497 1 d497.htm LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST
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LOGO

PROSPECTUS / JULY 20, 2008

Legg Mason Partners

Financial Services Fund

Class A, B, C, FI, R and I Shares

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any statement to the contrary is a crime.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE

 


Table of Contents

Legg Mason Partners

Financial Services Fund

 

Investments, risks and performance   2
More on the fund’s investments   11
Management   16
Choosing a class of shares to buy   19
Comparing the fund’s classes   22
Sales charges   24
More about contingent deferred sales charges   30
Retirement and institutional investors   32
Buying shares   36
Exchanging shares   38
Redeeming shares   41
Other things to know about transactions   44
Dividends, distributions and taxes   50
Share price   52
Financial highlights   55

On April 16, 2007 (the “April 2007 Reorganization”), the fund assumed the assets and liabilities of a predecessor fund with the same name. The fund is now grouped for organizational and governance purposes with other Legg Mason Partners funds that are predominantly equity type funds. On March 16, 2007 (the “March 2007 Reorganization”), the LMP Fund acquired the assets of Legg Mason Financial Services Fund (the “LM Fund”). The LM Fund was the accounting survivor of the March 2007 Reorganization. As a result, the financial statements and performance information presented in this Prospectus for the periods prior to the March 2007 Reorganization are those of the LM Fund.


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Investments, risks and performance

 

Investment objective

The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks.

Principal investment strategies

Key investments

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of issuers in the financial services industry. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, rights and warrants. These companies may include, but are not limited to:

 

 

Regional and money center banks

 

 

Securities brokerage firms

 

 

Asset management companies

 

 

Savings banks and thrift institutions

 

 

Specialty finance companies (e.g., credit card and mortgage providers)

 

 

Insurance and insurance brokerage firms

 

 

Government sponsored agencies, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, and

 

 

Financial conglomerates.

The fund may invest its assets in securities of foreign financial services companies (limited to 25% of total assets, not including American Depositary Receipts).

For purposes of the fund’s 80% policy, issuers in the financial services industry include companies that derive more than 50% of their revenues from providing products and services to the financial services industry, including software, hardware, publishing, news services, credit research and ratings services, Internet services and business services.

Selection process

The fund invests primarily in equity securities of financial services issuers that the subadviser believes are undervalued and thus may

 

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offer above-average potential for capital appreciation. In deciding what securities to buy, the subadviser analyzes an issuer’s financial statements to determine earnings per share potential. It also reviews, as appropriate, the economy where the issuer does business, the products offered, the issuer’s potential to benefit from industry changes and the strength and goals of management. The subadviser typically will sell a security in the fund’s portfolio if that security experiences earnings problems.

The fund may lend its securities to earn income for the fund.

The fund may, but is not required to, use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures and options contracts, to increase or decrease its exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. The fund may engage in foreign currency transactions solely to manage its exposure to foreign securities. If the fund’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.

Principal risks of investing in the fund

Investors could lose money on their investments in the fund, or the fund may not perform as well as other investments, as a result of the following risks:

 

 

Stock markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Different parts of the market may react differently to these developments.

 

 

Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market because of increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments and can perform differently than the U.S. market. Currency fluctuations may adversely impact the fund’s investments.

 

 

The fund is subject to the risk of concentrating investments in financial services companies. A fund concentrating most of its investments in a single industry will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers within that industry than would a more diversified portfolio of securities. Financial services companies are subject to extensive government regulation, and

 

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their prospects may be affected by new regulations or regulatory interpretations that impede particular lines of business. The profitability of financial services companies is dependent on the availability and cost of funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Economic downturns, credit losses and severe price competition can negatively affect this industry. Recent federal legislation permits increased competition among financial services companies. The impact of this change on any individual company or on the industry as a whole cannot be predicted.

 

 

The fund is subject to small and mid-sized company securities risk. Investing in the securities of smaller companies involves special risks. Smaller companies may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent upon a limited management group. Among other things, the prices of securities of small and mid-sized companies generally are more volatile than those of larger companies; the securities of small companies generally are less liquid; and smaller companies generally are more likely to be adversely affected by poor economic or market conditions. Smaller companies may also be more difficult to value because few, if any, investment researchers regularly follow them.

 

 

The fund is “non-diversified,” which means it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in one issuer than a “diversified” fund. To the extent the fund concentrates its assets in fewer issuers, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those issuers.

 

 

The fund’s investments are spread across the sector on which it focuses. However, because those investments are limited to a comparatively narrow segment of the economy, the fund’s investments are not as diversified as most mutual funds and far less diversified than the broad securities markets. This means that the fund tends to be more volatile than other mutual funds, and the values of its portfolio investments tend to increase and decrease more rapidly. As a result, the value of your investment in the fund may rise or fall rapidly.

 

 

The fund is subject to value style risk. The value approach to investing involves the risk that value stocks may remain

 

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undervalued. Value stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market for a long period of time, while the market concentrates on “growth” stocks. Value funds often concentrate much of their investments in certain industries, and thus will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers within that industry than would a more diversified portfolio of securities.

 

 

The fund is subject to “investment model” risk: the proprietary models used by the subadviser to evaluate securities or securities markets are based on the subadviser’s understanding of the interplay of market factors and do not assure successful investment. The markets or the prices of individual securities may be affected by factors not foreseen in developing the models.

 

 

The subadviser’s judgment about the attractiveness, growth prospects, value or potential appreciation of a particular stock may prove to be incorrect.

Who may want to invest

The fund may be an appropriate investment if you:

 

 

Are seeking to participate in the long-term growth potential of the financial services sector

 

 

Are seeking capital appreciation and can tolerate significant short-term volatility

 

 

Are looking for an investment with potentially greater return but higher risk than a fund investing primarily in fixed income securities

 

 

Are comfortable with the risks of the stock market and the risks of foreign securities, including emerging market securities

 

 

Currently have exposure to the stock market and can tolerate concentrated investment in a single market sector

Performance information

The following shows summary performance information for the fund in a bar chart and an Average Annual Total Returns table. The information provides an indication of the risks of investing in the fund by showing changes in its performance from year to year and by showing how the fund’s average annual total returns compare

 

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with the returns of a broad-based unmanaged securities market index and a sector index. The summary performance information in the Prospectus for the period prior to March 16, 2007 is that of the LM Fund.

The fund acquired the assets and liabilities of the LM Fund in a reorganization on March 16, 2007. The LM Fund offered classes of shares similar to the fund’s Class A and Class C shares, known as Financial Intermediary Class and Primary Class, respectively. The LM Fund’s performance and financial history have been adopted by the fund and, for periods prior to March 16, 2007, are included in the fund’s performance and financial history. As a result, the total returns for Class C shares in the chart below for the periods prior to March 16, 2007 are those of the LM Fund’s Primary Class, which have not been restated to reflect any difference in expenses and do not reflect the impact of sales charges (loads). If they did, the returns would be lower than those shown. The performance for Class A and Class C shares in the Average Annual Total Returns table for the periods prior to March 16, 2007 is the performance of the LM Fund’s Financial Intermediary Class and Primary Class, respectively, which has been restated to reflect the impact of the maximum sales charge (load) applicable to the respective classes but has not been restated to reflect any difference in expenses. The performance for Class B shares in the Average Annual Total Returns table for the periods prior to March 16, 2007 is the performance of the LM Fund’s Primary Class, which has been restated to reflect the impact of the maximum sales charge (load) applicable to the class but has not been restated to reflect any difference in expenses. Where indicated, the performance for Class C shares reflects the impact of taxes paid on distributions and the redemption of shares at the end of the period. No performance information is presented for Class I shares because Class I shares were not outstanding during the calendar year ended December 31, 2007. No performance information is presented for Class FI or Class R shares because no Class FI or Class R shares were offered prior to the date of this Prospectus.

 

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The returns of Class I, Class FI and Class R shares would differ from those of other classes to the extent that these classes bear different expenses. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

 

TOTAL RETURN FOR CLASS C SHARES

LOGO

Highest and lowest quarter returns (for periods shown in the bar chart)

Highest: 17.88% in 3rd quarter 2000; Lowest: (13.23)% in 3rd quarter 1999.

Year to date: (19.07)% through 6/30/08

The fund has adopted the performance and financial history of the LM Fund. As a result, the fund is carrying forward the performance history of the LM Fund, which has been restated to reflect differences in sales charges but has not been restated to reflect differences in expenses. Class A is carrying forward the performance of the LM Fund’s Financial Intermediary Class shares and Class B and Class C are carrying forward the performance of the LM Fund’s Primary Class shares.

 

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AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (for periods ended December 31, 2007)  
     1 YEAR     5 YEARS     SINCE
INCEPTION
    INCEPTION
DATE
 
Class C        
Return before taxes2   (11.29 )%   10.89 %   7.26 %   11/16/98 1
Return after taxes on distributions2,3   (12.28 )%   9.39 %   6.46 %      
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares2,3   (6.16 )%   9.42 %   6.34 %      
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)        
Class A4   (15.05 )%   10.38 %   7.35 %   11/16/98 1
Class B5   (14.74 )%   10.73 %   7.24 %   11/16/98 1
S&P 500 Index6   5.49 %   12.83 %   4.52 %   (8)  
S&P Financial Index7   (18.63 )%   8.45 %   5.43 %   (8)  

 

1

Inception date of the LM Fund’s Financial Intermediary Class and Primary Class shares.

 

2

The performance for Class C shares for periods prior to March 16, 2007 is the performance of the LM Fund’s Primary Class shares, which has not been restated to reflect any difference in expenses but has been restated to reflect the impact of the maximum sales charge (load) applicable to the class.

 

3

After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical 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, and the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of fund shares at the end of the measurement period. After-tax returns shown above are for Class C shares only. After-tax returns shown above for Class A and Class B shares will vary. The returns of the LM Fund for certain periods prior to March 16, 2007 reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

 

4

The performance for Class A shares for periods prior to March 16, 2007 is the performance of the LM Fund’s Financial Intermediary Class shares, which has not been restated to reflect any difference in expenses but has been restated to reflect the impact of the maximum sales charge (load) applicable to Class A shares. On November 20, 2006 the maximum initial sales charge on Class A shares was increased for sales made on or after that date. The average annual returns for Class A shares in the table have been calculated as if the increased maximum initial sales charge had been in effect for the entire period.

 

5

The performance for Class B shares for periods prior to March 16, 2007 is the performance of the LM Fund’s Primary Class shares, which has not been restated to reflect any difference in expenses but has been restated to reflect the impact of the maximum sales charge (load) applicable to the class.

 

6

The fund’s primary benchmark is the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization-weighted, price-only index composed of 500 widely held common stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and the over-the-counter market.

 

7

The fund’s sector index is the S&P Financial Index. The S&P Financial Index is a capitalization-weighted index representing nine financial groups and 53 financial companies, calculated monthly with dividends reinvested at month end.

 

8

Index comparisons begin on 11/16/98.

 

  It is not possible to invest directly in an index. An index does not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.

 

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Fee table

This table sets forth the fees and expenses you may pay if you invest in fund shares.

 

SHAREHOLDER FEES                    
(FEES PAID DIRECTLY
FROM YOUR
INVESTMENT)
  CLASS A     CLASS B     CLASS C     CLASS FI   CLASS R   CLASS I
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)   5.75 %   None     None     None   None   None
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption)   None 1   5.00 %   1.00 %   None   None   None

 

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES                          
(PAID BY THE FUND AS
A % OF NET ASSETS)
  CLASS A     CLASS B     CLASS C     CLASS FI     CLASS R     CLASS I  
Management fee   0.80 %   0.80 %   0.80 %   0.80 %   0.80 %   0.80 %
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees   0.25 %   1.00 %   1.00 %   0.25 %   0.50 %   None  
Other expenses2   0.75 %   0.96 %   0.33 %   0.48 %   0.48 %   0.59 %
Total annual fund operating expenses   1.80 %   2.76 %   2.13 %   1.53 %   1.78 %   1.39 %
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement3   (0.30 )%   (0.51 )%   N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A  
Net annual fund operating expenses   1.50 %   2.25 %   N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A  

 

1

You may buy Class A shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more at net asset value (without an initial sales charge) but if you redeem those shares within 12 months of their purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%.

 

2

With respect to Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R and Class I shares, the fund may pay a fee for recordkeeping services performed for the share class. As a result, the operating expenses of affected share classes may increase over time. The recordkeeping fee for Class I shares is newly adopted. The other expenses for Class I have been estimated because only a small number of Class I shares were outstanding during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. The other expenses for Class FI and Class R have been estimated because no Class FI and Class R shares have been offered prior to the date of this Prospectus.

 

3

Management has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to limit total annual operating expenses to 1.50% for Class A shares and 2.25% for Class B shares until August 1, 2009.

 

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Example

This example helps you compare the costs of investing in the fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. Your actual costs may be higher or lower. The example assumes:

 

 

You invest $10,000 in the fund for the periods shown

 

 

Your investment has a 5% return each year — the assumption of a 5% return is required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for purposes of this example and is not a prediction of the fund’s future performance

 

 

You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge

 

 

The fund’s operating expenses (net of contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, in effect through August 1, 2009 for Class A and Class B shares) remain the same

 

NUMBER OF YEARS YOU OWN YOUR SHARES              
     1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS  
Class A (with or without redemption)   $ 719   $ 1,082   $ 1,468   $ 2,546  
Class B (redemption at end of period)   $ 728   $ 1,108   $ 1,514   $ 2,821 1
Class B (no redemption)   $ 228   $ 808   $ 1,414   $ 2,821 1
Class C (redemption at end of period)   $ 316   $ 667   $ 1,144   $ 2,462  
Class C (no redemption)   $ 216   $ 667   $ 1,144   $ 2,462  
Class FI (with or without redemption)   $ 156   $ 483   $ 834   $ 1,824  
Class R (with or without redemption)   $ 181   $ 560   $ 964   $ 2,095  
Class I (with or without redemption)   $ 142   $ 440   $ 761   $ 1,669  

 

1

Assumes conversion to Class A shares approximately eight years after purchase.

 

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More on the fund’s investments

 

The fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies are described under the section entitled “Investments, risks and performance” above. This section provides further information about the investment strategies that may be used by the fund. The fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.

Foreign investments

The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risks than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Many foreign countries the fund may invest in have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than markets in the United States. In some foreign countries, less information is available about foreign issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. The risks of investing in foreign securities are greater for securities of emerging market issuers because political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity, and negative government actions like currency controls or seizure of private businesses or property are more likely.

Small and mid-sized company securities risk

Investments in securities of companies with small and mid-sized market capitalizations are generally considered to offer greater opportunity for appreciation but also may involve greater risks than customarily are associated with more established companies. The securities of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt fluctuations in market price than larger, more established companies. In addition to exhibiting greater volatility, small-cap and mid-cap stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger-cap stocks, i.e., small-cap and/or mid-cap stocks may decline in price as the prices of large-cap stocks rise or vice versa. Smaller companies are often involved in actual or anticipated reorganizations or restructurings, which involve risks, including difficulty in obtaining information as to the financial conditions of such companies.

 

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It is anticipated that some of the fund’s portfolio securities may not be widely traded and that the fund’s position in such securities may be substantial in relation to the market for such securities. Accordingly, it may be difficult for the fund to dispose of such securities quickly at prevailing market prices, and market prices may not always be readily available for use in determining the fund’s net asset value.

Fixed-income securities risk

The fund is subject to the risks of investing in debt securities for the portion of its assets not invested in equity securities. Debt securities are subject to interest rate risk, which is the possibility that the rates of interest income generated by the fund’s fixed-income investments may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates, and the market prices of the fund’s fixed-income investments may decline due to an increase in market interest rates. Generally, the longer the maturity of a fixed-income security, the greater the effect on its value when rates increase.

Debt securities are also subject to credit risk, i.e., the risk that an issuer of securities will be unable to pay principal and/or interest when due, or that the value of the security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is less able to pay. This is broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which the fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not absolute guarantees as to quality.

Debt securities rated BBB/Baa or better by the Standard & Poor’s Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and unrated securities considered by the fund’s subadviser to be of equivalent quality are considered investment grade. Debt securities rated below BBB/Baa, commonly known as “junk bonds,” which the fund may purchase from time to time, are deemed by the ratings companies to be speculative and may involve major risk of exposure to adverse conditions. Those in the lowest rating categories may involve a substantial risk of default or may be in default. Changes in economic conditions or developments regarding the individual issuer are more likely to cause price volatility and weaken the

 

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capacity of such securities to make principal and interest payments than is the case for higher grade debt securities. Securities rated below BBB/Baa may be less liquid than higher-rated securities, which means the fund may have difficulty selling them at times, and may have to apply a greater degree of judgment in establishing a price for purposes of valuing shares of the fund. Moody’s considers debt securities rated in the lowest investment grade category (Baa) to have speculative characteristics.

Call risk

The fund is subject to “call risk.” Many fixed-income securities, especially those issued at high interest rates and with longer maturities, provide that the issuer may repay them early. Issuers often exercise this right when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate of the security. Accordingly, holders of callable securities may not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed-income securities experience when rates decline. Furthermore, the fund most likely would have to reinvest the proceeds of the repayment at current yields, which would be lower than those paid by the security that was paid off.

Convertible securities risk

The fund is subject to convertible securities risk. The value of a convertible security is usually a function of (1) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth, at market value, if converted into or exchanged for the underlying common stock. Convertible securities are typically issued by smaller capitalized companies whose stock prices may be volatile. The price of a convertible security often reflects such variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt does not.

Derivatives and hedging techniques

The fund may, but need not, use derivative contracts, such as futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps for any of the following purposes:

 

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To hedge against the economic impact of adverse changes in the market value of its securities, because of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates or interest rates

 

 

To settle transactions in securities quoted in foreign currencies

 

 

As a substitute for buying or selling securities

 

 

As a cash flow management technique

A derivative contract will obligate or entitle the fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment based on the change in value of one or more securities, currencies or indices. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on the fund’s stock market, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency exchange rates or interest rates are changing. The fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the fund’s holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed income securities. Derivatives can also make the fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.

Defensive investing

The fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions in any type of money market instruments, short-term debt securities or cash without regard to any percentage limitations. If the fund takes a temporary defensive position, it may be unable to achieve its investment objective.

Other investments

The fund may also use other strategies and invest in other securities that are described, along with their risks, in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). However, the fund might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest in all of the types of securities described in this prospectus or in the SAI. Also note that there are many other factors, which are not

 

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described here, that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective.

Portfolio holdings

The fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund’s portfolio securities are described in the SAI.

 

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Management

 

Manager and subadviser

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”) is the fund’s investment manager. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund and manages the fund’s cash and short-term instruments. As of March 31, 2008, LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $194 billion.

Barrett Associates, Inc. (“Barrett” or the “subadviser”) provides the day-to-day portfolio management of the fund. Barrett, founded in 1937, is located at 90 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016 and since February 2001 has been a subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”). As of March 31, 2008, Barrett manages approximately $1.85 billion of client assets, of which approximately $1.54 billion is invested in equity securities. Barrett uses a team approach for security selection and decision making.

LMPFA and Barrett are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a global asset management company. As of March 31, 2008, Legg Mason’s asset management operation had aggregate assets under management of approximately $950 billion.

Portfolio manager

Amy LaGuardia has been responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the fund since March 16, 2007 and was the portfolio manager of the LM Fund. Ms. LaGuardia joined Barrett in May 2003 as Senior Vice President. Prior to joining Barrett, Ms. LaGuardia was Senior Vice President and Director of Research at Gray, Seifert & Co., Inc., a company founded in 1980 and purchased by Legg Mason in 1994, where she had worked since 1982.

The SAI provides information about the compensation of the portfolio manager, other accounts that she manages, and any fund shares held by the portfolio manager.

 

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Management fees

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the fund paid an effective fee of 0.62% of the fund’s average daily net assets (net of reimbursements) for management services.

A discussion regarding the basis for the approval by the Board of the fund’s management agreement with LMPFA and subadvisory agreement with Barrett is available in the fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

Distribution

Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, is the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.

The fund has adopted a shareholder services and distribution plan for its Class A, B, C, FI and R shares. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees. The plan provides for payments, based on annualized percentages of average daily net assets, of up to 0.25% for Class A and Class FI shares, up to 0.50% for Class R shares and up to 1.00% for Class B and Class C shares. These fees are an ongoing expense and, over time, will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than other types of sales charges. Class I shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees.

In addition, the distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates make payments for distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional activities and related expenses out of their profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the fund. These payments are not reflected as additional expenses in the fee table contained in this Prospectus. The recipients of these payments may include the fund’s distributor and affiliates of the manager, as well as non-affiliated broker/dealers, financial institutions and other financial intermediaries through which investors may purchase shares of the fund, including your financial intermediary. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the

 

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recipient for any fund related marketing or shareholder servicing activities. The payments described in this paragraph are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments.” Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated.

Revenue sharing payments may create an incentive for an intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Contact your financial intermediary for details about revenue sharing payments it receives or may receive. Revenue sharing payments, as well as the payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit the manager, the distributor and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the fund on which fees are being charged.

 

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Choosing a class of shares to buy

 

Individual investors can generally choose among three classes of shares: Class A, B, and C shares. Individual investors that held Class I shares prior to November 20, 2006, may continue to invest in Class I shares. Institutional and retirement plan investors and clients of financial intermediaries should refer to “Retirement and institutional investors” below for a description of the classes available to them.

Each class has different sales charges and expenses, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. When choosing which class of shares to buy, you should consider:

 

 

How much you plan to invest.

 

 

How long you expect to own the shares.

 

 

The expenses paid by each class detailed in the Fee table and Example at the front of this prospectus.

 

 

Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges.

If you are choosing between Class A and Class B shares, it will in almost all cases be the more economical choice for you to purchase Class A shares if you plan to purchase shares in an amount of $100,000 or more (whether in a single purchase or through aggregation of eligible holdings). This is because of the reduced sales charge available on larger investments of Class A shares and the lower ongoing expenses of Class A shares compared to Class B shares.

If you intend to invest for only a few years, the effect of Class B contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions made within five years of purchase, as well as the effect of higher expenses of that class, might make an investment in Class C more appropriate. There is no initial sales charge on Class C shares, and the contingent deferred sales charge does not apply to shares redeemed one year or more after purchase.

However, if you plan to invest a large amount and your investment horizon is five years or more, Class C shares might not be as advantageous as Class A shares. The annual distribution and service fees on Class C shares may cost you more over the longer

 

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term than the front-end sales charge you would have paid for larger purchases of Class A shares.

You may buy shares:

 

 

Through banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisors, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to sell shares of the fund (each called a “Service Agent”)

 

 

Directly from the fund

Different types of shareholder services may be available to you under arrangements offered by different Service Agents. In addition, these services may vary depending on the share class in which you choose to invest. In making your decision regarding which share class to buy, please keep in mind that your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending on the share class in which you invest. Investors should consult with their Service Agent about comparative pricing of shareholder services available to them under each available share class, the compensation that will be received by their Service Agent in connection with each available share class, and other factors that may be relevant to the investor’s choice of share class in which to invest.

Not all classes of shares are available through each Service Agent. You should contact your Service Agent for further information about available share classes.

 

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Minimum initial and additional investment amounts vary depending on the class of shares you buy and the nature of your investment.

 

INVESTMENT MINIMUM INITIAL/ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT1
     CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   CLASS FI   CLASS R   CLASS I
General   $1,000/$50   $1,000/$50   $1,000/$50   n/a   n/a   n/a
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts   $1,000/$50   $1,000/$50   $1,000/$50   n/a   n/a   n/a
IRAs   $250/$50   $250/$50   $250/$50   n/a   n/a   n/a
SIMPLE IRAs   None/
None
  None/
None
  None/
None
  n/a   n/a   n/a
Systematic Investment Plans   $50/$50   $50/$50   $50/$50   n/a   n/a   n/a
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries   None/
None
  n/a   n/a   None/
None
  n/a   None/
None
Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund   None/
None2
  n/a3   None/
None
  None/
None
  None/
None
  None/
None
Other Retirement Plans   None/
None
  None/
None
  None/
None
  n/a   n/a   n/a
Institutional Investors   $1,000/$50   $1,000/$50   $1,000/$50   n/a   n/a   $1 million/
None

 

1

Different minimums may apply to clients of certain Service Agents. Contact your Service Agent for more information. Refer to the section entitled “Retirement and institutional investors” for additional information regarding the investment minimum and eligibility requirements for Retirement Plans, Institutional Investors and Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries.

 

2

Class A shares are not available to new Retirement Plan investors through a Service Agent if the Service Agent makes Class FI shares available.

 

3

Retirement Plans that held Class B shares prior to December 1, 2006 are permitted to make additional investments in that class.

More information about the fund’s classes of shares is available through the Legg Mason Partners funds’ website. You’ll find detailed information about sales charges and ways you can qualify for reduced or waived sales charges, including:

 

 

The front-end sales charges that apply to the purchase of Class A shares

 

 

The contingent deferred sales charges that apply to the redemption of Class B shares, Class C shares and certain Class A shares (redeemed within one year)

 

 

Who qualifies for lower sales charges on Class A shares

 

 

Who qualifies for a sales load waiver

To access the website, go to http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors and click on the name of the fund.

 

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Comparing the fund’s classes

 

The following table compares key features of the fund’s classes. You should review the Fee table and Example at the front of this prospectus carefully before choosing your share class. Your Service Agent can help you decide which class meets your goals. Your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending upon which you choose. Please contact your Service Agent regarding the availability of Class FI or Class R shares.

