an account with a different registration.

>  

A wire or ACH transfer is being sent to a financial institution other than the one that has been established on your account with the Fund or the bank account has been established within the previous 10 business days.

>  

Other unusual situations as determined by the Fund’s transfer agent.

The Funds reserve the right to waive signature guarantee requirements, require a signature guarantee under other circumstances or reject or delay a redemption if the signature guarantee is not in good form. Faxed signature guarantees are generally not accepted.

Signature guarantees may be provided by an eligible financial institution such as a commercial bank, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) member firm such as a stock broker, a savings association or a national securities exchange. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. The Funds reserve the right to reject a signature guarantee if it is not provided by a STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantor.

 

About Telephone and Internet Transactions

Telephone and Internet transactions, whether initiated by a shareholder or a shareholder’s agent, are extremely convenient but are not free from risk. Neither the Funds, the Funds’ Distributor nor the Funds’ agents will be responsible for any losses resulting from unauthorized telephone or Internet transactions if reasonable security procedures are followed. Telephone conversations may be recorded or monitored for verification, record keeping and quality assurance purposes. For transactions over the Internet, we recommend the use of a secure internet browser. In addition, you should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately upon receipt. If you do not want the ability to initiate transactions by telephone or Internet, call the Fund for instructions.

During periods of heavy market activity or other times, it may be difficult to reach the Funds by telephone or to transact business over the Internet. Technological irregularities may also make the use of the Internet slow or unavailable at times. If you are unable to reach us by telephone or unable to transact business over the Internet, consider sending written instructions.

The Funds may terminate the receipt of purchase, redemption or exchange orders by telephone or the Internet at any time, in which case you may purchase, redeem or exchange shares by other means.

 

Exchanges or Redemptions in Excess of Share Balances

If you initiate exchange or redemption transactions that, in total, exceed the balance of your shares in a Fund, some transactions may be processed while others may not. This may result in Fund positions that you did not anticipate. Neither the Funds, the Funds’ transfer agent nor the Funds’ Distributor will be responsible for transactions that did not process in this circumstance. You may be liable for losses resulting from exchanges cancelled due to insufficient balances.

 

Uncashed Redemption Check Procedures

Generally, redemption checks which have been returned to a Fund, or have remained uncashed for a period of six months from the issuance date, will be cancelled and re-issued. Re-issued checks will be mailed to the address of record, net of any bank fees. If a re-issued check is returned, the proceeds will be deposited into the shareholder’s account from which the redemption was sent.

 

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted a “Policy Regarding Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares” applicable to the Access Flex High Yield Fund and the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund. Pursuant to this Policy, it is the general policy of those Funds to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund shares. These Funds impose no restrictions and charge no redemption fees to prevent or minimize frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares other than a $10 wire fee under certain circumstances. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Policy, the Trust may reject any purchase request for any reason.

As noted under “Investment Summary — Principal Risk Considerations — Active Investor Risk,” frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares could increase the rate of portfolio turnover. A high level of portfolio turnover may negatively affect performance by increasing transaction costs of the Funds and generating greater tax liabilities for public shareholders. In addition, large movements of assets into and out of the Funds may negatively impact a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective or maintain a consistent level of operating expenses. In certain circumstances, a Fund’s expense ratio may vary from current estimates or the historical ratio disclosed in this Prospectus.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

A description of the Trust’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Trust’s SAI and on the Funds’ website at www.accesshighyield.com.

 

Additional Shareholder Services

 

Automatic Investment and Withdrawal Plans

Shareholders may purchase and/or redeem shares automatically on a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly or annual basis. The minimum automatic purchase is $100. The minimum automatic redemption is $500. The redemption minimum is waived for IRA accounts for shareholders over 70 1/2 years of age. You may sign-up for these services on the New Account Form, or you may download or request an Optional Services Form to add these services to an existing account.

 

Account Statements and Confirmations

Shareholders with Fund accounts will receive quarterly statements showing the market value of their Fund account at the close of the statement period in addition to any transaction information for the

 

20   ·  Shareholder Services Guide


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period. Shareholders will also receive transaction confirmations for most Fund transactions. Direct shareholders (i.e., these who do not invest through a financial professional) should review their account statements and confirmations as soon as they are received. You may also receive statements and confirmations electronically. See “Electronic Documentation Program — Paperfree”.

 

Tax Statements

Each year, the Funds will send tax information to assist you in preparing your income tax returns. These statements will report the previous year’s dividend and capital gains distributions, proceeds from the sales of shares, and distributions from, and contributions to, IRAs and some other retirement plans sponsored by the Trust. Normally, in February of each year, the Funds will send a Statement of Average Cost which shows the average cost of shares that you redeemed during the previous calendar year, using the average cost single-category method established by the IRS. Retirement accounts, accounts opened by transfer, business accounts, and certain other accounts will not receive a Statement of Average Cost.

 

Electronic Document Delivery Program—PaperFree

You may elect to receive your account statements and confirmations electronically through PaperFree, the Trust’s electronic document delivery service. You may also choose to receive your prospectus, shareholder reports, and other documents electronically. To enroll for this service, please register on the Trust’s Internet website. You may elect the PaperFree service by completing the appropriate section on the New Account Form. The Trust will then send you a link to the enrollment site.

 

Financial Intermediaries

Certain financial intermediaries may accept purchase and redemption orders on the Funds’ behalf. Such purchase and redemptions orders will be deemed to have been received by the Fund at the time an authorized financial intermediary accepts the orders. Your financial intermediary has the responsibility to transmit your orders and payment promptly and may specify different transaction order cut-off times, shares transaction policies and limitations, including limitations on the numbers of exchanges, than those described in this Prospectus. In addition, the financial intermediary may impose additional restrictions or charge fees not described in this Prospectus. If your order and payment is not received from your financial intermediary timely, your order may be cancelled and the financial intermediary could be liable for resulting fees or losses. Although the Fund may use broker dealers who sell fund shares to effect portfolio transactions, the Fund does not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor when selecting broker dealers to effect portfolio transactions.

Class A Shares and Service Class Shares bear fees payable to certain intermediaries or financial institutions for provision of record keeping, sub-accounting services, transfer agency and other administrative services. These expenses paid by the Fund are included in “Other Expenses” under “Annual Fund Operating Expenses” in this Prospectus.

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

Under a Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan (the “Plan”) adopted by the Trustees, the Funds may pay broker-dealers (including ProFunds Distributors, Inc. (“the Distributor”)), investment advisers, banks, trust companies, accountants, estate planning firms, or other financial institutions or securities industry professionals (“Authorized Firms”), a fee as compensation for service and distribution related activities and/or shareholder services.

Under the Plan, the Service Class Shares may pay the Distributor, financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers, up to 0.75%, on an annualized basis, of the average daily net assets attributable to Service Class Shares as reimbursement or compensation for service and distribution related activities. In addition, under the Plan, the Funds may pay up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Service Class Shares as compensation for shareholder services. Over time, fees paid under the Plan will increase the cost of a Service Class shareholder’s investment and may cost more than other types of sales charges.

The Distributor may pay all or any portion of the fee paid pursuant to the Plan (the “Distribution/Service Fee”) to securities dealers or other organizations (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) as commissions, asset-based sales charges or other compensation with respect to the sale of Service Class Shares, or for providing personal services to investors in Service Class Shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, and may retain all or any portion of the Distribution/Service Fee as compensation for the Distributor’s services as principal underwriter of the Service Class Shares of the Funds.

Under the Plan, Class A Shares are authorized to pay a fee at an annual rate not to exceed 0.40% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares as compensation for service and distribution-related activities and for shareholder services in accordance with applicable law. Currently, the Trustees have approved the payment of up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares as compensation for shareholder services and have authorized no payments as compensation for service and distribution-related activities with respect to Class A Shares. The Trustees may approve additional payments for service and distribution related services when the Trustees believe that it is in, or not opposed to, the best interest of Class A shareholders to do so.

Normally, on purchases of Class A Shares, or, for purchases of Class A Shares in excess of one million dollars (after the first eighteen months of investment), the Distributor may pay all or any portion of the fee received pursuant to the Plan to securities dealers or other organizations (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) for providing services to investors in Class A Shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, or, if authorized by the Trustees, as commissions, asset-based sales charges or other compensation with respect to the sale of Class A Shares of each Fund, and may retain all or any portion of such fee as compensation for the Distributor’s services as principal underwriter of Class A Shares of each Fund.

 

Payments to Financial Firms

The Advisor or other service providers may utilize their own resources to finance distribution or service activities on behalf of the Funds, including compensating the Distributor and other third parties for distribution related activities or the provision of shareholder services. These payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses section of the fee table for the Funds contained in this Prospectus.

In addition, the Distributor and the Advisor may from time to time make additional payments at their own expense or provide other incentives to selected financial firms as compensation for services. A financial firm is one that, in exchange for compensation, sells, among other products, mutual fund shares (including the shares offered in this Prospectus) or provides services for mutual fund shareholders. Financial firms include registered investment advisers, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and banks. In addition, the Distributor and the Advisor may from time to time make additional payments such as cash bonuses or provide other incentives to selected financial firms as compensation for services (including preferential services) such as, without limitation, paying for active asset allocation services provided to investors in the Funds, providing the Funds with “shelf space” or a higher profile for the financial firms’ financial consultants and their customers, placing the Funds on the financial firms’ preferred or recommended fund list, granting the Distributor or the Advisor access to the financial firms’ financial consultants, providing assistance in training and educating the financial firms’ personnel, and

 

Shareholder Services Guide  ·   21


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furnishing marketing support and other specified services. These payments may be significant to the financial firms and may also take the form of sponsorship of seminars or informational meetings or payment for attendance by persons associated with the financial firms at seminars or informational meetings.

A number of factors will be considered in determining the amount of these additional payments to financial firms. On some occasions, such payments may be conditioned upon levels of sales, including the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of the shares of an Access One Fund, all other Access One Funds, other funds sponsored by the Advisor and/or a particular class of shares, during a specified period of time. The Distributor and the Advisor may also make payments to one or more participating financial firms based upon factors such as the amount of assets a financial firm’s clients have invested in the Access One Funds and the quality of the financial firm’s relationship with the Distributor or the Advisor. The additional payments described above are made at the Distributor’s or the Advisor’s expense, as applicable. These payments may be made, at the discretion of the Distributor or the Advisor to some of the financial firms that have sold the greatest amounts of shares of the Access One Funds. In certain cases, the payments described in the preceding sentence may be subject to certain minimum payment levels.

Representatives of the Distributor and the Advisor visit financial firms on a regular basis to educate financial advisors about the Access One Funds and to encourage the sale of Access One Fund shares to their clients. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

If investment advisers, distributors or affiliates of mutual funds other than the Access One Funds make payments (including, without limitation, sub-transfer agency fees, platform fees, bonuses and incentives) in differing amounts, financial firms and their financial consultants may have financial incentives for recommending a particular mutual fund (including the Access One Funds) over other mutual funds. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, a financial firm and its financial consultants may also have a financial incentive for recommending a particular share class over other share classes. You should consult with your financial advisor and review carefully any disclosure by the financial firm as to compensation received by that firm and/or your financial advisor.

For further details about the payments made by the Distributor or Advisor to financial firms, please see the SAI.

 

Fund Management

 

Board of Trustees and Officers

The Funds’ Board of Trustees is responsible for the general supervision of the Funds. The Funds’ officers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Funds.

 

Investment Adviser

ProFund Advisors LLC, located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, serves as the investment adviser to the Funds and provides management services to the Funds. ProFund Advisors has served as the investment advisor and management services provider since the Funds’ inception in 2004. ProFund Advisors oversees the investment and reinvestment of the assets in each Fund. For its investment advisory services, ProFund Advisors is entitled to receive annual fees equal to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of each Fund. ProFund Advisors bears the costs of providing advisory services.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory agreement of the Funds is available in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders dated October 31, 2007. During the year ended October 31, 2007, each Fund for which the Advisor served as investment adviser and which had a full year of operations, paid the Advisor fees in the following amounts (fees paid reflect the effects of any expense limitation arrangements in place for the period):

 

Fees Paid

(as a percentage of average daily net assets)

     
Access Flex High Yield Fund    0.75%
Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund    0.75%

ProFund Advisors is owned by Michael L. Sapir, Louis M. Mayberg and William E. Seale.

Michael L. Sapir, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ProShare Advisors LLC since inception and ProFund Advisors LLC since 1997, formerly served as senior vice president of Padco Advisors, Inc., which advises Rydex® Funds. In addition, Mr. Sapir practiced law, primarily representing financial institutions for over 13 years, most recently as a partner in a Washington-based law firm. He holds degrees from Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.) and the University of Miami (M.B.A. and B.A.).

Louis M. Mayberg, President of ProFund Advisors LLC since 1997 and president of ProShare Advisors LLC since inception, co-founded National Capital Companies, L.L.C., an investment bank specializing in financial service companies mergers and acquisitions and equity underwritings in 1986, and managed its financial services hedge fund. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Finance from The George Washington University.

William E. Seale, Ph.D., Chief Economist of ProFund Advisors since 2005, Chief Investment Officer from 2003-2004 and from October 2006-present and Director of Portfolio from 1997-2003. Dr. Seale has more than 30 years of experience in the financial markets. His background includes a five-year presidential appointment as a commissioner of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and an appointment as Chairman of the Finance Department at The George Washington University. He earned his degrees at the University of Kentucky.

 

Portfolio Management

Each Fund is managed by an investment team overseen by William E. Seale, Ph.D. and George O. Foster, CFA.

William E. Seale, Ph.D., Chief Investment Officer for ProFund Advisors LLC from 2003-2004 and since October 2006 and Chief Investment Officer for ProShare Advisors LLC since October 2006. Dr. Seale is principally responsible for development and oversight of Portfolio Strategy for the Advisor. More information about Dr. Seale is set forth above.

George O. Foster, CFA, ProFund Advisors — Director of Portfolio since 2004, Assistant Director of Portfolio and Senior Portfolio Manager from 2000 to 2004, and Portfolio Manager from 1999 to 2000. ProShare Advisors — Director of Portfolio since September 2007. Mr. Foster earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University and a M.B.A. in Finance from The George Washington University. Mr. Foster holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the Washington Association of Money Managers.

 

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The following table summarizes the service and experience of the members of the investment team with the most significant joint responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Funds:

 

   
Name and Title  

Length of

Service to
Team

 

Business Experience During Last

5 Years

 
Jeffrey Ploshnick
Senior Portfolio Manager
  Since
11/2006
  ProFund Advisors – Senior Portfolio Manager since May 2007; and Portfolio Manager February 2001 – April 2007.
 
Ryan Dofflemeyer
Associate Portfolio Manager
  Since
11/2005
  ProFund Advisors – Associate Portfolio Manager since August 2007; Junior Portfolio Analyst October 2003 – August 2007. Investment Company Institute – Research Assistant, September 2001 – October 2003.

 

The SAI provides additional information about Portfolio Manager compensation, accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager and their ownership of the Access One Funds and ProFunds.

 

Other Service Providers

ProFunds Distributors, Inc., located at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219 acts as the distributor of ProFund shares and is an affiliate of Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”) (formerly BISYS Fund Services Limited Partnership). Citi, located at 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, acts as the administrator to the ProFunds, providing operations, compliance and administrative services.

The Advisor also performs certain management services, including client support and other administrative services, for the Funds under a Management Services Agreement. The Advisor is entitled to receive annual fees equal to 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Funds for such services.

During the year ended October 31, 2007, each Fund for which the Advisor served as investment adviser and which had a full year of operations paid the Advisor fees in the following amounts:

 

Fees Paid

(as a percentage of average daily net assets)

     
Access Flex High Yield Fund    0.15%
Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund    0.15%

 

Fund Management  ·   23


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Financial Highlights

Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated.

 

The following tables are intended to help you understand the financial history of each Access One Fund since inception.

Certain information reflects financial results of a single share. The total return information represents the rate of return and the per share operating performance that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the applicable class of shares of the Funds, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP whose report, along with the financial statements of the Funds, appears in the Annual Reports of the Trust which are available upon request.

 

Access Flex High Yield Fund

 

          Investment Activities     Distributions to Shareholders From                 Ratios to Average Net Assets     Supplemental Data  
    Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(a)
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
    Total from
Investment
Activities
    Net
Investment
Income
    In Excess
of Net
Investment
Income
    Return
of
Capital
    Net Realized
Gains on
Investments
    Total
Distributions
    Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period
  Total
Return
(excludes
sales
charge)
    Gross
Expenses(b)
    Net
Expenses(b)
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(b)
    Net Assets,
End of
Period (000’s)
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(c)
 
Service Class                                
Year Ended October 31, 2007   $ 28.72   0.61   0.69     1.30     (0.75 )   (0.53 )           (1.28 )   $ 28.74   4.62 %   2.52 %   2.52 %   2.12 %   $ 5,723   1,757 %
Year Ended October 31, 2006   $ 29.27   0.51   2.22     2.73     (1.28 )   (1.51 )   (0.02 )   (0.47 )   (3.28 )   $ 28.72   9.99 %   2.72 %   2.72 %   1.80 %   $ 9,363   1,900 %
December 17, 2004 through October 31, 2005(d),(e)   $ 30.00   0.16   (0.14 )   0.02     (0.75 )               (0.75 )   $ 29.27   0.13 %(f)   3.86 %   2.95 %   0.63 %   $ 294   2,542 %(f)
Class A                                
Year Ended October 31, 2007   $ 28.90   0.83   0.68     1.51     (0.84 )   (0.61 )           (1.45 )   $ 28.96   5.32 %   1.77 %   1.77 %   2.87 %   $ 2,147   1,757 %
July 3, 2006 through October 31, 2006(d)   $ 28.25   0.77   1.07     1.84     (0.55 )   (0.62 )   (0.02 )       (1.19 )   $ 28.90   6.58 %(f)   1.97 %   1.97 %   2.55 %   $ 4,976   1,900 %(f)
Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund  
Service Class                                
Year Ended October 31, 2007   $ 26.88   0.75   (0.89 )   (0.14 )                       $ 26.74   (0.52 )%   2.43 %   2.43 %   2.70 %   $ 13,015    
Year Ended October 31, 2006   $ 28.57   0.62   (2.31 )   (1.69 )                       $ 26.88   (5.92 )%   2.57 %   2.57 %   2.18 %   $ 11,458    
April 27, 2005 through October 31, 2005(d)   $ 30.00   0.09   (1.52 )   (1.43 )                       $ 28.57   (4.77 )%(f)   2.92 %   2.92 %   0.61 %   $ 5,318   (f)
Class A                                
Year Ended October 31, 2007   $ 27.20   0.95   (0.88 )   0.07                         $ 27.27   0.26 %   1.68 %   1.68 %   3.45 %   $ 2    
Year Ended October 31, 2006   $ 28.73   0.83   (2.36 )   (1.53 )                       $ 27.20   (5.53 )%   1.82 %   1.82 %   2.93 %   $ 185    
September 8, 2005 through October 31, 2005(d)   $ 28.71   0.06   (0.04 )   0.02                         $ 28.73   0.07 %(f)   2.19 %   2.19 %   1.40 %   $ 1,001   (f)
(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.
(b) Annualized for periods less than one year.
(c) Portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to instruments having a maturity of less than one year from acquisition or derivative instruments (including swap agreements and futures contracts). The portfolio turnover rate can be high and volatile due to the sales and purchases of fund shares during the period. Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.
(d) Commencement of operations.
(e) There was no significant income earned or expenses incurred from the date of initial capitalization (December 15, 2004) to the date of public offering (December 17, 2004).
(f) Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

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Additional information about certain investments of the Funds is available in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders of the Funds. In the annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected performance during the fiscal year covered by the report.