 

    KEY FEATURES   INITIAL SALES
CHARGE
  CONTINGENT
DEFERRED
SALES CHARGE
  ANNUAL
DISTRIBUTION
AND/OR SERVICE
FEES
  EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGE
1
Class A  

• Initial sales charge

• You may qualify for reduction or waiver of initial sales charge

• Generally lower annual expenses than Class B and Class C

  Up to 5.75%; reduced or waived for large purchases and certain investors. No charge for purchases of $1 million or more   1.00% on purchases of $1 million or more if you redeem within 1 year of purchase   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class A shares of most Legg Mason Partners funds
Class B  

• No initial sales charge

• Contingent deferred sales charge declines over time

• Converts to Class A after approximately 8 years

• Generally higher annual expenses than Class A

  None   Up to 5.00% charged when you redeem shares. This charge is reduced over time and there is no contingent deferred sales charge after 5 years; waived for certain investors   1.00% of average daily net assets   Class B shares of most Legg Mason Partners funds
Class C  

• No initial sales charge

• Contingent deferred sales charge for only 1 year

• Does not convert to Class A

• Generally higher annual expenses than Class A

  None   1.00% if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors   1.00% of average daily net assets   Class C shares of most Legg Mason Partners funds

 

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    KEY FEATURES   INITIAL SALES
CHARGE
  CONTINGENT
DEFERRED
SALES CHARGE
  ANNUAL
DISTRIBUTION
AND/OR SERVICE
FEES
  EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGE
1
Class FI  

• No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

• Only offered to clients of Eligible Intermediaries and eligible Retirement Plans

  None   None   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class FI shares of applicable Legg Mason Partners funds
Class R  

• No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

• Only offered to eligible Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund

  None   None   0.50% of average daily net assets   Class R shares of applicable Legg Mason Partners funds
Class I  

• No initial or contingent deferred sales charge

• Only offered to institutional and other eligible investors

• Generally lower annual expenses than the other classes

  None   None   None   Class I shares of most Legg Mason Partners funds

 

1

Ask your Service Agent about the Legg Mason Partners funds available for exchange.

 

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Sales charges

 

Class A shares

You buy Class A shares at the offering price, which is the net asset value plus a sales charge. You pay a lower rate as the size of your investment increases to certain levels called breakpoints. You do not pay a sales charge on the fund’s distributions or dividends you reinvest in additional Class A shares.

The table below shows the rate of sales charge you pay, depending on the amount you purchase. The table below also shows the amount of broker/dealer compensation that will be paid out of the sales charge. For Class A shares sold by LMIS, LMIS will receive the sales charge imposed on purchases of Class A shares (or any contingent deferred sales charge paid on redemptions) and will retain the full amount of such sales charge. Service Agents will receive a distribution/service fee payable on Class A shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares serviced by them.

 

AMOUNT OF INVESTMENT  

SALES CHARGE

AS % OF

OFFERING PRICE

 

SALES CHARGE

AS % OF NET
AMOUNT

INVESTED

 

BROKER/DEALER

COMMISSION AS
% OF

OFFERING PRICE

Less than $25,000   5.75   6.10   5.00
$25,000 but less than $50,000   5.00   5.26   4.25
$50,000 but less than $100,000   4.50   4.71   3.75
$100,000 but less than $250,000   3.50   3.63   2.75
$250,000 but less than $500,000   2.50   2.56   2.00
$500,000 but less than $750,000   2.00   2.04   1.60
$750,000 but less than $1 million   1.50   1.52   1.20
$1 million or more1   -0-   -0-   up to 1.00

 

1

The distributor may pay a commission of up to 1.00% to a Service Agent for purchase amounts of $1 million or more. In such cases, starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, the Service Agent will also receive an annual distribution/service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares held by its clients. Prior to the thirteenth month, the distributor will retain this fee. Where the Service Agent does not receive the payment of this commission, the Service Agent will instead receive the annual distribution/service fee starting immediately after purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.

Investments of $1,000,000 or more

You do not pay an initial sales charge when you buy $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares. However, if you redeem these Class A shares within one year of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%.

 

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Qualifying for a reduced Class A sales charge

There are several ways you can combine multiple purchases of Class A shares of Legg Mason Partners funds to take advantage of the breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. In order to take advantage of reductions in sales charges that may be available to you when you purchase fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services if you are eligible for a letter of intent or a right of accumulation and if you own shares of other Legg Mason Partners funds that are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. Certain records, such as account statements, may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility for reduced sales charges.

 

 

Accumulation Privilege – allows you to combine the current value of Class A shares of the fund with other shares of Legg Mason Partners funds that are owned by:

 

 

you; or

 

 

your spouse and children under the age of 21

Shares of certain money market funds advised by the manager or its affiliates (other than money market fund shares acquired by exchange from other Legg Mason Partners funds offered with a sales charge), Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund and Class O shares of Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund may not be combined.

If you hold shares of Legg Mason Partners funds in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agents to determine which shares may be combined.

Certain trustees and fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.

 

 

Letter of Intent – allows you to purchase Class A shares of Legg Mason Partners funds over a 13-month period and pay the same sales charge on Class A shares, if any, as if all shares had been purchased at once. At the time you enter into the letter of intent, you select your asset goal amount. Generally, purchases of Legg Mason Partners funds shares that are purchased during the 13-month period by

 

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you; or

 

   

your spouse and children under the age of 21

are eligible for inclusion under the letter, based on the public offering price at the time of the purchase, and any capital appreciation on those shares. Purchases made 90 days prior to the 13-month period are also eligible to be treated as purchases made under the letter of intent. In addition, you can include towards your asset goal amount the current value of any eligible purchases that were made prior to the date of entering into the letter of intent and are still held.

If you hold shares of Legg Mason Partners funds in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agents to determine which shares may be credited toward your letter of intent asset goal.

Shares of certain money market funds advised by the manager or its affiliates (other than money market fund shares acquired by exchange from other Legg Mason Partners funds offered with a sales charge), Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund and Class O shares of Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund may not be credited to your letter of intent asset goal.

If you do not meet your asset goal amount, shares in the amount of any sales charges due, based on the amount of your actual purchases, will be redeemed from your account.

Waivers for certain Class A investors

Class A initial sales charges are waived for certain types of investors, including:

 

 

Employees of Service Agents having dealer, service or other selling agreements with the fund’s distributor

 

 

Investors who redeemed Class A shares of a Legg Mason Partners fund in the past 60 days, if the investor’s Service Agent is notified

 

 

Trustees and officers of any Legg Mason-sponsored fund

 

 

Employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries

 

 

Investors investing through certain retirement plans

 

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If you qualify for a waiver of the Class A initial sales charge, you must notify your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at the time of purchase and provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the initial sales charge waiver.

If you want to learn about additional waivers of Class A initial sales charges, contact your Service Agent, consult the SAI, or access the Legg Mason Partners funds’ website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors, and click on the name of the fund.

Class B shares

You buy Class B shares at net asset value without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class B shares within five years of your purchase payment, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge. The contingent deferred sales charge decreases as the number of years since your purchase payment increases.

 

YEAR AFTER PURCHASE   1ST     2ND     3RD     4TH     5TH     6TH THROUGH 8TH  
Contingent deferred sales charge   5 %   4 %   3 %   2 %   1 %   0 %

LMIS will generally pay Service Agents, other than Primerica Financial Services (“PFS”), selling Class B shares a commission of up to 4.00% of the purchase price of the Class B shares they sell, and LMIS will retain the contingent deferred sales charges. For Class B shares sold by PFS, PFS pays a commission of up to 4.00% of the purchase price of the Class B shares sold by its agents and PFS retains the contingent deferred sales charges paid upon certain redemptions. PFS will receive any service and distribution fees paid on all shares held by PFS clients. Service Agents also receive an annual distribution/service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class B shares serviced by them.

 

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Class B conversion

After approximately 8 years, Class B shares automatically convert into Class A shares. This helps you because Class A shares have lower annual expenses. Your Class B shares will convert to Class A shares as follows:

 

SHARES ISSUED:

AT INITIAL PURCHASE

  SHARES ISSUED: ON
REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS
  SHARES ISSUED: UPON
EXCHANGE FROM ANOTHER
LEGG MASON PARTNERS FUND
Approximately 8 years after the date of purchase payment   In same proportion as the number of Class B shares converting is to total Class B shares you own (excluding shares issued as dividends)   On the date the shares originally acquired would have converted into Class A shares

Class C shares

You buy Class C shares at net asset value without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class C shares (other than shares sold to Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund) within one year of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%.

Retirement Plans with an omnibus account held on the books of the fund are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge on shares redeemed within one year of purchase.

LMIS will generally pay Service Agents selling Class C shares a commission of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class C shares they sell and LMIS will retain the contingent deferred sales charges and an annual distribution/service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by these Service Agents until the thirteenth month after purchase. Starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, these Service Agents will receive an annual distribution/service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.

 

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Class FI, Class R and Class I shares

Class FI, R and I shares are purchased at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed. Service Agents will receive a distribution/service fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class FI shares and Class R shares, respectively, serviced by them.

 

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More about contingent deferred sales charges

 

The contingent deferred sales charge is based on the net asset value at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less, and therefore you do not pay a sales charge on amounts representing appreciation or depreciation.

In addition, you do not pay a contingent deferred sales charge:

 

 

When you exchange shares for shares of another Legg Mason Partners fund

 

 

On shares representing reinvested distributions and dividends

 

 

On shares no longer subject to the contingent deferred sales charge

Each time you place a request to redeem shares, the fund will first redeem any shares in your account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and then the shares in your account that have been held the longest.

If you redeemed shares of a Legg Mason Partners fund and paid a contingent deferred sales charge, you may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 60 days and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption. Please contact your Service Agent for additional information.

The fund’s distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges as partial compensation for its expenses in selling shares, including the payment of compensation to your Service Agent.

Contingent deferred sales charge waivers

The contingent deferred sales charge for each share class will generally be waived:

 

 

On payments made through certain systematic withdrawal plans

 

 

On certain distributions from a retirement plan

 

 

For Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund

 

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For involuntary redemptions of small account balances

 

 

For 12 months following the death or disability of a shareholder

If you want to learn more about additional waivers of contingent deferred sales charges, contact your Service Agent, consult the SAI or access the Legg Mason Partners funds’ website, http://www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors, and click on the name of the fund.

 

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Retirement and institutional investors — Eligible investors

 

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund can generally choose among four classes of shares: Class C, Class R, Class FI and Class I shares. Class A and Class B shares are no longer offered through Service Agents for Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund, with limited exceptions. Class A shares will cease to be available to new Retirement Plan investors through a Service Agent if the Service Agent makes Class FI shares available. Please see below for additional information.

“Retirement Plans” include 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans and other similar employer-sponsored retirement plans. Retirement Plans do not include individual retirement vehicles, such as traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell education savings accounts, individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts, Keogh plans, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs, or similar accounts. Although Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund are not subject to minimum initial investment requirements for any of these share classes, certain investment minimums may be imposed by a financial intermediary.

Other Retirement Plans

Other Retirement Plan investors can generally choose among three classes of shares: Class A, Class B and Class C. ”Other Retirement Plans” include Retirement Plans investing through brokerage accounts, and also include certain Retirement Plans with direct relationships to the fund that are neither Institutional Investors nor investing through omnibus accounts. Individual retirement vehicles, such as IRAs, may also choose among these share classes. Other Retirement Plans and individual retirement vehicles are treated like individual investors for purposes of determining sales charges and any applicable sales charge reductions or waivers.

Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries

Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries may generally choose among three classes of shares: Class A, Class FI and Class I.

 

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“Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries” are investors who invest in the fund through financial intermediaries that offer their clients fund shares through investment programs authorized by LMIS. Such investment programs may include fee-based advisory account programs and college savings vehicles such as Section 529 plans. The financial intermediary may impose separate investment minimums.

Institutional Investors

Institutional Investors may invest in Class I shares if they meet the $1,000,000 minimum initial investment requirement. Institutional Investors may also invest in Class A, B and C shares, which have different investment minimums and fees and expenses. “Institutional Investors” generally include corporations, banks, trust companies, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, defined benefit plans and other similar entities.

Class C — Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund may buy Class C shares without paying a contingent deferred sales charge. LMIS does not pay Service Agents selling Class C shares to Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund a commission on the purchase price of Class C shares sold by them. Instead, immediately after purchase, LMIS may pay these Service Agents an annual distribution/service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.

Certain Retirement Plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by LMIS, will remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. Please see the SAI for more details.

Class FI

Class FI shares are offered to investors who invest in the fund through certain financial intermediary and retirement plan programs. LMIS may pay Service Agents selling Class FI shares an

 

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annual distribution/service fee of up to 0.25% starting immediately after purchase.

Class R

Class R shares are offered only to Retirement Plans with accounts held on the books of the fund (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial intermediary). LMIS may pay Service Agents selling Class R shares an annual distribution/service fee of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class R shares serviced by them.

Class I

Class I shares are offered only to Institutional Investors who meet the $1,000,000 minimum initial investment requirement, Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries, and other investors as authorized by LMIS. However, investors that held Class I shares prior to November 20, 2006 will be permitted to make additional investments in Class I shares.

Class A and Class B — Retirement Plans

Class A and Class B shares are no longer offered through Service Agents to Retirement Plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund. However, certain Retirement Plans that held Class B shares prior to December 1, 2006 are permitted to make additional investments in that class. Certain existing programs for current and prospective Retirement Plan investors sponsored by financial intermediaries also remain eligible for Class A shares. Under these programs, the initial sales charge and contingent deferred sales charge for Class A shares are waived where:

 

 

Such Retirement Plan’s record keeper offers only load-waived shares,

 

 

Fund shares are held on the books of the fund through an omnibus account, and

 

 

The Retirement Plan has more than 100 participants, or has total assets exceeding $1 million.

LMIS does not pay Service Agents selling Class A shares to Retirement Plans with a direct omnibus relationship with the fund

 

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a commission on the purchase price of Class A shares sold by them. However, for certain Retirement Plans that purchased shares at net asset value prior to November 20, 2006, LMIS may continue to pay Service Agents commissions of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class A shares that are purchased with regular ongoing plan contributions. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.

Other considerations

Plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other financial intermediaries may choose to impose qualification requirements for plans that differ from the fund’s share class eligibility standards. In certain cases this could result in the selection of a share class with higher service and distribution-related fees than otherwise would have been charged. The fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decision of any plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or financial intermediary to impose such differing requirements. Please consult with your plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or financial intermediary for more information about available share classes.

With respect to each of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI, Class R and Class I shares, the fund may pay a fee for recordkeeping services performed for the share class.

Not all share classes may be made available by your Service Agent. Please contact your Service Agent for additional details.

 

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Buying shares

 

Generally   

You may buy shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your purchase request in good order, plus any applicable sales charge.

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the fund generally will not permit non-resident aliens with a non-U.S. address to establish an account. U.S. citizens with an APO/FPO address or an address in the United States (including its territories) and resident aliens with a U.S. address are permitted to establish an account with the fund. Subject to the requirements of local law, U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries are permitted to establish an account with the fund.

Through a

Service Agent

  

You should contact your Service Agent to open a brokerage account and make arrangements to buy shares.

 

You must provide the following information for your order to be processed:

 

• Class of shares being bought

 

• Dollar amount or number of shares being bought

 

• Account number (if existing account)

 

Your Service Agent may charge an annual account maintenance fee.

Through the funds   

Investors should write to the fund at the following address:

 

Legg Mason Partners Funds

c/o PNC Global Investment Servicing

P.O. Box 9699

Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9699

 

• Enclose a check to pay for the shares. For initial purchases, complete and send an account application available upon request from Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at the number on the following page

 

 

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• Specify the name of the fund, the share class you wish to purchase and your account number (if existing account)

 

• For more information, please call Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 800-451-2010

Through a systematic investment plan   

You may authorize your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services to transfer funds automatically from (i) a regular bank account, (ii) cash held in a brokerage account with a Service Agent or (iii) certain money market funds, in order to buy shares on a regular basis.

 

• Amounts transferred must meet the applicable minimums (see “Choosing a class of shares to buy: Investment Minimum Initial/Additional Investment” table)

 

• Amounts may be transferred monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually

 

• If you do not have sufficient funds in your account on a transfer date, your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services may charge you a fee

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

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Exchanging shares

 

Generally    You may exchange shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your exchange request in good order.
Legg Mason Partners offers a distinctive family of funds tailored to help meet the varying needs of both large and small investors   

You should contact your Service Agent to exchange into other Legg Mason Partners funds. Be sure to read the prospectus of the Legg Mason Partners fund into which you are exchanging. An exchange is a taxable transaction, unless you are investing through a tax-qualified savings plan or account.

 

• If you bought shares through a Service Agent, you may exchange shares only for shares of the same class of certain other Legg Mason Partners funds made available for exchange by your Service Agent. Not all Legg Mason Partners funds made available for exchange by your Service Agent may offer all classes. Please contact your Service Agent for more information about the funds and classes that are available for exchange

 

• If you bought shares directly from the fund, you may exchange shares only for shares of the same class of another Legg Mason Partners fund other than shares of Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund. Not all Legg Mason Partners funds offer all classes

 

• Not all Legg Mason Partners funds may be offered in your state of residence. Please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services for further information

 

• Exchanges of Class A, B and C shares are subject to minimum investment requirements (except for systematic investment plan exchanges), and all shares are subject to the other requirements of the funds into which exchanges are made

 

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• If you hold share certificates, the transfer agent must receive the certificates endorsed for transfer or with signed stock powers before the exchange is effective

 

• The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in an excessive pattern of exchanges

Sales charges   

In most instances, your shares will not be subject to an initial sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange.

 

Your contingent deferred sales charge (if any) will continue to be measured from the date of your original purchase of shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and you will be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge of the fund that you originally purchased.

By telephone   

If you do not have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, you may be eligible to exchange shares through the fund. You must complete an authorization form to authorize telephone transfers. If eligible, you may make telephone exchanges on any day the New York Stock Exchange. (“NYSE”) is open. Shareholders should call Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 800-451-2010 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time).

 

You can make telephone exchanges only between accounts that have identical registrations.

By mail    If you do not have a brokerage account, contact your Service Agent or write to the fund at the address on page 42.

 

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Through a

systematic

exchange plan

  

You may be permitted to schedule exchanges of shares of any class of the funds for shares of the same class of other Legg Mason Partners funds.

 

• Exchanges may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually

 

• A predetermined dollar amount that meets at least the applicable investment minimum for Systematic Investment Plans per exchange is required (See “Choosing a class of shares to buy: Investment Minimum Initial/Additional Investment” table)

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

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Redeeming shares

 

Generally   

You may redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your redemption request in good order, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

 

Contact your Service Agent to redeem shares of the fund.

 

If you hold share certificates, the transfer agent must receive the certificates endorsed for transfer or with signed stock powers with a signature guarantee before you may redeem.

 

If the shares are held by a fiduciary or corporation, other documents may be required.

 

Your redemption proceeds will normally be sent within 3 business days after your request is received in good order, but in any event within 7 days. Your redemption proceeds may be delayed for up to 10 days if your purchase was made by check.

 

If you have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, your redemption proceeds will be sent to your Service Agent. In other cases, unless you direct otherwise, your redemption proceeds will be paid by check mailed to your address of record.

By mail   

For accounts held directly at the fund, send written requests to the fund at the applicable address:

 

For clients of a PFS Registered Representative, send your request to:

 

Primerica Shareholder Services

c/o PNC Global Investment Servicing

P.O. Box 9662

Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9662

 

 

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For all other investors, send your request to:

 

Legg Mason Partners Funds

c/o PNC Global Investment Servicing

P.O. Box 9699

Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9699

 

Your written request must provide the following:

 

• The fund’s name, the class of shares to be redeemed, and your account number

 

• The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed

 

• Signatures of each owner exactly as the account is registered

 

• Signature guarantees, as applicable

By telephone   

If you do not have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, you may be eligible to redeem shares (except those held in certain retirement plans) in amounts up to $50,000 per day through the fund. You must complete an authorization form to authorize telephone redemptions. If eligible, you may request redemptions by telephone on any day the NYSE is open. Shareholders should call Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 800-451-2010 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time).

 

Your redemption proceeds can be sent by check to your address of record or by wire or electronic transfer (ACH) to a bank account designated on your authorization form. You must submit a new authorization form to change the bank account designated to receive wire or electronic transfers and you may be asked to provide certain other documents. The transfer agent may charge a fee on a wire or an electronic transfer (ACH).

Automatic cash withdrawal plans    You can arrange for the automatic redemption of a portion of your shares monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. To

 

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qualify you must own shares of the fund with a value of at least $10,000 ($5,000 for retirement plan accounts) and each automatic redemption must be at least $50. If your shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the sales charge will be waived if your automatic redemptions are equal to or less than 2% per month of your account balance on the date the withdrawals commence, up to a maximum of 12% in any one year.

 

The following conditions apply:

 

• Your shares must not be represented by certificates

 

• All dividends and distributions must be reinvested

 

For more information, please contact your Service Agent or consult the SAI.

 

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Other things to know about transactions

 

When you buy, exchange or redeem shares, your request must be in good order. This means you have provided the following information, without which your request may not be processed:

 

 

Name of the fund

 

 

Your account number

 

 

Class of shares being bought, and if you own more than one class, the class of shares being exchanged or redeemed

 

 

Dollar amount or number of shares being bought, exchanged or redeemed

 

 

Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered

The fund’s transfer agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that any telephone exchange or redemption request is genuine, which may include recording calls, asking the caller to provide certain personal identification information, sending you a written confirmation or requiring other confirmation procedures from time to time. If these procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agent will bear any liability for such transactions.

Signature guarantees

To be in good order, your redemption request must include a signature guarantee if you:

 

 

Are redeeming over $50,000

 

 

Are sending signed share certificates or stock powers to the transfer agent

 

 

Instruct the transfer agent to mail the check to an address different from the one on your account registration

 

 

Changed your account registration or your address within 30 days

 

 

Want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s)

 

 

Are transferring the redemption proceeds to an account with a different registration

You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, dealers, brokers, credit unions and federal savings and loan institutions, but not from a notary public.

 

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The fund has the right to:

 

 

Suspend the offering of shares

 

 

Waive or change minimum and additional investment amounts

 

 

Reject any purchase or exchange order

 

 

Change, revoke or suspend the exchange privilege

 

 

Suspend telephone transactions

 

 

Suspend or postpone redemptions of shares on any day when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as otherwise permitted by the SEC

 

 

Pay redemption proceeds by giving you securities. You may pay transaction costs to dispose of the securities

Small account balances/Mandatory redemptions

If at any time the aggregate net asset value of the fund’s shares in your account is less than $500 for any reason (including solely due to declines in net asset value and/or failure to invest at least $500 within a reasonable period), the fund reserves the right to ask you to bring your account up to the applicable minimum investment amount as determined by your Service Agent. In such case you shall be notified in writing and will have 60 days to make an additional investment to bring your account value up to the required level. If you choose not to do so within this 60-day period, the fund may close your account and send you the redemption proceeds. In the event your account is closed due to a failure to increase your balance to the minimum required amount, you will not be eligible to have your account subsequently reinstated without imposition of any sales charges that may apply to your new purchase. The fund may, with prior notice, change the minimum size of accounts subject to mandatory redemption, which may vary by class, or implement fees for small accounts.

Subject to applicable law, the fund may, with prior notice, adopt other policies from time to time requiring mandatory redemption of shares in certain circumstances.

For more information, please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services or consult the SAI.

 

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Frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares

Frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares may interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio by its portfolio manager, increase portfolio transaction costs, and have a negative effect on the fund’s long-term shareholders. For example, in order to handle large flows of cash into and out of the fund, the portfolio manager may need to allocate more assets to cash or other short-term investments or sell securities, rather than maintaining full investment in securities selected to achieve the fund’s investment objective. Frequent trading may cause the fund to sell securities at less favorable prices. Transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and market spreads, can detract from the fund’s performance. In addition, the return received by long-term shareholders may be reduced when trades by other shareholders are made in an effort to take advantage of certain pricing discrepancies, when, for example, it is believed that the fund’s share price, which is determined at the close of the NYSE on each trading day, does not accurately reflect the value of the fund’s portfolio securities. Funds investing in foreign securities have been particularly susceptible to this form of arbitrage, but other funds could also be affected.

Because of the potential harm to funds in the Legg Mason Partners funds complex and their long-term shareholders, the Board of the fund has approved policies and procedures that are intended to discourage and prevent excessive trading and market timing abuses through the use of various surveillance techniques. Under these policies and procedures, the fund may limit additional exchanges or purchases of fund shares by shareholders who are believed by the manager to be engaged in these abusive trading activities in the fund or in other funds within the fund complex. In the event that an exchange request is rejected, the shareholder may nonetheless redeem its shares. The intent of the policies and procedures is not to inhibit legitimate strategies, such as asset allocation, dollar cost averaging, or similar activities that may nonetheless result in frequent trading of fund shares.

Under the fund’s policies and procedures, the fund reserves the right to restrict or reject purchases of shares (including

 

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exchanges) without prior notice whenever a pattern of excessive trading by a shareholder is detected within the fund complex. A committee established by the manager administers the policy. The policy provides that the committee will use its best efforts to restrict a shareholder’s trading privileges in the Legg Mason Partners funds complex if that shareholder has engaged in a total of four or more “Round Trips” (as defined below) across all Legg Mason Partners funds during any rolling 12-month period. However, the committee has the discretion to determine that restricting a shareholder’s trading privileges is not necessary (or that a new limit on Round Trips should be established for the shareholder) if it is determined that the pattern of trading is not abusive or harmful. In making such a determination, the committee will consider, among other things, the nature of the shareholder’s account, the reason for the frequent trading, the amount of trading and the particular fund in which the trading has occurred. Additionally, the committee has the discretion to make inquiries or to take action against any shareholder whose trading appears inconsistent with the frequent trading policy. Examples of the types of actions the committee may take to deter excessive trading in a shareholder account include restricting the shareholder from purchasing additional shares in a fund altogether or imposing other restrictions (such as requiring purchase orders to be submitted by mail) that would deter the shareholder from trading frequently in the fund.

A “Round Trip” is defined as a purchase (including subscriptions and exchanges) into the fund followed by a sale (including redemptions and exchanges) of the same or a similar number of shares out of the fund within 30 days of such purchase. Purchases and sales of the fund’s shares pursuant to an automatic investment plan or similar program for periodic transactions are not considered in determining Round Trips. For purposes of these policies and procedures, the Legg Mason Partners funds complex also includes certain Western Asset funds and Barrett Opportunity Fund, Inc., but does not include money market funds in the fund complex.

The policies apply to any account, whether an individual account or accounts with financial intermediaries such as investment advisers, broker/dealers or retirement plan administrators,

 

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commonly called omnibus accounts, where the intermediary holds fund shares for a number of its customers in one account. The fund’s ability to monitor trading in omnibus accounts may, however, be severely limited due to the lack of access to an individual investor’s trading activity when orders are placed through these types of accounts. There may also be operational and technological limitations on the ability of the fund’s service providers to identify or terminate frequent trading activity within the various types of omnibus accounts. The fund’s distributor has entered into agreements with intermediaries requiring the intermediaries to, among other things, help identify frequent trading activity and to prohibit further purchases or exchanges by a shareholder identified as having engaged in frequent trading.

The fund’s policies also require personnel such as portfolio managers and investment staff to report any abnormal or otherwise suspicious investment activity, and prohibit short-term trades by such personnel for their own account in mutual funds managed by the manager and its affiliates, other than money market funds. Additionally, the fund has adopted policies and procedures to prevent the selective release of information about the fund’s portfolio holdings, as such information may be used for market-timing and similar abusive practices.

The fund’s policies provide for ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of current policies and surveillance tools, and the Board reserves the right to modify these or adopt additional policies and restrictions in the future. Shareholders should be aware, however, that any surveillance techniques currently employed by the fund or other techniques that may be adopted in the future may not be effective, particularly where the trading takes place through certain types of omnibus accounts. As noted above, if the fund is unable to detect and deter trading abuses, the fund’s performance, and its long-term shareholders, may be harmed. In addition, shareholders may be harmed by the extra costs and portfolio management inefficiencies that result from frequent trading of fund shares, even when the trading is not for abusive purposes. Furthermore, the fund may not apply its policies consistently or uniformly, resulting in the risk that some shareholders may be able to engage in frequent trading while

 

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others will bear the costs and effects of that trading. The fund will provide advance notice to shareholders and prospective investors of any specific restrictions on the trading of fund shares that the Board may adopt in the future.

Share certificates

Share certificates for the fund will no longer be issued. If you currently hold share certificates of the fund, such certificates will continue to be honored. If you would like to return your share certificates to the fund and hold your shares in uncertificated form, please contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services.

Record ownership

If you hold shares through a Service Agent, your Service Agent may establish and maintain your account and be the shareholder of record. In the event that the fund holds a shareholder meeting, your Service Agent, as record holder, will vote your shares in accordance with your instructions. If you do not give your Service Agent voting instructions, your Service Agent may nonetheless, under certain circumstances, be entitled to vote your shares.

 

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Dividends, distributions and taxes

 

Dividends and distributions

The fund generally pays dividends and makes capital gain distributions, if any, once or twice a year. The fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the fund to avoid a federal tax. The fund expects distributions to be primarily from capital gains. Unless otherwise directed, capital gain distributions and dividends are reinvested in additional fund shares of the same class you hold. You do not pay a sales charge on reinvested distributions or dividends. Alternatively, you can instruct your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services to have your distributions and/or dividends paid in cash. You can change your choice at any time to be effective as of the next distribution or dividend.

Taxes

In general, redeeming shares, exchanging shares and receiving dividends and distributions (whether in cash or additional shares) are all taxable events. The following table summarizes the tax status to you of certain transactions related to the fund.

 

TRANSACTION   FEDERAL TAX STATUS
Redemption or exchange of shares   Usually capital gain or loss; long-term only if shares owned more than one year
Long-term capital gain distributions   Long-term capital gain
Dividends   Ordinary income, potentially taxable at long-term capital gain rates

Distributions attributable to short-term capital gains are treated as dividends, taxable as ordinary income. Dividends and long-term capital gain distributions are taxable whether received in cash or reinvested in fund shares. Although dividends (including dividends from short-term capital gains) are generally taxable as ordinary income, individual shareholders who satisfy certain holding period and other requirements are taxed on such dividends at long-term capital gain rates to the extent the dividends are attributable to “qualified dividend income” received by the fund. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, “qualified dividend income” generally consists of dividends received from U.S. corporations (other than dividends from tax-exempt organizations and certain

 

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dividends from real estate investment trusts and regulated investment companies) and certain foreign corporations (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States or whose stock is traded on an established securities market in the United States and which are not passive foreign investment companies).

Long-term capital gain distributions are taxable to you as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned your shares. You may want to avoid buying shares when the fund is about to declare a long-term capital gain distribution or a dividend, because it will be taxable to you even though it may actually be a return of a portion of your investment.

A dividend declared by the fund in October, November or December and paid during January of the following year may in certain circumstances be treated as paid in December for tax purposes.

After the end of each year, your Service Agent or the fund will provide you with information about the distributions and dividends you received and any redemptions of shares during the previous year. If you do not provide the fund with your correct taxpayer identification number and any required certifications, you may be subject to back-up withholding on your distributions, dividends and redemption proceeds. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax adviser about your investment in the fund.

If the fund is held through a qualified retirement plan entitled to tax exempt treatment for federal income tax purposes, distributions will generally not be taxable currently. Special tax rules apply to such retirement plans. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax treatment of distributions (which may include amounts attributable to fund distributions) which may be taxable when distributed from the retirement plan.

The above discussion is applicable to shareholders who are U.S. persons. If you are a non-U.S. person, please consult your own tax adviser with respect to the tax consequences to you of an investment in the fund.

 

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Share price

 

You may buy, exchange or redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt of your request in good order, plus any applicable sales charge. For each class of shares, net asset value per share is the value of its assets minus its liabilities divided by the number of shares outstanding. Net asset value is calculated separately for each class of shares. The fund calculates its net asset value every day the NYSE is open. This calculation is done when regular trading closes on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). The NYSE is closed on certain holidays listed in the SAI.

The Board has approved procedures to be used to value the fund’s securities for the purposes of determining the fund’s net asset value. The valuation of the securities of the fund is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. The Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the fund to the manager.

The fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. The fund’s currency valuations, if any, are done as of when the London Stock Exchange closes, which is usually at 12 noon Eastern time, as the manager believes that these valuations typically reflect the largest trading volume in the foreign currency markets. A material change in the value of currency during the period between the close of the London Stock Exchange and the calculation of the fund’s net asset value on the same date is considered a significant event, as described below, in response to which the fund may use fair valuation procedures to value the affected investments. For equity securities that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the market price is typically determined by independent third party pricing vendors approved by the fund’s Board using a variety of pricing techniques and methodologies. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service approved by the fund’s Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued

 

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at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker/dealers that make a market in the security. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the manager believes that they are unreliable, the manager may price securities using fair value procedures approved by the Board. Because the fund may invest in securities of small capitalization issuers, issuers located in emerging markets and junk bonds — some of which may be thinly traded, for which market quotations may not be readily available or may be unreliable — the fund may use fair valuation procedures more frequently than funds that invest primarily in securities that are more liquid, such as securities of large capitalization domestic issuers. The fund may also use fair value procedures if the manager determines that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a market price is determined and the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated. In particular, the value of foreign securities may be materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which they are valued, but before the fund prices its shares. The fund uses a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by the manager from time to time.

Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgment than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations. A fund that uses fair value to price securities may value those securities higher or lower than another fund using market quotations or its own fair value methodologies to price the same securities. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its net asset value.

The fund may invest in securities that are listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends and other days when the fund

 

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does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of the fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund’s shares.

In order to buy, redeem or exchange shares at that day’s price, you must place your order with your Service Agent or the transfer agent before the NYSE closes. If the NYSE closes early, you must place your order prior to the actual closing time.

It is the responsibility of the Service Agents to transmit all orders to buy, exchange or redeem shares to the transfer agent on a timely basis.

 

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Financial highlights

 

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each class of the fund for the past five years. As a result of the March 2007 Reorganization, the fund is carrying forward the performance and accounting history of the LM Fund, as the LM Fund is the accounting survivor of the March 2007 Reorganization. Financial Intermediary Class and Primary Class shareholders of the LM Fund received Class A and Class C shares of the LMP Fund, respectively, in the March 2007 Reorganization. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share. Total return represents the rate that a shareholder would have earned (or lost) on a share of the fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The information in the following tables for the year or period ended March 31, 2007 has been derived from the financial statements of the fund and the LM Fund. The financial statements for the years or periods ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the fund’s financial statements, is included in the annual report (available upon request). The LM Fund’s financial statements containing information for each of the periods ended on or prior to March 31, 2006 in the following tables were audited by another independent registered public accounting firm. No financial highlights are provided for Class FI or R shares since no Class FI or R shares were offered prior to the date of this Prospectus. The financial information shown below for periods prior to April 16, 2007 is that of the fund’s predecessor in the April 2007 Reorganization.

 

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FOR A SHARE OF EACH CLASS OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31:
 
CLASS A SHARES   20081     20071,2     20062     20052     20042  
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR
  $ 14.29     $ 15.66     $ 14.46     $ 15.38     $ 11.06  
Income (loss) from operations:                                        
Net investment income     0.10       0.11       0.11       0.04       0.03  
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)
    (2.56 )     0.82       2.46       1.09       4.54  

Total income (loss) from operations

    (2.46 )     0.93       2.57       1.13       4.57  
Less distributions from:                                        
Net investment income     (0.08 )                        
Net realized gains     (0.31 )     (2.30 )     (1.37 )     (2.05 )     (0.25 )

Total distributions

    (0.39 )     (2.30 )     (1.37 )     (2.05 )     (0.25 )
NET ASSET VALUE,
END OF YEAR
  $ 11.44     $ 14.29     $ 15.66     $ 14.46     $ 15.38  

Total return3

    (17.53 )%     6.42 %     18.16 %     7.65 %     41.37 %4
NET ASSETS,
END OF YEAR (000s)
  $ 26,925     $ 32,704     $ 10,203     $ 11,145     $ 11,793  
Ratios to average net assets:                                        

Gross expenses

    1.78 %     1.62 %     1.58 %     1.59 %     1.55 %

Net expenses5

    1.49 6     1.50 6     1.50       1.50       1.50  

Net investment income

    0.72       0.72       0.47       0.24       0.17  
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     53 %     25 %     28 %     30 %

 

Represents a share of capital stock outstanding prior to April 16, 2007.

 

1

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

 

2

Per share data has been adjusted to reflect shares issued in connection with the March 2007 Reorganization.

 

3

Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

4

Excludes sales charges applicable to Class A shares. Sales charges on the LM Fund were eliminated beginning July 31, 2004.

 

5

Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.

 

6

As a result of a contractual expense limitation, effective March 16, 2007 until March 1, 2009, management has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses, other than brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses, to limit total annual operating expenses to 1.50% of average net assets for Class A.

 

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FOR A SHARE OF EACH CLASS OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR
ENDED MARCH 31, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:
 
CLASS B SHARES1   2008     20072  
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR   $ 13.78     $ 13.66  
Income (loss) from operations:                
Net investment income (loss)     (0.01 )     0.00 3
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (2.45 )     0.12  

Total income (loss) from operations

    (2.46 )     0.12  
Less distributions from:                
Net investment income     (0.00 )3      
Net realized gains     (0.31 )      

Total distributions

    (0.31 )      
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR   $ 11.01     $ 13.78  

Total return4

    (18.13 )%     0.88 %
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000s)   $ 13,033     $ 24,102  
Ratios to average net assets:                

Gross expenses

    2.74 %     2.62 %5

Net expenses6,7

    2.25       2.25 5

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.05 )     0.86 5
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     53 %

 

1

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

 

2

For the period March 16, 2007 (inception date) to March 31, 2007.

 

3

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

4

Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

5

Annualized.

 

6

Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.

 

7

As a result of a contractual expense limitation, effective March 16, 2007 until March 1, 2009, management has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses other than brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses, to limit total annual operating expenses to 2.25% of average net assets for Class B.

 

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FOR A SHARE OF EACH CLASS OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR
ENDED MARCH 31:
 
CLASS C SHARES   20081     20071,2     20062     20052     20042  
NET ASSET VALUE,
BEGINNING OF YEAR
  $ 13.81     $ 15.43     $ 14.45     $ 15.58     $ 11.30  
Income (loss) from operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss)     0.01       (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.07 )     (0.08 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (2.47 )     0.82       2.46       1.11       4.62  

Total income (loss) from operations

    (2.46 )     0.81       2.42       1.04       4.54  
Less distributions from:                                        
Net investment income     (0.00 )3                        
Net realized gains     (0.31 )     (2.43 )     (1.44 )     (2.17 )     (0.26 )

Total distributions

    (0.31 )     (2.43 )     (1.44 )     (2.17 )     (0.26 )
NET ASSET VALUE,
END OF YEAR
  $ 11.04     $ 13.81     $ 15.43     $ 14.45     $ 15.58  

Total return4

    (18.08 )%     5.72 %     17.22 %     6.89 %     40.27 %
NET ASSETS,
END OF YEAR (000s)
  $ 38,094     $ 66,714     $ 58,859     $ 56,139     $ 57,398  
Ratios to average net assets:                                        

Gross expenses

    2.11 %     2.39 %     2.36 %     2.38 %     2.35 %

Net expenses5

    2.11       2.25       2.25       2.25       2.25  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.07       (0.09 )     (0.27 )     (0.50 )     (0.58 )
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %     53 %     25 %     28 %     30 %

 

Represents a share of capital stock outstanding prior to April 16, 2007.

 

1

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

 

2

Per share data has been adjusted to reflect shares issued in connection with the March 2007 Reorganization.

 

3

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

4

Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

5

Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.

 

58   Legg Mason Partners Funds


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FOR A SHARE OF EACH CLASS OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR
ENDED MARCH 31, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:
 
CLASS I SHARES   20081,2  
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   $ 11.77  
Income (loss) from operations:        
Net investment income     0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain     (0.34 )

Total loss from operations

    (0.33 )
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $ 11.44  

Total return3

    (2.80 )%
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD (000s)   $ 18  
Ratios to average net assets:        

Gross expenses

    1.96 %4

Net expenses

    1.96 4

Net investment income

    3.69 4
Portfolio turnover rate     10 %

 

1

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

 

2

For the period March 25, 2008 (inception date) to March 31, 2008.

 

3

Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

4

Annualized.

 

Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund   59


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Legg Mason Partners Funds Privacy Policy

 

We are committed to keeping nonpublic personal information about you secure and confidential. This notice is intended to help you understand how we fulfill this commitment. From time to time, we may collect a variety of personal information about you, including:

 

 

Information we receive from you on applications and forms, via the telephone, and through our websites;

 

 

Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others (such as your purchases, sales, or account balances); and

 

 

Information we receive from consumer reporting agencies.

We do not disclose your nonpublic personal information, except as permitted by applicable law or regulation. For example, we may share this information with others in order to process your transactions. We may also provide this information to companies that perform services on our behalf, such as printing and mailing, or to other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing agreements. We will require these companies to protect the confidentiality of this information and to use it only to perform the services for which we hired them.

With respect to our internal security procedures, we maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information, and we restrict access to this information.

If you decide at some point either to close your account(s) or become an inactive customer, we will continue to adhere to our privacy policies and practices with respect to your nonpublic personal information.

[This page is not part of the Prospectus]


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LOGO

 

Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund

Shareholder reports Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance.

The fund sends only one report to a household if more than one account has the same last name and same address. Contact your Service Agent or Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services if you do not want this policy to apply to you.

Statement of additional information The SAI provides more detailed information about the fund and is incorporated by reference into (and is legally a part of) this Prospectus.

You can make inquiries about the fund or obtain shareholder reports or the SAI (without charge) by contacting your Service Agent, by calling Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 800-451-2010, or by writing to the fund at Legg Mason Partners Funds, 55 Water Street, New York, New York 10041. Information about the fund (including the SAI) can be viewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the fund are available on EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained for a duplicating fee by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.

If someone makes a statement about the fund that is not in this Prospectus, you should not rely upon that information. Neither the fund nor the distributor is offering to sell shares of the fund to any person to whom the fund may not lawfully sell its shares.

(Investment Company Act

file no. 811-06444)

FD01756 07/08


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July 20, 2008

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST

Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

(800) 451-2010

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and is meant to be read in conjunction with the prospectus of Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund (the “fund”) dated July 20, 2008, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “prospectus”), and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the prospectus. As part of a number of initiatives launched in 2006 to restructure and streamline the Legg Mason Partners fund complex, the fund assumed the assets and liabilities of a predecessor fund with the same name. The fund is now grouped for organizational and governance purposes with other Legg Mason Partners funds that are predominantly equity-type funds, and is a series of Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (the “Trust”), a Maryland business trust. Certain historical information for periods prior to April 16, 2007 contained in the SAI is that of the fund’s predecessor (the “LMP Fund”). Some of the financial information in this SAI is that of Legg Mason Financial Services Fund (the “LM Fund”), a series of Legg Mason Investors Trust, Inc., which was acquired by the LMP Fund in a reorganization on March 16, 2007 and which is the accounting and performance survivor of that reorganization. Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in its annual and semi-annual report to shareholders. The annual report contains financial statements that are incorporated herein by reference. A prospectus and copies of the reports may be obtained free of charge by contacting banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisors, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the fund’s distributor to sell shares (each called a “Service Agent”), or by writing or calling the fund at the address or telephone number above. Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), a wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”), serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Investment Objective and Management Policies

   2

Risk Factors

   17

Investment Policies

   25

Management

   28

Investment Management and Other Services

   36

Portfolio Manager Disclosure

   39

Portfolio Transactions

   46

Portfolio Turnover

   48

Purchase of Shares

   49

Redemption of Shares

   55

Valuation of Shares

   56

Exchange Privilege

   56

Dividends and Distributions

   57

Taxes

   58

Additional Information

   65

Financial Statements

   70

Appendix A—Summary of Subadviser’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

   A-1

Appendix B—Ratings of Securities

   B-1

THIS SAI IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.

 

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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES

The fund is a non-diversified separate investment series of the Trust, a registered open-end management investment company. The prospectus discusses the fund’s investment objective and policies. This section contains supplemental information concerning the types of securities and other instruments in which the fund may invest, the investment policies and portfolio strategies the fund may utilize and certain risks associated with these investments, policies and strategies. Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”) serves as investment manager to the fund. Barrett Associates, Inc. (“Barrett” or the “subadviser”) serves as the subadviser for the fund.

Investment objective

The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks. The fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustee without shareholder approval.

Principal investment strategies

Key investments

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of issuers in the financial services industry. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, rights and warrants. These companies may include, but are not limited to, regional and money center banks, securities brokerage firms, asset management companies, savings banks and thrift institutions, specialty finance companies (e.g., credit card and mortgage providers), insurance and insurance brokerage firms, government sponsored agencies, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, and financial conglomerates. The fund may invest its assets in securities of foreign financial services companies (limited to 25% of total assets, not including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”)).

For purposes of the fund’s 80% investment policy, investments may also include companies that derive more than 50% of their revenues from providing products and services to the financial services industry, including software, hardware, publishing, news services, credit research and ratings services, Internet services and business services.

Selection process

The fund invests primarily in equity securities of financial services issuers that the subadviser believes are undervalued and thus may offer above-average potential for capital appreciation. In deciding what securities to buy, the subadviser analyzes an issuer’s financial statements to determine earnings per share potential. It also reviews, as appropriate, the economy where the issuer does business, the products offered, the issuer’s potential to benefit from industry changes and the strength and goals of management. The subadviser typically will sell a security in the fund’s portfolio if that security experiences earnings problems.

Additional Information

The fund’s principal investment strategies are described above. The following provides additional information about these principal strategies and describes other investment strategies that may be used by the fund.

The fund’s 80% investment policy (as described above), will not be applicable during periods when the fund pursues a temporary defensive strategy, as discussed in the prospectus. The fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

 

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The fund may invest its assets in securities of foreign issuers (limited to 25% of total assets, not including ADRs) in addition to securities of domestic issuers.

Because the fund is non-diversified, the fund may invest a significant percentage of its assets in a single issuer or a limited number of issuers.

The subadviser may lend the fund’s securities to broker-dealers or other institutions to earn income for the fund.

The subadviser may, but is not required to, use various techniques, such as buying and selling futures and options contracts, to increase or decrease the fund’s exposure to changing security prices or other factors that affect security values. If the subadviser’s strategies do not work as intended, the fund may not achieve its objective.

Under normal market conditions, the majority of the fund’s portfolio will consist of common stocks, but it also may contain money market instruments for cash management purposes. The fund reserves the right, as a defensive measure, to hold money market securities, including repurchase agreements or cash, in such proportions as, in the opinion of the subadviser, prevailing market or economic conditions warrant. If the fund takes a temporary defensive position, it may be unable to achieve its investment goal.

Equity Securities. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of the value of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities, including primarily common stocks and, to a lesser extent, securities convertible into common stock and rights to subscribe for common stock, of issuers in the financial services industry. Common stocks represent an equity (ownership) interest in a corporation. Although equity securities have a history of long-term growth in value, their prices fluctuate based on changes in a company’s financial condition and on overall market and economic conditions.

Debt Securities. Corporate debt securities are bonds or notes issued by corporations and other business organizations, including business trusts, in order to finance their credit needs. Corporate debt securities include commercial paper, which consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations.

Corporate debt securities may pay fixed or variable rates of interest, or interest at a rate contingent upon some other factor, such as the price of some commodity. These securities may be convertible into preferred or common stock, or may be bought as part of a unit containing common stock. In selecting corporate debt securities for the fund, the subadviser reviews and monitors the creditworthiness of each issuer and issue. The subadviser also analyzes interest rate trends and specific developments that it believes may affect individual issuers.

The prices of debt securities fluctuate in response to perceptions of the issuer’s creditworthiness and also tend to vary inversely with market interest rates. The value of such securities is likely to decline in times of rising interest rates. Conversely, when rates fall, the value of these investments is likely to rise. The longer the time to maturity the greater are such variations.

Generally, debt securities rated below BBB by the Standard & Poor’s Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”), or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), and unrated securities of comparable quality, offer a higher current yield than that provided by higher grade issues, but also involve higher risks. Debt securities rated C by Moody’s and S&P are bonds on which no interest is being paid and that can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing. Changes in economic conditions or developments regarding the individual issuer are more likely to cause price volatility and weaken the capacity of such issuers to make principal and interest payments than is the case for issuers of higher grade debt securities. However, debt securities, regardless of their ratings, generally have a higher priority in the

 

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issuer’s capital structure than do equity securities. If an investment grade security purchased by the fund is subsequently given a rating below investment grade, the subadviser will consider that fact in determining whether to retain that security in the fund’s portfolio, but is not required to dispose of it. The ratings of S&P and Moody’s represent the opinions of those agencies. Such ratings are relative and subjective, and are not absolute standards of quality. Unrated debt securities are not necessarily of lower quality than rated securities, but they may not be attractive to as many buyers. A description of the ratings assigned to corporate debt obligations by Moody’s and S&P is included in Appendix B.

Lower-rated debt securities are especially affected by adverse changes in the industries in which the issuers are engaged and by changes in the financial condition of the issuers. Highly leveraged issuers may also experience financial stress during periods of rising interest rates. Lower-rated debt securities are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.”

The market for lower-rated debt securities has expanded rapidly in recent years. This growth paralleled a long economic expansion. In recent times, however, the prices of many lower-rated debt securities has declined and the ratings of many initially higher-rated debt securities have fallen, indicating concerns that issuers of such securities might experience or are experiencing financial difficulties. At such times, the yields on lower-rated debt securities may rise dramatically, reflecting the risk that holders of such securities could lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of the issuer’s financial restructuring or default.

The market for lower-rated debt securities is generally thinner and less active than that for higher quality debt securities, which may limit the fund’s ability to sell such securities at fair value. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing such securities than is the case for securities having more active markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of lower-rated debt securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

In addition to ratings assigned to individual bond issues, the subadviser will analyze interest rate trends and developments that may affect individual issuers, including factors such as liquidity, profitability and asset quality. The yields on bonds and other debt securities in which the fund invests are dependent on a variety of factors, including general money market conditions, general conditions in the bond market, the financial conditions of the issuer, the size of the offering, the maturity of the obligation and its rating. There may be a wide variation in the quality of bonds, both within a particular classification and between classifications. A bond issuer’s obligations are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of bond holders or other creditors of an issuer; litigation or other conditions may also adversely affect the power or ability of bond issuers to meet their obligations for the payment of principal and interest. Regardless of rating levels, all debt securities considered for purchase (whether rated or unrated) are analyzed by the subadviser to determine, to the extent possible, that the planned investment is sound.