You can find more detailed information about the Funds in the current SAI, dated February 29, 2008, which we have filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and which is incorporated by reference into, and is legally a part of, this Prospectus. A copy of the SAI, annual and semi-annual reports are available, free of charge, on-line at www.accesshighyield.com. You may also receive a free copy of a SAI, or the annual or semi-annual reports, or ask questions about investing in the Funds, by writing us at the address set forth below.

 

Access One Trust

 

P.O. Box 182800

Columbus, OH 43218-2800

 

or call our toll-free numbers:

1-888-776-3637 For Individual Investors Only

1-888-776-5717 Institutions and Financial Professionals Only

 

or visit our web site www.accesshighyield.com

 

You can find reports and other information about the Fund on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), or you can get copies of this information, after payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. Information about the Fund, including its SAI, can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For information on the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.

 

LOGO

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-21634

 

FlexHYA+Svc0208


Table of Contents

ACCESS ONE TRUST

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Access Flex High Yield Fund

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

3435 Stelzer Road

Columbus, Ohio 43219

PHONE: 1-888-776-3637 For Individual Investors Only

1-888-776-5717 Institutions and Financial Professionals Only

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) describes the Access Flex High Yield Fund and the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund (each, a “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Funds”), each a series of Access One Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”).

This SAI is not a prospectus. The Access Flex High Yield Fund and the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund offer three classes of shares: Investor Class shares, Service Class shares and Class A shares, each of which is discussed herein. This SAI should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses of Access Flex High Yield Fund and Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund dated February 29, 2008 (each a “Prospectus”), which Prospectuses incorporate this SAI by reference. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectuses, unless otherwise noted. A copy of each Prospectus is available, without charge, upon request to the address above, by telephone at the number above, or on the Trust’s website at www.accesshighyield.com. A copy of the Annual Report for the Access Flex High Yield Fund and Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund is available, without charge, upon request to the address above or by telephone at the numbers above.

This SAI is dated February 29, 2008.

 

1


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

     Page

Access One Trust

   3

Investments and Risks

   3

Special Considerations

   16

Investment Restrictions

   16

Determination of Net Asset Value

   17

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

   18

Management of Access One Trust

   18

Codes of Ethics

   22

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

   23

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

   25

Investment Advisory and Other Services

   28

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plans

   32

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

   36

Costs and Expenses

   37

Additional Information Concerning Shares

   37

Taxation

   37

Rating Services

   46

Financial Statements

   46

Appendix A—Description of Securities Ratings

   47

 

2


Table of Contents

ACCESS ONE TRUST

Description of Trust

The Trust is a Delaware statutory trust organized on July 29, 2004 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust currently consists of six separate series: Access Flex High Yield Fund, Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund, Access Commodity Fund, Access Bear Commodity Fund, Access VP High Yield Fund and Access VP Bear High Yield Fund. Two series, the Access Flex High Yield Fund and the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund (each with respect to Investor, Service and Class A Shares) (each a “Fund”, together the “Funds”), are discussed herein. Other funds may be added in the future. The Funds are classified as non-diversified management investment companies. The investments made by the Funds and the results achieved by the Funds at any given time may not be the same as those made by other mutual funds for which ProFund Advisors LLC (the “Advisor”) acts as investment advisor, including mutual funds with names, investment objectives and policies similar to the Funds.

General Information

Reference is made to the Prospectuses for a discussion of the investment objectives and policies of the Funds. The discussion below supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses.

The investment restrictions of the Funds specifically identified as fundamental policies may not be changed without the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, as defined in the 1940 Act. The investment objectives and all other investment policies of the Funds not specified as fundamental may be changed by the Trustees of the Funds without the approval of shareholders.

The investment strategies of the Funds are discussed below, and as discussed in the Prospectuses, may be used by a Fund if, in the opinion of the Advisor, these strategies will be advantageous to the Funds. Investing in the Funds involves special risks, some not traditionally associated with mutual funds. Investors should carefully review and evaluate these risks in considering an investment in the Funds to determine whether an investment is appropriate. Investment in a Fund alone does not constitute a balanced investment plan. The Funds are not intended for investors whose principal objective is current income or preservation of capital. A Fund is free to reduce or eliminate its activity in any of these areas without changing the Fund’s fundamental policies. Because of the inherent risks in any investment, there is no assurance that any of these strategies or any other strategies and methods of investment available to a Fund will result in the achievement of the Fund’s objective. Also, there can be no assurance that any Fund will grow to, or maintain, an economically viable size, in which case management may determine to liquidate a Fund at a time that may not be opportune for shareholders.

The Advisor expects that the assets invested in the Funds will come from professional money managers who may all use similar technical models as part of an active trading strategy. This may result in large fluctuations in assets under management which may have a negative impact on performance by concentrating transaction costs on certain days or over certain periods.

INVESTMENTS AND RISKS:

Additional information concerning the characteristics of the permissible investments and techniques which the Funds may employ is set forth below.

Swap Agreements. The Access Flex High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the total return of the high yield market consistent with maintaining reasonable liquidity. The Access Flex High Yield Fund will primarily employ credit default swaps in order to obtain high yield exposure. The Fund may also enter into options on swap agreements (swap options).

The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market consistent with maintaining reasonable liquidity. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will primarily employ credit default swaps in order to obtain inverse high yield exposure. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may also enter into interest rate, index, total return, and equity swap agreements. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may also enter into options on swap agreements (swap options).

 

3


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Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” that is, the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. In the case of a credit default swap (“CDS”), the contract gives one party (the buyer) the right to recoup the economic value of a decline in the value of debt securities of the reference issuer if the credit event (a downgrade or default) occurs. This value is obtained by delivering a debt security of the reference issuer to the party in return for a previously agreed payment from the other party (frequently, the par value of the debt security). The Access Flex High Yield Fund is usually a net seller of CDSs and the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund is usually a net buyer of CDSs. A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel, or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. The Funds may write (sell) and purchase put and call swap options.

Certain swap agreements entered into by the Funds (but generally not CDSs) would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, a Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement would be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). A Fund’s current obligations under such a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation of liquid assets to avoid any potential leveraging. Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of a Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities. Other swap agreements, such as CDSs, may require initial premium (discount) payments as well as periodic payments (receipts) related to the interest leg of the swap or to the default of a reference obligation. The Access Flex High Yield Fund and the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will segregate assets necessary to meet any accrued payment obligations when it is the buyer of CDS. In cases where either Fund is a seller of a CDS, if the CDS is physically settled, the Fund will be required to segregate the full notional amount of the CDS.

Because swap agreements are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, the “net amount” of a swap agreement may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Funds bear the counterparty risk, i.e., risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Funds will only enter into swap agreements with counterparties that meet the Funds’ standard of creditworthiness (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Fund’s repurchase agreement guidelines). Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) may limit the Funds’ ability to use swap agreements.

Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swap option than it will incur when it purchases a swap option. When a Fund purchases a swap option, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a Fund writes a swap option, the Fund will become obligated, upon exercise of the option, to the terms of the underlying agreement.

The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. Most swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations approved by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

As noted above, a Fund may enter into CDSs for investment purposes. Access Flex High Yield Fund will normally be a seller of CDSs. If a Fund is a seller of a CDS contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, with respect to debt obligations. In return, a Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, a Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

 

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The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will normally be a buyer of CDSs (also referred to as a buyer of protection; or a seller of risk; or a seller of the reference security or a group of securities). If a Fund is a buyer of a CDS contract, the Fund would have the right to deliver a referenced debt obligation and receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of such debt obligation from the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event (such as a credit downgrade) by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporation, with respect to its debt obligations. In return, the Fund would pay the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the counterparty would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligations to the Fund. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund expects to buy CDSs with multiple reference issuers, in which case payments and settlements in respect of any defaulting reference issuer would typically be dealt with separately from the other reference issuers. If a Fund is a seller of a CDS contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

The Funds may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps, in their most basic form, involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest. For example, a Fund might exchange its right to receive certain floating rate payments in exchange for another party’s right to receive fixed rate payments. Interest rate swaps can take a variety of other forms, such as agreements to pay the net differences between two different interest indexes or rates, even if the parties do not own the underlying instruments. Despite their differences in form, the function of interest rate swaps is generally the same: to increase or decrease a Fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates. For example, a Fund may enter into a swap transaction to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or a portion of its portfolio or to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date.

The use of CDSs and interest rate swaps, like all swap agreements, is subject to certain risks. If a counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of the swap would likely decline. Moreover, there is no guarantee that a Fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

The Funds may enter into total return swaps. Total return swaps are used either as substitutes for owning the physical securities that comprise a given market index or as a means of obtaining non-leveraged exposure in markets where no physical securities are available, such as an interest rate index. Total return refers to the payment (or receipt) of an index’s total return, which is then exchanged for the receipt (or payment) of a floating interest rate. Total return swaps provide the Fund with the additional flexibility of gaining exposure to a market or sector index by using the most cost-effective vehicle available.

The Funds may enter into equity swaps. In an equity swap, payments on one or both sides are linked to the performance of equities or an equity index. Equity swaps are normally used to (1) initiate and maintain long or short equity exposures either in an index or a specific stock portfolio; (2) temporarily eliminate exposure to an equity portfolio without disturbing the underlying equity position; or (3) increase, reduce, or eliminate market exposure to a single issue or a narrow stock portfolio or obtain greater diversification for a limited period of time without disturbing an underlying position.

For purposes of applying the Funds’ investment policies and restrictions (as stated in the Prospectuses and SAI), swap agreements are generally valued by the Funds at market value. The manner in which certain securities or other instruments are valued by the Funds for purposes of applying investment policies and restrictions may differ from the manner in which those investments are valued by other types of investors.

Structured Notes. Structured notes are securities that are collateralized by one or more CDSs on corporate credits. The Funds have the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the structured notes at an agreed-upon interest rate and a return of the principal at the maturity date.

Structured notes are typically privately negotiated transactions between two or more parties. A Fund bears the risk that the issuer of the structured note will default or become bankrupt. A Fund bears the risk of the loss of its principal investment and periodic interest payments expected to be received for the duration of its investment in the structured notes.

In the case of structured notes on CDSs (e.g., credit linked security), a Fund is also subject to the credit risk of the corporate credits underlying the CDSs. If one of the underlying corporate credits defaults, a Fund may receive the security that has defaulted, or alternatively a cash settlement may occur, and the Fund’s principal investment in the structured note would be reduced by the corresponding face value of the defaulted security.

 

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The market for structured notes may be, or suddenly can become, illiquid. The other parties to the transaction may be the only investors with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid, and unpredictable changes in the prices for structured notes. In certain cases, a market price for a credit-linked security may not be available.

The collateral for a structured note may be one or more CDSs, which are subject to additional risks. See “Swap Agreements” for a description of additional risks associated with CDSs.

Below Investment Grade Securities. As noted in the Prospectuses, each Fund may invest significantly in or seek exposure to below investment grade, high yield, fixed income securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) or derivatives of such securities. Below investment grade securities generally reflect a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer and/or in general economic conditions may impair the ability of the issuer to make timely payments of interest and principal. In addition, because issuers of below investment grade securities are often highly leveraged, their ability to make timely payments of interest and principal during an economic downturn or a sustained period of high interest rates may be impaired. Issuers of below investment grade securities may not have the more traditional methods of financing available to them. Some below investment grade securities are unsecured or subordinate to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. For these reasons, among others, the risk of default or failure to timely pay interest and principal payments is significantly greater for below investment grade securities. Failure of the Fund to receive interest and principal payments from its portfolio of fixed income securities will affect the Fund’s income and ability to meet its investment objective.

The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will seek inverse exposure to below investment grade, high yield, fixed income securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) or derivatives of such securities. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund’s inverse exposure to below investment grade securities will generally cause the Fund to lose value when conditions are favorable or neutral for these securities. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund will generally benefit when conditions are adverse for these securities or when there is a default event. These results are opposite that of most high yield funds.

The inability or perceived inability of issuers to make timely payments of interest and principal can make the values of below investment grade securities held by the Fund more volatile and can limit the Fund’s ability to sell such securities at prices approximating the values the Fund has placed on such securities. In addition, the absence of a liquid trading market for below investment grade securities held by the Fund may make it difficult for the Fund to establish the fair value of the securities.

Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ analysis of the issuer at the time of the rating. Therefore, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection on the issuer’s current financial condition or ability to make timely payments of interest and principal, which may be better or worse than the rating would indicate. In addition, the ratings by the nationally recognized securities rating organizations (“NRSROs”) do not necessarily reflect an assessment of the volatility of a security’s market value or liquidity. See Appendix A of this SAI for a summary of the NRSROs’ ratings.

The value of below investment grade securities, like other fixed income securities, fluctuates in response to changes in the interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in a decrease in the value of Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund’s investments, while an increase in interest rates will generally result in an increase in the value of the Fund’s investments. Below investment grade securities can also be affected, sometimes to a greater extent than other fixed income investments, by changes in general economic conditions and business conditions affecting the issuers of such securities and their industries. Negative publicity or investor perceptions may also adversely affect the value of fixed income securities such as below investment grade securities.

Corporate Bonds. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may seek inverse exposure to, and the Access Flex High Yield Fund may invest in, corporate debt securities representative of one or more high yield bond or credit derivative indices, which may change from time to time. Selection will generally not be dependent on independent credit analysis or fundamental analysis performed by the Advisor. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may seek inverse exposure to, and the Access Flex High Yield Fund may invest in, all grades of corporate securities including below investment grade as discussed above.

Collateralized Debt Obligations. The Access Flex High Yield Fund may invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). CDOs include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), and other similarly structured securities. In a typical CDO investment, a Fund will purchase a security that is backed by an underlying portfolio of debt obligations, typically including one or more of the following types of investments: high yield securities, investment grade securities, bank loans, futures, and swaps. The cash flows generated by the collateral are used to pay interest and principal to a Fund. CDOs are structured into tranches, and the payments allocated such that each tranche has a predictable cash flow stream and average life.

 

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The portfolio underlying the CDO security is subject to investment guidelines. However, a fund cannot monitor the underlying obligations of the CDO, and is subject to the risk that the CDO’s underlying obligations may not be authorized investments for the Fund.

In addition, a CDO is a derivative, and is subject to credit, liquidity, and interest rate risks, as well as volatility. The market value of the underlying securities at any time will vary, and may vary substantially from the price at which such underlying securities were initially purchased. The amount of proceeds received upon sale or disposition, or the amount received or recovered upon maturity, may not be sufficient to repay principal and interest to investors, which could result in losses to a fund.

The securities issued by a CDO are not traded in organized exchange markets. Consequently, the liquidity of a CDO security is limited and there can be no assurance that a market will exist at the time that a fund sells the CDO security. CDO investments may also be subject to transfer restrictions that further limit the liquidity of the CDO security.

Convertible Securities. The Access Flex High Yield Fund may invest directly or indirectly in convertible securities. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may seek inverse exposure to convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, warrant, or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for either: (1) a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or different issuer; or (2) cash within a particular time period at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest on debt securities or dividends stock securities until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of ordinary common stock of the same or similar issuer. Convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to both debt and equity securities. The value of the convertible securities generally tends to decline as interest rates rise and tends to fluctuate with the market value of the underlying equity securities due to the conversion feature. Convertible securities eligible for purchase by the Fund include convertible bonds, convertible preferred stocks, and warrants. A warrant is an instrument issued by a corporation that gives the holder the right to subscribe to a specific amount of the corporation’s capital stock at a set price for a specified period of time. Warrants do not represent ownership of the securities, but only the right to buy the securities. The prices of warrants do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of underlying securities. Warrants may be considered speculative in that they have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of a corporation issuing them. Warrant positions will not be used to increase the leverage of a Fund; consequently, warrant positions are generally accompanied by cash positions equivalent to the required exercise amount. A Fund’s ability to invest in warrants may be limited by the Fund’s investment restrictions.

The Funds may invest in convertible securities that have a mandatory conversion feature. A convertible security with a mandatory conversion feature automatically converts into stock or other equity securities at the option of the issuer or at a specified date and a specified conversion ratio. Since conversion of the security is not at the option of the holder, a Fund may be required to convert the security into the underlying stock or equity security at times when the value of the underlying security has declined substantially. Convertible securities, particularly securities with a mandatory conversion feature, may be less liquid than other types of investments or illiquid. In such cases, a Fund may not be able to dispose of the convertible security in a timely fashion or at a fair price, which could result in a loss to the Fund.

As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the Fund’s utilization of or exposure to convertible securities and the associated risk considerations will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

Equity Securities. The Access Flex High Yield Fund may invest in or seek exposure to equity securities, while the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may invest in or seek inverse exposure to equity securities. The market price of securities owned by the Funds may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Securities may decline in value due to factors affecting securities markets generally or particular industries represented in the securities markets. The value of a security may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. It may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. The value of a security may also decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, and the Fund is particularly sensitive to these market risks.