If one rating agency has rated a security A or better and another agency has rated it below A, the subadviser may rely on the higher rating in determining to purchase or retain the security. Bonds rated A may be given a “+” or “-” by a rating agency. Bonds denominated A, A+ or A- are considered to be included in the rating A.

The fund may invest in foreign corporate debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars or foreign currencies. Foreign debt securities include Yankee dollar obligations (U.S. dollar denominated securities issued by foreign corporations and traded on U.S. markets) and Eurodollar obligations (U.S. dollar denominated securities issued by foreign corporations and traded on foreign markets).

The fund may invest in the debt securities of governmental or corporate issuers in any rating category of the recognized rating services, including issues that are in default, and may invest in unrated debt obligations. Most foreign debt obligations are not rated. Debt securities and securities convertible into common stock need not necessarily be of a certain grade as determined by rating agencies such as S&P or Moody’s; however, the subadviser does consider such ratings in determining whether the security is an appropriate investment for the fund.

 

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The fund may invest in securities that are in lower rating categories or are unrated if the subadviser determines that the securities provide the opportunity of meeting the fund’s objective without presenting excessive risk. The subadviser will consider all factors it deems appropriate, including ratings, in making investment decisions for the fund and will attempt to minimize investment risks through investment analysis and monitoring of general economic conditions and trends. While the subadviser may refer to ratings, it does not rely exclusively on ratings, but makes its own independent and ongoing review of credit quality.

Preferred Stock. The fund may purchase preferred stock as a substitute for debt securities of the same issuer when, in the opinion of the subadviser, the preferred stock is more attractively priced in light of the risks involved. Preferred stock pays dividends at a specified rate and generally has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of the issuer’s assets, but is junior to the debt securities of the issuer in those same respects. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. The market prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Under normal circumstances, preferred stock does not carry voting rights.

Convertible Securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion or exchange, convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield of nonconvertible debt. Convertible securities are usually subordinated to comparable-tier nonconvertible securities, but rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure.

The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth, at market value, if converted or exchanged into the underlying common stock. The price of a convertible security often reflects variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that nonconvertible debt does not. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the ultimate conversion or exchange value.

Many convertible securities are rated below investment grade or, if unrated, are considered of comparable quality.

Small and Mid-Sized Company Stocks. The subadviser for the fund believes that the comparative lack of attention by investment analysts and institutional investors to small and mid-sized companies may result in opportunities to purchase the securities of such companies at attractive prices compared to historical or market price-earnings ratios, book value, return on equity or long-term prospects. Investing in the securities of smaller companies involves special risks. Among other things, the prices of securities of small and mid-sized companies generally are more volatile than those of larger companies; the securities of smaller companies generally are less liquid; and smaller companies generally are more likely to be adversely affected by poor economic or market conditions.

It is anticipated that some of the fund’s portfolio securities may not be widely traded, and that the fund’s position in such securities may be substantial in relation to the market for such securities. Accordingly, it may be difficult for the fund to dispose of such securities at prevailing market prices in order to meet redemptions. However, as a non-fundamental policy, the fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

Investments in securities of companies with small and mid-sized market capitalizations are generally considered to offer greater opportunity for appreciation but also may involve greater risks than customarily are

 

5


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associated with more established companies. Smaller companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent upon a limited management group. In addition to exhibiting greater volatility, small and mid-sized company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger company stocks, i.e., small and mid-cap company stocks may decline in price as the prices of large company stocks rise or vice versa.

Mortgage-Related Securities. Mortgage-related securities provide capital for mortgage loans made to residential homeowners and include securities which represent interests in pools of mortgage loans made by lenders such as savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled for sale to investors (such as the fund) by various governmental, government-related and private organizations, such as dealers. The market value of mortgage-related securities will fluctuate as a result of changes in interest rates and mortgage rates.

Interests in pools of mortgage loans generally provide a monthly payment which consists of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying residential property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some mortgage-related securities, such as securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”), are described as “modified pass-through” because they entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, regardless of whether the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers, such as dealers, create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers also may be the originators of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government guarantees of payments with respect to such pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools is supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. There can be no assurance that the private insurers can meet their obligations under the policies. The fund may buy mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan experience and practices of the persons creating the pools, the subadviser determines that the securities are an appropriate investment for the fund.

Another type of security representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans is known as a collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”). CMOs represent interests in a short-term, intermediate-term or long-term portion of a mortgage pool. Each portion of the pool receives monthly interest payments, but the principal repayments pass through to the short-term CMO first and to the long-term CMO last. A CMO permits an investor to more accurately predict the rate of principal repayments. CMOs are issued by private issuers, such as broker-dealers, and by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Investments in CMOs are subject to the same risks as direct investments in the underlying mortgage-backed securities. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a broker who issued the CMO held by the fund, the fund could experience both delays in liquidating its position and losses. The fund may invest in CMOs in any rating category of the recognized rating services and may invest in unrated CMOs. The fund may also invest in “stripped” CMOs, which represent only the income portion or the principal portion of the CMO. The values of stripped CMOs are very sensitive to interest rate changes; accordingly, these instruments present a greater risk of loss than conventional mortgage-backed securities.

The subadviser expects that governmental, government-related or private entities may create mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to those described above. The mortgages underlying these securities may be second mortgages or alternative mortgage instruments (e.g., mortgage instruments whose

 

6


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principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms to maturity may differ from customary long-term fixed rate mortgages). As new types of mortgage-related securities are developed and offered to investors, the subadviser will, consistent with the fund’s investment objective and policies, consider making investments in such new types of securities. The prospectus will be amended with any necessary additional disclosure prior to the fund’s investing in such securities.

The average life of securities representing interests in pools of mortgage loans is likely to be substantially less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools as a result of prepayments or foreclosures of such mortgages. Prepayments are passed through to the registered holder with the regular monthly payments of principal and interest, and have the effect of reducing future payments. To the extent the mortgages underlying a security representing an interest in a pool of mortgages are prepaid, the fund may experience a loss (if the price at which the security was acquired by the fund was at a premium over par, which represents the price at which the security will be redeemed upon prepayment) or a gain (if the price at which the security was acquired by the fund was at a discount from par). In addition, prepayments of such securities held by the fund will reduce the share price of the fund to the extent the market value of the securities at the time of prepayment exceeds their par value, and will increase the share price of the fund to the extent the par value of the securities exceeds their market value at the time of prepayment. Prepayments may occur with greater frequency in periods of declining mortgage rates because, among other reasons, it may be possible for mortgagors to refinance their outstanding mortgages at lower interest rates. When market interest rates increase, the market values of mortgage-backed securities decline. At the same time, however, mortgage refinancing slows, which lengthens the effective maturities of these securities. As a result, the negative effect of the rate increase on the market value of mortgage securities is usually more pronounced than it is for other types of fixed-income securities.

Government-related organizations, which issue mortgage-related securities, include Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Securities issued by Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae are fully modified pass-through securities, i.e., the timely payment of principal and interest is guaranteed by the issuer. Freddie Mac securities are modified pass-through securities, i.e., the timely payment of interest is guaranteed by Freddie Mac, principal is passed through as collected but payment thereof is guaranteed not later than one year after it becomes payable.

The fund may invest no more than 5% of its net assets in mortgage-related securities.

U.S. Government Obligations and Related Securities. U.S. Government obligations include a variety of securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. Government or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. Government. U.S. Treasury securities and securities issued by Ginnie Mae and the Small Business Administration are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government. Other U.S. Government obligations may or may not be backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government. In the case of securities not backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation (such as the Federal Farm Credit System, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. Government itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments.

Participation interests in U.S. Government obligations are pro rata interests in such obligations which are generally underwritten by government securities dealers. Certificates of safekeeping for U.S. Government obligations are documentary receipts for such obligations. Both participation interests and certificates of safekeeping are traded on exchanges and in the over-the-counter market.

The fund may invest in U.S. Government obligations and related participation interests. In addition, the fund may invest in custodial receipts that evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain U.S. Government obligations. Such obligations are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial receipts are known by various names, including Treasury Receipts, Treasury Investors Growth Receipts (“TIGRs”) and Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities (“CATS”).

 

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U.S. Government obligations also include stripped securities, which are created by separating bonds issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury into their principal and interest components and selling each piece separately (commonly referred to as IOs and POs). Stripped securities are more volatile than other fixed income securities in their response to changes in market interest rates. The value of some stripped securities moves in the same direction as interest rates, further increasing their volatility. The fund will consider all interest-only or principal-only fixed income securities as illiquid.

Floating and Variable Rate Obligations. Fixed-income securities may be offered in the form of floating and variable rate obligations. The fund may invest no more than 5% of its net assets in floating and variable rate obligations, respectively. Floating rate obligations have an interest rate which is fixed to a specified interest rate, such as the bank prime rate, and is automatically adjusted when the specified interest rate changes. Variable rate obligations have an interest rate which is adjusted at specified intervals to a specified interest rate. Periodic interest rate adjustments help stabilize the obligations’ market values.

The fund may purchase these obligations from the issuers or may purchase participation interests in pools of these obligations from banks or other financial institutions. Variable and floating rate obligations usually carry demand features that permit the fund to sell the obligations back to the issuers or to financial intermediaries at par value plus accrued interest upon short notice at any time or prior to specific dates. The inability of the issuer or financial intermediary to repurchase an obligation on demand could affect the liquidity of the fund’s portfolio. Frequently, obligations with demand features are secured by letters of credit or comparable guarantees. Floating and variable rate obligations which do not carry unconditional demand features that can be exercised within seven days or less are deemed illiquid unless the Board determines otherwise. The fund’s investment in illiquid floating and variable rate obligations would be limited to the extent that it is not permitted to invest more than 15% of the value of its net assets in illiquid investments.

When-Issued Securities, Delayed-Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions. The fund may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis, for delayed delivery (i.e., payment or delivery occur beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and yield) or on a forward commitment basis. The fund does not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes, but only in furtherance of its investment goal. These transactions occur when securities are purchased or sold by the fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future to secure what is considered an advantageous yield and price to the fund at the time of entering into the transaction. The payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on when-issued securities are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. Because of fluctuations in the value of securities purchased or sold on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment basis, the prices obtained on such securities may be higher or lower than the prices available in the market on the dates when the investments are actually delivered to the buyers.

When the fund agrees to purchase when-issued or delayed-delivery securities, the fund will set aside cash or liquid securities equal to the amount of the commitment in a segregated account on the fund’s books. Normally, the fund’s custodian will set aside portfolio securities to satisfy a purchase commitment, and in such a case the fund may be required subsequently to place additional assets in the segregated account in order to ensure that the value of the account remains equal to the amount of the fund’s commitment. The assets contained in the segregated account will be marked to market daily. It may be expected that the fund’s net assets will fluctuate to a greater degree when it sets aside portfolio securities to cover such purchase commitments than when it sets aside cash. When the fund engages in when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of the seller to do so may result in the fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price considered to be advantageous.

Foreign Securities. The fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers (limited to 25% of total assets, not including ADRs). Such investments involve certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such risks include currency exchange control regulations and costs, the possibility of expropriation, seizure, or nationalization of foreign deposits, less liquidity and volume and more volatility in foreign securities markets and the impact of political, social, economic or diplomatic developments or the

 

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adoption of other foreign government restrictions that might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on or market value of securities. If it should become necessary, the fund might encounter greater difficulties in invoking legal processes abroad than would be the case in the United States. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a non-U.S. company, and non-U.S. companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements compared to those applicable to U.S. companies. Furthermore, some of these securities may be subject to foreign brokerage and withholding taxes.

The fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or similar securities representing interests in the common stock of foreign issuers. ADRs are receipts, typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company, which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe, which evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets and EDRs are designed for use in European securities markets. The underlying securities are not always denominated in the same currency as the ADRs or EDRs. Although investment in the form of ADRs or EDRs facilitates trading in foreign securities, it does not mitigate the risks associated with investing in foreign securities. However, by investing in ADRs or EDRs rather than directly in foreign issuers’ stock, the fund can avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchases or sales. In general, there is a large, liquid market in the United States for many ADRs and EDRs. The information available for ADRs and EDRs is subject to the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards of the domestic market or exchange on which they are traded, which standards are more uniform and more exacting than those to which many foreign issuers may be subject.

Investments in foreign securities incur higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher costs in making securities transactions as well as foreign government taxes, which may reduce the investment return of the fund. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about individual companies, less market liquidity and political instability.

Securities of Developing/Emerging Markets Countries. A developing or emerging markets country generally is considered to be a country that is in the initial stages of its industrialization cycle. Investing in the equity markets of developing countries involves exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries. Historical experience indicates that the markets of developing countries have been more volatile than the markets of the more mature economies of developed countries; however, such markets often have provided higher rates of return to investors.

One or more of the risks discussed above could affect adversely the economy of a developing market or the fund’s investments in such a market. The claims of many property owners against those of governments may remain unsettled. There can be no assurance that any investments that the fund might make in such emerging markets would not be expropriated, nationalized or otherwise confiscated at some time in the future. In such an event, the fund could lose its entire investment in the market involved. Moreover, changes in the leadership or policies of such markets could halt the expansion or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring in certain of these markets and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.

U.S. and Foreign Taxes. The fund’s investment in foreign securities may be subject to taxes withheld at the source on dividend or interest payments. Foreign taxes paid by the fund may be creditable or deductible by U.S. shareholders for U.S. income tax purposes. No assurance can be given that applicable tax laws and interpretations will not change in the future. Moreover, non-U.S. investors may not be able to credit or deduct such foreign taxes.

Money Market Instruments. The fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes in short-term corporate and government bonds and notes and money market instruments. Money market instruments include: obligations

 

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issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government securities”); certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances issued by domestic banks (including their branches located outside the United States and subsidiaries located in Canada), domestic branches of foreign banks, savings and loan associations and similar institutions; high grade commercial paper; and repurchase agreements with respect to the foregoing types of instruments. Certificates of deposit (“CDs”) are short-term, negotiable obligations of commercial banks. Time deposits (“TDs”) are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions.

Investment in Other Investment Companies. The fund can invest up to 10% of its assets in the securities of other investment companies, which can include open-end funds, closed-end funds and unit investment trusts, subject to the limits set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) that apply to those types of investments. For example, the fund can invest in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), which are typically open-end funds or unit investment trusts listed on a stock exchange. The fund might do so as a way of gaining exposure to the segments of the equity or fixed income markets represented by ETFs at times when the fund may not be able to buy those portfolio securities directly or when an ETF may be a more efficient way of investing.

Investing in another investment company may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such investment company’s portfolio securities and is subject to limitations under the 1940 Act. The fund does not intend to invest in other investment companies unless the subadviser believes that the potential benefits of the investment justify the payment of any premiums or sales charges. As a shareholder of an investment company, the fund would be subject to its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses, including its advisory and administration expenses.

Repurchase Agreements. The fund may agree to purchase securities from a bank or recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commit to resell the securities to the bank or dealer at an agreed-upon date and price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased securities (“repurchase agreements”). The fund would maintain custody of the underlying securities prior to their repurchase; thus, the obligation of the bank or dealer to pay the repurchase price on the date agreed to would be, in effect, secured by such securities. If the value of such securities were less than the repurchase price, plus interest, the other party to the agreement would be required to provide additional collateral so that at all times the collateral is at least 102% of the repurchase price plus accrued interest. Default by or bankruptcy of a seller would expose the fund to possible loss because of adverse market action, expenses and/or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations. The financial institutions with which the fund may enter into repurchase agreements will be banks and non-bank dealers of U.S. Government securities that are on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s list of reporting dealers, if such banks and non-bank dealers are deemed creditworthy by the fund’s subadviser. The subadviser will continue to monitor creditworthiness of the seller under a repurchase agreement, and will require the seller to maintain during the term of the agreement the value of the securities subject to the agreement to equal at least 102% of the repurchase price (including accrued interest). In addition, the subadviser will require that the value of this collateral, after transaction costs (including loss of interest) reasonably expected to be incurred on a default, be equal to 102% or greater than the repurchase price (including accrued premium) provided in the repurchase agreement or the daily amortization of the difference between the purchase price and the repurchase price specified in the repurchase agreement. The subadviser will mark-to-market daily the value of the securities.

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the fund, along with other affiliated entities managed by the manager, may transfer uninvested cash balances into one or more joint repurchase accounts. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements, secured by U.S. Government securities. Each joint repurchase arrangement requires that the market value of the collateral be sufficient to cover payments of interest and principal; however, in the event of default by the other party to the agreement, retention or sale of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings.

 

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Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, which involve the sale of fund securities with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment and have the characteristics of borrowings. Since the proceeds of borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements are invested, this would introduce the speculative factor known as “leverage.” The securities purchased with the funds obtained from the agreement and securities collateralizing the agreement will have maturity dates no later than the repayment date. Generally the effect of such a transaction is that the fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while in many cases it will be able to keep some of the interest income associated with those securities. Such transactions are advantageous only if the fund has an opportunity to earn a greater rate of interest on the cash derived from the transaction than the interest cost of obtaining that cash. Opportunities to realize earnings from the use of the proceeds equal to or greater than the interest required to be paid may not always be available, and the fund intends to use the reverse repurchase technique only when the subadviser believes it will be advantageous to the fund. The use of reverse repurchase agreements may exaggerate any interim increase or decrease in the value of the fund’s assets. The fund’s custodian bank will maintain a separate account for the fund with securities having a value equal to or greater than such commitment of the fund.

Lending of Portfolio Securities. Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. Loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. Government securities, which are maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the fund.

By lending its securities, the fund can increase its income by continuing to receive interest and any dividends on the loaned securities as well as by either investing the collateral received for securities loaned in short-term instruments or obtaining yield in the form of interest paid by the borrower when U.S. Government securities are used as collateral. Although the generation of income is not the primary investment goal of the fund, income received could be used to pay the fund’s expenses and would increase an investor’s total return. The fund will adhere to the following conditions whenever its portfolio securities are loaned: (i) the fund must receive at least 102% cash collateral or equivalent securities of the type discussed in the preceding paragraph from the borrower; (ii) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (iii) the fund must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (iv) the fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities and any increase in market value; (v) the fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (vi) voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the borrower; provided, however, that if a material event adversely affecting the investment occurs, the Board must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities. Payments received by the fund in lieu of any dividends paid on the loaned securities will not be treated as “qualified dividend income” for purposes of determining what portion of its dividends received by individuals may be taxed at the rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains. See “Taxes.” Loan agreements involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the other party including possible delays or restrictions upon the fund’s ability to recover the loaned securities or dispose of the collateral for the loan.

Illiquid Securities. The fund may invest up to an aggregate amount of 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which include securities subject to contractual or other restrictions on resale and other instruments that lack readily available markets.

Options, Futures and Currency Strategies. The fund may, but is not required to, use forward currency contracts and certain options and futures strategies to attempt to hedge its portfolio, i.e., hedge against the economic impact of adverse changes in the market value of its securities because of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates or interest rates, to settle transactions quoted in foreign currencies, as a substitute for buying or selling securities or as a cash flow management technique. There can be no assurance that such efforts will succeed.

 

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The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) eliminated limitations on futures transactions and options thereon by registered investment companies, provided that the investment manager to the registered investment company claims an exclusion from regulation as a commodity pool operator. The fund is operated by a person who has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act. As a result of these CFTC rule changes, the fund is not restricted in its ability to enter into futures transactions and options thereon under CFTC regulations. The fund however, continues to have policies with respect to futures and options thereon as set forth below.

To attempt to hedge against adverse movements in exchange rates between currencies, the fund may enter into forward currency contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date. Such contracts may involve the purchase or sale of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar or may involve two foreign currencies. The fund may enter into forward currency contracts either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to its portfolio positions. For example, when the subadviser anticipates making a purchase or sale of a security, it may enter into a forward currency contract in order to set the rate (either relative to the U.S. dollar or another currency) at which the currency exchange transaction related to the purchase or sale will be made (“transaction hedging”). Further, when the subadviser believes that a particular currency may decline compared to the U.S. dollar or another currency, the fund may enter into a forward contract to sell the currency the subadviser expects to decline in an amount approximating the value of some or all of the fund’s securities denominated in that currency, or when the subadviser believes that one currency may decline against a currency in which some or all of the portfolio securities held by the fund are denominated, it may enter into a forward contract to buy the currency expected to appreciate for a fixed amount (“position hedging”). In this situation, the fund may, in the alternative, enter into a forward contract to sell a different currency for a fixed amount of the currency expected to decline where the subadviser believes that the value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the value of the currency in which portfolio securities of the fund are denominated (“cross hedging”). The fund will segregate (i) cash, (ii) U.S. Government securities or (iii) liquid assets in certain currencies provided such assets are marked to market daily, with a value equal to the aggregate amount of the fund’s commitments under forward contracts entered into with respect to position hedges and cross-hedges. If the value of the segregated securities declines, additional cash or securities are segregated on a daily basis so that the value of the segregated amount will equal the amount of the fund’s commitments with respect to such contracts.

For hedging purposes, the fund may write covered call options and purchase put and call options on currencies to hedge against movements in exchange rates and on securities to hedge against the risk of fluctuations in the prices of securities held by the fund or which the subadviser intends to include in the fund’s portfolio. The fund also may use interest rate or index futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in the general level in interest rates.

The fund may write call options on securities and currencies only if they are covered, and such options must remain covered so long as the fund is obligated as a writer. A call option written by the fund is “covered” if the fund owns the securities or currency underlying the option or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security or currency without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account on the fund’s books) upon conversion or exchange of other securities or currencies held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the fund holds on a share-for-share basis a call on the same security or holds a call on the same currency as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is equal to less than the exercise price of the call written or greater than the exercise price of the call written if the difference is maintained by the fund in cash or liquid assets in a segregated account on the fund’s books.

The fund may purchase put and call options in anticipation of declines in the value of portfolio securities or increases in the value of securities to be acquired. If the expected changes occur, the fund may be able to offset the resulting adverse effect on its portfolio, in whole or in part, through the options purchased. The risk assumed by the fund in connection with such transactions is limited to the amount of the premium and related transaction

 

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costs associated with the options, although the fund may lose such amounts if the prices of securities underlying the options do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated.

The use of forward currency contracts, options and futures involves certain investment risks and transaction costs. These risks include: dependence on the subadviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in the markets and movements in interest rates, stock prices and currency markets, imperfect correlation between movements in the price of currency, options, futures contracts or options thereon and movements in the price of the currency or security hedged or used for cover; the fact that skills and techniques needed to trade options, futures contracts and options thereon or to use forward currency contracts are different from those needed to select the securities in which the fund invests; and the lack of assurance that a liquid market will exist for any particular option, futures contract or option thereon at any particular time.

Over-the-counter options in which the fund may invest differ from exchange-traded options in that they are two-party contracts, with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller, and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options. The fund may be required to treat as illiquid over-the-counter options purchased and securities being used to cover certain written over-the-counter options.

Options on Securities. As discussed more generally above, the fund may engage in writing covered call options. The fund may also purchase put options and enter into closing transactions. The principal reason for writing covered call options on securities is to attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. In return for a premium, the writer of a covered call option forgoes the right to any appreciation in the value of the underlying security above the strike price for the life of the option (or until a closing purchase transaction can be effected). Nevertheless, the call writer retains the risk of a decline in the price of the underlying security. Similarly, the principal reason for writing covered put options is to realize income in the form of premiums. The writer of a covered put option accepts the risk of a decline in the price of the underlying security. The size of the premiums the fund may receive may be adversely affected as new or existing institutions, including other investment companies, engage in or increase their option-writing activities.

Options written by the fund will normally have expiration dates between one and six months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to, or above the current market values of the underlying securities when the options are written. In the case of call options, these exercise prices are referred to as “in-the-money,” “at-the-money” and “out-of-the-money,” respectively.

The fund may write (a) in-the-money call options when the subadviser expects the price of the underlying security to remain flat or decline moderately during the option period, (b) at-the-money call options when the subadviser expects the price of the underlying security to remain flat or advance moderately during the option period and (c) out-of-the-money call options when the subadviser expects that the price of the security may increase but not above a price equal to the sum of the exercise price plus the premiums received from writing the call option. In any of the preceding situations, if the market price of the underlying security declines and the security is sold at this lower price, the amount of any realized loss will be offset wholly or in part by the premium received. Out-of-the-money, at-the-money and in-the-money put options (the reverse of call options as to the relation of exercise price to market price) may be utilized in the same market environments as such call options are used in equivalent transactions.

So long as the obligation of the fund as the writer of an option continues, the fund may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through which the option was sold, requiring it 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 when the option expires or the fund effects a closing purchase transaction. The fund can no longer effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option once it has been assigned an exercise notice. To secure its obligation to deliver the underlying security when it writes a call option, or to pay for the underlying security when it writes a put option, the fund will be required to deposit in escrow the underlying

 

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security or other assets in accordance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”) or similar clearing corporation and the securities exchange on which the option is written.

An option position may be closed out only where there exists a secondary market for an option of the same series on a recognized securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. The fund expects to write options only on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. The fund may purchase put options issued by the OCC or in the over-the-counter market.