 

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As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the Fund’s utilization of or exposure to equity securities and the associated risk considerations will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

Foreign Securities. The Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers (“foreign securities”), while the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may seek inverse exposure to such securities. These securities involve certain risks. These include the risk that an investment in a foreign issuer could be adversely effected as a result of a decline in value of the local currency versus the dollar. There is also the possibility of expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation, taxation of income earned in foreign nations or other taxes imposed with respect to investments in foreign nations, foreign exchange controls (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a given country), default in foreign government securities, political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could affect investments in securities of issuers in foreign nations. Some countries may withhold portions of interest and dividends at the source. In addition, in many countries there is less publicly available information about issuers than in the United States. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and auditing practices and requirements may not be comparable to those applicable to United States companies. Further, the Funds may encounter difficulties or be unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. The Funds also may invest in Depositary Receipts (see “Depositary Receipts” below) of foreign issuers, or in ordinary shares of foreign issuers who list their shares directly on U.S. exchanges.

As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the Fund’s utilization of or exposure to foreign securities and the associated risk considerations will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

Futures Contracts and Related Options. The Funds may purchase or sell index futures contracts and options thereon as a substitute for a comparable market position in the underlying securities or to satisfy regulatory requirements. A futures contract generally obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to take delivery of) the specified commodity on the expiration date of the contract. An index futures contract obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to take) an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount (the contract multiplier) multiplied by the difference between the final settlement price of a specific stock index futures contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is made.

The Funds generally choose to engage in closing or offsetting transactions before final settlement wherein a second identical futures contract is sold to offset a long position (or bought to offset a short position). In such cases the obligation is to deliver (or take delivery of) cash equal to a specific dollar amount (the contract multiplier) multiplied by the difference between price of the offsetting transaction and the price at which the original contract was entered into. If the original position entered into is a long position (futures contract purchased) there will be a gain (loss) if the offsetting sell transaction is carried out at a higher (lower) price, inclusive of commissions. If the original position entered into is a short position (futures contract sold) there will be a gain (loss) if the offsetting buy transaction is carried out at a lower (higher) price, inclusive of commissions.

Whether a Fund realizes a gain or loss from futures activities depends generally upon movements in the underlying commodity. The extent of a Fund’s loss from an unhedged short position in futures contracts is potentially unlimited. The Funds may engage in related closing transactions with respect to options on futures contracts. The Funds intend to engage in transactions in futures contracts that are traded on a U.S. exchange or board of trade or that have been approved for sale in the United States by the CFTC.

When a Fund purchases or sells an index futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund “covers” its position. To cover its position (marked-to-market on a daily basis) a Fund may enter into an offsetting position or segregate with its custodian bank or on the books and records of the Fund, cash or liquid instruments that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position.

The Funds may purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon. The Advisor, in reliance on an amendment to Rule 4.5 under the CEA, is excluded from the status of “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) and is therefore not subject to CPO registration and regulation under the CEA.

 

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A Fund may cover its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments whose prices are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. A Fund may cover its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments whose prices are expected to move relatively consistently inverse to the futures contract. A Fund may also cover its short position in a futures contract by purchasing a call option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as low or lower than the price of the futures contract, or, if the strike price of the call is greater than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will earmark or segregate cash or liquid instruments equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the future.

A Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option, or, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will earmark or maintain in a segregated account, liquid instruments equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the future. A Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments whose prices are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. A Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid instruments equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the future. A Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments whose prices are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

Although each Fund intends to sell futures contracts only if there is an active market for such contracts, no assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. Many futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified periods during the day. Futures contract prices could move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially subjecting a Fund to substantial losses. If trading is not possible, or if a Fund determines not to close a futures position in anticipation of adverse price movements, the Fund will be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. The risk that a Fund will be unable to close out a futures position will be minimized by entering into such transactions on a national securities exchange with an active and liquid secondary market.

As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the Fund’s utilization of or exposure to futures contracts and related options and the associated risk considerations will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

Forward Contracts. A principal investment strategy of the Funds is to enter into Financial Instruments, which may include forward contracts. The Access Flex High Yield Fund may enter into equity, equity index or interest rate forward contracts for purposes of attempting to gain exposure to an index or group of securities without actually purchasing these securities, or to hedge a position, while the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may enter into equity, equity index or interest rate forward contracts for purposes of attempting to gain inverse exposure to an index or group of securities without actually purchasing these securities, or to hedge a position. Forward contracts are two-party contracts pursuant to which one party agrees to pay the counterparty a fixed price for an agreed upon amount of commodities, securities, or the cash value of the commodities, securities or the securities index, at an agreed upon date. When required by law, the Funds will segregate liquid assets in an amount equal to the value of the Funds’ total assets committed to the consummation of such forward contracts. Obligations under forward contracts so covered will not be considered senior securities for purposes of the Funds’ investment restriction concerning senior securities. Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms greater than seven days, forward contracts may be considered to be illiquid for the Funds’ illiquid investment limitations. The Funds will not enter into any forward contract unless the Advisor believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Funds bear the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, the Funds will have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Funds’ rights as a creditor.

As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the Fund’s utilization of or exposure to forward contracts and the associated risk considerations will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

 

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Index Options. A Fund may purchase and write options on indexes to create investment exposure consistent with its investment objective, hedge or limit the exposure of its positions, or create synthetic money market positions. (See “Taxation”)

An index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the securities included in the index. Options on indexes give the holder the right to receive an amount of cash upon exercise of the option. Receipt of this cash amount will depend upon the closing level of the index upon which the option is based being greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option. The amount of cash received, if any, will be the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, multiplied by a specified dollar multiple. The writer (seller) of the option is obligated, in return for the premiums received from the purchaser of the option, to make delivery of this amount to the purchaser. All settlements of index options transactions are in cash.

Index options are subject to substantial risks, including the risk of imperfect correlation between the option price and the value of the underlying securities composing the stock index selected and the risk that there might not be a liquid secondary market for the option. Because the value of an index option depends upon movements in the level of the index rather than the price of a particular security, whether a Fund will realize a gain or loss from the purchase or writing (sale) of options on an index depends upon movements in the level of security prices in the stock market generally or, in the case of certain indexes, in an industry or market segment, rather than upon movements in the price of a particular security. Predicting changes in the price of index options requires different skills and techniques than those required for predicting changes in the price of individual securities. A Fund will not enter into an option position that exposes the Fund to an obligation to another party, unless the Fund (i) owns an offsetting position in securities or other options and/or (ii) earmarks or segregates with the Fund’s custodian bank cash or liquid instruments that, when added to the premiums deposited with respect to the option, are equal to the market value of the underlying stock index not otherwise covered.

A Fund may engage in transactions in index options listed on national securities exchanges or traded in the OTC market as an investment vehicle for the purpose of realizing the Fund’s investment objective. Options on indexes are settled in cash, not by delivery of securities. The exercising holder of an index option receives, instead of a security, cash equal to the difference between the closing price of the securities index and the exercise price of the option.

Options currently are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (the “CBOE”), the AMEX, and other exchanges (“Exchanges”). Purchased OTC options and the cover for written OTC options will be subject to the Fund’s 15% limitation on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid Securities.”)

Each of the Exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum number of call or put options on the same index which may be bought or written (sold) by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the same or different Exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). Under these limitations, option positions of all investment companies advised by the same investment adviser are combined for purposes of these limits. Pursuant to these limitations, an Exchange may order the liquidation of positions and may impose other sanctions or restrictions. These position limits may restrict the number of listed options which the Funds may buy or sell; however, the Advisor intends to comply with all limitations.

Options on Securities. A Fund may buy and write (sell) options on securities for the purpose of realizing its investment objective. By buying a call option, a Fund has the right, in return for a premium paid during the term of the option, to buy the securities underlying the option at the exercise price. By writing a call option on securities, a Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to sell the securities underlying the option at the exercise price if the option is exercised. By buying a put option, a Fund has the right, in return for a premium paid during the term of the option, to sell the securities underlying the option at the exercise price. By writing a put option, a Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to purchase the securities underlying the option at the exercise price if the option is exercised. During the term of the option, the writer may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through whom the option was sold. The exercise notice would require the writer to deliver, in the case of a call, or take delivery of, in the case of a put, the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. This obligation terminates upon expiration of the option, or at such earlier time that the writer effects a closing purchase transaction by purchasing an option covering the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration date as the one previously sold. Once an option has been exercised, the writer may not execute a closing purchase transaction. To secure the obligation to deliver the underlying security in the case of a call option, the writer of a call option is required to deposit in escrow the underlying security or other assets in accordance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”), an institution created to interpose itself between buyers and sellers of options. The OCC assumes the other side of every purchase and sale transaction on an exchange and, by doing so, gives its guarantee to the transaction. When writing call options on securities, a Fund may cover its position by owning the underlying security on which the option is written. Alternatively, a Fund may cover its position by owning a call option on the underlying security, on a share-for-share basis, which is deliverable under the option contract at a price no higher than the exercise price

 

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of the call option written by the Fund or, if higher, by owning such call option and depositing and segregating cash or liquid instruments equal in value to the difference between the two exercise prices. In addition, a Fund may cover its position by segregating cash or liquid instruments equal in value to the exercise price of the call option written by the Fund. When a Fund writes a put option, the Fund will segregate with its custodian bank cash or liquid instruments having a value equal to the exercise value of the option. The principal reason for a Fund to write call options on stocks held by the Fund is to attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the underlying securities alone.

If a Fund that writes an option wishes to terminate the Fund’s obligation, the Fund may effect a “closing purchase transaction.” The Fund accomplishes this by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written by the Fund. The effect of the purchase is that the writer’s position will be canceled by the OCC. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction after the writer has been notified of the exercise of an option. Likewise, a Fund which is the holder of an option may liquidate its position by effecting a “closing sale transaction.” A Fund accomplishes this by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased by the Fund. There is no guarantee that either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction can be affected. If any call or put option is not exercised or sold, the option will become worthless on its expiration date. A Fund will realize a gain (or a loss) on a closing purchase transaction with respect to a call or a put option previously written by the Fund if the premium, plus commission costs, paid by the Fund to purchase the call or put option to close the transaction is less (or greater) than the premium, less commission costs, received by the Fund on the sale of the call or the put option. A Fund also will realize a gain if a call or put option which the Fund has written lapses unexercised, because the Fund would retain the premium.

Although certain securities exchanges attempt to provide continuously liquid markets in which holders and writers of options can close out their positions at any time prior to the expiration of the option, no assurance can be given that a market will exist at all times for all outstanding options purchased or sold by a Fund. If an options market were to become unavailable, a Fund would be unable to realize its profits or limit its losses until the Fund could exercise options it holds, and the Fund would remain obligated until options it wrote were exercised or expired. Reasons for the absence of liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the OCC may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options) and those options would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

Short Sales. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may engage in short sales transactions. To complete such a transaction, a Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by borrowing the same security from another lender, purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement or paying the lender an amount equal to the cost of purchasing the security. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to repay the lender any dividends or interest which accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The net proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet the margin requirements, until the short position is closed out. The Fund also will incur transaction costs in effecting short sales.

A Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. A Fund will realize a gain if the price of the security declines in price between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of the premium, dividends or interest the Fund may be required to pay, if any, in connection with a short sale.

A Fund may make short sales “against the box,” i.e., when a security identical to or convertible or exchangeable into one owned by the Fund is borrowed and sold short. Whenever a Fund engages in short sales, it earmarks or segregates liquid securities in an amount that, when combined with the amount of collateral deposited with the broker in connection with the short sale, equals the current market value of the security sold short. The earmarked or segregated assets are marked to market daily.

 

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Depositary Receipts. The Access Flex High Yield Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), while the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may seek inverse exposure to ADRs. For many foreign securities, U.S. Dollar denominated ADRs, which are traded in the United States on exchanges or over-the-counter, are issued by domestic banks. ADRs represent the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a domestic bank or a correspondent bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in the securities of foreign issuers. However, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers’ stock, a Fund can avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchase or sales.

In general, there is a large, liquid market in the United States for many ADRs. The information available for ADRs is subject to the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards of the domestic market or exchange on which they are traded, which are more uniform and more exacting than those to which many foreign issuers may be subject. Certain ADRs, typically those denominated as unsponsored, require the holders thereof to bear most of the costs of such facilities, while issuers of sponsored facilities normally pay more of the costs thereof. The depository of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to pass through the voting rights to facility holders with respect to the deposited securities, whereas the depository of a sponsored facility typically distributes shareholder communications and passes through the voting rights.

The Funds may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored ADRs. Unsponsored ADRs programs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the issuer of the underlying securities. As result, available information concerning the issuers may not be as current for sponsored ADRs, and the prices of unsponsored depositary receipts may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer.

The Access Flex High Yield Fund may also invest in Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), while the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may also seek inverse exposure to GDRs. GDRs are receipts for shares in a foreign-based corporation traded in capital markets around the world. While ADRs permit foreign corporations to offer shares to American citizens, GDRs allow companies in Europe, Asia, the United States and Latin American to offer shares in many markets around the world.

The Access Flex High Yield Fund may also invest in or seek exposure to New York Shares (“NYSs”), while the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may also seek inverse exposure to NYSs. NYSs (or “direct shares”) are foreign stocks, denominated in U.S. dollars, traded on American exchanges without being converted into ADRs. These stocks come from countries like the Netherlands, Israel, Italy, or Bolivia, that do not restrict the trading of their stocks on other nations’ exchanges. The Access Flex High Yield Fund may also invest in or seek exposure to ordinary shares of foreign issuers traded directly on U.S. exchanges, while the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may also seek inverse exposure to ordinary shares of foreign issuers traded directly on U.S. exchanges.

As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the Fund’s utilization of or exposure to depository receipts and the associated risk considerations will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

U.S. Government Securities. The Access Flex High Yield Fund may invest in U.S. government securities in pursuit of its investment objectives, as “cover” for the investment techniques the Fund employ, or for liquidity purposes. The Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund may invest in or seek inverse exposure to U.S. government securities in pursuit of its investment objective, as “cover” for the investment techniques the Fund employs, or for liquidity purposes.

U.S. government securities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Government National Mortgage Association, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, and the National Credit Union Administration. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Government National Mortgage Association pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks,

 

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are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi-annually and repay the principal at maturity.

Yields on U.S. government securities depend on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money and bond markets, the size of a particular offering, and the maturity of the obligation. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation than obligations with shorter maturities and lower yields. The market value of U.S. government securities generally varies inversely with changes in market interest rates. An increase in interest rates, therefore, would generally reduce the market value of the Fund’s portfolio investments in U.S. government securities, while a decline in interest rates would generally increase the market value of the Fund’s portfolio investments in these securities.

As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the Fund’s utilization of or exposure to U.S. government securities for investment purposes and the associated risk considerations will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

Investments in Other Investment Companies. The Funds may invest in or seek exposure (such exposure to be inverse in the case of the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund) to the securities of other investment companies, including exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) and unit investment trusts (“UITs”), to the extent that such an investment would be consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act. If a Fund invests in, and, thus, is a shareholder of, another investment company, the Fund’s shareholders will indirectly bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by such other investment company, including advisory fees, in addition to both the management fees payable directly by the Fund to the Fund’s own investment adviser and the other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with the Fund’s own operations.

Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks to the Funds as investing directly in the investments of the underlying investment companies. To the extent a Fund invests in other investment companies, the shareholders of the Fund would indirectly pay a portion of the operating costs of the underlying investment companies. These costs include management, brokerage, shareholder servicing, and other operational expenses. Shareholders of the Fund would then indirectly pay higher operational costs than if they owned shares of the underlying investment companies directly. Under applicable law and regulations a Fund cannot acquire securities of any one investment company if, immediately thereafter, the Fund would own more than 3% of such company’s total outstanding voting securities (“3% Limitation”), securities issued by such company would have an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the Fund’s assets, or securities issued by such company and securities held by the Fund issued by other investment companies would have an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the Fund’s assets.

Pursuant to exemptive rules under the 1940 Act effective as of July 31, 2006, a Fund may invest without limit in (1) affiliated funds, so long as its other investments consist only of government securities, short term paper and other “securities” as defined in the 1940 Act and (2) affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds. A Fund investing in affiliated funds under these new rules could not invest in a fund that did not have a policy prohibiting it from investing in shares of other funds in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) and (G) of the 1940 Act.

Accordingly, a Fund is subject to the 3% Limitation unless (i) the ETF or the Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from the 3% limitation from the SEC that is applicable to the Fund; and (ii) the ETF and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order.

The shares of an ETF may be assembled in a block (typically 50,000 shares) known as a creation unit and redeemed in kind for a portfolio of the underlying securities (based on the ETF’s net asset value) together with a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends or interest as of the date of redemption. Conversely, a creation unit may be purchased from the ETF by depositing a specified portfolio of the ETF’s underlying securities, as well as a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends or interest of the securities (net of expenses) up to the time of deposit. A Fund may redeem creation units for the underlying securities (and any applicable cash), and may assemble a portfolio of the underlying securities and use it (and any required cash) to purchase creation units, if the Advisor believes it is in the Fund’s interest to do so. A Fund’s ability to redeem creation units may be limited by 1940 Act, which provides that the ETFs will not be obligated to redeem shares held by a Fund in an amount exceeding one percent of their total outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days.

 

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There are risks associated with the investment of a Fund’s assets in fixed income ETFs, which may include credit risk, interest rate risk, maturity risk, and investment-grade securities risk. These risks could affect the income received from and the value of a particular ETF’s, which could cause a Fund’s income and asset value to be reduced.

As noted above, the Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the inverse (opposite) of the total return of the high yield market, and thus the Fund’s utilization of or exposure to investments in other investment companies and the associated risk considerations will generally be the opposite of those for a traditional high yield mutual fund.

Illiquid Securities. The Funds may purchase illiquid securities, including securities that are not readily marketable and securities that are not registered (“restricted securities”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), but which can be sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act. A Fund will not invest more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets in illiquid securities. The term “illiquid securities” for this purpose means securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which a Fund has valued the securities. Under the current guidelines of the staff of the Commission, illiquid securities also are considered to include, among other securities, purchased over-the-counter options, certain cover for OTC options, repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, and certain securities whose disposition is restricted under the federal securities laws. A Fund may not be able to sell illiquid securities when the Advisor considers it desirable to do so or may have to sell such securities at a price that is lower than the price that could be obtained if the securities were more liquid. In addition, the sale of illiquid securities also may require more time and may result in higher dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities that are not illiquid. Illiquid securities also may be more difficult to value due to the unavailability of reliable market quotations for such securities, and investments in illiquid securities may have an adverse impact on net asset value.