The fund may realize a profit or loss upon entering into a closing transaction. In cases in which the fund has written an option, it will realize a profit if the cost of the closing purchase transaction is less than the premium received upon writing the original option and will incur a loss if the cost of the closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received upon writing the original option. Similarly, when the fund has purchased an option and engages in a closing sale transaction, whether it recognizes a profit or loss will depend upon whether the amount received in the closing sale transaction is more or less than the premium the fund initially paid for the original option plus the related transaction costs.

Although the fund generally will purchase or write only those options for which the subadviser believes there is an active secondary market so as to facilitate closing transactions, there is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist for any particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no such secondary market may exist. A liquid secondary market in an option may cease to exist for a variety of reasons. In the past, for example, higher than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen events, have at times rendered certain of the facilities of the OCC and national securities exchanges inadequate and resulted in the institution of special procedures, such as trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading halts or suspensions in one or more options. There can be no assurance that similar events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely execution of customers’ orders, will not recur. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options. If, as a covered call option writer, the fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.

Securities exchanges generally have established limitations governing the maximum number of calls and puts of each class which may be held or written, or exercised within certain periods, by an investor or group of investors acting in concert (regardless of whether the options are written on the same or different securities exchanges or are held, written or exercised in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). It is possible that the fund and other clients of the manager or subadviser and certain of their affiliates may be considered to be such a group. A securities exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.

In the case of options written by the fund that are deemed covered by virtue of the fund’s holding convertible or exchangeable preferred stock, the time required to convert or exchange and obtain physical delivery of the underlying common stocks with respect to which the fund has written options may exceed the time within which the fund must make delivery in accordance with an exercise notice. In these instances, the fund may purchase or temporarily borrow the underlying securities for purposes of physical delivery. By so doing, the fund will not bear any market risk because the fund will have the absolute right to receive from the issuer of the underlying security an equal number of shares to replace the borrowed stock, but the fund may incur additional transaction costs or interest expenses in connection with any such purchase or borrowing.

Although the subadviser will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize the risks relating to the fund’s writing of call options and purchasing of put and call options, there can be no assurance that the fund will succeed in its option-writing program.

Stock Index Options. As described generally above, the fund may purchase put and call options and write call options on domestic stock indexes listed on domestic exchanges in order to realize its investment objective

 

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or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks included in the index. Some stock index options are based on a broad market index such as the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index, or a narrower market index such as the Standard & Poor’s 100. Indexes also are based on an industry or market segment such as the Amex Oil Index or the Amex Computer Technology Index.

Options on stock indexes are generally similar to options on stock except that the delivery requirements are different. Instead of giving the right to take or make delivery of stock at a specified price, an option on a stock index gives the holder the right to receive a cash “exercise settlement amount” equal to (a) the amount, if any, by which the fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying index on the date of exercise, multiplied by (b) a fixed “index multiplier.” Receipt of this cash amount will depend upon the closing level of the stock 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 will be equal to such difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars or a foreign currency, as the case may be, times a specified multiple. The writer of the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The writer may offset its position in stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange or it may let the option expire unexercised.

The effectiveness of purchasing or writing stock index options as a hedging technique will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of the securities portfolio of the fund correlate with price movements of the stock index selected. Because the value of an index option depends upon movements in the level of the index rather than the price of a particular stock, whether the fund will realize a gain or loss from the purchase or writing of options on an index depends upon movements in the level of stock prices in the stock market generally or, in the case of certain indexes, in an industry or market segment, rather than movements in the price of a particular stock. Accordingly, successful use by the fund of options on stock indexes will be subject to the subadviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock market generally or of a particular industry. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the price of individual stocks.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. As described generally above, the fund may invest in stock index futures contracts and options only on futures contracts that are traded on a domestic exchange or board of trade. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. The fund may enter into futures contracts and options on futures to seek higher investment returns when a futures contract is priced more attractively than stocks comprising a benchmark index, to facilitate trading or to reduce transaction costs. Assets committed to futures contracts will be segregated on the fund’s books to the extent required by law.

The primary purpose of entering into a futures contract by the fund is to protect the fund from fluctuations in the value of securities without actually buying or selling the securities. For example, in the case of stock index futures contracts, if the fund anticipates an increase in the price of stocks it intends to purchase at a later time, the fund could enter into contracts to purchase the stock index (known as taking a “long” position) as a temporary substitute for the purchase of stocks. If an increase in the market occurs that influences the stock index as anticipated, the value of the futures contracts increases and thereby serves as a hedge against the fund’s not participating in a market advance. The fund can accomplish similar results by buying securities with long maturities and selling securities with short maturities. But by using futures contracts as an investment tool to reduce risk, given the greater liquidity in the futures market, it may be possible to accomplish the same result more easily and more quickly.

No consideration will be paid or received by the fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the fund will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or other securities acceptable to the broker equal to approximately 1% to 10% of the contract amount (this amount is subject to change by the

 

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exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount is known as “initial margin” and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract, which is returned to the fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” to and from the broker, will be made daily as the price of the index or securities underlying the futures contract fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking-to-market.” In addition, when the fund enters into a long position in a futures contract or an option on a futures contract, it must deposit into a segregated account with its custodian an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the total market value of the underlying futures contract, less amounts held in the fund’s commodity brokerage account at its broker. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate its existing position in the contract.

There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a hedging device. Successful use of futures contracts by the fund is subject to the ability of the subadviser to predict correctly movements in the stock market or in the direction of interest rates. These predictions involve skills and techniques that may be different from those involved in the management of investments in securities. In addition, there can be no assurance that there will be a perfect correlation between movements in the price of the securities underlying the futures contract and movements in the price of the securities that are the subject of the hedge. A decision of whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected trends in market behavior or interest rates.

Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange on which they were entered into (or through a linked exchange) and no secondary market exists for those contracts. In addition, although the fund intends to enter into futures contracts only if there is an active market for the contracts, there is no assurance that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time. Most 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. It is possible that futures contract prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses. In such event, and in the event of adverse price movements, the fund would be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin; in such circumstances, an increase in the value of the portion of the portfolio being hedged, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the futures contract. As described above, however, no assurance can be given that the price of the securities being hedged will correlate with the price movements in a futures contract and thus provide an offset to losses on the futures contract.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Principal Investment Risks

Market Risk. The fund invests in equity securities and is subject to the risk of stock market declines generally, thereby reducing the value of the fund’s equity portfolio.

Prices of equity securities generally fluctuate more than those of other securities, such as debt securities. Market risk may affect a single issuer, industry or sector of the economy or may affect the market as a whole. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual stock.

Non-Diversification Risk. The fund is classified as “non-diversified,” which means it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in one issuer or in a limited number of issuers than a diversified fund. To the extent a fund concentrates its assets in fewer issuers, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those issuers.

Sector Risk. The fund’s investments are spread across the sector on which it focuses. However, because those investments are limited to a comparatively narrow segment of the economy, the fund’s investments are not as diversified as most mutual funds, and far less diversified than the broad securities markets. This means that the fund tends to be more volatile than other mutual funds, and the values of its portfolio investments tend to increase and decrease more rapidly. As a result, the value of your investment in the fund may rise or fall rapidly.

Foreign Investment Risk. The fund is subject to the risks of investing in foreign securities. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market because of increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market or economic developments and can perform differently than the U.S. market. Currency fluctuations may adversely impact the fund’s investments.

The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers involve greater risks than investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Many foreign countries the fund may invest in have markets that are less liquid and more volatile than markets in the United States. In some foreign countries, less information is available about foreign issuers and markets because of less rigorous accounting and regulatory standards than in the United States. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. The risks of investing in foreign securities are greater for securities of emerging market issuers because political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity, and negative government actions like currency controls or seizure of private businesses or property are more likely.

Derivative Risks. The fund may use derivative contracts, such as futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies; options on these futures and forward currency contracts. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on the fund’s stock market, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. The fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the fund’s holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed income securities. Derivatives can also make the fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.

Defensive Investing Risk. The fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions in any type of money market instruments, short-term debt securities or cash. If the fund takes a temporary defensive position, it may be unable to achieve its investment objective.

Value Style Risk. The fund is subject to value style risk. The value approach to investing involves the risk that value stocks may remain undervalued. Value stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market for a long period of time, while the market concentrates on “growth” stocks. Value funds

 

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often concentrate much of their investments in certain industries, and thus will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers within that industry than would a more diversified portfolio of securities.

Small and Mid-Sized Company Securities Risk. The fund is subject to small and mid-sized company securities risk. Investing in the securities of smaller companies involves special risks. Small companies may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent upon a limited management group. Among other things, the prices of securities of small and mid-sized companies generally are more volatile than those of larger companies; the securities of small companies generally are less liquid; and smaller companies generally are more likely to be adversely affected by poor economic or market conditions. Small-sized companies may also be more difficult to value because few, if any, investment researchers regularly follow them.

It is anticipated that some of the fund’s portfolio securities may not be widely traded and that the fund’s position in such securities may be substantial in relation to the market for such securities. Accordingly, it may be difficult for the fund to dispose of such securities quickly at prevailing market prices, and market prices may not always be readily available for use in determining the fund’s net asset value.

Investments in securities of companies with small and mid-sized market capitalizations are generally considered to offer greater opportunity for appreciation but also may involve greater risks than customarily are associated with more established companies. The securities of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt fluctuations in market price than larger, more established companies. In addition to exhibiting greater volatility, small-cap and mid-cap stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger-cap stocks, i.e., small-cap and/or mid-cap stocks may decline in price as the prices of large-cap stocks rise or vice versa. Smaller companies are often involved in actual or anticipated reorganizations or restructurings, which involve risks, including difficulty in obtaining information as to the financial conditions of such companies.

Concentration Risk. The fund is subject to the risk of concentrating its investments in financial services companies. A fund concentrating most of its investments in a single industry will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers within that industry than would a more diversified portfolio of securities. Financial services companies are subject to extensive government regulation, and their prospects may be affected by new regulations or regulatory interpretations that impede particular lines of business. The profitability of financial services companies is dependent on the availability and cost of funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Economic downturns, credit losses and severe price competition can negatively affect this industry. Recent federal legislation permits increased competition among financial services companies. The impact of this change on any individual company or on the industry as a whole cannot be predicted.

Investment Model Risk. The fund is subject to “investment model” risk: the proprietary models used by the subadviser to evaluate securities or securities markets are based on the subadviser’s understanding of the interplay of market factors and do not assure successful investment. The markets or the prices of individual securities may be affected by factors not foreseen in developing the models.

Debt Securities Risk. The fund is subject to the risks of investing in debt securities for the portion of its assets not invested in equity securities. Debt securities are subject to interest rate risk, which is the possibility that the rates of interest income generated by the fund’s fixed-income investments may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates and the market prices of the fund’s fixed-income investments may decline due to an increase in market interest rates. Generally, the longer the maturity of a fixed-income security, the greater the effect on its value when rates increase.

Debt securities are also subject to credit risk, i.e., the risk that an issuer of securities will be unable to pay principal and interest when due, or that the value of the security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is less able to pay. This is broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which the fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not absolute guarantees as to quality.

 

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Debt securities rated BBB/Baa or better by S&P or Moody’s and unrated securities considered by the fund’s subadviser to be of equivalent quality are considered investment grade. Debt securities rated below BBB/Baa, commonly known as “junk bonds,” which the fund may purchase from time to time, are deemed by the ratings companies to be speculative and may involve major risk of exposure to adverse conditions. Those in the lowest rating categories may involve a substantial risk of default or may be in default. Changes in economic conditions or developments regarding the individual issuer are more likely to cause price volatility and weaken the capacity of such securities to make principal and interest payments than is the case for higher grade debt securities. Securities rated below BBB/Baa may be less liquid than higher-rated securities, which means the fund may have difficulty selling them at times, and may have to apply a greater degree of judgment in establishing a price for purposes of valuing shares of the fund. Moody’s considers debt securities rated in the lowest investment grade category (Baa) to have speculative characteristics.

Call Risk. The fund is subject to “call risk.” Many fixed-income securities, especially those issued at high interest rates and with longer maturities, provide that the issuer may repay them early. Issuers often exercise this right when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate of the security. Accordingly, holders of callable securities may not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed-income securities experience when rates decline. Furthermore, the fund most likely would have to reinvest the proceeds of the repayment at current yields, which would be lower than those paid by the security that was paid off.

Convertible Securities Risk. The fund is subject to convertible securities risk: the value of a convertible security is usually a function of (1) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth, at market value, if converted into or exchanged for the underlying common stock. Convertible securities are typically issued by smaller capitalized companies whose stock prices may be volatile. The price of a convertible security often reflects such variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt does.

Recent Market Events

The fixed-income markets have experienced a period of extreme volatility which has negatively impacted market liquidity conditions. Initially, the concerns on the part of market participants were focused on the subprime segment of the mortgage-backed securities market. However, these concerns have since expanded to include a broad range of mortgage- and asset-backed and other fixed-income securities, including those rated investment grade, the U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, and a wide range of financial institutions and markets, asset classes and sectors. As a result, fixed-income instruments have been experiencing liquidity issues, increased price volatility, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. Securities that are less liquid are more difficult to value and may be hard to dispose of. Domestic and international equity markets have also been experiencing heightened volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise, and the yield to decline. These events and the continuing market upheavals may have an adverse effect on the fund.

The fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), including those that are issued by private issuers, and, therefore, may have some exposure to subprime loans as well as to the mortgage and credit markets generally. Private issuers include commercial banks, savings associations, mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies and special purpose finance entities (called special purpose vehicles or SPVs) and other entities that acquire and package mortgage loans for resale as MBS. Unlike MBS issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its sponsored entities, MBS issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee, but may have credit enhancement provided by external entities such as banks or financial institutions or achieved through the structuring of the transaction itself. Examples of such credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include the issue of senior and subordinated securities (e.g., the issuance of securities by an SPV in multiple classes or “tranches,” with one or more classes being

 

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senior to other subordinated classes as to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgage loans are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class); creation of “reserve funds” (in which case cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying mortgage loans, are held in reserve against future losses); and “overcollateralization” (in which case the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying mortgage loans exceed that required to make payment of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). However, there can be no guarantee that credit enhancements, if any, will be sufficient to prevent losses in the event of defaults on the underlying mortgage loans.

In addition, MBS that are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those MBS that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying private MBS may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored MBS and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. Privately issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private-label MBS pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government-guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.

The risk of non-payment is greater for MBS that are backed by mortgage pools that contain subprime loans, but a level of risk exists for all loans. Market factors adversely affecting mortgage loan repayments may include a general economic turndown, high unemployment, a general slowdown in the real estate market, a drop in the market prices of real estate or an increase in interest rates resulting in higher mortgage payments by holders of adjustable rate mortgages.

If the fund purchases subordinated MBS, the subordinated MBS may serve as a credit support for the senior securities purchased by other investors. In addition, the payments of principal and interest on these subordinated securities generally will be made only after payments are made to the holders of securities senior to the fund’s securities. Therefore, if there are defaults on the underlying mortgage loans, the fund will be less likely to receive payments of principal and interest and will be more likely to suffer a loss.

Privately issued MBS are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, MBS held in the fund’s portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.

The fund may also purchase asset-backed securities (“ABS”) that have many of the same characteristics and risks as the MBS described above, except that ABS may be backed by non-real-estate loans, leases or receivables such as auto, credit card or home equity loans.

The fund may purchase commercial paper, including asset-backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) that is issued by structured investment vehicles or other conduits. These conduits may be sponsored by mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and special purpose finance entities. ABCP typically refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days, the payment of which is supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both. Assets backing ABCP, which may be included in revolving pools of assets with large numbers of obligors, include credit card, car loan and other consumer receivables and home or commercial mortgages, including subprime mortgages. The repayment of ABCP issued by a conduit depends primarily on the cash collections received from the conduit’s underlying asset portfolio and the conduit’s ability to issue new ABCP.

 

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Therefore, there could be losses to the fund in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the conduit’s underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing ABCP, or the conduit’s inability to issue new ABCP. To protect investors from these risks, ABCP programs may be structured with various protections, such as credit enhancement, liquidity support, and commercial paper stop-issuance and wind-down triggers. However there can be no guarantee that these protections will be sufficient to prevent losses to investors in ABCP.

Some ABCP programs provide for an extension of the maturity date of the ABCP if, on the related maturity date, the conduit is unable to access sufficient liquidity through the issue of additional ABCP. This may delay the sale of the underlying collateral and the fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral deteriorates during the extension period. Alternatively, if collateral for ABCP commercial paper deteriorates in value, the collateral may be required to be sold at inopportune times or at prices insufficient to repay the principal and interest on the ABCP. ABCP programs may provide for the issuance of subordinated notes as an additional form of credit enhancement. The subordinated notes are typically of a lower credit quality and have a higher risk of default. A fund purchasing these subordinated notes will, therefore, have a higher likelihood of loss than investors in the senior notes.

The fund may also invest in other types of fixed-income securities which are subordinated or “junior” to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated or junior securities. Such securities may include preferred stock. Under the terms of subordinated securities, payments that would otherwise be made to their holders may be required to be made to the holders of more senior securities, and/or the subordinated or junior securities may have junior liens, if they have any rights at all, in any collateral (meaning proceeds of the collateral are required to be paid first to the holders of more senior securities). As a result, subordinated or junior securities will be disproportionately adversely affected by a default or even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer.

The fund’s compliance with its investment restrictions and limitations is usually determined at the time of investment. If the credit rating on a security is downgraded or the credit quality deteriorates after purchase by the fund, or if the maturity of a security is extended after purchase by the fund, the subadviser will decide whether the security should be held or sold. Certain mortgage- or asset-backed securities may provide, upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, for the investors to become the holders of the underlying assets. In that case the fund may become the holder of securities that it could not otherwise purchase, based on its investment strategies or its investment restrictions and limitations, at a time when such securities may be difficult to dispose of because of adverse market conditions.

Financial Services

Other than the financial services industry, the fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular industry. Because of concentration, the fund may be especially subject to risks affecting the financial services sector.

Companies in the financial services industry include regional and money center banks, securities brokerage firms, asset management companies, savings banks and thrift institutions, specialty finance companies (e.g., credit card, mortgage providers), insurance and insurance brokerage firms, government sponsored agencies (e.g., Ginnie Mae), financial conglomerates and foreign banking and financial services companies.

The financial services industry has been undergoing relatively rapid change as existing distinctions between financial service segments become less clear. For instance, recent business combinations in the U.S. have included insurance, finance, banking and/or securities brokerage under single ownership. Moreover, Congress repealed the federal laws generally separating commercial and investment banking, and the services offered by banks are likely to expand.

 

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While providing diversification, expanded powers could expose banks to well-established competitors, particularly as the historical distinctions between banks and other financial institutions erode. Increased competition may also result from the broadening of regional and national interstate banking powers, which has already reduced the number of publicly traded regional banks. In addition, certain industry members have been subject to regulatory and criminal actions due to undue influence of one part of their business on another, such as claims that investment banking concerns have influenced their securities research and recommendations.

Banks, savings and loan associations and finance companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make and the interest rates and fees they can charge. The profitability of these groups is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. In addition, general economic conditions are important to the operations of these concerns, with exposure to credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers having an adverse effect.

Finance companies can be highly dependent upon access to capital markets and any impediments to such access, such as adverse overall economic conditions or a negative perception in the capital markets of a finance company’s financial condition or prospects, could adversely affect its business.

Insurance companies are likewise subject to substantial governmental regulation, predominantly at the state level, and may be subject to severe price competition. The performance of the fund’s investments in insurance companies will be subject to risk from several additional factors. The earnings of insurance companies will be affected by, in addition to general economic conditions, pricing (including severe pricing competition from time to time), claims activity, and marketing competition. Particular insurance lines will also be influenced by specific matters. Property and casualty insurer profits may be affected by certain weather catastrophes, terrorism and other disasters. Life and health insurer profits may be affected by mortality and morbidity rates. Individual companies may be exposed to material risk, including reserve inadequacy, problems in investment portfolios (due to real estate or “junk bond” holdings, for example), and the inability to collect from reinsurance carriers. Insurance companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, including the imposition of maximum rate levels, which may not be adequate for some lines of business. Proposed or potential anti-trust or tax law changes also may affect adversely insurance companies’ policy sales, tax obligations and profitability.

Companies engaged in stock brokerage, commodity brokerage, investment banking, investment management, or related investment advisory services are closely tied economically to the securities and commodities markets and can suffer during a decline in either. These companies also are subject to the regulatory environment and changes in regulations such as proposals to screen financial analysts from investment banking within financial conglomerates, pricing pressure, the availability of funds to borrow and interest rates.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

For funds in the Legg Mason Partners family of funds, each fund’s Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures developed by LMPFA with respect to the disclosure of the funds’ portfolio securities and any ongoing arrangements to make available information about each fund’s portfolio securities. The policy requires that consideration always be given as to whether disclosure of information about any fund’s portfolio holdings is in the best interests of such fund’s shareholders, and that any conflicts of interest between the interests of the fund’s shareholders and those of LMPFA, the funds’ distributor or their affiliates, be addressed in a manner that places the interests of fund shareholders first. The policy provides that information regarding a fund’s portfolio holdings may not be shared with non-Legg Mason employees, with investors or potential investors (whether individual or institutional), or with third parties unless it is done for legitimate fund business purposes and in accordance with the policy.

LMPFA’s policy generally provides for the release of details of securities positions once they are considered “stale.” Data is considered stale 25 calendar days following quarter-end. LMPFA believes that this passage of time prevents a third party from benefiting from an investment decision made by a fund that has not been fully reflected by the market.

 

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Under the policy, a fund’s complete list of holdings (including the size of each position) may be made available to investors, potential investors, third parties and non-Legg Mason employees with simultaneous public disclosure at least 25 days after calendar quarter end, except in the case of a money market fund’s holdings, which may be released with simultaneous public disclosure at least 25 days after month end. Typically, simultaneous public disclosure is achieved by the filing of Form N-Q or Form N-CSR in accordance with SEC rules, provided that such filings may not be made until 25 days following quarter-end and/or posting the information to a Legg Mason or the funds’ Internet site that is accessible by the public, or through public release by a third party vendor.

The policy permits the release of limited portfolio holdings information that is not yet considered stale in a number of situations, including:

1. A fund’s top ten securities, current as of month-end, and the individual size of each such security position may be released at any time following month-end with simultaneous public disclosure.

2. A fund’s top ten securities positions (including the aggregate but not individual size of such positions) may be released at any time with simultaneous public disclosure.

3. A list of securities (that may include fund holdings together with other securities) followed by a portfolio manager (without position sizes or identification of particular funds) may be disclosed to sell-side brokers at any time for the purpose of obtaining research and/or market information from such brokers.

4. A trade in process may be discussed only with counterparties, potential counterparties and others involved in the transaction (i.e., brokers and custodians).

5. A fund’s sector weightings, performance attribution (e.g. analysis of the fund’s out-performance or underperformance of its benchmark based on its portfolio holdings) and other summary and statistical information that does not include identification of specific portfolio holdings may be released, even if non-public, if such release is otherwise in accordance with the policy’s general principles.

6. A fund’s portfolio holdings may be released on an as-needed basis to its legal counsel, counsel to its Independent Trustees and its independent public accounting firm, in required regulatory filings or otherwise to governmental agencies and authorities.

Under the policy, if information about a fund’s portfolio holdings is released pursuant to an ongoing arrangement with any party, a fund must have a legitimate business purpose for the release of the information, and either the party receiving the information must be under a duty of confidentiality, or the release of non-public information must be subject to trading restrictions and confidential treatment to prohibit the entity from sharing with an unauthorized source or trading upon any non-public information provided. Neither a fund, nor Legg Mason nor any other affiliated person may receive compensation or any other consideration in connection with such arrangements. Ongoing arrangements to make available information about a fund’s portfolio securities will be reviewed at least annually by a fund’s Board of Trustees. The release of portfolio holdings other than in ongoing arrangements is subject to a written agreement which requires the recipient to keep the information confidential and to use the information only for the purposes specified in the agreement. The approval of a fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, must be obtained prior to the release of the information other than in an ongoing arrangement.

The approval of a fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, must be obtained before entering into any new ongoing arrangement or altering any existing ongoing arrangement to make available portfolio holdings information, or with respect to any exceptions to the policy. Any exceptions to the policy must be consistent with the purposes of the policy. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis and are granted only after a thorough examination and consultation with LMPFA’s legal department, as necessary. Exceptions to the policies are reported annually to the fund’s Board.

 

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Currently, the Funds typically disclose their complete portfolio holdings approximately 25 days after calendar quarter-end on Legg Mason’s website, http://www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices.

Set forth below is a list, as of August 31, 2007, of those parties with whom LMPFA, on behalf of the Funds, has authorized ongoing arrangements that include the release of portfolio holdings information, the frequency of the release under such arrangements, and the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. The parties identified below as recipients are service providers, fund rating agencies, consultants and analysts.

 

Recipient

 

Frequency

 

Delay before dissemination

State Street Bank and Trust Co. (Fund Custodian and Accounting Agent)

  Daily   None

Institutional Shareholder Services (Proxy voting services)

  As necessary   None

Bloomberg

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Lipper

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

S&P

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Morningstar

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Vestek

  Daily   None

Factset

  Daily   None

The Bank of New York

  Daily   None

Thomson

  Semi-annually   None

Dataware

  Daily   None

ITG

  Daily   None

Portfolio holdings information for a Fund may also be released from time to time pursuant to ongoing arrangements with the following parties:

 

Recipient

 

Frequency

 

Delay before dissemination

Baseline

  Daily   None

Frank Russell

  Monthly   1 Day

Callan

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Mercer

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

eVestment Alliance

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

CRA RogersCasey

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Cambridge Associates

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Marco Consulting

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Wilshire

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Informa Investment Services (Efron)

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

CheckFree (Mobius)

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Nelsons Information

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Investor Tools

  Daily   None

Advent

  Daily   None

BARRA

  Daily   None

Plexus

  Quarterly (Calendar)  

Sent 1-3 business days following the end of a Quarter

Elkins/McSherry

  Quarterly (Calendar)  

Sent 1-3 business days following the end of a Quarter

Quantitative Services Group

  Daily   None

AMBAC

  Daily   None

 

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Recipient

 

Frequency

 

Delay before dissemination

Deutsche Bank

  Monthly   6-8 business days

Fitch

  Monthly   6-8 business days

Liberty Hampshire

  Weekly and Month End   None

Sun Trust

  Weekly and Month End   None

New England Pension Consultants

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Evaluation Associates

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

Watson Wyatt

  Quarterly   25 Days after Quarter End

S&P (Rating Agency)

  Weekly Tuesday Night   1 business day

Moody’s (Rating Agency)

  Monthly   6-8 business days

Electra Information Systems

  Daily   None

SunGard

  Daily   None

INVESTMENT POLICIES

The fund has adopted the fundamental investment policies below for the protection of shareholders. Fundamental investment policies may not be changed with respect to the fund without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, which is defined in the 1940 Act as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting power present at a shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the voting power of the fund is present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the voting power of the fund.

If any percentage restriction described above is complied with at the time of an investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.

Fundamental Investment Policies

The fund’s fundamental policies are as follows:

(1) The fund may not borrow money except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

(2) The fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

(3) The fund may lend money or other assets to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

(4) The fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

(5) The fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

(6) The fund may purchase or sell commodities or contracts related to commodities to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

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(7) The fund will not purchase or sell the securities of any issuer, if, as a result of such purchase or sale, less than 25% of the assets of the fund would be invested in the securities of issuers principally engaged in the business activities having the specific characteristics denoted by the fund.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (1) above, the 1940 Act permits the fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the fund’s total assets, minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be considered to be borrowings and thus subject to the 1940 Act restrictions. Borrowing money to increase portfolio holdings is known as “leveraging.” Borrowing, especially when used for leverage, may cause the value of the fund’s shares to be more volatile than if the fund did not borrow. This is because borrowing tends to magnify the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the fund’s portfolio holdings. Borrowed money thus creates an opportunity for greater gains, but also greater losses. To repay borrowings, the fund may have to sell securities at a time and at a price that is unfavorable to the fund. There also are costs associated with borrowing money, and these costs would offset and could eliminate the fund’s net investment income in any given period. Currently the fund has no intention of borrowing money for leverage. The policy in (1) above will be interpreted to permit the fund to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending will not be considered to be borrowings under the policy. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth in (2) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits the fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund’s investments in issuers where the fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. The fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. There may be a limited market for these securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. These risks could apply to the fund investing in restricted securities. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause the fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (2) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth in (3) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets, except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. (A repurchase agreement is an agreement to purchase a security, coupled with an agreement to sell that security back to the original seller on an agreed-upon date at a price that reflects current interest rates. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans.) While lending securities may be a source of income to the fund, as with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the underlying securities should the borrower fail financially. However, loans would be made only when the fund’s manager or subadviser believes the income justifies the attendant risks. The fund also will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds. The fund would have to obtain exemptive relief from the SEC to make loans to other funds. The policy in (3) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from

 

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purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments, as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (4) above, “senior securities” are defined as fund obligations that have a priority over the fund’s shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits the fund from issuing senior securities except that the fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose. The fund also may borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by the fund can increase the speculative character of the fund’s outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of the fund’s portfolio through the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the fund’s net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased to the extent of the fund’s gross assets. The policy in (4) above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth in (5) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the fund from owning real estate; however, the fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. Owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, the current SEC staff position generally limits the fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent the fund from investing in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth in (6) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the fund from owning commodities, whether physical commodities and contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies and, possibly, currency futures). However, the fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, the current SEC staff position generally limits the fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. If the fund were to invest in a physical commodity or a physical commodity-related instrument, the fund would be subject to the additional risks of the particular physical commodity and its related market. The value of commodities and commodity-related instruments may be extremely volatile and may be affected either directly or indirectly by a variety of factors. There also may be storage charges and risks of loss associated with physical commodities. The policy in (6) above will be interpreted to permit investments in exchange traded funds that invest in physical and/or financial commodities.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (7) above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of the fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. Because the fund invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry, may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. The policy in (7) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; securities of foreign governments; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any

 

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industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or country. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to the fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries.

The fund’s fundamental policies are written and will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the policy will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.

The fund is currently classified as a non-diversified fund under the 1940 Act. A diversified fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of the total assets of the fund, (a) more than 5% of the fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. A non-diversified fund is not subject to these limitations. Therefore, a non-diversified fund can invest a greater portion of its assets in a single issuer or a limited number of issuers than may a diversified fund. In this regard, the fund is subject to greater risk than a diversified fund.

MANAGEMENT

The business affairs of the fund are managed by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The Board elects officers who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the fund and who execute policies authorized by the Board.

The current Trustees, including the Trustees of the fund who are not “interested persons” of the fund as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”) and executive officers of the fund, their birth years, their principal occupations during at least the past five years (their titles may have varied during that period), the number of investment companies and their portfolios associated with Legg Mason the Trustees oversee, and other board memberships they hold are set forth below. The address of each Trustee is c/o R. Jay Gerken, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018.

 

Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s)
with Fund

 

Term of
Office*
and
Length
of Time
Served**

 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

 

Number of

Funds
in Fund
Complex

Overseen by
Trustee

 

Other Board
Memberships
Held by Trustee During

Past Five Years

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:        

Paul R. Ades

Born 1940

  Trustee   Since 1983   Law firm of Paul R. Ades, PLLC (since 2000)   48   None

Andrew L. Breech

Born 1952

  Trustee   Since 1991   President, Dealer Operating Control Service, Inc. (automotive retail management) (since 1985)   48   None

Dwight B. Crane

Born 1937

  Trustee   Since 1981  

Independent Consultant (since 1969); formerly, Professor, Harvard Business School (1969 to 2007)

  50   None

Robert M. Frayn, Jr.

Born 1934

  Trustee   Since 1981   Retired; formerly, President and Director, Book Publishing Co. (1970 to 2002)   48   None

 

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Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s)
with Fund

 

Term of
Office*
and
Length
of Time
Served**

 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

 

Number of

Funds
in Fund
Complex

Overseen by
Trustee

 

Other Board
Memberships
Held by Trustee During

Past Five Years

Frank G. Hubbard

Born 1937

  Trustee   Since 1993   President, Avatar International Inc. (business development) (since 1998)   48   None

Howard J. Johnson

Born 1938

  Trustee   From 1981 to 1998 and 2000 to Present   Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Imaging LLC (technology company) (since 2003)   48   None

David E. Maryatt

Born 1936

  Trustee   Since 1983   Private Investor; President and Director, ALS Co. (real estate management and development firm) (since 1993)   48   None

Jerome H. Miller

Born 1938

  Trustee   Since 1995   Retired   48   None

Ken Miller

Born 1942

  Trustee   Since 1983   President, Young Stuff Apparel Group, Inc. (apparel manufacturer) (since 1963)   48   None

John J. Murphy

Born 1944

  Trustee   Since 2002   President, Murphy Capital Management (investment advice) (since 1983)   48   Director, Nicholas Applegate funds (13 funds); Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (11 funds); formerly, Director, Atlantic Stewardship Bank (2004 to 2005); Director, Barclays International Funds Group Ltd. and affiliated companies (to 2003)

Thomas F. Schlafly

Born 1948

  Trustee   Since 1983   Of Counsel, Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP (law firm) (since 1984); President, The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. (since 1989)   48   Director, Citizens National Bank of Greater St. Louis, Maplewood, MO (since 2006)

Jerry A. Viscione

Born 1944

  Trustee   Since 1993   Retired; formerly, Executive Vice President, Marquette University (1997 to 2002)   48   None

 

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Name and Year of Birth

 

Position(s)
with Fund

 

Term of
Office*
and
Length
of Time
Served**

 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

 

Number of

Funds
in Fund
Complex to be
Overseen by
Trustee

 

Other Board
Memberships
Held by Trustee During

Past Five Years

INTERESTED TRUSTEE AND OFFICER:    

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Born 1951

 

Trustee,

President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

  Since 2002   Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason & Co.”); Chairman of the Board, Trustee, or Director of 153 funds associated with LMPFA and its affiliates; President, LMPFA (since 2006); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates; formerly, Chairman, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (“SBFM”) and Citi Fund Management, Inc. (“CFM”) (2002 to 2005); formerly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Travelers Investment Adviser Inc. (2002 to 2005)   139   Former Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2002-2006) (11 funds)

 

* Each Trustee serves until his respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.
** Indicates the earliest year in which the Trustee became a Board member for a fund in the Legg Mason Partners fund complex.

Mr. Gerken is an “interested person,” as defined in the 1940 Act, because of his position with the manager and/or certain of its affiliates.

 

Name, Year of Birth and Address

  

Position(s)
with Fund

   Term of
Office*
and
Length of
Time
Served**
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

OTHER OFFICERS:         

Ted P. Becker

Born 1951

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

   Chief Compliance Officer    Since
2006
   Director of Global Compliance at Legg Mason, Inc. (since 2006); Managing Director of Compliance at Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer with certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006); Chief Compliance Officer of LMPFA and certain affiliates; Managing Director of Compliance at Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM,” a group of affiliated investment advisers, which included SBFM, Smith Barney Asset Management and CFM and other affiliated investment advisory entities) (2002 to 2005).

 

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Name, Year of Birth and Address

  

Position(s)
with Fund

   Term of
Office*
and
Length of
Time
Served**
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

John Chiota

Born 1968

300 First Stamford Place

Stamford, CT 06902

   Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer    Since
2006
   Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Vice President at CAM (since 2004); Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006). Prior to August 2004, Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of TD Waterhouse.

Robert I. Frenkel

Born 1954

300 First Stamford Place

Stamford, CT 06902

   Secretary and Chief Legal Officer    Since
2003
   Managing Director and General Counsel of Global Mutual Funds for Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Managing Director and General Counsel at Global Mutual Funds for CAM (since 2000); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2003). Previously, Secretary of CFM (2001 to 2004).

Thomas C. Mandia

Born 1962

300 First Stamford Place

Stamford, CT 06902

   Assistant Secretary    Since
2000
   Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel for CAM (since 1992); Assistant Secretary of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2003).

Kaprel Ozsolak

Born 1965

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    Since
2004
   Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Vice President at CAM (1996 to 2005); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with CAM (2004 to 2005). Previously, Mr. Ozsolak was Controller of certain mutual funds associated with CAM (2002 to 2004).

Jeanne M. Kelly

Born 1951

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

   Senior Vice President    Since
2005
   Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); Senior Vice President of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2007); formerly, Director—Global Fund Administration, CAM (from 1996–2005).

Steven Frank

Born 1967

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Controller    Since
2005
   Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. or its predecessors (since 2002); Controller of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005); formerly, Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (2001 to 2005).

 

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Name, Year of Birth and Address

  

Position(s)
with Fund

   Term of
Office*
and
Length of
Time
Served**
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Albert Laskaj

Born 1977

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041

   Controller    Since
2007
   Vice President of Legg Mason (since 2008); Controller of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (since 2007); formerly, Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2007); accounting manager of certain mutual funds associated with certain predecessor firms of Legg Mason & Co. (2003 to 2005).

 

* Each officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.
** Indicates the earliest year in which the officer took office for any funds in the Legg Mason Partners fund complex.

Officers of the fund receive no compensation from the fund, although they may be reimbursed by the fund for reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses for attending Board meetings.

The Board has three standing Committees: the Audit Committee, the Governance Committee and the Pricing Committee. The Audit Committee and Governance Committee are composed of all of Independent Trustees. The Pricing Committee is composed of the Chairman of the Board and one Independent Trustee.

The Audit Committee oversees the scope of the fund’s audit, the fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls. The primary purposes of the Board’s Audit Committee are to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of the fund and the qualifications and independence of the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and the fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee approves, and recommends to the Independent Trustees for their ratification, the selection, appointment, retention or termination of the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and approves the compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the fund by the independent registered public accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to its manager and any affiliated service providers if the engagement relates directly to the fund’s operations and financial reporting.

The Governance Committee is responsible for, among other things, recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. The Governance Committee may consider nominees recommended by a shareholder. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trust’s Secretary that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Trustees. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by the shareholders.

The Governance Committee identifies potential nominees through its network of contacts and may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search firm. The Governance Committee meets to discuss and consider such candidates’ qualifications and then chooses a candidate by majority vote. The Governance Committee does not have specific, minimum qualifications for nominees, nor has it established specific qualities or skills that it regards as necessary for one or more of the Trustees to possess (other than any qualities or skills that may be required by applicable law, regulation or listing standard). However, in evaluating a person as a potential nominee to serve as a Trustee, the Governance Committee may consider the following factors, among any others it may deem relevant:

 

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whether or not the person is an “interested person,” as defined in the 1940 Act, and whether the person is otherwise qualified under applicable laws and regulations to serve as a Trustee;

 

   

whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his or her independence, such as any business, financial or family relationships with fund management, the investment manager, service providers or their affiliates;

 

   

whether or not the person serves on boards of, or is otherwise affiliated with, competing financial service organizations or their related mutual fund complexes;

 

   

whether or not the person is willing to serve, and willing and able to commit the time necessary for the performance of the duties of a Trustee;

 

   

the contribution which the person can make to the Board (or, if the person has previously served as a Trustee, the contribution which the person made to the Board during his or her previous term of service), with consideration being given to the person’s business and professional experience, education and such other factors as the committee may consider relevant;

 

   

the character and integrity of the person; and

 

   

whether or not the selection and nomination of the person would be consistent with the requirements of the retirement policies of the Trust, as applicable.

The Pricing Committee is charged with determining the fair value prices for securities when required.

The Trust’s Board oversees all of the equity-type funds in the fund complex. All members of the Board previously have served on Boards of predecessors to the Legg Mason Partners funds. The Board met eight times during the fund’s last fiscal year. The Audit, Governance and Pricing Committees met four, four and eleven times, respectively, during the fund’s last fiscal year.

The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned by the Trustees in the fund and other investment companies in the fund complex supervised by the Trustees as of December 31, 2007.

 

Name of Trustee

   Dollar Range
of Equity
Securities in
the Fund
   Aggregate Dollar Range
of Equity Securities In
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen
by Trustee

Independent Trustees

     

Paul R. Ades

   A    E

Andrew L. Breech

   A    E

Dwight B. Crane

   A    E

Robert M. Frayn, Jr.

   A    E

Frank G. Hubbard

   A    E

Howard J. Johnson

   A    D

David E. Maryatt

   A    E

Jerome H. Miller

   A    E

Ken Miller

   A    D

John J. Murphy

   A    E

Thomas F. Schlafly

   A    E

Jerry A. Viscione

   A    E

Interested Trustee

     

R. Jay Gerken

   A    E

 

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Dollar Range of Ownership Designations:

 

  A. None
  B. $1-$10,000
  C. $10,001-$50,000
  D. $50,001-$100,000
  E. Over $100,000

As of July 5, 2008, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the manager, subadviser or distributor of the fund, or in a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the manager, subadviser or distributor of the fund.

Information regarding compensation paid by the fund to its Board is set forth below. The Independent Trustees receive a fee for each meeting of the fund’s Board and committee meetings attended and are reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Mr. Gerken, an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act, does not receive compensation from the fund for his service as Trustee, but may be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings.

The fund pays a pro rata share of the Trustee fees based upon asset size. The fund currently pays each of the Independent Trustees his pro rata share of an annual fee of $100,000, plus $20,000 for each regularly scheduled Board meeting attended in person, and $1,000 for each telephonic Board meeting in which that Trustee participates. The lead Independent Trustee receives an additional $25,000 per year and the Chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional $15,000 per year.

Current Board

The current Trustees took office in April 2007. Information as to compensation paid to the current Trustees of the fund by the fund complex for the calendar year ending December 31, 2007 and by the fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 is shown below:

 

Name of Trustee

   Aggregate
Compensation
from the

Fund(1)
   Total Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Paid
as Part of Fund
Expenses
    Total
Compensation
from Fund
Complex Paid
to Trustee
   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee

Independent Trustees

          

Paul R. Ades

   $ 340    $ 0     $ 183,550    47

Andrew L. Breech

     333      0       162,000    47

Dwight B. Crane

     377         (1)     746,293    49

Robert M. Frayn, Jr.

     333      0       162,500    47

Frank G. Hubbard

     377      0       193,950    47

Howard J. Johnson

     401      0       196,250    47

David E. Maryatt

     335      0       163,500    47

Jerome H. Miller

     333      0       171,950    47

Ken Miller

     333      0       173,450    47

John J. Murphy

     383      0       185,800    47

Thomas F. Schlafly

     377      0       183,000    47

Jerry A. Viscione

     340      0       137,000    47

Interested Trustee

          

R. Jay Gerken

     0      0       0    137

 

(1)

Pursuant to a prior retirement plan, Mr. Crane received in a lump sum an aggregate benefit having a net present value equal to $444,643. Each fund formerly overseen by Mr. Crane paid a pro rata share (based upon asset size) of the aggregate benefit to Mr. Crane.

 

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Prior Board

Prior to April 2007, the Directors listed below served on the Board of Directors of the fund. The following table shows the compensation paid to each former Director of the fund during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 for service as a Director. None of the officers of the fund received any compensation from the fund for such period.

 

Name of Independent Director

   Aggregate
Compensation from
Fund for Fiscal Year
Ended 3/31/08(2)(3)

Dwight B. Crane

   $ 326

Burt N. Dorsett

     114

Elliot S. Jaffe(4)

     796

Stephen E. Kaufman

     804

Cornelius C. Rose, Jr.

     804

Interested Director

  

R. Jay Gerken(1)

   $ 0

 

(1)

Mr. Gerken was not compensated for his service as a Director of the fund because of his affiliation with the manager.

(2)

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the following former Directors received the following payments for their service as emeritus Directors: Mr. Herbert Barg: $107, Mr. Martin Brody: $430 and Mr. Joseph McCann: $107. The fund paid its pro rata share (based on asset size) of these aggregate benefits.

(3)

Pursuant to prior retirement plans, certain former Directors are entitled to receive a total retirement benefit (calculated on a net present value basis) from the fund complex as follows: Mr. Barg: $458,325, Mr. Brody: $291,047, Mr. Dorsett: $360,000, Mr. Jaffe: $286,616, Mr. Kaufman: $424,476, Mr. Rose: $286,616 and Mr. McCann: $261,000. A portion of these benefits that has been paid is included, on a pro rata basis, in the aggregate compensation paid by the fund shown above. In addition, each fund no longer overseen by these Directors paid its pro rata share (based on asset size) of these aggregate benefits and is reflected in the compensation paid by the fund shown in the table above. Legg Mason or its affiliates have agreed to reimburse the funds an amount equal to 50% of these benefits.

(4)

Mr. Jaffe retired as of December 31, 2006.

As of July 5, 2008, all Trustees and officers of the fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the fund.

As of July 5, 2008 to the knowledge of the fund, the following shareholders or “groups” (as the term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the following classes of the fund:

 

Shareholder

     Class      Percent of
Ownership

PFPC Brokerage Services
Main Office
FBO Primerica Financial Services
760 Moore Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

     A      35%

PFPC Brokerage Services
Main Office
FBO Primerica Financial Services
760 Moore Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

     B      53%

Marjorie Kitzes
CGM IRA Rollover Custodian
Hartsdale, NY 10530-2738

     I      100%

 

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INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES

Manager

LMPFA serves as investment manager to the fund pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with the fund. LMPFA, with offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA is wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason. Legg Mason, whose principal executive offices are at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is a global asset management company. As of March 31, 2008, Legg Mason’s asset management operation had aggregate assets under management of approximately $950 billion. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund and manages the cash and short-term instruments of the fund.

Under the Management Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of the fund’s Board, the manager is delegated the responsibility of managing the fund’s portfolio in accordance with the fund’s stated investment objective and policies, making investment decisions for the fund and placing orders to purchase and sell securities. The manager also performs administrative and management services necessary for the operation of the fund, such as (i) supervising the overall administration of the fund, including negotiation of contracts and fees with and the monitoring of performance and billings of the fund’s transfer agent, shareholder servicing agents, custodian and other independent contractors or agents; (ii) providing certain compliance, fund accounting, regulatory reporting, and tax reporting services; (iii) preparing or participating in the preparation of Board materials, registration statements, proxy statements and reports and other communications to shareholders; (iv) maintaining the fund’s existence and (v) maintaining the registration and qualification of the fund’s shares under federal and state laws.

The Management Agreement will continue in effect from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the fund’s Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.

The Management Agreement provides that the manager may render services to others. The Management Agreement is terminable without penalty on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice by the fund when authorized either by a vote of holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) or by a vote of a majority of the fund’s Trustees, or by the manager on not less than 90 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Management Agreement provides that neither the manager nor its personnel shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of security transactions for the fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of its or their obligations and duties.

The manager pays the salaries of all officers and employees who are employed by both it and the Trust, and maintains office facilities for the Trust. In addition to those services, the manager furnishes the Trust with statistical and research data, clerical help and accounting, data processing, bookkeeping, internal auditing and legal services and certain other services required by the Trust, prepares reports to the fund’s shareholders and prepares tax returns, reports to and filings with the SEC and state Blue Sky authorities. The manager bears all expenses in connection with the performance of their services.

The Trust bears expenses incurred in its operations, including: taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, if any; fees of Independent Trustee; SEC fees and state Blue Sky qualification fees; charges of custodians; transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees; certain insurance premiums; outside auditing and legal expenses; costs of maintaining corporate existence; costs of investor services (including allocated telephone and personnel expenses); costs of preparing and printing of prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders; costs of shareholders’ reports and shareholder meetings; and meetings of the officers or the Board.

 

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As compensation for investment management services, the fund pays the manager an annual investment management fee of 0.80% (based on a percentage of the fund’s average daily net assets).

Prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007, the LM Fund had a management agreement with Legg Mason Fund Adviser, Inc. (“LMFA”) for management and administrative services. Under the investment management agreement, the LM Fund paid LMFA a management fee calculated daily and paid monthly in accordance with the following schedule:

 

Average Daily Net Assets

   Annual Rate  

First $100 million

   1.000 %

Next $900 million

   0.750  

Over $1 billion

   0.650  

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the fund paid the manager investment management fees of $644,172 (after fee waivers of $185,009). For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the LMP Fund paid the manager investment management fees of $580,928 (after fee waivers of $99,712, of which LMFA waived $92,226 prior to the reorganization and LMPFA waived $7,486 after the reorganization). For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the LM Fund paid LMFA investment management fees of $676,932 (prior to waivers).

LMPFA has served as the fund’s investment manager since August 1, 2006. Prior to that date SBFM, also a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, served as the fund’s investment manager and received a fee of 0.80% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Subadviser

Barrett Associates, Inc. (“Barrett” or the “subadviser”) serves as the subadviser to the fund pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the manager and Barrett (the “Subadvisory Agreement”). Barrett is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason.

Under the Subadvisory Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of the Board and the manager, the subadviser will, except for the management of cash and short-term investments that is performed by LMPFA, manage the fund’s portfolio in accordance with the fund’s stated investment objective and policies, assist in supervising all aspects of the fund’s operations, make investment decisions for the fund, place orders to purchase and sell securities, and employ professional portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research services to the fund.

The Subadvisory Agreement has an initial term ending March 15, 2009 and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Board or holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) may terminate the Subadvisory Agreement on 60 days’ written notice without penalty. The manager or the subadviser may terminate the Subadvisory Agreement on 90 days’ written notice without penalty. The Subadvisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The manager pays the subadviser for its services a fee equal to 70% of the management fee paid to the manager for the fund, net of expense waivers and reimbursements. Prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007, Barrett served as the investment adviser to the LM Fund and received from LMFA 60% of the fee paid to LMFA by the LM Fund for advisory services.

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the manager paid investment subadvisory fees of $450,914 and $313,215, respectively.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, Barrett received $373,666 in advisory fees on behalf of the LM Fund.

Barrett has served as the fund’s subadviser since March 16, 2007. For the period from August 1, 2006 through March 15, 2007, Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. served as the fund’s subadviser and received

 

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fees of 70% of the net management fees paid to LMPFA by the fund for subadvisory services, or $172,300 in subadvisory fees.

Expenses

In addition to amounts payable under the Management Agreement and the 12b-1 Plan (as discussed below), the fund is responsible for its own expenses, including, among other things, interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organization costs of the fund; the cost (including brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the fund’s securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to share certificates; expenses relating to the issuance and redemption or repurchase of the fund’s shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the fund’s shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the fund’s shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, Trustees and employees of the fund, if any; and the fund’s pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the fund and its officers, Trustees and employees; litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the fund is a party and the legal obligation which the fund may have to indemnify the fund’s Trustees and officers with respect thereto.