Institutional markets for restricted securities have developed as a result of the promulgation of Rule 144A under the Securities Act, which provides a safe harbor from Securities Act registration requirements for qualifying sales to institutional investors. When Rule 144A securities present an attractive investment opportunity and otherwise meet selection criteria, the Fund may make such investments. Whether or not such securities are illiquid depends on the market that exists for the particular security. The Commission staff has taken the position that the liquidity of Rule 144A restricted securities is a question of fact for a board of trustees to determine, such determination to be based on a consideration of the readily-available trading markets and the review of any contractual restrictions. The staff also has acknowledged that, while a board of trustees retains ultimate responsibility, trustees may delegate this function to an investment adviser. The Board of Trustees of the Funds has delegated this responsibility for determining the liquidity of Rule 144A restricted securities which may be invested in by a Fund to the Advisor. It is not possible to predict with assurance exactly how the market for Rule 144A restricted securities or any other security will develop. A security which when purchased enjoyed a fair degree of marketability may subsequently become illiquid and, accordingly, a security which was deemed to be liquid at the time of acquisition may subsequently become illiquid. In such event, appropriate remedies will be considered to minimize the effect on a Fund’s liquidity.

Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions in pursuit of its investment objective, as “cover” for the investment techniques the Fund employs, or for liquidity purposes. Under a repurchase agreement, a Fund purchases a debt security and simultaneously agrees to sell the security back to the seller at a mutually agreed-upon future price and date, normally one day or a few days later. The resale price is greater than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon market interest rate during the purchaser’s holding period. While the maturities of the underlying securities in repurchase transactions may be more than one year, the term of each repurchase agreement will always be less than one year. A Fund follows certain procedures designed to minimize the risks inherent in such agreements. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions whose condition will be continually monitored by the Advisor. In addition, the value of the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement will always be at least equal to the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on the repurchase agreement. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, a Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral which could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. A Fund also may experience difficulties and incur certain costs in exercising its rights to the collateral and may lose the interest the Fund expected to receive under the repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements usually are for short periods, such as one week or less, but may be longer. It is the current policy of the Funds not to invest in repurchase agreements that do not mature within seven days if any such investment, together with any other illiquid assets held by the Funds, amounts to more than 15% of the Funds’ total net assets. The investments of the Funds in repurchase agreements at times may be substantial when, in the view of the Advisor, liquidity, investment, regulatory, or other considerations so warrant.

 

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Cash Reserves. To seek its investment objective, as a cash reserve, for liquidity purposes, or as “cover” for positions it has taken, each Fund may invest all or part of the Fund’s assets in cash or cash equivalents, which include, but are not limited to, short-term money market instruments, U.S. government securities, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances, or repurchase agreements secured by U.S. government securities.

Money Market Instruments. Each Fund is authorized to invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments. Money market instruments may include U.S. government securities or corporate debt securities (including those subject to repurchase agreements), provided that they mature in thirteen months or less from the date of acquisition and are otherwise eligible for purchase by the Fund. Money market instruments also may include Banker’s Acceptances and Certificates of Deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, Commercial Paper and Variable Amount Demand Master Notes (“Master Notes”). Banker’s Acceptances are time drafts drawn on and “accepted” by a bank. When a bank “accepts” such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment. When a Fund acquires a Banker’s Acceptance, the bank that “accepted” the time draft is liable for payment of interest and principal when due. The Banker’s Acceptance carries the full faith and credit of such bank. A Certificate of Deposit (“CD”) is an unsecured interest-bearing debt obligation of a bank. Commercial Paper is an unsecured, short-term debt obligation of a bank, corporation or other borrower. Commercial Paper maturity generally ranges from 2 to 270 days and is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument. The Funds may invest in all types of Commercial Paper, including Commercial Paper rated below investment grade by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) or, if not rated, of equivalent quality in the Advisor’s opinion. Commercial Paper may include Master Notes of the same quality. Master Notes are unsecured obligations which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest. Master Notes will be acquired by the Funds only through the Master Note program of the Funds’ custodian bank, acting as administrator thereof. The Advisor will monitor, on a continuous basis, the earnings power, cash flow, and other liquidity ratios of the issuer of a Master Note held by a Fund.

Borrowing. Each Fund may borrow money for cash management purposes or investment purposes. Borrowing for investment is known as leveraging. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique which increases investment risk, but also increases investment opportunity. Since substantially all of a Fund’s assets will fluctuate in value, whereas the interest obligations on borrowings may be fixed, the net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate more when the Fund is leveraging its investments than would otherwise be the case. Moreover, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially offset or exceed the returns on the borrowed funds. Under adverse conditions, the Fund might have to sell portfolio securities to meet interest or principal payments at a time when investment considerations would not favor such sales.

As required by the 1940 Act, the Funds must maintain continuous asset coverage (total assets, including assets acquired with borrowed funds, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of all amounts borrowed. If at any time the value of a Fund’s assets should fail to meet this 300% coverage test, the Fund, within three days (not including weekends and holidays), will reduce the amount of the Fund’s borrowings to the extent necessary to meet this 300% coverage. Maintenance of this percentage limitation may result in the sale of portfolio securities at a time when investment considerations would not favor such sale. In addition to the foregoing, each Fund is authorized to borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes in amounts not in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. This borrowing is not subject to the foregoing 300% asset coverage requirement. A Fund is authorized to pledge portfolio securities as the Advisor deems appropriate in connection with any borrowings.

The Funds may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements, which may be viewed as a form of borrowing, with financial institutions. However, to the extent a Fund “covers” its repurchase obligations as described below in “Reverse Repurchase Agreements,” such agreements will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by a Fund.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may use reverse repurchase agreements as part of its investment strategy. Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales by a Fund of portfolio assets concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same assets at a later date at a fixed price. Generally, the effect of such a transaction is that a Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while a Fund will be able to keep the interest income associated with those portfolio securities. Such transactions are advantageous only if the interest cost to a Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise. Opportunities to achieve this advantage may not always be available, and a Fund intends to use the reverse repurchase technique only when it will be to the Fund’s advantage to do so. A Fund will segregate with its custodian bank cash or liquid instruments equal in value to the Fund’s obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements.

Lending of Portfolio Securities. Subject to the investment restrictions set forth below, each Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions, provided that cash equal to at least 100% of the market value of the

 

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securities loaned is deposited by the borrower with the Fund and is maintained each business day in a segregated account pursuant to applicable regulations. While such securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the lending Fund any income accruing thereon, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral in portfolio securities, thereby earning additional income. Each Fund will not lend more than 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. Loans would be subject to termination by the lending Fund on four business days’ notice, or by the borrower on one day’s notice. Borrowed securities must be returned when the loan is terminated. Any gain or loss in the market price of the borrowed securities which occurs during the term of the loan inures to the lending Fund and that Fund’s shareholders. There may be risks of delay in receiving additional collateral or risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the securities lent should the borrower of the securities fail financially. The Fund may pay reasonable finders, borrowers, administrative, and custodial fees in connection with a loan.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities. Each Fund, from time to time, in the ordinary course of business, may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis (i.e., delivery and payment can take place between a month and 120 days after the date of the transaction). These securities are subject to market fluctuations and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the Fund will record the transaction and thereafter reflect the value of the securities, each day, in determining the Fund’s net asset value. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value of the securities may be more or less than the purchase price. The Trust will segregate with the Trust’s custodian bank cash or liquid instruments equal to or greater in value than a Fund’s purchase commitments for such when-issued or delayed-delivery securities. Because a Fund will identify cash or liquid securities to satisfy its purchase commitments in the manner described, a Fund’s liquidity and the ability of the Advisor to manage a Fund might be affected in the event its commitments to purchase when-issued securities exceeds 40% of the value of its assets.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

To the extent discussed above and in the Prospectuses, investing in the Funds presents certain risks, some of which are further described below.

Non-Diversified Status. Each Fund is a “non-diversified” investment company. The Funds are considered “non-diversified” because a relatively high percentage of each Fund’s assets may be invested in the securities of a limited number of issuers, primarily within the same economic sector. Each Fund’s portfolio securities, therefore, may be more susceptible to any single economic, political, or regulatory occurrence than the portfolio securities of a more diversified investment company. Each Fund’s classification as a “non-diversified” investment company means that the proportion of each Fund’s assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer is not limited by the 1940 Act. Each Fund, however, intends to seek to qualify as a “regulated investment company” for purposes of the Code, which imposes diversification requirements (See “Taxation”) on a Fund that are less restrictive than the requirements applicable to “diversified” investment companies under the 1940 Act.

Portfolio Turnover. Each Fund’s portfolio turnover rate, to a great extent, will depend on the purchase, redemption, and exchange activity of the Fund’s investors. Consequently, it is difficult to estimate what the Fund’s actual portfolio turnover rate will be in the future. However, it is expected that the portfolio turnover experienced by the Funds may be substantial. A higher portfolio turnover rate would likely involve correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and transaction and other expenses that would be borne by the Funds. In addition, a Fund’s portfolio turnover level may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective. “Portfolio Turnover Rate” is defined under the rules of the Commission as the value of the securities purchased or securities sold, excluding all securities whose maturities at time of acquisition were one year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this definition, instruments with remaining maturities of less than one year, including options and futures contracts in which the Funds invest, are excluded from the calculation of portfolio turnover rate.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

Unless otherwise indicated, the following investment restrictions are fundamental and, as such, may be changed only by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The term “majority” is defined in the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (i) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a meeting of shareholders, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Except with respect to a Fund’s restrictions governing the borrowing of money, if a percentage restriction is satisfied at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in such percentage resulting from a change in asset value will not constitute a violation of the restriction. These restrictions supplement the investment objective and policies of each Fund as set forth in the Funds’ Prospectuses.

 

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Access Flex High Yield Fund and Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

1. Each Fund may not concentrate investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as concentration is defined or interpreted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of such statute, rules or regulations.

2. Each Fund may borrow money or lend to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of such statute, rules or regulations.

3. Each Fund may issue senior securities to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of such statute, rules or regulations.

4. Each Fund may purchase or sell commodities, commodities contracts, futures contracts, or real estate to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of such statute, rules or regulations.

5. Each Fund may underwrite securities to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the rules or regulations thereunder, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended from time to time, or by regulatory guidance or interpretations of such statute, rules or regulations.

For purposes of each Fund’s policy not to concentrate its assets in issuers in any particular industry or group of industries, the Funds use the industry sub-group classifications provided by Bloomberg, L.P.

The fundamental investment restrictions of each Fund have been adopted to avoid wherever possible the necessity of shareholder meetings unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act. This recognizes the need to react quickly to changes in the law or new investment opportunities in the securities markets and the cost and time involved in obtaining shareholder approvals for diversely held investment companies.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The net asset value of the shares of the Funds is normally calculated at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) every day the NYSE is open for business except for Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day (due to the fact that Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day are currently the only two holidays where the Bond markets are closed and the NYSE is open).

To the extent that portfolio securities of a Fund are traded in other markets on days when the Fund’s principal trading market(s) is closed, the value of the Fund’s shares may be affected on days when investors do not have access to the Fund to purchase or redeem shares. This may also be the case when foreign securities trade while ADRs are not trading due to markets being closed in the United States.

The net asset value per share of each class of shares of a Fund serves as the basis for the purchase and redemption price of the shares. The net asset value per share of each class of a Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s assets attributed to a specific class, less all liabilities attributed to the specific class, by the number of outstanding shares of the class. When a Fund experiences net shareholder inflows, the Fund generally records investment transactions of the Fund on the business day after the transaction order is placed. When a Fund experiences net shareholder outflows, it generally records investment transactions on the business day the transaction order is placed. This is intended to deal equitably with related transaction costs by having them borne in part by the investor generating those costs for a Fund.

The securities in the portfolio of a Fund, except as otherwise noted, that are listed or traded on a stock exchange or the NASDAQ/NMS, are valued at the closing price, if available, on the exchange or market where the security is principally traded (including the NASDAQ Official Closing Price for FINRA traded securities). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value may be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the closing price, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security may be valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the closing price, if applicable, or at such other price that the Advisor deems appropriate. Securities regularly traded in the OTC markets (for example, certain equity securities, fixed income securities, non-exchange-listed foreign securities and certain derivative instruments), including securities listed on an

 

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exchange but that are primarily traded OTC (other than those traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market), are valued on the basis of the mean between the bid and asked quotes based upon quotes furnished by primary market makers for those instruments. Short-term debt securities maturing in sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

Futures contracts and options on securities, indices and futures contracts are generally valued at their last sale price prior to the time at which the net asset value per share of a class of shares of a Fund is determined. If there is no sale on that day, exchange-traded options will be valued at the last bid quote, options traded in the OTC market will be valued at the average of the last bid quotes as obtained from two or more dealers (unless there is only one dealer, in which case that dealer’s quote is used), and futures contracts will be valued at their last sale price prior to that time at which a Fund determines its net asset value unless there was no sale on that day, in which case the value of a futures contract purchased by the Fund will be valued at the last bid quote (if purchased by the Fund) or the last asked quote (if sold by the Fund) prior that time at which the Fund calculates net asset value. Alternatively fair valuation procedures as described below may be applied if deemed more appropriate. Routine valuation of certain derivatives is performed using procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

When the Advisor determines that the price of a security is not readily available, it may, in good faith, establish a fair value for that security in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The use of a fair valuation method may be appropriate if, for example, market quotations do not accurately reflect fair value for an investment, an investment’s value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), a trading halt closes an exchange or market early, or other events result in an exchange or market delaying its normal close.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

A complete schedule of each Fund’s portfolio holdings as of the end of each fiscal quarter will be filed with the SEC (and publicly available) within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter. Portfolio holdings information may be made available prior to its public availability (“Non-Standard Disclosure”) as frequently as daily to the Funds’ service providers and as frequently as weekly to certain non-service providers (including rating agencies, consultants and other qualified financial professionals for such purposes as analyzing and ranking the Fund or performing due diligence and asset allocation). A recipient of Non-Standard Disclosure must sign a confidentiality agreement in which the recipient agrees that the information will be kept confidential, be used only for a legitimate business purpose and not be used for trading. Recipients are required to have systems and procedures in place to ensure that the confidentiality agreement will be honored. Neither the Fund nor the Advisor may receive compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of information about portfolio securities.

Non-Standard Disclosure may be authorized by the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), or in his absence, any other authorized officer of the Trust, if he determines that such disclosure is in the best interests of a Fund’s shareholders, no conflict exists between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders and those of the Advisor or Distributor, such disclosure serves a legitimate business purpose, and measures discussed in the previous paragraph regarding confidentiality are satisfied. The length of lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed shall be determined by the officer authorizing the disclosure. The Board of Trustees has adopted a Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy and will consider modifications from time to time. The CCO is responsible for ensuring that portfolio holdings disclosures are made in accordance with this Policy.

MANAGEMENT OF ACCESS ONE TRUST

Trustees and Officers

The Trust’s officers, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, manage the day-to-day operations of the Trust. The Trustees set broad policies for the Trust and choose its officers. The Interested Trustee and all of the officers of the Trust are directors, officers or employees of the Advisor. The other Trustees are not “Interested Persons” as defined under Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”). Trustees and officers of the Trust are also directors and officers of some or all of the funds in the Fund Complex. The Fund Complex includes all funds advised by the Advisor and any funds that have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the Advisor.

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

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INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

 

Name, Age and

Address of Independent Trustee

   Position(s)
Held with
Registrant
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*
   Principal Occupation(s) During
Past 5 Years
   Number of Operational
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen by
Trustee**
   Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee

Russell S. Reynolds, III

c/o ProFunds

7501 Wisconsin Avenue,

Suite 1000

Bethesda, MD 20814

Birth Date: 7/21/57

   Trustee    Indefinite; December 2004 to present.    RSR Partners (Executive Recruitment): Managing Director (May 2007 to present); Directorship Search Group, Inc. (Executive Recruitment): President (May 2004 to May 2007), (Managing Director, March 1993 to 2004).    Access One Trust (3); ProFunds (110); and ProShares Trust (58)    Directorship Search Group, Inc.

Michael C. Wachs

c/o ProFunds

7501 Wisconsin Avenue

Suite 1000

Bethesda, MD 20814

Birth Date: 10/21/61

   Trustee    Indefinite; December 2004 to present.    AMC Delancey Group, Inc. (Real Estate Development): Executive Vice President (January 2001 to Present).    Access One Trust (3); ProFunds (110); and ProShares Trust (58)    AMC Delancey Group, Inc.

 

* Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.
** Funds that have not yet commenced operations are not included.

The Interested Trustees and executive officers of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

INTERESTED TRUSTEES

 

Name, Age and
Address of Management Trustee
   Position(s)
Held with
Registrant
   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*
   Principal Occupation(s) During
Past 5 Years
   Number of Operational
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen by
Trustee***
   Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee

Michael L. Sapir**

7501 Wisconsin Avenue,

Suite 1000

Bethesda, MD 20814

Birth Date: 5/19/58

   Trustee and Chairman    Indefinite; December 2004 to present.    Chairman and Chief Executive Office of the Advisor (May 1997 to Present).    Access One Trust (3); ProFunds (110); and ProShares Trust (58)    None

 

* Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.
** Mr. Sapir may be deemed to be an “interested person,” as defined by the 1940 Act, because of his employment with, and ownership interest in, the Advisor.
*** Funds that have not yet commenced operations are not included.

 

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Table of Contents

OFFICERS

 

Name, Age and

Address of Executive Officer

   Position(s) Held with
Registrant
   Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Louis M. Mayberg

7501 Wisconsin Avenue,

Suite 1000

Bethesda, MD 20814

Birth Date: 8/9/62

   President    Indefinite; December 2004 to present.    President of the Advisor (May 1997 to Present).

Victor M. Frye

7501 Wisconsin Avenue,

Suite 1000

Bethesda, MD 20814

Birth Date: 10/15/58

   Chief Compliance Officer    Indefinite; December 2004 to present    Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of the Advisor (October 2002 to present); Counsel, Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary – Calvert Group, Ltd. (January 1999 to October 2002).

Stephenie E. Adams

7501 Wisconsin Avenue,

Suite 1000

Bethesda, MD 20814

Birth Date: 4/3/69

   Acting Secretary    Indefinite; September 2007 to present; Assistant Secretary December 2004 to September 2007    Vice President Corporate Development, ProFunds Advisors LLC (January 2007 to present); Assistant Vice President, ProFund Advisors LLC (December 2002 to December 2006).

Patrick J. Keniston

100 Summer Street

Suite 1500

Boston, MA 02110

Birth Date: 1/18/64

   Assistant Secretary    Indefinite; December 2006 to present    Vice President, Citi Fund Services (March 2005 to present); Attorney, Citigroup Global Transaction Services (October 2001 to March 2005).

Troy A. Sheets

3435 Stelzer Road

Columbus, OH 43219

Birth Date: 5/29/71

   Treasurer    Indefinite; December 2004 to present.    Citi Fund Services: Senior Vice President of Fund Administration (April 2002 to present).

Martin R. Dean

3435 Stelzer Road

Columbus, OH 43219

Birth Date: 11/27/63

   Assistant Treasurer    Indefinite; March 2006 to present.    Citi Fund Services: Senior Vice President of Fund Administration (September 1998 to present).

 

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Table of Contents

For each Trustee, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee as of December 31, 2007 is shown below.

 

Name of Trustee    Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Trust
   Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in All Registered
Investment Companies Overseen by
Trustee in Family of Investment
Companies

Russell S. Reynolds, III

   None    None

Michael C. Wachs

   None    None

Michael L. Sapir

   None    $10,001 to $50,000

As of February 19, 2008, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than one percent of the shares of any class of any Fund.

As to each Independent Trustee and his immediate family members, no person owned beneficially or of record securities in an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Trust, or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Trust.

Committees

The Board of Trustees of the Trust has an Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees. Currently, the Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Reynolds and Wachs. The Audit Committee makes recommendations to the full Board of Trustees with respect to the engagement of independent accountants and reviews with the independent accountants the plan and results of the internal controls, audit engagement and matters having a material effect on the Trust’s financial operations. The Audit Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.

Compensation of Trustees and Officers

The Trust, together with ProFunds Trust and ProShares Trust (other trusts in the Fund Complex advised by the Advisor or an affiliate) (collectively, the (“Trusts”) pay each Independent Trustee compensation for his services as Trustee of the Trusts at the annual rate of $65,000. Independent Trustees also receive $3,000 for attending each regular quarterly in-person meeting of the Trusts, $3,000 for attending each special in-person meeting of the Trust and $1,000 for attending each telephonic meeting of the Trust, with the payment for any special or telephonic meetings spread across multiple Trusts to the extent that such meetings are joint. Trustees who are also officers or affiliated persons of the Advisor receive no remuneration from the Trust for their services as Trustees. The Trust’s officers, other than the Chief Compliance Officer, receive no compensation directly from the Trust for performing the duties of their offices.

The Trust does not accrue pension or retirement benefits as part of a Fund’s expenses, and the Trustees are not entitled to benefits upon retirement from the Board.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Trust paid the following compensation to the Trustees of the Trust:

COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name of Person   

Aggregate

Compensation

from Trust

  

Total Compensation
from Fund
and Fund Complex

Payable to Trustees*

Independent Trustees

     

Russell S. Reynolds, III, Trustee

   $ 5,832    $ 148,000

Michael C. Wachs, Trustee

   $ 5,832    $ 148,000

Interested Trustee

     

Michael L. Sapir, Trustee

   $ 0    $ 0

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio Managers’ Compensation

ProFund Advisors believes that its compensation program is competitively positioned to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. As of October 31, 2007, the compensation package for portfolio managers consists of a fixed base salary, an annual incentive bonus opportunity and a competitive benefits package. A portfolio manager’s salary compensation is designed to be competitive with the marketplace and reflect a portfolio manager’s relative experience and contribution to the firm. Base salary compensation is reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect increases in the cost of living and market rates.

The annual incentive bonus opportunity provides cash bonuses based upon the firm’s overall performance and individual contributions. Principal consideration is given to appropriate risk management, teamwork and investment support activities in determining the annual bonus amount.

Portfolio managers are eligible to participate in the firm’s standard employee benefits programs, which include a competitive 401(k) retirement savings program with employer match, life insurance coverage, and health and welfare programs.

Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers

Portfolio managers are generally responsible for multiple investment company accounts and, in one case, a pooled investment vehicle. Certain inherent conflicts of interest arise from the fact that portfolio managers have responsibility for multiple accounts, including conflicts relating to the allocation of investment opportunities. Listed below for each portfolio manager are the number and type of accounts managed or overseen by each portfolio manager as of October 31, 2007.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager    Number of Registered
Investment Company
Accounts
(Total Assets)
   Number of Other
Pooled Investment
Vehicles
(Total Assets)
   Number of Other
Accounts
(Total Assets)

William Seale

   168    $15.8 billion    None   

22

   $658 million

George Foster

   168    $15.8 billion    None    22    $658 million

Jeff Ploshnick

   6    $420 million    None    0    0

Ryan Dofflemeyer

   7    $595 million    None    14    $107 million

Listed below for each portfolio manager is a dollar range of securities beneficially owned in the Funds managed by the portfolio manager, together with the aggregate dollar range of equity securities in all registered investment companies in the ProFunds family of investment companies as of October 31, 2007.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager    Dollar Range of
Equity Securities
in the Fund
Managed by the
Portfolio Manager
   Aggregate Dollar
Range of Equity
Securities in All
Registered Investment
Companies in the
Access One Trust and
ProFunds Family

William Seale

   $ 0    $ 0

George Foster

   $ 0    $ 0

Jeff Ploshnick

   $ 0    $ 0

Ryan Dofflemeyer

   $ 0    $ 0

CODES OF ETHICS

The Trust, the Advisor, and ProFunds Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) each have adopted a code of ethics (each a “COE” collectively, the “COEs”) as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, the Advisor, and the Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Funds. There can be no assurance that the COEs will be effective in preventing such activities.

 

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Table of Contents

The COEs permit personnel subject to them to invest in securities, including securities that may be held or purchased by a Fund; however, such transactions are reported on a regular basis. Advisor personnel subject to the Advisor’s COE are also required to report transactions in registered open-end investment companies advised or sub-advised by the Advisor. The COEs are on file with the SEC and are available to the public.

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Background

The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Fund, pursuant to which the Board has delegated responsibility for voting such proxies to the Advisor subject to the Board’s continuing oversight.

Policies and Procedures

The Advisor’s proxy voting policies and procedures (the “Guidelines”) are designed to maximize shareholder value and protect shareowner interests when voting proxies. The Advisor’s Proxy Oversight Committee (the “Proxy Committee”) exercises and documents the Advisor’s responsibility with regard to voting of client proxies. The Proxy Committee is composed of representatives of the Advisor’s Compliance, Legal and Portfolio Management Departments, and chaired by the Advisor’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Proxy Committee reviews and monitors the effectiveness of the Guidelines.

To assist the Advisor in its responsibility for voting proxies and the overall proxy voting process, the Advisor has retained Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) as an expert in the proxy voting and corporate governance area. ISS is an independent company that specializes in providing a variety of proxy-related services to institutional investment managers, plan sponsors, custodians, consultants, and other institutional investors. The services provided by ISS include in-depth research, global issuer analysis, and voting recommendations as well as vote execution, reporting and record keeping. ISS issues quarterly reports for the Advisor to review to assure proxies are being voted properly. The Advisor and ISS also perform spot checks intra-quarter to match the voting activity with available shareholder meeting information. ISS’s management meets on a regular basis to discuss its approach to new developments and amendments to existing policies. Information on such developments or amendments in turn is provided to the Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee reviews and, as necessary, may amend periodically the Guidelines to address new or revised proxy voting policies or procedures.

The Guidelines are maintained and implemented by ISS and are an extensive list of common proxy voting issues with recommended voting actions based on the overall goal of achieving maximum shareholder value and protection of shareholder interests. Generally, proxies are voted in accordance with the voting recommendations contained in the Guidelines. If necessary, the Advisor will be consulted by ISS on non-routine issues. Proxy issues identified in the Guidelines include but are not limited to:

 

   

Election of Directors—considering factors such as director qualifications, term of office, age limits.

 

   

Proxy Contests—considering factors such as voting for nominees in contested elections and reimbursement of expenses.

 

   

Election of Auditors—considering factors such as independence and reputation of the auditing firm.

 

   

Proxy Contest Defenses—considering factors such as board structure and cumulative voting.

 

   

Tender Offer Defenses—considering factors such as poison pills (stock purchase rights plans) and fair price provisions.

 

   

Miscellaneous Governance Issues—considering factors such as confidential voting and equal access.

 

   

Capital Structure—considering factors such as common stock authorization and stock distributions.

 

   

Executive and Director Compensation—considering factors such as performance goals and employee stock purchase plans.

 

   

State of Incorporation—considering factors such as state takeover statutes and voting on reincorporation proposals.

 

   

Mergers and Corporate Restructuring—considering factors such as spin-offs and asset sales.

 

   

Mutual Fund Proxy Voting—considering factors such as election of directors and proxy contests.

 

   

Consumer and Public Safety Issues—considering factors such as social and environmental issues as well as labor issues.

 

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A full description of each guideline and voting policy is maintained by the Advisor, and a complete copy of the Guidelines is available upon request.

 

24


Table of Contents

Conflicts of Interest

From time to time, proxy issues may pose a material conflict of interest between a Fund’s shareholders and the Advisor, underwriter or any affiliates thereof. Due to the limited nature of the Advisor’s activities (e.g., no underwriting business, no publicly traded affiliates, no investment banking activities, and no research recommendations), conflicts of interest are likely to be infrequent. Nevertheless, it shall be the duty of the Proxy Committee to monitor for potential conflicts of interest. In the event a conflict of interest arises, the Advisor will direct ISS to use its independent judgment to vote affected proxies in accordance with approved guidelines. The Proxy Committee will disclose to the Board the voting issues that created the conflict of interest and the manner in which ISS voted such proxies.

Record of Proxy Voting

The Advisor, with the assistance of ISS, shall maintain for a period of at least five years a record of each proxy statement received and materials that were considered when the proxy was voted during the calendar year. Information on how a Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the 12-month periods ended June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Advisor at 888-776-1972, (2) on the Fund’s website at www.accessshighyield.com, and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

As of February 19, 2008, the following persons owned of record, or to the knowledge of management beneficially owned, five percent or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund:

 

Fund/Class    No. of Shares   

Percentage of the

Class Total Assets
Held by Shareholder

    Beneficial Ownership (“B”)/
Record Ownership (“R”)

ACCESS FLEX HIGH YIELD—INV

       

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS RECON DEPT

5TH FLOOR 200 LIBERTY STREET

ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER

NEW YORK NY 10281

   7,875.911    19.01 %   R

E*TRADE CLEARING LLC

135 E. 57TH STREET

NEW YORK NY 10022

   4,810.052    11.61 %   R

PROFUND ADVISORS LLC—SEED CAPITAL

7501 WISCONSIN AVE STE 1000

ATTN FINANCE DEPARTMENT

BETHESDA MD 20814

   3,668.399    8.85 %   R/B

 

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Table of Contents

GARRY A TAPP

JANE M TAPP

6660 S ABILENE WAY

ENGLEWOOD CO 80111

   2,856.242    6.89 %   R/B

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC.

101 MONTGOMERY STREET

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104

   2,847.544    6.87 %   R

LARRY L FERGUSON

MARJORIE E FERGUSON

28 LOGAN RD

ALTON IL 620023206

   2,192.982    5.29 %   R/B

ACCESS FLEX BEAR HIGH YIELD—INV

       

FIRST TRUST CORPORATION

P O BOX 173736

DENVER CO 80217

   1,390,062.681    22.08 %   R

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC.

101 MONTGOMERY STREET

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104

   1,280,219.557    20.34 %   R

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS RECON DEPT

5TH FLOOR 200 LIBERTY STREET

ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER

NEW YORK NY 10281

   1,150,792.549    18.28 %   R

SEI PRIVATE TRUST CO

C O STATE STREET

1 FREEDOM VALLEY DR

OAKS PA 19456

   819,105.879    13.01 %   R

TRUST COMPANY OF AMERICA

PO BOX 6503

CENTENNIAL CO 80155

   508,263.664    8.08 %   R

ACCESS FLEX HIGH YIELD—SVC

       

JAMES E MARTIN

513 N PINEHURST

SALISBURY MD 21801

   10,842.911    37.02 %   R/B

 

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Table of Contents

JOSEPH A GRASSO

5660 CALEDONIA DR

SALISBURY MD 218012449

   5,541.257    18.921 %   R/B

JANICE WOSSOWSKI

1631 DULANEY DRIVE

JARRETTSVILLE MD 210841514

   2,879.585    9.83 %   R/B

TDJ CONSTRUCTION

26 WEST 10TH ST

WACONIA MN 55387

   1,683.811    5.75 %   R/B

BRENDA K MARTIN

513 N PINEHURST

SALISBURY MD 21801

   1,626.046    5.55 %   R/B

ACCESS FLEX BEAR HIGH YIELD—SVC

       

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS RECON DEPT

5TH FLOOR 200 LIBERTY STREET

ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER

NEW YORK NY 10281

   44,840.454    39.15 %   R

TD AMERITRADE CLEARING, INC.

1005 NORTH AMERITRADE PLACE

BELLEVUE NE 68005

   35,893.567    31.33 %   R

PERSHING LLC

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS

PO BOX 2052

JERSEY CITY NJ 07303

   14,972.052    13.07 %   R

COUNSEL TRUST CO DBA MID ATLANTIC TRUST

1251 WATERFRONT PLACE SUITE 525

PITTSBURGH PA 152224228

   8,699.463    7.59 %   R

FIRST TRUST CORPORATION

P O BOX 173736

DENVER CO 80217

   6,408.801    5.59 %   R

ACCESS FLEX HIGH YIELD—A

       

FIRST TRUST CORPORATION

P O BOX 173736

DENVER CO 80217

   605.662    93.98 %   R

PROFUND ADVISORS LLC—SEED CAPITAL

7501 WISCONSIN AVE STE 1000

ATTN FINANCE DEPARTMENT

BETHESDA MD 20814

   38.761    6.01 %   R/B

 

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Table of Contents

ACCESS FLEX BEAR HIGH YIELD—A

       

PROFUND ADVISORS LLC—SEED CAPITAL

7501 WISCONSIN AVE STE 1000

ATTN FINANCE DEPARTMENT

BETHESDA MD 20814

   34.831    53.85 %   R/B

FIRST TRUST CORPORATION

P O BOX 173736

DENVER CO 80217

   29.847    46.15 %   R

Michael Sapir owns a controlling interest in the Advisor and serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Advisor and Chairman of the Trust. Louis Mayberg owns a controlling interest in the Advisor and serves as President of the Advisor. No other person owns more than 25% of the ownership interests in the Advisor.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

ProFund Advisors LLC. Under an investment management agreement between the Advisor and the Trust dated December 15, 2004 as amended March 10, 2005, on behalf of the Funds (“Agreement” or “Advisory Agreement”), each Fund pays the Advisor a fee at an annualized rate, based on its average daily net assets of 0.75%. The Advisor manages the investment and the reinvestment of the assets of the Funds, in accordance with the investment objectives, policies, and limitations of the Fund, subject to the general supervision and control of the Trustees and the officers of the Funds. The Advisor bears all costs associated with providing these advisory services. The Advisor may waive fees, reimburse expenses or otherwise contribute assets to the Funds, which may affect performance. The Advisor, from its own resources, including profits from advisory fees received from the Funds, also may make substantial payments to broker-dealers and other financial institutions for their expenses in connection with the distribution of the Funds’ Shares. The Advisor also performs certain administrative services on behalf of the Funds pursuant to the Agreement. In addition, the Advisor has committed to institute additional waivers in the future should the aggregate assets of the Trust and the ProFunds and the assets of the individual portfolios of the Trust, grow to exceed specified levels.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement is available in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders dated October 31, 2007.

The address of the Advisor is 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814.

The Advisor may pay, out of its own assets and at no cost to the Funds, amounts to certain broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries in connection with the provision of administrative services and/or the distribution of the Funds’ shares.

 

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For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Advisor was entitled to, and waived, advisory fees in the following amounts for each of the Funds:

 

     2005    2006    2007
     Earned    Waived    Earned    Waived    Earned    Waived

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   $ 193,931    $ 193,931    $ 665,288    $ —      $ 570,404    $ —  

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   $ 260,921    $ —      $ 850,373    $ —      $ 1,338,325    $ —  

The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive Investment Advisory and Management Services Fees and to reimburse certain other expenses through February 28, 2009 in order to limit the annual operating expenses as follows:

 

     Investor Class     Service Class     Class A  

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   1.95 %   2.95 %   2.20 %

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   1.95 %   2.95 %   2.20 %

After such date, the expense limitation may be terminated or revised. Amounts contractually waived or reimbursed in a particular fiscal year may be recouped by the Advisor within three years of the waiver or reimbursement to the extent that recoupment will not cause a Fund’s expenses to exceed any expense limitation in place at that time.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor recouped fee waivers/reimbursements from prior years in the following amounts for each of the Funds:

 

     Recouped
2007

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   None

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   None

Other Service Providers

Management Services. The Advisor also performs certain management services, including client support and other administrative services, for the Funds under a Management Services Agreement. The Advisor is entitled to receive an annual fee, equal to 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Funds for such services.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Advisor was entitled to, and contractually waived, management services fees in the following amounts for each of the Funds:

 

     2005    2006    2007
     Earned    Waived    Earned    Waived    Earned    Waived

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   $ 38,786    $ 38,786    $ 133,058    $ —      $ 114,081    $ —  

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   $ 52,184    $ —      $ 170,076    $ —      $ 267,666    $ —  

 

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Administrator, Transfer Agent and Fund Accounting Agent. Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (formerly BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc.)1 (“Citi”), 3435 Stelzer Road, Suite 1000, Columbus, Ohio 43219, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Citibank NA. and an affiliate of the Distributor. Citi acts as Administrator to the ProFunds. The Administrator provides the Funds with all required general administrative services, including, without limitation, office space, equipment, and personnel; clerical and general back office services; bookkeeping, internal accounting, and secretarial services; the determination of net asset values; and the preparation and filing of all reports, registration statements, proxy statements, and all other materials required to be filed or furnished by the Funds under federal and state securities laws. The Administrator also maintains the shareholder account records for the Funds, distributes dividends and distributions payable by the Funds, and produces statements with respect to account activity for the Funds and their shareholders. The Administrator pays all fees and expenses that are directly related to the services provided by the Administrator to the Funds; the Funds reimburse the Administrator for all fees and expenses incurred by the Administrator which are not directly related to the services the Administrator provides to the Funds under the service agreement.