Management may agree to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses for one or more classes of shares, either through contractual or voluntary arrangements. Any such waivers and/or reimbursements are described in the fund’s Prospectus. The contractual and voluntary fee waivers and/or reimbursements do not cover extraordinary expenses, such as (a) any expenses or charges related to litigation, derivative actions, demand related to litigation, regulatory or other government investigations and proceedings, “for cause” regulatory inspections and indemnification or advancement of related expenses or costs, to the extent any such expenses are considered extraordinary expenses for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A as the same may be amended from time to time; (b) transaction costs (such as brokerage commissions and dealer and underwriter spreads) and taxes; and (c) other extraordinary expenses as determined for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A, as the same may be amended from time to time. Without limiting the foregoing, extraordinary expenses are generally those that are unusual or expected to recur only infrequently, and may include such expenses, by way of illustration, as (i) expenses of the reorganization, restructuring, redomiciling or merger of the fund or class or the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of another fund or class; (ii) expenses of holding, and soliciting proxies for, a meeting of shareholders of the fund or class (except to the extent relating to routine items such as the election of board members or the approval of the independent registered public accounting firm); and (iii) expenses of converting to a new custodian, transfer agent or other service provider, in each case to the extent any such expenses are considered extraordinary expenses for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A as the same may be amended from time to time.

Effective January 1, 2008, the manager is permitted to recapture amounts previously voluntarily forgone or reimbursed by the manager to the fund during the same fiscal year if the fund’s total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the voluntary fee waiver/reimbursement (“expense cap”) shown in the fee table of the prospectus. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular fund business day, in the fund’s total annual operating expenses exceeding the expense cap. The Board has been apprised of the expense cap and recapture arrangement.

Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as the custodian of the fund. State Street, among other things, maintains a custody account or accounts in

 

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the name of the fund; receives and delivers all assets for the fund 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 makes disbursements on behalf of the fund. State Street neither determines the fund’s investment policies, nor decides which securities the fund will buy or sell. For its services, State Street receives a monthly fee based upon the daily average market value of securities held in custody and also receives securities transaction charges, including out-of-pocket expenses. The fund may also periodically enter into arrangements with other qualified custodians with respect to certain types of securities or other transactions such as repurchase agreements or derivatives transactions. State Street may also act as the fund’s securities lending agent and in that case would receive a share of the income generated by such activities.

PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (the “transfer agent”), located at 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, serves as the fund’s transfer agent. Under the transfer agency agreement, the transfer agent maintains the shareholder account records for the fund, handles certain communications between shareholders and the fund and distributes dividends and distributions payable by the fund. For these services, the transfer agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of shareholder accounts it maintains for the fund during the month, and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154, has been selected to audit and report upon the fund’s financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.

Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, serves as counsel to the Trust and the fund.

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038-4982, serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees.

PORTFOLIO MANAGER DISCLOSURE

Portfolio Managers

The following tables set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio manager for the fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of March 31, 2008.

Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Manager

The table below identifies, for the portfolio manager of the fund as of March 31, 2008, the number of accounts (other than the fund with respect to which information is provided) for which she has day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts, in each case as of March 31, 2008.

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Amy LaGuardia

   1 other registered investment company with $120 million in total assets under management    None    261 other accounts with $344 million in total assets under management

None of these accounts had fees based on performance.

 

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Portfolio Manager Compensation

Barrett compensates all portfolio managers with a base salary and a bonus. The bonus is determined at year-end by the compensation committee, which takes into consideration first and foremost the overall performance of the firm and then the individual contribution of each portfolio manager. In determining a portfolio manager’s bonus, the compensation committee considers the following criteria with respect to the portfolio manager: assets under management, growth in assets, investment performance (including mutual fund results), research effort and general contribution to the firm. Barrett uses a team-oriented approach to foster a spirit of cooperation and collegiality throughout the professional ranks of the firm so that overall performance of the firm is a reflection of a combined initiative and enterprise.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when the fund’s portfolio manager also has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the fund’s portfolio manager.

The manager, the subadviser and the fund have adopted compliance polices and procedures that are designed to address various conflicts of interest that may arise for the manager and subadviser and the individuals that they employ. For example, the manager and subadviser each seek to minimize the effects of competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by assigning portfolio managers to manage funds and accounts that share a similar investment style. The manager and the subadviser have also adopted trade allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the fair allocation of limited investment opportunities among multiple funds and accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the manager, the subadviser and the fund will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear.

These potential conflicts include:

Allocation of Limited Time and Attention. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he or she were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single fund. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.

Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities. If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may be allocated among these several funds or accounts, which may limit a fund’s ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity.

The management of multiple funds and accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as a portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for a fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by another fund or account. Securities selected for funds or accounts may outperform the securities selected for other funds or accounts.

When an investment is appropriate or suitable for more than one fund or account, the following considerations apply:

 

   

The investment opportunity is allocated among mutual funds and individual client accounts on a pro rata basis according to their asset size.

 

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An investment opportunity will generally not be placed in a fund or account if not in round lot shares of at least 100.

 

   

The investment opportunity will be spread over Barrett’s accounts and funds base to the fullest extent possible, within standards of appropriateness and suitability.

 

   

Initial public offerings receive the same considerations as any other investment opportunity, subject to certain investment limitations of some funds and client accounts.

 

   

Investment opportunities limited in amount are not allocated to Barrett’s proprietary accounts, employees or affiliated persons’ accounts.

 

   

Barrett may not allocate any initial public offerings to any accounts in which a restricted person has a beneficial interest, subject to certain exemptions.

The portfolio manager’s management of her personal account may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. The fund and Barrett have adopted codes of ethics that they believe contain provisions reasonably necessary to prevent such conflicts.

Pursuit of Differing Strategies. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he or she exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts.

Selection of Brokers/Dealers. Portfolio managers may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the funds and/or accounts that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide portfolio managers with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the portfolio manager determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a portfolio manager’s decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts that he or she manages.

Variation in Compensation. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the funds and/or accounts that he or she manages. If the structure of the investment manager’s management fee and/or the portfolio manager’s compensation differs among funds and/or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the portfolio manager might be motivated to help certain funds and/or accounts over others. The portfolio manager might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he or she has an interest or in which the investment manager and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager’s performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager in affording preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.

Related Business Opportunities. The investment manager or its affiliates may provide more services (such as distribution or recordkeeping) for some types of funds or accounts than for others. In such cases, a portfolio manager may benefit, either directly or indirectly, by devoting disproportionate attention to the management of funds and/or accounts that provide greater overall returns to the investment manager and its affiliates.

 

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Portfolio Manager Securities Ownership

The table below identifies ownership of the fund’s securities by the portfolio manager as of March 31, 2008.

 

Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of Ownership of
Securities in the Fund

Amy LaGuardia

   $100,000 – $500,000

Distributors

LMIS, a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, located at 100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor pursuant to a written agreement dated December 1, 2005 (the “distribution agreement”). Prior to December 1, 2007, LMIS, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, and PFS Investments Inc. (“PFS”), located at 3120 Breckinridge Boulevard, Duluth, Georgia 30099-0001, also served as co-distributors of the fund.

The distributor’s obligation is an agency or “best efforts” arrangement under which the distributor is required to take and pay only for such shares of each fund as may be sold to the public. The distributor is not obligated to sell any stated number of shares. The distribution agreement is renewable from year to year if approved (a) by the Trustees or by a vote of holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the fund’s outstanding voting securities, and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The distribution agreement provides that it will terminate if assigned, and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party on 60 days’ written notice.

The distributor may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act.

The fund issues Class A, B, C, FI, R and I shares. No information is presented for Class FI and R shares since there were no Class FI and R shares outstanding as of March 31, 2008.

Prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007, the LM Fund issued Primary Class and Financial Intermediary Class shares. Primary Class shares were sold without a front-end sales load or contingent deferred sales charge and paid distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees of 1.00% of the LM Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the class. Primary Class shareholders of the LM Fund received Class C shares of the LMP Fund in the reorganization. As a result, the financial information regarding Class C shares for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 in this SAI represents information on Primary Class shares of the LM Fund prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007 and on Class C shares of the LMP fund after March 16, 2007. Financial Intermediary class shares were sold without a front-end sales load or contingent deferred sales charge and paid distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees of 0.25% of the LM Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the class. Financial Intermediary class shareholders of the LM Fund received Class A shares of the fund in the reorganization. As a result, the financial information regarding Class A shares for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 in this SAI represents information on Financial Intermediary Class shares of the LM Fund prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007 and on Class A shares of the LMP fund after March 16, 2007. The LM Fund did not offer a class comparable to Class B shares. As a result, the financial information on Class B shares for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 in this SAI represents information on Class B shares issued during the period from March 16, 2007 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 2007. The fund assumed the assets and liabilities of the LMP fund on April 16, 2007.

 

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Distribution expenses incurred by LMIS for advertising, printing and mailing prospectuses, support services and overhead expenses, payments to Service Agents and for accruals for interest on the excess of expenses incurred in the distribution of the fund’s shares are set forth in the following tables:

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, CGMI incurred the following distribution expenses for the fund. Distribution expenses included marketing and advertising materials, printing costs of prospectuses, third party service fees, branch operating expenses and compensation of Service Agents.

 

Share Class

   Financial
Consultant
Compensation
   Marketing &
Advertising
   Printing of
Prospectuses
   Third
Party
   Branch Op
Expenses
   Total

Class A

   $ 4,661    $ 0    $ 0    $ 0    $ 7,233    $ 11,894

Class B

     7,616      0      0      0      12,001      19,617

Class C

     154,046      0      0      0      222,813      376,859

For the fiscal ended March 31, 2008, LMIS incurred the following distribution expenses for the fund. Distribution expenses included marketing and advertising materials, printing costs of prospectuses, third party service fees, and compensation of Service Agents.

 

Share Class

   Financial
Consultant
Compensation
   Marketing &
Advertising
   Printing of
Prospectuses
   Third
Party
Distribution
Fee
   Third
Party
Service
Fees
   Total

Class A

     N/A    $ 0    $ 0    $ 0    $ 37,914    $ 37,914

Class B

   $ 38,635      17,267      2,932      17,954      14,830      91,618

Class C

     18,847      21,478      3,104      0      138,873      182,302

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, PFS incurred the following distribution expenses for the fund. Distribution expenses included marketing and advertising materials, printing costs of prospectuses, third party service fees, branch operating expenses and compensation of Service Agents.

 

Share Class

   Financial
Consultant
Compensation
   Marketing &
Advertising
   Printing of
Prospectuses
   Third
Party
   Branch Op
Expenses
   Total

Class A

   $ 16,841    $ 0    $ 0    $ 0    $ 13,552    $ 30,393

Class B

     28,297      1,464      0      0      8,095      37,856

Class C

     0      0      0      0      0      0

The following shows the total service and distribution fees paid by each class of the fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008:

 

Class A

   $ 73,865

Class B

   $ 201,177

Class C

   $ 539,838
      

Total

   $ 814,880
      

Initial Sales Charges

The aggregate dollar amount of initial sales charges on Class A shares received by the distributors were as follows:

Class A Shares

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31

   CGMI and
LMIS
   PFS

2008

   $ 9,184    $ 70,475

2007

   $ 0    $ 0

 

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Initial sales charges on Class A shares represent sales charges received after March 16, 2007. Prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007, Financial Intermediary class shares of the LM Fund did not charge an initial sales charge.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

The aggregate dollar amount of contingent deferred sales charges on Class A, Class B and Class C shares received by the distributors were as follows:

Class A Shares

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31

   CGMI and
LMIS
   PFS

2008

   $ 0    $ 28

2007

   $ 0    $ 0

Contingent deferred sales charges on Class A shares represent contingent deferred sales charges received after March 16, 2007. Prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007, Financial Intermediary class shares of the LM Fund did not charge a contingent deferred sales charge.

Class B Shares

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31

   LMIS    PFS    CGMI

2008

   $ 3,121    $ 13,560    $ 0

2007

   $ 0    $ 0    $ 0

Contingent deferred sales charges on Class B shares represent contingent deferred sales charges received after March 16, 2007. Prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007, the LM Fund did not offer a class of shares comparable to Class B shares.

Class C Shares

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31

   LMIS    PFS    CGMI

2008

   $ 1,550    $ 0    $ 10

2007

   $ 0    $ 0    $ 0

Contingent deferred sales charges on Class C shares represent contingent deferred sales charges received after March 16, 2007. Prior to the reorganization on March 16, 2007, Primary class shares of the LM Fund did not charge a contingent deferred sales charge.

Services and Distribution Plan Arrangements

The Trustees, on behalf of the fund, have adopted an amended shareholder services and distribution plan (the “12b-1 Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI and Class R shares of the fund. Under the 12b-1 Plan, the fund pays service and distribution fees to LMIS for the services it provides and expenses it bears with respect to the distribution of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI and Class R shares and providing services to Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI and Class R shareholders. Class I shares do not pay a service and distribution fee. The expenses intended to be covered by the distribution fees include those of the distributor. The distributor will provide the Board with periodic reports of amounts expended under the 12b-1 Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. The fund pays service fees, accrued daily and payable monthly, calculated at the annual rate of 0.25% of the value of the fund’s

 

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average daily net assets attributable to the fund’s Class A, Class B, Class C, Class FI and Class R shares. In addition, the fund pays distribution fees with respect to the Class B and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.75% of the fund’s average daily net assets, and with respect to the Class R shares at the annual rate of 0.25% of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Fees under the 12b-1 Plan may be used to make payments to the distributor for distribution services, to Service Agents in respect of the sale of shares of the fund, and to other parties in respect of the sale of shares of the fund, and to make payments for advertising, marketing or other promotional activity, and payments for preparation, printing, and distribution of prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than regulators and existing shareholders. The fund also may make payments to the distributor, Service Agents and others for providing personal service or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The amounts paid to each recipient may vary based upon certain factors, including, among other things, the levels of sales of fund shares and/or shareholder services provided.

The 12b-1 Plan also provides that the distributor and Service Agents may receive all or a portion of the sales charges paid by Class A, Class B and Class C investors.

The 12b-1 Plan permits the fund to pay fees to the distributor, Service Agents and others as compensation for their services, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. Thus, even if their expenses exceed the fees provided for by the 12b-1 Plan, the fund will not be obligated to pay more than those fees and, if their expenses are less than the fees paid to them, they will realize a profit. The fund may pay the fees to the distributor and others until the 12b-1 Plan or Distribution Agreement is terminated or not renewed. In that event, the distributor’s or other recipient’s expenses in excess of fees received or accrued through the termination date will be the distributor’s or other recipient’s sole responsibility and not obligations of the fund. In their annual consideration of the continuation of the 12b-1 Plan for the fund, the Trustees will review the 12b-1 Plan and the expenses for each class within the fund separately.

The 12b-1 Plan also recognizes that various service providers to the fund, such as the manager, may make payments for distribution related expenses out of their own resources, including past profits, or payments received from the fund for other purposes, such as management fees, and that the fund’s distributor or Service Agents may from time to time use their own resources for distribution-related services, in addition to the fees paid under the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 Plan specifically provides that, to the extent that such payments might be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund within the context of Rule 12b-1, then the payments are deemed to be authorized by the 12b-1 Plan, if permitted under applicable law.

The 12b-1 Plan continues in effect if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of both a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or in any agreement related to the 12b-1 Plan (for purposes of this paragraph “Qualified Trustees”). The Trustees, in the exercise of their business judgment in the best interests of the shareholders of the fund and each class, have approved the continuation of the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 Plan requires that the Trust and the distributor provide to the Board and the Board review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended (and the purposes therefor) under the 12b-1 Plan. The 12b-1 Plan further provides that the selection and nomination of the Qualified Trustees is committed to the discretion of the Qualified Trustees then in office who are not interested Trustees of the Trust. The 12b-1 Plan may be terminated with respect to any class of the fund at any time by a vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by a vote of holders of the shares representing a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of that class. The 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of permitted expenses of the class thereunder without the approval of the holders of the shares representing a majority of the voting power of the outstanding securities of that class and may not be materially amended in any case without a vote of a majority of both the Trustees and Qualified Trustees. The fund will preserve copies of any plan, agreement or report made pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan for a period of not less than six years, and for the first two years the fund will preserve such copies in an easily accessible place.

 

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As contemplated by the 12b-1 Plan, the distributor acts as an agent of the Trust in connection with the offering of shares of the fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

Prior to December 1, 2007, the fund paid service and distribution fees directly to CGMI and PFS under separate 12b-1 Plans with respect to shares sold through CGMI and PFS.

Code of Ethics

Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the fund, the manager, the subadviser and the distributor have adopted codes of ethics that permit personnel to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund. All personnel must place the interests of clients first and avoid activities, interests and relationships that might interfere with the duty to make decisions in the best interests of the clients. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the code and must be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest, the appearance of such a conflict, or the abuse of an employee’s position of trust and responsibility. Copies of the fund’s, the manager’s, the subadviser’s and the distributor’s Codes of Ethics are on file with the SEC.

Proxy Voting Guidelines and Procedures

Although individual Trustees may not agree with particular policies or votes by the manager, the Board has delegated proxy voting discretion to the manager, believing that the manager should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process.

LMPFA delegates the responsibility for voting proxies for the fund, as applicable, to the subadviser through its contract with the subadviser. The subadviser will use its own proxy voting policies and procedures to vote proxies. Accordingly, LMPFA does not expect to have proxy-voting responsibility for the fund. Should LMPFA become responsible for voting proxies for any reason, such as the inability of the subadviser to provide investment advisory services, LMPFA shall utilize the proxy voting guidelines established by the most recent subadviser to vote proxies until a new subadviser is retained. In the case of a material conflict between the interests of LMPFA (or its affiliates if such conflict is known to persons responsible for voting at LMPFA) and the fund, the board of directors of LMPFA shall consider how to address the conflict and/or how to vote the proxies. LMPFA shall maintain records of all proxy votes in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations, to the extent that LMPFA votes proxies. LMPFA shall be responsible for gathering relevant documents and records related to proxy voting from the subadviser and providing them to the fund as required for the fund to comply with applicable rules under the 1940 Act.

A summary of the subadviser’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures that govern in determining how proxies relating to the fund’s portfolio securities are voted is attached as Appendix A to this SAI. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling 1-888-425-6432, (2) on the fund’s website at leggmason.com/InvestorServices and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Subject to policies as may be established by the fund’s Board from time to time, the subadviser is primarily responsible for the fund’s portfolio decisions and the placing of the fund’s portfolio transactions, except that the manager manages the cash and short-term instruments of the fund. Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Commissions are negotiated with broker dealers on all transactions.

The cost of securities purchased from underwriters includes an underwriting commission or concession or a net price. The aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the fund for the three most recent fiscal years is set forth below under “Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid.”

 

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Pursuant to the Management Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement, the manager and the subadviser are authorized to place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. The general policy of the manager and subadviser in selecting brokers and dealers is to obtain the best results achievable in the context of a number of factors which are considered both in relation to individual trades and broader trading patterns, including the reliability of the broker/dealer, the competitiveness of the price and the commission, the research services received and whether the broker/dealer commits its own capital. In connection with the manager’s or subadviser’s monitoring of its portfolio transactions for compliance with its policies, the manager and subadviser each utilize both an internal committee and a third party service provider.

In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the fund and/or the other accounts over which the manager, the subadviser or their affiliates exercise investment discretion. The manager and subadviser are authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the manager or subadviser determine in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities that the manager, the subadviser and their affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The manager and/or subadviser may also have arrangements with brokers pursuant to which such brokers provide research services to the manager or subadviser, as applicable, in exchange for a certain volume of brokerage transactions to be executed by such brokers. While the payment of higher commissions increases the fund’s costs, neither the manager nor the subadviser believe that the receipt of such brokerage and research services significantly reduces its expenses as manager or subadviser. Arrangements for the receipt of research services from brokers may create conflicts of interest.

Research services furnished to the manager or subadviser by brokers who effect securities transactions for the fund may be used by the manager or subadviser in servicing other investment companies and accounts which it manages. Similarly, research services furnished to the manager or subadviser by brokers who effect securities transactions for other investment companies and accounts which the manager or subadviser manage may be used by the manager or subadviser, as applicable, in servicing the fund. Not all of these research services are used by the manager or subadviser in managing any particular account, including the fund. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the fund did not pay commissions to brokers that provided research services and did not direct transactions to brokers related to research services.

The fund contemplates that, consistent with the policy of obtaining the best net results, brokerage transactions may be conducted through “affiliated broker/dealers,” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Board has adopted procedures in accordance with Rule 17e-1 promulgated under the 1940 Act to ensure that all brokerage commissions paid to such affiliates are reasonable and fair in the context of the market in which such affiliates operate.

 

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Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid

For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions as set forth in the table below. The information on brokerage commissions presented below represents the brokerage commissions paid by the LM Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 and for the period from April 1, 2006 through the reorganization on March 16, 2007, by the LMP Fund for the period from March 16, 2007 through March 31, 2007 and by the fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

 

     Aggregate
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008

  $ 79,587

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007:

  $ 79,220

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006:

  $ 61,541

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the fund did not purchase securities issued by the regular broker-dealers of the fund.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The fund’s portfolio turnover rate defined below is generally not expected to exceed 100%. The rate of turnover will not be a limiting factor, however, when the fund deems it desirable to sell or purchase securities. The subadviser may cause the fund to sell or purchase securities to ensure compliance with the fund’s investment policies.

In certain instances there may be securities that are suitable as an investment for the fund as well as for one or more of the manager’s or subadviser’s other clients. Investment decisions for the fund and for the manager’s or subadviser’s other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could adversely affect the price of or the size of the position obtainable in a security for the fund. When purchases or sales of the same security for the fund and for other funds managed by the manager or shareholders occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large volume purchases or sales.

For reporting purposes, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the fund’s investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the manager or subadviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities. The information on portfolio turnover presented below represents the portfolio turnover rate of the LM Fund for the period from April 1, 2006 through the reorganization on March 16, 2007, for the LMP Fund for the period from March 16, 2007 through March 31, 2007 and for the fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008

   10 %

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007:

   53 %

 

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In the event that portfolio turnover increases, this increase necessarily results in correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be paid by the fund. To the extent portfolio trading results in realization of net short-term capital gains, shareholders will be taxed on such gains at ordinary tax rates (except shareholders who invest through IRAs and other retirement plans which are not taxed currently on accumulations in their accounts).

PURCHASE OF SHARES

General

Investors may purchase shares from a Service Agent. In addition, certain investors, including retirement plans purchasing through certain Service Agents, may purchase shares directly from the fund. When purchasing shares of the fund, investors must specify whether the purchase is for Class A, B, C, FI, R or I shares. Service Agents may charge their customers an annual account maintenance fee in connection with a brokerage account through which an investor purchases or holds shares. Accounts held directly at the transfer agent are not subject to a maintenance fee.

For additional information regarding applicable investment minimums and eligibility requirements, please see the fund’s prospectus.

There are no minimum investment requirements for purchases of Class A shares by: (i) current and retired board members of Legg Mason, (ii) current and retired board members of any fund advised by LMPFA (such board members, together with board members of Legg Mason are referred to herein as “Board Members”), (iii) current employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries, (iv) the “immediate families” of such persons (“immediate families” are such person’s spouse, including the surviving spouse of a deceased Board Member, and children under the age of 21) and (v) a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons. The fund reserves the right to waive or change minimums, to decline any order to purchase its shares and to suspend the offering of shares from time to time.

Purchase orders received by the fund or a Service Agent prior to the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on any day the fund calculates its net asset value are priced according to the net asset value determined on that day (the “trade date”). Orders received by a Service Agent prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE on any day the fund calculates its net asset value are priced according to the net asset value determined on that day, provided the order is received by the fund’s agent prior to its close of business. Payment must be made with the purchase order.

Systematic Investment Plan. Shareholders may make additions to their accounts at any time by purchasing shares through a service known as the Systematic Investment Plan. Under the Systematic Investment Plan, the distributor or the transfer agent is authorized through preauthorized transfers of a predetermined amount that meets at least the applicable investment minimum of the Class on a monthly, quarterly, every alternate month, semi-annual or annual basis to charge the shareholder’s account held with a bank or other financial institution as indicated by the shareholder, to provide for systematic additions to the shareholder’s fund account. A shareholder who has insufficient funds to complete the transfer will be charged a fee of up to $25 by the distributor or the transfer agent. Additional information is available from the fund or a Service Agent.

Sales Charge Alternatives

The following classes of shares are available for purchase. See the prospectus for a discussion of who is eligible to purchase certain classes and of factors to consider in selecting which class of shares to purchase.

Class A Shares. Class A shares are sold to investors at the public offering price, which is the net asset value plus an initial sales charge, as described in the fund’s prospectus.

 

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Members of the selling group may receive a portion of the sales charge as described in the fund’s prospectus and may be deemed to be underwriters of the fund as defined in the 1933 Act. Sales charges are calculated based on the aggregate of purchases of Class A shares of the fund made at one time by any “person,” which includes an individual and his or her spouse and children under the age of 21, or a trustee or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or single fiduciary account. For additional information regarding sales charge reductions, see “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions” below.

Purchases of Class A shares of $1,000,000 or more will be made at net asset value without any initial sales charge, but will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% on redemptions made within 12 months of purchase. The contingent deferred sales charge is waived in the same circumstances in which the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to Class B and C shares is waived. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions” and “Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge” below.