The Trust pays Citi an annual fee for its services as Administrator based on the aggregate average net assets of all series of the Trust and ProFunds. This fee ranges from 0.05% of the Trust’s and ProFunds’ average monthly net assets up to $2 billion to 0.005% of the Trust’s and ProFunds’ average monthly net assets in excess of $10 billion on an annual basis.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, Citi, as Administrator, was paid administration fees in the following amounts for each of the Funds:

ADMINISTRATION FEES

FYE 10/31

 

       2005      2006      2007

Access Flex high Yield Fund

     $ 11,225      $ 34,399      $ 27,815

Access Flex Bear High Yield fund

     $ 10,342      $ 43,820      $ 65,827

Citi also acts as fund accounting agent for each series of the Trust. The Trust pays Citi an annual base fee, plus asset based fees, for its services as fund accounting agent. The asset based fees range from 0.10% of the Trust’s and ProFunds average monthly net assets up to $1 billion to 0.00375% of the Trust’s and ProFunds’ average monthly net assets in excess of $10 billion, on an annual basis.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, Citi, fund accounting agent, was paid fees in the following amounts for each of the Funds:

 

 

1

The BISYS Group, parent company of BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc., was acquired by Citi, effective August 1, 2007.

 

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FUND ACCOUNTING FEES

FYE 10/31

 

       2005      2006      2007

Access Flex High Yield Fund

     $ 9,897      $ 37,407      $ 33,319

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

     $ 11,588      $ 50,663      $ 80,655

Citi also acts as transfer agent for each series of the Trust, for which Citi receives additional fees.

Distributor. ProFunds Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of Citi, serves as the distributor and principal underwriter in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and sells shares of the Funds on a continuous basis. Its address is 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43219. Under the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement dated July 1, 2006, for providing the distribution entity and infrastructure related platform the Distributor receives an annual fee of $150,000 allocated between the Trust and the ProFunds Trust as mutually agreed. To the extent the Trusts cannot pay the Distributor such compensation and expense reimbursements in full pursuant to the Distribution Plan, it is contemplated that the Adviser, or an affiliate of the Adviser will pay any unpaid portion of such compensation and expense reimbursements to the Distributor.

Custodian. UMB Bank, N.A. acts as custodian to the Fund. UMB Bank, N.A.’s address is 928 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106. The Funds’ custodian, among other things, maintains a custody account or accounts in the name of the Fund; receives and delivers all assets for the Funds upon purchase and upon sale or maturity; collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the assets of the Fund and pays all expenses of the Funds. For its services, the custodian receives asset-based fees and transaction fees.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) serves as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm. E&Y provides audit services, tax return preparation and assistance, and consultation in connection with certain SEC filings. E&Y’s address is 1100 Huntington Center, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Legal Counsel. Ropes & Gray LLP serves as counsel to the Access One Trust. The firm’s address is One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624.

 

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DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12b-1) PLANS

CLASS A SHARES

Under a Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”) adopted by the Trustees, the Funds may pay broker-dealers (including, for avoidance of doubt, the Distributor), investment advisers, banks, trust companies, accountants, estate planning firms, or other financial institutions or securities industry professionals (“Authorized Firms”), a fee as compensation for service and distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services.

Under the Plan, Class A shares are authorized to pay a fee at an annual rate not to exceed 0.40% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares to Authorized Firms as compensation for service and distribution-related activities and for shareholder services in accordance with applicable law. Currently, the Trustees have approved the payment of up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares as compensation for shareholder services and have authorized no payments as compensation for service and distribution-related activities with respect to Class A shares. The Trustees may approve additional payments for service and distribution-related services when the Trustees believe that it is in or not opposed to the best interest of Class A shareholders to do so.

Normally, on purchases of Class A shares, or, for purchases of Class A shares in excess of one million dollars (after the first eighteen months of investment), the Distributor may pay all or any portion of the fee received pursuant to the Plan to securities dealers or other organizations (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) as commissions, asset-based sales charges or other compensation with respect to the sale of Class A shares of each Fund, or for providing services to investors in Class A shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, and may retain all or any portion of such fee as compensation for the Distributor’s services as principal underwriter of Class A shares of each Fund.

Under the Plan, the Trust or the Distributor may enter into agreements (“Distribution and Service Agreements”) with Authorized Firms that purchase Class A shares on behalf of their clients. The Distribution and Service Agreements will provide for compensation to the Authorized Firms in an amount up to the maximum amount permitted under the Plan (on an annual basis) of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares of the applicable Fund attributable to, or held in the name of the Authorized Firm for, its clients. The Fund may pay different distribution and/or service fee amounts to Authorized Firms, which may provide different levels of services to their clients or customers.

The Advisor, the Distributor or other service providers or their affiliates, may utilize their own resources to finance distribution or service activities on behalf of the Funds for distribution-related activities or the provision of shareholder services not otherwise covered by the Plan. To the extent that the Trustees may direct that accrual/collection of fees under the Plan be reduced or eliminated from time to time, the Advisor or the Distributor may agree, in their sole discretion, to fund the resulting shortfall in Plan payments to financial intermediaries.

The Plan and Distribution and Service Agreements continue in effect from year-to-year only if such continuance is specifically approved annually by a vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or the related Distribution and Service Agreements. All material amendments of the Plan must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. The Plan may be terminated at any time by a majority of the Trustees as described above or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A shares of the affected Fund. The Distribution and Service Agreements may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Trustees as described above or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A shares of the affected Fund on not more than 60 days’ written notice to any other party to the Distribution and Service Agreements. The Distribution and Service Agreements shall terminate automatically if assigned. The Trustees have determined that, in their judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Funds and holders of Class A shares of the Funds. In the Trustees’ quarterly review of the Plan and Distribution and Service Agreements, they will consider their continued appropriateness and the level of compensation and/or reimbursement provided therein.

The Plan is intended to permit the financing of a broad array of distribution-related activities and services, as well as shareholder services, for the benefit of Class A investors. These activities and services are intended to make Class A an attractive investment alternative, which may lead to increased assets, increased investment opportunities and diversification, and reduced per share operating expenses.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, each of the following Funds paid fees under the Plan to authorized financial intermediaries, in the following amounts:

 

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PLAN FEES

FYE 10/31/07

 

     Class A
Paid

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   $ 6,983

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   $ 293

SERVICE CLASS SHARES

The Board of Trustees has approved a Distribution and Service Plan under which the Funds may pay broker-dealers (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Distributor), investment advisers, banks, trust companies, accountants, estate planning firms, or other financial institutions or securities industry professionals (“Authorized Firms”) up to 0.75%, on an annualized basis, of average daily net assets attributable to Service Class Shares as compensation for service and distribution-related activities (“Service Class Plan”). In addition, under the Service Class Plan, the Fund may pay Authorized Firms up to 0.25%, on an annualized basis, of average daily net assets attributable to Service Class Shares as compensation for shareholder services. Under the Service Class Plan, the Trust or the Distributor may enter into agreements (“Distribution and Service Agreements”) with Authorized Firms that purchase Service Class Shares on behalf of their clients. The Distribution and Service Agreements will provide for compensation to the Authorized Firms in an amount up to 1.00% (on an annual basis) of the average daily net assets of the Service Shares of the applicable Fund attributable to, or held in the name of the Authorized Firm for, its clients. The Fund may pay different distribution and/or service fee amounts to Authorized Firms, which may provide different levels of services to their clients or customers.

The Distributor may pay all or any portion of the fee paid pursuant to the Service Class Plan (the “Distribution/Service Fee”) to securities dealers or other organizations (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) as commissions, asset-based sales charges or other compensation with respect to the sale of Service Class Shares, or for providing personal services to investors in Service Class Shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, and may retain all or any portion of the Distribution/Service Fee as compensation for the Distributor’s services as principal underwriter of the Service Class Shares of the Fund.

The Service Class Plan is operated as a “compensation” plan, as payments may be made for services rendered to the Fund regardless of the level of expenditures by the Authorized Firms. The Trustees will, however, take into account such expenditures for purposes of reviewing operations under the Service Class Plan in connection with their annual consideration of the Service Class Plan’s renewal.

The Service Class Plan and Distribution and Service Agreements continue in effect from year-to-year only if such continuance is specifically approved annually by a vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Service Class Plan or the related Distribution and Service Agreements. All material amendments of the Service Class Plan must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. The Service Class Plan may be terminated at any time by a majority of the Trustees as described above or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Service Class Shares of the Fund. The Distribution and Service Agreements may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Trustees as described above or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Service Class Shares of the Fund on not more than 60 days’ written notice to any other party to the Distribution and Service Agreements. The Distribution and Service Agreements shall terminate automatically if assigned. The Trustees have determined that, in their judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood that the Service Class Plan will benefit the Fund and holders of Service Class Shares of the Fund. In the Trustees’ quarterly review of the Service Class Plan and Distribution and Service Agreements, they will consider their continued appropriateness and the level of compensation and/or reimbursement provided therein.

The Service Class Plan is intended to permit the financing of a broad array of distribution-related activities and services, as well as shareholder services, for the benefit of Service Class investors. These activities and services are intended to make Service Class Shares an attractive investment alternative, which may lead to increased assets, increased investment opportunities and diversification, and reduced per share operating expenses. Authorized Firms may pay broker-dealers (including, for avoidance of doubt, the Distributor), investment advisers, banks, trust companies, accountants, estate planning firms, or other financial institutions or securities industry professionals, a fee as compensation for service and distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services.

 

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For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, each of the following Funds paid fees under the Plan to authorized financial intermediaries, in the following amounts:

PLAN FEES

FYE 10/31/07

 

     Service Class
Paid

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   $ 86,907

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   $ 126,702

Revenue Sharing Arrangements

As disclosed in the Prospectuses, the Advisor and the Distributor may from time to time pay additional cash bonuses or provide other incentives or make other payments to financial firms in connection with the sale or servicing of the Funds and for other services such as those described in the Prospectuses.

In addition, the Distributor and the Advisor and their affiliates may from time to time make additional payments such as cash bonuses or provide other incentives to selected financial firms as compensation for services (including preferential services) such as, without limitation, paying for active asset allocation services provided to investors in the Funds, providing the Funds with “shelf space” or a higher profile with the financial firms’ financial consultants and their customers, placing the Funds on the financial firms’ preferred or recommended fund list or otherwise identifying the Funds as being part of a complex to be accorded a higher degree of marketing support than complexes not making such payments, granting the Distributor or the Advisor access to the financial firms’ financial consultants (including through the firms’ intranet websites) in order to promote the Funds, promotions in communications with financial firms’ customers such as in the firms’ internet websites or in customer newsletters, providing assistance in training and educating the financial firms’ personnel, and furnishing marketing support and other specified services. These payments may be significant to the financial firms and may also take the form of sponsorship of seminars or informational meetings or payment for attendance by persons associated with the financial firms at seminars or informational meetings.

A number of factors will be considered in determining the amount of these additional payments to financial firms. On some occasions, such payments may be conditioned upon levels of sales, including the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of the shares of a Fund, other funds sponsored by the Advisor and their affiliates together and/or a particular class of shares, during a specified period of time. The Distributor and the Advisor may also make payments to one or more participating financial firms based upon factors such as the amount of assets a financial firm’s clients have invested in the Funds and the quality of the financial firm’s relationship with the Distributor or the Advisor and their affiliates.

The additional payments described above are made out of the Distributor’s or the Advisor’s (or their affiliates) own assets, as applicable, pursuant to agreements with brokers and do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a Fund’s shares or the amount a Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales. These payments may be made to financial firms selected by the Distributor or the Advisor or their affiliates to the financial firms that have sold significant amounts of shares of the Funds. Dealers may not use sales of the Funds’ shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The level of payment made to financial firm(s) in any future year will vary, may be subject to certain minimum payment levels, and is typically calculated as a percentage of sales made to and/or assets held by customers of the financial firm. In some cases, in addition to the payments described above, the Distributor, the Advisor and/or their affiliates will make payments for special events such as a conferences or seminar sponsored by one of such financial firms.

If investment advisers, distributors or affiliates of mutual funds pay bonuses and incentives in differing amounts, financial firms and their financial consultants may have financial incentives for recommending a particular mutual fund (including the Funds) over other mutual funds. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, a financial firm and its financial consultants may also have a financial incentive for recommending a particular share class over other share classes. You should consult with your financial advisor and review carefully any disclosure by the financial firm as to compensation received by that firm and/or your financial advisor.

At the date of this SAI, the Distributor and the Advisor anticipate that Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. will receive additional payments for the distribution services and/or educational support described

 

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above ranging from 0.03% to 0.15% of the total value of Fund shares held in their respective accounts. The Distributor and the Advisor expect that additional firms may be added from time to time. Any additions, modifications, or deletions to the firms identified in this paragraph or the terms of the arrangements with those firms that have occurred since the date of this SAI are not reflected.

Representatives of the Distributor, the Advisor and their affiliates visit brokerage firms on a regular basis to educate financial advisors about the Funds and to encourage the sale of Fund shares to their clients. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include, but are not limited to, travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

Although a Fund may use financial firms that sell Fund shares to effect transactions for the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund and the Advisor will not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor when choosing financial firms to make those transactions.

Sales Charges

Class A Shares

Dealer Reallowances. Class A shares of the Funds are sold subject to a front-end sales charge as described in the relevant Prospectus. The sales charge is used to compensate the Distributor and participating securities dealers for their expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of the Funds’ shares. You may also be charged a transaction or other fee by the financial institution managing your account.

Selling dealers are normally reallowed a portion of the sales charge by the Distributor. The following table shows the amount of the front-end sales charge that is reallowed to dealers as a percentage of the offering price of Class A shares.

 

AMOUNT OF INVESTMENT

   AUTHORIZED DEALER
COMMISSION AS % OF
OFFERING PRICE
 

Less than $50,000

   4.00 %

$50,000 but less than $100,000

   4.00 %

$100,000 but less than $250,000

   3.00 %

$250,000 but less than $500,000

   2.00 %

$500,000 but less than $1,000,000

   1.75 %

Over $1,000,000

   1.00 %

The Funds may make the information contained in the Prospectuses and this SAI regarding sales charges available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website (www.accesshighyield.com).

Administrative Services

The Funds may participate in “fund supermarkets” and other programs in which a third-party financial intermediary maintains records of indirect beneficial ownership interests in the Funds. These programs include any type of arrangement through which investors have an indirect beneficial ownership interest in the Funds via omnibus accounts, bank common or collective trust funds, employee benefit plans or similar arrangements (each a “financial intermediary account”). Under these programs, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, may enter into administrative services agreements with financial intermediaries pursuant to which financial intermediaries will provide transfer agency, administrative services and other services with respect to the Funds. These services may include, but are not limited to: shareholder record set-up and maintenance, account statement preparation and mailing, transaction processing and settlement and account level tax reporting. Depending on the arrangements, the Funds and/or the Advisor may compensate such financial intermediaries or their agents directly or indirectly for such administrative services.

For these services, the Trust may pay each financial intermediary (i) a fee based on average daily net assets of a Fund that are invested in the Fund through the financial intermediary account, and/or (ii) an annual fee that may vary depending upon the assets in the financial intermediary account, and/or (iii) minimum account fees. The financial intermediary may impose other account or service charges to a Fund or directly to account holders. Please refer to information provided by the financial intermediary for additional information regarding such charges.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, each Fund listed below paid the following administrative services fees:

 

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES

FYE 10/31

 

     2005    2006    2007

Access Flex High Yield Fund

   $ 21,589    $ 100,333    $ 143,297

Access Flex Bear High Yield Fund

   $ 72,806    $ 246,142    $ 329,909

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Advisor paid, out of its own resources, $10,671, $11,225 and $16,289 to administrative service providers.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Subject to the general supervision by the Trustees, the Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Funds, the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions, and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. The Advisor expects that the Funds may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealers, who receive compensation for their services, in conformity with the 1940 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Securities Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations thereunder. Compensation may also be paid in connection with riskless principal transactions (in NASDAQ or over-the-counter securities and securities listed on an exchange) and agency NASDAQ or over-the-counter transactions executed with an electronic communications network or an alternative trading system.

The Advisor may serve as an investment manager to and may place portfolio transactions on behalf of a number of clients, including other investment companies. It is the practice of the Advisor to cause purchase and sale transactions to be allocated among the Funds and others whose assets the Advisor manages in such manner as the Advisor deems equitable. The main factors considered by the Advisor in making such allocations among the Funds and other client accounts of the Advisor are the respective investment objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment, the size of investment commitments generally held, and the opinions of the person(s) responsible, if any, for managing the Fund’s portfolio and the other client accounts.

The policy of the Funds regarding purchases and sales of securities for the Funds’ portfolio is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this policy, when securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the Funds’ policy is to pay commissions which are considered fair and reasonable without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in all circumstances. The Funds believe that a requirement always to seek the lowest possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and preclude the Funds and the Advisor from obtaining a high quality of brokerage (and potentially research) services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Advisor relies upon its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage and research services received from the broker effecting the transaction. Such determinations are necessarily subjective and imprecise, as in most cases an exact dollar value for those services is not ascertainable. Each Fund is managed similarly to other funds managed by the Advisor. In certain circumstances, transactions for other funds managed by the Advisor may be placed prior to or after those for each Fund and may receive different prices for similar securities or instruments on any given day. As a consequence, other funds managed by the Advisor may receive execution of trades superior to that of the Funds depending on market conditions, the time at which an order is placed and the liquidity of the market at a particular time.

Purchases and sales of U.S. government securities, CDSs or other corporate bonds are normally transacted through issuers, underwriters or major dealers acting as principals. Such transactions are made on a net basis and do not involve payment of brokerage commissions. The cost of securities purchased from an underwriter usually includes a commission paid by the issuer to the underwriters; transactions with dealers normally reflect the spread between bid and asked prices. In seeking to implement the Funds’ policies, the Advisor effects transactions with those brokers and dealers who the Advisor believes provide the most favorable prices and are capable of providing efficient executions. If the Advisor believes such prices and executions are obtainable from more than one broker or dealer, the Advisor may give consideration to placing portfolio transactions with those brokers and dealers who also furnish research and other services to the Funds or the Advisor. Such services may include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following: information as to the availability of securities for purchase or sale; statistical or factual information or opinions pertaining to investment; wire services; and appraisals or evaluations of portfolio securities. If the broker-dealer providing these additional services is acting as a principal for its own account, no commissions would be payable. If the broker-dealer is not a principal, a higher commission may be justified, at the determination of the Advisor, for the additional services.

 

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The information and services received by the Advisor from brokers and dealers may be of benefit to the Advisor in the management of accounts of some of the Advisors’ other clients and may not in all cases benefit a Fund directly. While the receipt of such information and services is useful in varying degrees and would generally reduce the amount of research or services otherwise performed by the Advisor and thereby reduce the Advisors’ expenses, this information and these services are of indeterminable value and the management fee paid to the Advisor is not reduced by any amount that may be attributable to the value of such information and services.

In selecting brokers to effect transactions in the Trust’s portfolio securities, the Advisor may not consider the broker’s promotional or sales efforts.

Brokerage Commissions

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, each Fund did not pay brokerage commissions.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Each Fund bears all expenses of its operations other than those assumed by the Advisor or the Administrator. Fund expenses include: the management fee; administrative and transfer agency and shareholder servicing fees; custodian and accounting fees and expenses; legal and auditing fees; securities valuation expenses; fidelity bonds and other insurance premiums; expenses of preparing and printing prospectuses, product descriptions, confirmations, proxy statements, and shareholder reports and notices; registration fees and expenses; proxy and annual meeting expenses, if any; licensing fees, listing fees, all federal, state, and local taxes (including, without limitation, stamp, excise, income, and franchise taxes); organizational costs; and Independent Trustees’ fees and expenses.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING SHARES

Organization and Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest. The Trust is a Delaware statutory trust and registered investment company. The Trust was organized on July 29, 2004, and has authorized capital of unlimited Shares of beneficial interest of no par value which may be issued in more than one class or series. Currently, the Trust consists of multiple separately managed series. The Board may designate additional series and classify shares of a particular series into one or more classes of that series.

All shares of the Trust are freely transferable. Trust shares do not have preemptive rights or cumulative voting rights, and none of the shares have any preference to conversion, exchange, dividends, retirements, liquidation, redemption, or any other feature. Trust shares have equal voting rights, except that, in a matter affecting a particular series or class of shares, if applicable, only shares of that series or class may be entitled to vote on the matter.

Under Delaware law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual shareholders meeting if the 1940 Act does not require such a meeting. Generally, there will not be annual meetings of Trust shareholders. Trust shareholders may remove Trustees from office by votes cast at a meeting of Trust shareholders or by written consent. If requested by shareholders of at least 10% of the outstanding Shares of the Trust, the Trust will call a meeting of the Trust’s shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of a Trustee of the Trust and will assist in communications with other Trust shareholders.

The Declaration of Trust of the Trust disclaims liability of the shareholders or the officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust which are binding only on the assets and property of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification of the Trust’s property for all loss and expense of any Fund shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. The risk of a Trust shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which loss of account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would not be able to meet the Trust’s obligations and this risk, thus, should be considered remote.

If a Fund does not grow to a size to permit it to be economically viable, the Fund may cease operations. In such an event, investors may be required to liquidate or transfer their investments at an inopportune time.

TAXATION

Overview. Set forth below is a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax issues concerning the Funds and the purchase, ownership, and disposition of a Fund’s shares. This discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to shareholders in light of their particular circumstances, nor to certain types of shareholders subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws (for example, life insurance companies, banks, other financial institutions, and IRAs and other retirement plans). This discussion is based upon present provisions of

 

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the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are subject to change, which change may be retroactive. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the federal tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, or disposition of a Fund’s shares, as well as the tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, foreign country, or other taxing jurisdiction.

Each Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated each year as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. A RIC generally is not subject to federal income tax on income and gains distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a RIC, each Fund generally must, among other things:

(a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gain from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” as described below (the income described in this clause (a), “Qualifying Income”);

(b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of a Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to a value not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and to an amount not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in (x) the securities (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (y) the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and

(c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid—generally, taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt interest income for such year.

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in paragraph (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as Qualifying Income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be Qualifying Income if realized directly by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income of a RIC derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (defined as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the Qualifying Income described in clause (i) of paragraph (a) above) will be treated as Qualifying Income. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in paragraph (b) above in the case of a Fund’s investments in loan participations, the Fund shall treat both the financial intermediary and the issuer of the underlying loan as an “issuer,” and the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

If, in any taxable year, a Fund were to fail to qualify for taxation as a RIC under the Code, the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gain (if any), would be taxable to shareholders as dividend income. Distributions from the Fund would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in order to requalify for

 

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taxation as a RIC, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.

If a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including Capital Gain Dividends, as defined below).

Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a prescribed formula are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the tax, each Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount equal to the sum of (1) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (2) at least 98% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (3) all such ordinary income and capital gains that were not distributed in previous years. For this purpose, a Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax. Each Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax, although there can be no assurance that the Funds will be able to do so.

A distribution will be treated as paid on December 31 of a calendar year if it is declared by the Fund in October, November or December of that year with a record date in such a month, and is paid by the Fund during January of the following year. Such distributions will be taxable to shareholders in the calendar year in which distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.

Original Issue Discount. Certain debt securities acquired by a Fund may be treated as debt securities that were originally issued at a discount. Original issue discount can generally be defined as the difference between the price at which a security was issued and its stated redemption price at maturity. Original issue discount that accrues on a debt security in a given year generally is treated for federal income tax purposes as interest income, and accordingly such income would be subject to the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, even though a Fund may not receive a corresponding amount of cash. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, a Fund may be required to sell securities that it otherwise would have continued to hold.

Some debt securities may be purchased by a Fund at a discount that exceeds the original issue discount on such debt securities, if any. This additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes (see below).

Market Discount. If a Fund purchases a debt security at a price lower than the stated redemption price of such debt security, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price is “market discount”. If the amount of market discount is more than a de minimis amount, a portion of such market discount must be included as ordinary income (not capital gain) by a Fund in each taxable year in which the Fund owns an interest in such debt security and receives a principal payment on it. In particular, a Fund will be required to allocate that principal payment first to the portion of the market discount on the debt security that has accrued but has not previously been includable in income. In general, the amount of market discount that must be included for each period is equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of market discount accruing during such period (plus any accrued market discount for prior periods not previously taken into account) or (ii) the amount of the principal payment with respect to such period. Generally, market discount accrues on a daily basis for each day the debt security is held by a Fund at a constant rate over the time remaining to the debt security’s maturity or, at the election of the Fund, at a constant yield to maturity which takes into account the semi-annual compounding of interest. Gain realized on the disposition of a market discount obligation must be recognized as ordinary interest income (not capital gain) to the extent of the accrued market discount.

 

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Higher-Risk Securities. Each Fund may invest to in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or that are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for a Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by each Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swaps. Regulated futures contracts and certain options (namely, non-equity options and dealer equity options) in which a Fund may invest may be “section 1256 contracts.” Gains (or losses) on these contracts generally are considered to be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses; however foreign currency gains or losses arising from certain section 1256 contracts may be ordinary in character (see “Foreign Currency Transactions” below). Also, section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of each taxable year (and on certain other dates prescribed in the Code) are “marked to market” with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized.

The tax treatment of a payment made or received on a swap to which a Fund is a party, and in particular whether such payment is, in whole or in part, capital or ordinary in character, will vary depending upon the terms of the particular swap contract.

Transactions in options, futures, and forward contracts and swaps undertaken by a Fund may result in “straddles” for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by a Fund, and losses realized by the Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which the losses are realized. In addition, certain carrying charges (including interest expense) associated with positions in a straddle may be required to be capitalized rather than deducted currently. Certain elections that a Fund may make with respect to its straddle positions may also affect the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected positions.

Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the consequences of such transactions to a Fund are not entirely clear. The straddle rules may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a fund that did not engage in such transactions.

More generally, investments by a Fund in options, futures, forward contracts, swaps (including CDS transactions) and other derivative financial instruments are subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary or capital, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to a Fund and defer or possibly prevent the recognition or use of certain losses by a Fund. The rules could, in turn, affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to shareholders by a Fund. In addition, because the tax rules applicable to such instruments may be uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future Internal Revenue Service guidance with respect to these rules may affect whether a Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a fund-level tax.

Constructive Sales. Under certain circumstances, each Fund may recognize gain from a constructive sale of an “appreciated financial

 

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position” it holds if it enters into a short sale, forward contract or other transaction that substantially reduces the risk of loss with respect to the appreciated position. In that event, each Fund would be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and would be taxed on any gain (but would not recognize any loss) from the constructive sale. The character of gain from a constructive sale would depend upon each Fund’s holding period in the property. Appropriate adjustments would be made in the amount of any gain or loss subsequently realized on the position to reflect the gain recognized on the constructive sale. Loss from a constructive sale would be recognized when the property was subsequently disposed of, and its character would depend on each Fund’s holding period and the application of various loss deferral provisions of the Code. Constructive sale treatment does not generally apply to transactions if such transaction is closed before the end of the 30th day after the close of the Fund’s taxable year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position throughout the 60-day period beginning with the day such transaction closed. The term “appreciated financial position” excludes any position that is “marked to market.”

Foreign Investments and Taxes. Investment income and gains received by a Fund from foreign investments may be subject to foreign withholding and other taxes, which could decrease the Fund’s return on those investments. The effective rate of foreign taxes to which a Fund will be subject depends on the specific countries in which its assets will be invested and the extent of the assets invested in each such country and, therefore, cannot be determined in advance. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Fund.

Foreign Currency Transactions. Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates that occur between the time a Fund accrues income or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on the disposition of some investments, including debt securities and certain forward contracts denominated in a foreign currency, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the acquisition and disposition of the position also are treated as ordinary gain or loss. In certain circumstances, a Fund may elect to treat foreign currency gain or loss attributable to a forward contract, a futures contract or an option as capital gain or loss. Furthermore, foreign currency gain or loss arising from certain types of section 1256 contracts is treated as capital gain or loss absent an election to treat foreign currency gain or loss from such contracts as ordinary in character.

To the extent that a Fund’s foreign currency gains and losses are treated as ordinary income or loss, they will increase or decrease the amount of a Fund’s investment company taxable income available (and required) to be distributed to its shareholders. If such foreign currency losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions, or distributions made before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders rather than as ordinary dividends, thereby reducing each shareholder’s basis in his or her Fund shares.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies. The Funds may invest in shares of foreign corporations that are classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”). In general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets, or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC shares are treated as excess distributions. Excess distributions are characterized as ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain excess distributions might have been classified as capital gains. If a Fund receives a so-called “excess distribution” with respect to PFIC stock, the Fund itself may be subject to a tax on a portion of the excess distribution, whether or not the corresponding income is distributed by the Fund to shareholders. In general, under the PFIC rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over the period during which a Fund held the PFIC shares. Each Fund will itself be subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is so allocated, and an interest factor will be added to the tax allocated to prior taxable years, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years.

The Funds may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to PFIC shares. Under an election that currently is available in some circumstances, a Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether distributions were received from the PFIC in a given year. If this election were made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation of excess distributions, would not apply. Another election would involve marking

 

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to market a Fund’s PFIC shares at the end of each taxable year, with the result that unrealized gains would be treated as though they were realized and reported as ordinary income. Any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of PFIC Shares would be deductible as ordinary losses to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains included in income in prior years.

Mortgage Pooling Vehicles. The Funds may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage conduits (“REMICs”) or taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”). Under a notice recently issued by the IRS and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund’s income (including income allocated to the Fund from a REIT or other pass-through entity) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related residual interest directly. As a result, the Funds may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts (see “UBTI” below).

In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on unrelated business income, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax.

Unrelated Business Taxable Income. Under current law, income of a RIC that would be treated as UBTI if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity generally will not be attributed as UBTI to a tax-exempt entity that is a shareholder in the RIC Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a Fund if shares in a Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a charitable remainder trust, as defined in section 664 of the Code, that realizes UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in November 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in a Fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income” (as described above). Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a Fund, then the Fund will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholder at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which the IRS guidance remains applicable to CRTs in light of the December 2006 CRT legislation is unclear. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in a Fund. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, a Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in a Fund. The Funds have not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in a Fund.

Distributions. For Federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment company taxable income are generally taxable to a U.S. shareholder as ordinary income, whether paid in cash or shares. . Distributions of net capital gains – that is, the excess

 

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of net long-term capital gains from the sale of investments that a Fund has owned (or is treated as having owned) for more than one year over net short-term capital losses – that are properly designated by a Fund as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”), whether paid in cash or in shares, are taxable at long term capital gains rates, regardless of how long the shareholder has held the Fund’s shares. Distributions of capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforward. Capital Gain Dividends are not eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction. Distributions attributable to the excess of net gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for one year or less over net long-term capital losses will be taxable as ordinary income.

Long term capital gain rates applicable to non-corporate shareholders have been temporarily reduced to 15% (with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% ordinary income brackets) for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.

Investors should be careful to consider the tax implications of buying shares of a Fund just prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at this time will include the amount of the forthcoming distribution, but the distribution will generally be taxable.

Shareholders will be notified annually as to the U.S. federal tax status of Fund distributions, and shareholders receiving distributions in the form of newly issued shares will receive a report as to the value of the shares received.

Distributions by the Funds to tax-deferred or qualified plans, such as an IRA, retirement plan or corporate pension or profit sharing plan, generally will not be taxable. However, distributions from such plans will be taxable to individual participants without regard to the character of the income earned by the qualified plan. Please consult a tax advisor for a more complete explanation of the federal, state, local and (if applicable) foreign tax consequences of making investments through such plans.

Qualified Dividend Income. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, “qualified dividend income” received by an individual will be taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. In order for some portion of the dividends received by a Fund shareholder to be qualified dividend income, the Fund must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to some portion of the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and the shareholder must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level) (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment interest, or (4) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States) or (b) treated as a passive foreign investment company.

 

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Disposition of Shares. Upon a redemption, sale or exchange of shares of a Fund, a shareholder will realize a taxable gain or loss depending upon his or her basis in the shares. A gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s hands and generally will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. Any loss realized on a redemption, sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced (including through reinvestment of dividends) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the disposition of a Fund’s shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of Capital Gain Dividends received or treated as having been received by the shareholder with respect to such shares.

Backup Withholding. Each Fund may be required to withhold federal income tax (“backup withholding”) from dividends paid, capital gains distributions, and redemption proceeds to shareholders. Federal tax will be withheld if (1) the shareholder fails to furnish the Fund with the shareholder’s correct taxpayer identification number or social security number, (2) the IRS notifies the shareholder or the Fund that the shareholder has failed to report properly certain interest and dividend income to the IRS and to respond to notices to that effect, or (3) when required to do so, the shareholder fails to certify that he or she is not subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is 28% for amounts paid through 2010. The backup withholding rate will be 31% for amounts paid after December 31, 2010, unless Congress enacts tax legislation providing otherwise. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be credited against the shareholder’s federal tax liability.

In order for a foreign investor to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax rates and for reduced withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, the foreign investor must comply with special certification and filing requirements. Foreign investors in a Fund should consult their tax advisors in this regard.

Non-U.S. Shareholders. Dividends, other than Capital Gain Dividends, paid by a Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (such shareholder, a “foreign person”) generally are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. For taxable years of the Funds beginning before January 1, 2008, the Funds were not required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (w) that did not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner was not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend was attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person was the issuer or was a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that was within certain foreign countries that have adequate information exchange with the United States or (z) to the extent the dividend was attributable to interest paid by a person that was a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person was a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income that would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions were properly designated by the Fund (“interest related dividends”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who was present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, to the extent such distributions were properly designated by a Fund (“short-term capital gain dividends”). Legislation to extend the exemption for interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends was proposed but not enacted in 2007. It is unclear whether similar legislation will be enacted in 2008. Even if such legislation were enacted, a Fund may opt not to designate dividends as interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain dividends.

If a beneficial owner of Fund shares who is a foreign person has a trade or business in the United States, and dividends from the Fund are effectively connected with the conduct by the beneficial owner of that trade or business, those dividends will be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates.

 

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Special rules may apply to distributions to foreign persons from a Fund that is either a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition thereof. Additionally, special rules may apply to the sale of shares in any ProFund that is a USRPHC. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds U.S. real property interests (“USRPIs”)— defined very generally in turn as any interest in U.S. real property or any equity interest in a USRPHC—the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation’s USRPIs, interests in real property located outside the United States and other assets combined. Foreign persons should consult their tax advisors concerning the potential implications of these rules.

Equalization Accounting. Each Fund distributes its net investment income and capital gains to shareholders as dividends annually to the extent required to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Code and generally to avoid federal income or excise tax. Under current law, each Fund may on its tax return treat as a distribution of investment company taxable income and net capital gain the portion of redemption proceeds paid to redeeming shareholders that represents the redeeming shareholders’ portion of the Fund’s undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain. This practice, which involves the use of equalization accounting, will have the effect of reducing the amount of income and gains that a Fund is required to distribute as dividends to shareholders in order for the Fund to avoid federal income tax and excise tax. This practice may also reduce the amount of distributions required to be made to nonredeeming shareholders and the amount of any undistributed income will be reflected in the value of a Fund’s shares. The total return on a shareholder’s investment will not be reduced as a result of the Fund’s distribution policy. As noted above, investors who purchase shares shortly before the record date of a distribution will pay the full price for the shares and then receive some portion of the price back as a taxable distribution.

Tax Shelter Disclosure. Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on a disposition of a Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (including, for example, an insurance company holding separate account), the shareholder must file with the Internal Revenue Service a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting, requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. This filing requirement applies even though, as a practical matter, any such loss would not, for example, reduce the taxable income of an insurance company. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies.

Other Taxation. The foregoing discussion is primarily a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in a Fund based on the law in effect as of the date of this SAI. The discussion does not address in detail special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as, among others, IRAs and other retirement plans, tax-exempt entities, foreign investors, insurance companies, banks, other financial institutions and investors making in-kind contributions to a Fund. You should consult your tax advisor for more information about your own tax situation, including possible other federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign tax consequences of investing in a Fund.

 

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The foregoing discussion is primarily a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in a Fund based on the law as of the date of this SAI. The discussion does not address in detail special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as, among others, IRAs and other retirement plans, tax-exempt entities, foreign investors, insurance companies, financial institutions and investors making in-kind contributions to a Fund. You should consult your tax advisor for more information about your own tax situation, including possible other federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.

RATING SERVICES

The ratings of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Fitch Investor Services and Dominion Bond Rating Services represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities that they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. Although these ratings are an initial criterion for selection of portfolio investments, the Advisor also makes its own evaluation of these securities, subject to review by the Board of Trustees. A description of the ratings used herein and in the Prospectuses is set forth in the Appendix to this SAI.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Financial Statements of the Funds for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 are incorporated herein by reference to the Trust’s Annual Report, such Financial Statements having been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, and are so included and incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of said firm, which report is given upon their authority as experts in auditing and accounting. Copies of such Annual Report are available without charge upon request by writing to Access One Trust, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219 or telephoning (888) 776-3637.

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUSES, OR IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THE PROSPECTUSES AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR PRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE TRUST. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE TRUST IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH AN OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

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APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

DESCRIPTION OF S&P’S CORPORATE RATINGS:

AAA: Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

AA: Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differ from the highest rated issuers only in small degree.

S&P’s letter ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or a minus sign, which is used to show relative standing within the major categories, except in the AAA rating category.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY’S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:

Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt-edge”. Interest payments are protected by a large or exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

Moody’s applies the numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE’S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:

AAA: Securities of this rating are regarded as strictly high-grade, broadly marketable, suitable for investment by trustees and fiduciary institutions, and liable to slight market fluctuation other than through changes in the money rate. The factor last named is of importance varying with the length of maturity. Such securities are mainly senior issues of strong companies, and are most numerous in the railway and public utility fields, though some industrial obligations have this rating. The prime feature of an AAA rating is showing of earnings several times or many times interest requirements with such stability of applicable earnings that safety is beyond reasonable question whatever changes occur in conditions. Other features may enter in, such as a wide margin of protection through collateral security or direct lien on specific property as in the case of high class equipment certificates or bonds that are first mortgages on valuable real estate. Sinking funds or voluntary reduction of the debt by call or purchase are often factors, while guarantee or assumption by parties other than the original debtor may also influence the rating.

AA: Securities in this group are of safety virtually beyond question, and as a class are readily salable while many are highly active. Their merits are not greatly unlike those of the AAA class, but a security so rated may be of junior though strong lien in many cases directly following an AAA security or the margin of safety is less strikingly broad. The issue may be the obligation of a small company, strongly secure but influenced as the ratings by the lesser financial power of the enterprise and more local type of market.

DESCRIPTION OF DOMINION RATINGS SERVICES OF CANADA (“DBRS”) — BOND AND LONG TERM DEBT RATINGS:

AAA: Bonds rated “AAA” are of the highest credit quality, with exceptionally strong protection for the timely repayment of principal and interest. Earnings are considered stable, the structure of the industry in which the entity operates is strong, and the outlook for future profitability is favorable. There are few qualifying factors present which would detract from the performance of the entity, the strength of liquidity and coverage ratios is unquestioned and the entity has established a creditable track record of superior performance. Given the extremely tough definition which DBRS has established for this category, few entities are able to achieve a AAA rating.

AA: Bonds rated “AA” are of superior credit quality, and protection of interest and principal is considered high. In many cases, they differ from bonds rated AAA only to a small degree. Given the extremely tough definition which DBRS has for the AAA category (which few companies are able to achieve), entities rated AA are also considered to be strong credits

 

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which typically exemplify above-average strength in key areas of consideration and are unlikely to be significantly affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

DESCRIPTION OF S&P COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS:

Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those issues determined to posses overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted A-1+.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY’S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS:

The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody’s. Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) are considered to have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE’S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS:

F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.

F-1: Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than the strongest issue.

DESCRIPTION OF DOMINION RATINGS SERVICES OF CANADA — COMMERCIAL PAPER AND SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS:

All three DBRS rating categories for short term debt use “high”, “middle” or “low” as subset grades to designate the relative standing of the credit within a particular rating category. The following comments provide separate definitions for the three grades in the Prime Credit Quality area, as this is where ratings for active borrowers in Canada continue to be heavily concentrated.

R-1 (high): Short term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality, and indicates an entity which possesses unquestioned ability to repay current liabilities as they fall due. Entities rated in this category normally maintain strong liquidity positions, conservative debt levels and profitability which is both stable and above average. Companies achieving an “R-1 (high)” rating are normally leaders in structurally sound industry segments with proven track records, sustainable positive future results and no substantial qualifying negative factors. Given the extremely tough definition which DBRS has established for an “R-1 (high)”, few entities are strong enough to achieve this rating.

R-1 (middle): Short term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality and, in most cases, ratings in this category differ from “R-1 (high)” credits to only a small degree. Given the extremely tough definition which DBRS has for the “R-1 (high)” category (which few companies are able to achieve), entities rated “R-1 (middle)” are also considered strong credits which typically exemplify above average strength in key areas of consideration for debt protection.

R-1 (low): Short term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of satisfactory credit quality. The overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt and profitability ratios is not normally as favorable as with higher rating categories, but these considerations are still respectable. Any qualifying negative factors which exist are considered manageable, and the entity is normally of sufficient size to have some influence in its industry.

NON-INVESTMENT GRADE (ISSUES REGARDED AS HAVING SPECULATIVE CHARACTERISTICS IN THE LIKELIHOOD OF TIMELY REPAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST.)

BB: While not investment grade, the “BB” rating suggests that the likelihood of default is considerably less than for lower-rated issues. However, there are significant uncertainties that could affect the ability to adequately service debt obligations.

B: Issues rated “B” show a higher degree of uncertainty and therefore greater likelihood of default than higher-rated issues. Adverse development could well negatively affect the payment of interest and principal on a timely basis.

CCC: Issues rate “CCC” clearly have a high likelihood of default, with little capacity to address further adverse changes in financial circumstances.

CC: “CC” is applied to issues that are subordinate to other obligations rated “CCC” and are afforded less protection in the event of bankruptcy or reorganization.

D: Default

 

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These long-term debt ratings can also be applied to local currency debt. In such cases the ratings defined above will be preceded by the designation “local currency.”

A RATING IN THE LONG-TERM DEBT CATEGORIES MAY INCLUDE A PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-) DESIGNATION, WHICH INDICATES WHERE WITHIN THE RESPECTIVE CATEGORY THE ISSUE IS PLACED.

Speculative Grade:

BB—Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

B—Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business economic environment.

CCC, CC, C—High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. A rating CC indicates that default of some kind appears probable. A rating C signals imminent default.

DD, DD, D—Default. The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the obligor. While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated with any precision, the following serve as general guidelines. “DDD” obligations have the highest potential for recovery, around 90%—100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest. “DD” indicates potential recoveries in the range of 50%—90% and “D” the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%.

Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated “DDD” have the highest prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated “DD” and “D” are generally undergoing a formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated “DD” are likely to satisfy a higher portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated “D” have a poor prospect of repaying all obligations.

 

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ACCESS ONE TRUST

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item. 23.

 

Exhibits

(a)(1)   Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant – (1)
(b)   By-laws of Registrant – (1)
(c)(1)   Article 4 (Beneficial Interest) and Article 7 (Shareholders’ Voting Powers and Meetings) of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant – (1)
(c)(2)   Article V (Meetings of Shareholders) and Article VI (Shares in the Trust) of the By-laws of Registrant – (1)
(d)(1)   Amended Investment Advisory Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2005, between Registrant and ProFund Advisors LLC – (12)
(d)(2)   Schedule A, dated as of December 14, 2006, to Amended Investment Advisory Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2005, between Registrant and ProFund Advisors LLC – (12)
(e)(1)   Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement between Registrant and ProFunds Distributors, Inc. – (11)
(e)(2)   Form of ProFunds Distributors, Inc. Dealer Agreement for Investor Class Shares – (12)
(e)(3)   Form of ProFunds Distributors, Inc. Dealer Agreement for Class A shares – (5)
(e)(4)   Form dated as of August 29, 2006 of ProFunds Distributors, Inc. Shareholder Services Agreement for Non-NASD Members – (12)
(e)(5)   Form dated as of August 29, 2006 of ProFunds Distributors, Inc. Distribution and Shareholder Services Agreement for NASD Registered Members – (12)
(e)(6)   Schedule A, dated as of December 14, 2006, to Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement of Access One
Trust –(12)
(f)   Not applicable.
(g)(1)   Custody Agreement, dated as of November 6, 1997, between ProFunds and UMB Bank, N.A. (“UMB”), as Amended on December 15, 2004 (the “Amended Custody Agreement”) – (1)
(g)(2)   Amendment dated March 10, 2005 to the Amended Custody Agreement, dated December 15, 2004, between ProFunds and UMB – (12)
(g)(3)   Appendix B, dated December 14, 2006, to the Amended Custody Agreement, dated March 10, 2005, between ProFunds and UMB – (12)
(g)(4)   Schedule of Fees for Domestic Custody Services of UMB, effective June 1, 2007, prepared by UMB for ProFunds and the Registrant – (14)
(h)(1)   Administration Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2004, between ProFunds and BISYS Fund Services Limited Partnership (“BISYS”) – (12)
(h)(1)(i)   Schedule A to Amended Administration Agreement, dated December 14, 2006, by and among ProFunds, Registrant and BISYS – (12)
(h)(2)   Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 5, 2004, to Administration Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2004, between ProFunds and BISYS – (12)
(h)(3)   Amendment No. 2, dated December 15, 2004, to Amended Administration Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2004 and Amended as of October 5, 2004, between ProFunds and BISYS, adding Registrant as a party thereto – (12)
(h)(4)   Amendment No. 3, dated as of December 16, 2005, to the Amended Administration Agreement, dated December 15, 2004, by and among ProFunds, BISYS and Registrant – (12)

 


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(h)(5)   Amendment No. 4, dated as of December 11, 2007, to the Amended Administration Agreement, dated December 15, 2004, by and among ProFunds, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”) (assignee of BISYS) and Registrant – (14)
(h)(6)   Fund Accounting Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2004, between ProFunds and BISYS Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“BISYS Ohio”) – (12)
(h)(6)(i)   Schedule A, dated as of September 19, 2007, to Amended Fund Accounting Agreement, dated December 15, 2004, by and among ProFunds, BISYS Ohio and Registrant – (14)
(h)(7)   Amendment No. 1, dated December 15, 2004, to Fund Accounting Agreement between ProFunds and BISYS Ohio, dated as of January 1, 2004, adding Registrant as a party thereto – (12)
(h)(8)   Amendment No. 2, dated December 11, 2007, to Fund Accounting Agreement between ProFunds and Citi (formerly BISYS Ohio), dated as of January 1, 2004, adding Registrant as a party thereto – (14)
(h)(9)   Transfer Agency Agreement by and among ProFunds, Registrant and BISYS Ohio – (12)
(h)(10)   Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2005, between ProFunds and ProFund Advisors – (12)
(h)(11)   Amended Expense Limitation Agreement, dated March 10, 2005, between Registrant and ProFund Advisors LLC – (12)
(h)(12)   Schedules A and B to Amended Expense Limitation Agreement, dated March 10, 2005, between Registrant and ProFund Advisors LLC – (14)
(i)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel – (14)
(j)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – (14)
(k)   Not applicable.
(l)   Not applicable.
(m)(1)   Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan for Class A and C Shares – (1)
(m)(2)   Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan for Service Class Shares – (1)
(m)(3)   VP Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan – (2)
(m)(4)   Amended Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan for Class A and C Shares – (5)
(m)(5)   Schedule A, dated as of December 14, 2006, to the A & C Shares Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan – (12)
(n)(1)   Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan – (5)
(n)(3)   Schedule A, dated as of December 14, 2006, to the Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to
Rule 18f-3 –(12)
(o)(1)   Power of Attorney for Louis M. Mayberg – (14)
(o)(2)   Power of Attorney for Michael Wachs – (14)
(o)(3)   Power of Attorney for Russell S. Reynolds, III – (14)
(o)(4)   Power of Attorney for Troy A. Sheets, III – (14)
(p)(1)   Consolidated Code of Ethics of the Registrant, ProFund Advisors LLC, ProFunds Distributors, Inc., ProShares Trust, ProFunds, and ProShares Advisors LLC – (14)
(p)(2)   Code of Ethics, dated as of January 1, 2007, of BISYS Fund Services – (12)

 

(1) Previously filed on December 10, 2004 as part of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Previously filed on December 17, 2004 as part of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 and incorporated herein by reference.


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(3) Previously filed on February 28, 2005 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 2 and incorporated herein by reference.
(4) Previously filed on March 16, 2005 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 3 and incorporated herein by reference.
(5) Previously filed on April 22, 2005 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 4 and incorporated herein by reference.
(6) Previously filed on June 6, 2005 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 7 and incorporated herein by reference.
(7) Previously filed on December 29, 2005 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 8 and incorporated herein by reference.
(8) Previously filed on February 24, 2006 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 9 and incorporated herein by reference.
(9) Previously filed on February 27, 2006 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 10 and incorporated herein by reference.
(10) Previously filed on April 25, 2006 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 11 and incorporated herein by reference.
(11) Previously filed on June 30, 2006 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 13 and incorporated herein by reference.
(12) Previously filed on February 26, 2007 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 14 and incorporated herein by reference.
(13) Previously filed on April 27, 2007 as part of Post Effective Amendment No. 15 and incorporated herein by reference.
(14) Filed herewith.

Item. 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant

None.

Item. 25. Indemnification

Reference is made to Article Eight of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust which is incorporated by reference herein:

The Registrant (also, the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is operated pursuant to a Declaration of Trust, dated July 29, 2004 (the “Declaration of Trust”), that permits the Registrant to indemnify every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”). Each Covered Person shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or fines and penalties, and counsel fees reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with the defense or disposition of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or legislative body, in which he becomes or may have become involved as a party or otherwise or with which he becomes or may have become threatened by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof. This indemnification is subject to the following conditions:

No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:

(a) For any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders arising out of a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that the Covered Person engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office;

(b) With respect to any matter as to which the Covered Person shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Trust; or


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(c) In the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication (as provided in paragraph (a) or (b) of Section 8.5.2 of the Declaration of Trust) and resulting in a payment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition, or a reasonable determination, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that he or she did not engage in such conduct, such determination being made by: (i) a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees (as such term is defined in Section 8.5.6 of the Declaration of Trust) acting on the matter (provided that a majority of Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter); or (ii) a written opinion of independent legal counsel.

The rights of indemnification under the Declaration of Trust may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, and shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Covered Person, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained in the Declaration of Trust shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel other than Covered Persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under Section 8.5 of the Declaration of Trust including counsel fees so incurred by any Covered Person (but excluding amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines or penalties) shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under Section 8.5 of the Declaration of Trust, provided that either:

(a) Such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances; or

(b) A majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of the readily available facts (as opposed to the facts available upon a full trial type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification under Section 8.5 of the Declaration of Trust.

As used in Section 8.5 of the Declaration of Trust, the following words shall have the meanings set forth below:

(c) A “Disinterested Trustee” is one (i) who is not an Interested Person of the Trust (including anyone, as such Disinterested Trustee, who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), and (ii) against whom none of such actions, suits or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending;

(d) “Claim,” “action,” “suit” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and

(e) “Liability” and “expenses” shall include without limitation, attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.

Item. 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

Reference is made to the caption “Management of the Funds” in the Prospectus constituting Part A which is incorporated by reference to this Registration Statement and “Management of the Access One Trust” in the Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B which is incorporated by reference to this Registration Statement.

ProFund Advisors LLC (the “Advisor”), is a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Maryland on May 8, 1997.


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Item. 27. Principal Underwriters

ProFunds Distributors, Inc. (formerly Concord Financial Group, Inc.), 100 Summer Street, Suite 1500, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 acts as principal underwriter for the Registrant and ProFunds. The officers of ProFunds Distributors, Inc., all of whose principal business address is set forth above, are:

 

Name

  

Address

  

Position with Underwriter

Robert P. Wallace

   388 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10013    Director

Lee R. Waite

   388 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10013    Director

Martin Dean

   3435 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219    President and Director

Bruce Treff

   100 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110    Secretary

Michael Donahoe

   3435 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219    Chief Compliance Officer

Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records.

All accounts, books, and records required to be maintained and preserved by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder, will be kept by the Registrant at:

(1) ProFund Advisors LLC, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000, Bethesda, Maryland (records relating to its functions as investment adviser and manager).

(2) Citi Fund Services, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio and 100 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 (official records of the Trust and records produced by Citi in its role as administrator, fund accountant, transfer agent and distributor).

(3) UMB Bank, N.A., 928 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri for each Fund (records relating to its function as Custodian)

Item. 29. Management Services

Not applicable.

Item. 30. Undertakings

None.

 


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it has met all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this amendment to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Bethesda, Maryland on February 28, 2008.

 

ACCESS ONE TRUST
/s/ Louis M. Mayberg        
Louis M. Mayberg, President*

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signatures

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Michael L. Sapir        

Michael L. Sapir

   Trustee, Chairman   February 28, 2008

/s/ Russell S. Reynolds, III        

Russell S. Reynolds, III*

   Trustee   February 28, 2008

/s/ Michael Wachs        

Michael Wachs*

   Trustee   February 28, 2008

/s/ Louis M. Mayberg        

Louis M. Mayberg*

   President   February 28, 2008

/s/ Troy A. Sheets        

Troy A. Sheets*

   Treasurer   February 28, 2008

*By:

 

/s/ Barry Pershkow        

Barry Pershkow

As Attorney-in-fact

February 28, 2008

    


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Exhibit Index

 

ITEM

NUMBER

  ITEM
(g)(4)   Schedule of Fees for Domestic Custody Services of UMB, effective June 1, 2007, prepared by UMB for ProFunds and the Registrant.
(h)(5)   Amendment No. 4, dated as of December 11, 2007, to the Amended Administration Agreement, dated December 15, 2004, by and among ProFunds, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”) (assignee of BISYS) and Registrant.
(h)(6)(i)   Schedule A, dated as of September 19, 2007, to Amended Fund Accounting Agreement, dated December 15, 2004, by and among ProFunds, BISYS Ohio and Registrant.
(h)(8)   Amendment No. 2, dated December 11, 2007, to Fund Accounting Agreement between ProFunds and Citi (formerly BISYS Ohio), dated as of January 1, 2004, adding Registrant as a party thereto.
(h)(12)   Schedules A and B to Amended Expense Limitation Agreement, dated March 10, 2005, between Registrant and ProFund Advisors LLC.
(i)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel.
(j)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
(o)(1)   Power of Attorney for Louis M. Mayberg.
(o)(2)   Power of Attorney for Michael Wachs.
(o)(3)   Power of Attorney for Russell S. Reynolds, III.
(o)(4)   Power of Attorney for Troy A. Sheets.
(p)(1)   Consolidated Code of Ethics of the Registrant, ProFund Advisors LLC, ProFunds Distributors, Inc., ProShares Trust, ProFunds, and ProShares Advisors LLC.