Class B and C Shares. Class B and C shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions.”

Class FI, R and I Shares. Class FI, R and I shares are sold at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption.

Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions

Initial Sales Charge Waivers. Purchases of Class A shares may be made at NAV without an initial sales charge in the following circumstances:

(a) sales to (i) current and retired board members of Legg Mason, (ii) current and retired Board Members, (iii) current employees of Legg Mason and its subsidiaries, (iv) the “immediate families” of such persons (“immediate families” are such person’s spouse, including the surviving spouse of a deceased Board Member, and children under the age of 21) and (v) a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons;

(b) sales to any employees of Service Agents having dealer, service or other selling agreements with the fund’s distributor or otherwise having an arrangement with any such Service Agent with respect to sales of shares of the fund, and by the immediate families of such persons or by a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons (providing the purchase is made for investment purposes and such securities will not be resold except through redemption or repurchase);

(c) offers of Class A shares to any other investment company to effect the combination of such company with the fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise;

(d) purchases by shareholders who have redeemed Class A shares in a fund (or Class A shares of another Legg Mason Partners fund that is offered with a sales charge) and who wish to reinvest their redemption proceeds in the fund, provided the reinvestment is made within 60 calendar days of the redemption;

(e) purchases by accounts managed by registered investment advisory subsidiaries of Citigroup Inc.;

(f) purchases by certain separate accounts used to fund unregistered variable annuity contracts; and

(g) purchases by investors participating in “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 LMIS.

In order to obtain such discounts, the purchaser must provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the elimination of the sales charge.

 

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Accumulation Privilege—Please see the fund’s prospectus for information regarding accumulation privileges.

Letter of Intent—The Letter of Intent helps you take advantage of breakpoints in Class A sales charges. You may purchase Class A shares of Legg Mason Partners funds over a 13-month period and pay the same sales charge, if any, as if all shares had been purchased at once. You have a choice of seven Asset Level Goal amounts, as follows:

 

(1) $  25,000    (4) $   250,000
(2) $  50,000    (5) $   500,000
(3) $100,000    (6) $   750,000
   (7) $1,000,000

Each time you make a Class A purchase under a Letter of Intent, you will be entitled to the sales charge that is applicable to the amount of your Asset Level Goal. For example, if your Asset Level Goal is $100,000, any Class A investments you make under a Letter of Intent would be subject to the sales charge of the specific fund you are investing in for purchases of $100,000. Sales charges and breakpoints vary among the Legg Mason Partners funds.

When you enter into a Letter of Intent, you agree to purchase in Eligible Accounts over a thirteen (13) month period Eligible Fund Purchases in an amount equal to the Asset Level Goal you have selected, less any Eligible Prior Purchases. For this purpose, shares are valued at the public offering price (including any sales charge paid) calculated as of the date of purchase, plus any appreciation in the value of the shares as of the date of calculation, except for Eligible Prior Purchases, which are valued at current value as of the date of calculation. Your commitment will be met if at any time during the 13-month period the value, as so determined, of eligible holdings is at least equal to your Asset Level Goal. All reinvested dividends and distributions on shares acquired under the Letter will be credited towards your Asset Level Goal. You may include any Eligible Fund Purchases towards the Letter, including shares of classes other than Class A shares. However, a Letter of Intent will not entitle you to a reduction in the sales charge payable on any shares other than Class A shares, and if the shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, you will still be subject to that contingent deferred sales charge with respect to those shares. You must make reference to the Letter of Intent each time you make a purchase under the Letter.

Eligible Fund Purchases. Generally, any shares of a Legg Mason Partners fund may be credited towards your Asset Level Goal. Shares of certain money market funds advised by the manager or its affiliates (except for money market fund shares acquired by exchange from other Legg Mason Partners funds offered with a sales charge), Legg Mason Partners S&P 500 Index Fund and Class O shares of Legg Mason Partners Equity Fund are not eligible.

This list may change from time to time. Investors should check with their Service Agent to see which funds may be eligible.

Eligible Accounts. Purchases may be made through any account in your name, or in the name of your spouse or your children under the age of 21. You may need to provide certain records, such as account statements, in order to verify your eligibility for reduced sales charges. Contact your Service Agent to see which accounts may be credited toward your Asset Level Goal.

Eligible Prior Purchase. You may also credit towards your Asset Level Goal any Eligible Fund Purchases made in Eligible Accounts at any time prior to entering into the Letter of Intent that have not been sold or redeemed, based on the current price of those shares as of the date of calculation.

Backdating Letter. You may establish a date for a Letter of Intent that is up to ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date you enter into the Letter. Any Eligible Fund Purchases in Eligible Accounts made during that

 

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period will count towards your Goal and will also be eligible for the lower sales charge applicable to your Asset Level Goal. You will be credited by way of additional shares at the current offering price for the difference between (a) the aggregate sales charges actually paid for those eligible shares and (b) the aggregate applicable sales charges for your Asset Level Goal.

Increasing the Amount of the Letter. You may at any time increase your Asset Level Goal. You must, however, contact your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, contact the transfer agent, prior to making any purchases in an amount in excess of your current Asset Level Goal. Upon such an increase, you will be credited by way of additional shares at the then-current offering price for the difference between: (a) the aggregate sales charges actually paid for shares already purchased under the Letter and (b) the aggregate applicable sales charges for the increased Asset Level Goal. The 13-month period during which the Asset Level Goal must be achieved will remain unchanged.

Sales and Exchanges. Shares acquired pursuant to a Letter of Intent, other than Escrowed Shares as defined below, may be redeemed or exchanged at any time, although any shares that are redeemed prior to meeting your Asset Level Goal will no longer count towards meeting your Goal. However, complete liquidation of purchases made under a Letter of Intent prior to meeting the Asset Level Goal will result in the cancellation of the Letter. See “Failure to Meet Asset Level Goal” below. Exchanges in accordance with the fund’s prospectus are permitted, and shares so exchanged will continue to count towards your Asset Level Goal, as long as the exchange results in an Eligible Fund Purchase.

Cancellation of Letter. You may cancel a Letter of Intent by notifying your Service Agent in writing, or if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, by notifying the transfer agent in writing. The Letter will be automatically cancelled if all shares are sold or redeemed as set forth above. See “Failure to Meet Asset Level Goal” below.

Escrowed Shares. Shares equal in value to five percent (5%) of your Asset Level Goal as of the date your Letter (or the date of any increase in the amount of the Letter) is accepted, will be held in escrow during the term of your Letter. The Escrowed Shares will be included in the total shares owned as reflected in your account statement and any dividends and capital gains distributions applicable to the Escrowed Shares will be credited to your account and counted towards your Asset Level Goal or paid in cash upon request. The Escrowed Shares will be released from escrow if all the terms of your Letter are met.

Failure to Meet Asset Level Goal. If the total assets under your Letter of Intent within its 13-month term are less than your Asset Level Goal or you elect to liquidate all of your holdings or cancel the Letter before reaching your Asset Level Goal, you will be liable for the difference between: (a) the sales charge actually paid and (b) the sales charge that would have applied if you had not entered into the Letter. You may, however, be entitled to any breakpoints that would have been available to you under the accumulation privilege. An appropriate number of shares in your account will be redeemed to realize the amount due. For these purposes, by entering into a Letter of Intent, you irrevocably appoint your Service Agent or, if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, the transfer agent, as your attorney-in-fact for the purposes of holding the Escrowed Shares and surrendering shares in your account for redemption. If there are insufficient assets in your account, you will be liable for the difference. Any Escrowed Shares remaining after such redemption will be released to your account.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions

“Contingent deferred sales charge shares” are: (a) Class B shares, (b) Class C shares and (c) Class A shares that were purchased without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions of these shares.

Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be assessed on the net asset value at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less.

 

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Class C shares and Class A shares that are contingent deferred sales charge shares are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. In circumstances in which the contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B shares, the amount of the charge will depend on the number of years since the shareholder made the purchase payment from which the amount is being redeemed, as further described in the prospectus. Solely for purposes of determining the number of years since a purchase payment, all purchase payments made during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the last day of the preceding statement month. The following table sets forth the rates of the charge for redemptions of Class B shares by shareholders.

 

Year Since Purchase Payment was made

   Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge
 

First

   5.00 %

Second

   4.00  

Third

   3.00  

Forth

   2.00  

Fifth

   1.00  

Sixth and thereafter

   0.00  

Class B shares will convert automatically to Class A shares approximately eight years after the date on which they were purchased and thereafter will no longer be subject to any distribution fees. There will also be converted at that time such proportion of Class B dividend shares (Class B shares that were acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions) owned by the shareholder as the total number of his or her Class B shares converting at the time bears to the total number of outstanding Class B shares (other than Class B dividend shares) owned by the shareholder.

In determining the applicability of any contingent deferred sales charge, it will be assumed that a redemption is made first of shares representing capital appreciation, next of shares representing the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, next of shares that are not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge and finally of other shares held by the shareholder for the longest period of time. The length of time that contingent deferred sales charge shares acquired through an exchange have been held will be calculated from the date the shares exchanged were initially acquired in one of the other Legg Mason Partners mutual funds. For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the contingent deferred sales charge will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount realized on redemption. The fund’s distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges in partial consideration for their expenses in selling shares.

Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived on: (a) exchanges (see “Exchange Privilege”); (b) automatic cash withdrawals in amounts equal to or less than 2.00% of the shareholder’s account balance at the time the withdrawals commence per month, up to a maximum of 12% in one year (see “Automatic Cash Withdrawal Plan”); (c) redemptions of shares within 12 months following the death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) of the shareholder; (d) mandatory post-retirement distributions from retirement plans or IRAs commencing on or after attainment of age 70 1/2 (except that shareholders who purchased shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge prior to May 23, 2005, will be “grandfathered” and will be eligible to obtain the waiver at age 59 1/2 by demonstrating such eligibility at the time of redemption); (e) involuntary redemptions; (f) redemptions of shares to effect a combination of the fund with any investment company by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise; (g) tax-free returns of an excess contribution to any retirement plan; and (h) certain redemptions of shares of the fund in connection with lump-sum or other distributions made by eligible retirement plans or redemption of shares by participants in certain “wrap fee” or asset allocation programs sponsored by broker-dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the distributor or the manager.

 

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The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on new Class C shares purchased by retirement plan omnibus accounts held on the books of the fund.

A shareholder who has redeemed shares from other Legg Mason Partners funds may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 60 days and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption.

Contingent deferred sales charge waivers will be granted subject to confirmation by the distributor or the transfer agent of the shareholder’s status or holdings, as the case may be.

Grandfathered Retirement Program with Exchange Features

Retirement plan programs authorized prior to November 20, 2006 (collectively, the “Grandfathered Retirement Program”) to offer eligible retirement plan investors the opportunity to exchange all of their Class C shares for Class A shares of the fund are permitted to maintain such share class exchange feature for current and prospective retirement plan investors.

Under the Grandfathered Retirement Program, Class C shares may be purchased by plans investing less than $3 million. Class C shares are eligible for exchange into Class A shares not later than eight years after the plan joins the program. They are eligible for exchange in the following circumstances:

 

   

If a participating plan’s total Class C holdings in all non-money market Legg Mason Partners funds equal at least $3,000,000 at the end of the fifth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program, the participating plan will be offered the opportunity to exchange all of its Class C shares for Class A shares of the fund. Such participating plans will be notified of the pending exchange in writing within 30 days after the fifth anniversary of the enrollment date and, unless the exchange offer has been rejected in writing, the exchange will occur on or about the 90th day after the fifth anniversary date. If the participating plan does not qualify for the five-year exchange to Class A shares, a review of the participating plan’s holdings will be performed each quarter until either the participating plan qualifies or the end of the eighth year.

 

   

Any participating plan that has not previously qualified for an exchange into Class A shares will be offered the opportunity to exchange all of its Class C shares for Class A shares of the same fund regardless of asset size at the end of the eighth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program. Such plans will be notified of the pending exchange in writing approximately 60 days before the eighth anniversary of the enrollment date and, unless the exchange has been rejected in writing, the exchange will occur on or about the eighth anniversary date. Once an exchange has occurred, a participating plan will not be eligible to acquire additional Class C shares, but instead may acquire Class A shares of the same fund. Any Class C shares not converted will continue to be subject to the distribution fee.

For further information regarding this Program, contact your Service Agent or the transfer agent. Participating plans that enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program prior to June 2, 2003 should contact the transfer agent for information regarding Class C exchange privileges applicable to their plan.

Determination of Public Offering Price

The fund offers its shares on a continuous basis. The public offering price for each class of shares of the fund is equal to the net asset value per share at the time of purchase, plus for Class A shares an initial sales charge based on the aggregate amount of the investment. A contingent deferred sales charge, however, is imposed on certain redemptions of Class A, B and C shares.

 

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Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of the Class A shares of the fund based on the net asset value of a share of the fund as of March 31, 2008.

 

Class A (net asset value of $11.44 based on the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% of net asset value per share):

   $ 12.14

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (a) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when trading in the markets the fund normally utilizes is restricted, or an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of the fund’s investments or determination of net asset value is not reasonably practicable or (c) for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit for protection of the fund’s shareholders.

If the shares to be redeemed were issued in certificate form, the certificates must be endorsed for transfer (or be accompanied by an endorsed stock power) and must be submitted to the transfer agent together with the redemption request. Any signature appearing on a share certificate, stock power or written redemption request in excess of $50,000 must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution such as a domestic bank, savings and loan institution, domestic credit union, member bank of the Federal Reserve System or member firm of a national securities exchange. Written redemption requests of $50,000 or less do not require a signature guarantee unless more than one such redemption request is made in any 10-day period. Redemption proceeds will be mailed to an investor’s address of record. The transfer agent may require additional supporting documents for redemptions made by corporations, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians. A redemption request will not be deemed properly received until the transfer agent receives all required documents in proper form.

If a shareholder holds shares in more than one class, any request for redemption must specify the class being redeemed. In the event of a failure to specify which class, or if the investor owns fewer shares of the class than specified, the redemption request will be delayed until the transfer agent receives further instructions. The redemption proceeds will be remitted on or before the seventh business day following receipt of proper tender, except on any days on which the NYSE is closed or as permitted under the 1940 Act, in extraordinary circumstances. Redemption proceeds for shares purchased by check, other than a certified or official bank check, will be remitted upon clearance of the check, which may take up to ten days. Each Service Agent is responsible for transmitting promptly orders for its customers.

The Service Agent may charge you a fee for executing your order. The amount and applicability of such a fee is determined and disclosed to its customers by each Service Agent.

The fund no longer issues share certificates. Outstanding share certificates will continue to be honored. If you hold share certificates, it will take longer to exchange or redeem shares.

Additional Information Regarding Telephone Redemption and Exchange Program. Neither the fund nor its agents will be liable for following instructions communicated by telephone that are reasonably believed to be genuine. The fund and its agents will employ procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller and legitimacy of instructions (for example, a shareholder’s name and account number will be required and phone calls may be recorded). The fund reserves the right to suspend, modify or discontinue the telephone redemption and exchange program or to impose a charge for this service at any time following at least seven (7) days’ prior notice to shareholders.

 

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Distributions in Kind

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the fund to make a redemption payment wholly in cash, the fund may pay, in accordance with SEC rules, any portion of a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1.00% of its net assets by a distribution in kind of portfolio securities in lieu of cash. Securities issued as a distribution in kind may incur brokerage commissions when shareholders subsequently sell those securities.

Automatic Cash Withdrawal Plan

An automatic cash withdrawal plan (the “Withdrawal Plan”) is available to shareholders as described in the prospectus. To the extent withdrawals under the Withdrawal Plan exceed dividends, distributions and appreciation of a shareholder’s investment in the fund, there will be a reduction in the value of the shareholder’s investment, and continued withdrawal payments may reduce the shareholder’s investment and ultimately exhaust it. Withdrawal payments should not be considered as income from investment in the fund. Furthermore, as it generally would not be advantageous to a shareholder to make additional investments in the fund at the same time he or she is participating in the Withdrawal Plan, purchases by such shareholder in amounts of less than $5,000 ordinarily will not be permitted. The Withdrawal Plan will be carried over on exchanges between funds or classes of the fund. All dividends and distributions on shares in the Withdrawal Plan are reinvested automatically at net asset value in additional shares of the fund.

Shareholders who wish to participate in the Withdrawal Plan and who hold their shares in certificate form must deposit their share certificates with the transfer agent as agent for Withdrawal Plan members. For additional information shareholders should contact their Service Agent. A shareholder who purchases shares directly through the transfer agent may continue to do so and applications for participation in the Withdrawal Plan must be received by the transfer agent no later than the eighth day of the month to be eligible for participation beginning with that month’s withdrawal. For additional information, shareholders should contact their Service Agent.

VALUATION OF SHARES

The net asset value per share of the fund’s classes is calculated on each day, Monday through Friday, except days on which the NYSE is closed. The NYSE currently is scheduled to be closed on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Because of the differences in distribution fees and class-specific expenses, the per share net asset value of each class will differ. Please see the prospectus for a description of the procedures used by the fund in valuing its assets.

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

The exchange privilege enables shareholders to acquire shares of the same class in a fund with different investment objectives when they believe that a shift between funds is an appropriate investment decision. This privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the shares of the fund being acquired may legally be sold. Prior to any exchange, the shareholder should obtain and review a copy of the current prospectus of each fund into which an exchange is being considered. Prospectuses may be obtained from a Service Agent.

Upon receipt of proper instructions and all necessary supporting documents, shares submitted for exchange are redeemed at the then-current net asset value, and the proceeds are immediately invested in shares of the fund being acquired at that fund’s then current net asset value. The distributor reserves the right to reject any exchange request. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time after written notice to shareholders.

 

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Class A, FI, R and I Exchanges. Class A, FI, R and I shareholders of the fund who wish to exchange all or a portion of their shares for shares of the respective class in another fund may do so without imposition of any charge.

Class B Exchanges. Class B shares of the fund may be exchanged for other Class B shares without a contingent deferred sales charge. Upon an exchange, the new Class B shares will be deemed to have been purchased on the same date as the Class B shares of the fund that have been exchanged.

Class C Exchanges. Class C shares of the fund may be exchanged for other Class C shares without a contingent deferred sales charge. Upon an exchange, the new Class C shares will be deemed to have been purchased on the same date as the Class C shares of each fund that have been exchanged. Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by LMIS, will remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. See “Grandfathered Retirement Programs with Exchange Features” for additional information.

Additional Information Regarding the Exchange Privilege

The fund is not designed to provide investors with a means of speculation on short-term market movements. A pattern of frequent exchanges by investors can be disruptive to efficient portfolio management and, consequently, can be detrimental to the fund and its shareholders. See “Frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares” in the prospectus.

During times of drastic economic or market conditions, the fund may suspend the exchange privilege temporarily without notice and treat exchange requests based on their separate components—redemption orders with a simultaneous request to purchase the other fund’s shares. In such a case, the redemption request would be processed at the fund’s next determined net asset value but the purchase order would be effective only at the net asset value next determined after the fund being purchased formally accepts the order, which may result in the purchase being delayed.

Certain shareholders may be able to exchange shares by telephone. See the fund’s prospectus for additional information. Exchanges will be processed at the net asset value next determined. Redemption procedures discussed above are also applicable for exchanging shares, and exchanges will be made upon receipt of all supporting documents in proper form. If the account registration of the shares of the fund being acquired is identical to the registration of the shares of the fund exchanged, no signature guarantee is required.

This exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time, and is available only in those jurisdictions where such exchanges legally may be made. Before making any exchange, shareholders should contact the transfer agent or, if they hold fund shares through a Service Agent, their Service Agent to obtain more information and prospectuses of the funds to be acquired through the exchange. An exchange is treated as a sale of the shares exchanged and could result in taxable gain or loss to the shareholder making the exchange.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The fund’s policy is to distribute its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, annually. The fund may also declare additional dividends shortly before December 31 and pay such dividends during the following January from certain amounts of undistributed ordinary income and realized capital gains, in order to avoid a federal excise tax liability.

If a shareholder does not otherwise instruct, dividends and capital gains distributions will be reinvested automatically in additional shares of the same class at net asset value, subject to no sales charge or deferred sales charge. A shareholder may change the option at any time by notifying his Service Agent. Shareholders whose account is held directly the transfer agent should notify the transfer agent in writing, requesting a change to this reinvestment option.

 

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Dividends on a class of shares of the fund may be lower than another class of as a result of different expenses with respect to the classes. Distributions of capital gains, if any, will be in the same amount for each class of shares.

TAXES

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations regarding the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of the fund. This summary does not address all of the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to the fund or to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special tax rules. Current and prospective shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the specific federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the fund. The summary is based on the laws in effect on the date of this SAI and existing judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

The Fund and Its Investments

The fund will be treated as a separate taxpayer for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The fund intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code each taxable year. To so qualify, the fund must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities, foreign currencies, other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (i.e., partnerships that are traded on an established securities market or tradable on a secondary market, other than partnerships that derive 90% of their income from interest, dividends, capital gains, and other traditional permitted mutual fund income); and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the fund’s assets is represented by cash, securities of other regulated investment companies, U.S. government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the fund’s assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, any two or more issuers of which the fund owns 20% or more of the voting securities and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses or in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

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. Fund investments in partnerships, including in qualified publicly traded partnerships, may result in the fund being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.

As a regulated investment company, the fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders, provided that it satisfies a minimum distribution requirement. To satisfy the minimum distribution requirement, the fund must distribute to its shareholders at least the sum of (i) 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (i.e., income other than its net realized long-term capital gain over its net realized short-term capital loss), plus or minus certain adjustments, and (ii) 90% of its net tax-exempt income for the taxable year. The fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporation rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders.

The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the fund to the extent it does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for that year and (ii) 98% of its capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending, as a general rule, on October 31

 

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of that year. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the fund that is subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed by year-end. In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any underdistribution or overdistribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. The fund anticipates that it will pay such dividends and will make such distributions as are necessary in order to avoid the application of this excise tax.

If, in any taxable year, the fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code or fails to meet the distribution requirement, it will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders will not be deductible by its fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, the fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits will constitute dividends that are taxable to shareholders as dividend income, even though those distributions might otherwise (at least in part) have been treated in the shareholders’ hands as long-term capital gains. However, such dividends will be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. Moreover, if the fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company in any year, it must pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a regulated investment company. In addition, if the fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the fund may be required to recognize any net built in gains with respect to certain of its assets (i.e., the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the fund had been liquidated) in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

The fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, forward contracts, options and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on foreign currencies) will be subject to special provisions of the Code (including provisions relating to “hedging transactions” and “straddles”) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the fund and defer fund losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require the fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out at the end of each year) and (b) may cause the fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to pay dividends or make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. The fund will monitor its transactions, will make the appropriate tax elections and will make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it acquires any foreign currency, forward contract, option, futures contract or hedged investment in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the fund as a regulated investment company.

A fund’s investment in so-called “section 1256 contracts,” such as regulated futures contracts, most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market and options on most stock indices, to the extent permitted, are subject to special tax rules. All section 1256 contracts held by the fund at the end of its taxable year are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the fund’s income as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by the fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital assets and were not part of a “hedging transaction” nor part of a “straddle,” 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the fund.

As a result of entering into swap contracts, the fund may make or receive periodic net payments. The fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or

 

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loss if the fund has been a party to the swap for more than one year). With respect to certain types of swaps, the fund may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss. The tax treatment of many types of credit default swaps is uncertain.

The fund may be required to treat amounts as taxable income or gain, subject to the distribution requirements referred to above, even though no corresponding amounts of cash are received concurrently, as a result of (1) mark-to-market, constructive sale or rules applicable to PFICs (as defined below) or partnerships or trusts in which the fund invests or to certain options, futures or forward contracts, or “appreciated financial positions” or (2) the inability to obtain cash distributions or other amounts due to currency controls or restrictions on repatriation imposed by a foreign country with respect to the fund’s investments (including through depositary receipts) in issuers in such country or (3) tax rules applicable to debt obligations acquired with “original issue discount,” including zero-coupon or deferred payment bonds and pay-in-kind debt obligations, or to market discount if an election is made with respect to such market discount. The fund may therefore be required to obtain cash to be used to satisfy these distribution requirements by selling securities at times that it might not otherwise be desirable to do so or borrowing the necessary cash, thereby incurring interest expenses. In certain situations, the fund may, for a taxable year, defer all or a portion of its capital losses and currency losses realized after October until the next taxable year in computing its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, which will defer the recognition of such realized losses. Such deferrals and other rules regarding gains and losses realized after October may affect the tax character of shareholder distributions.

In general, gain or loss on a short sale is recognized when the fund closes the sale by delivering the borrowed property to the lender, not when the borrowed property is sold. Gain or loss from a short sale is generally considered as capital gain or loss to the extent that the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in the fund’s hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used by the fund to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date of the short sale, special rules would generally treat the gains on short sales as short-term capital gains. These rules may also terminate the running of the holding period of “substantially identical property” held by the fund. Moreover, a loss on a short sale will be treated as a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, “substantially identical property” has been held by the fund for more than one year. In general, the fund will not be permitted to deduct payments made to reimburse the lender of securities for dividends paid on borrowed stock if the short sale is closed on or before the 45th day after the short sale is entered into.

Under the “wash sale” rule, losses incurred by the fund on the sale of (or on a contract or option to sell) stock or securities are not deductible if, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of the sale, the fund acquires or has entered into a contract or option to acquire stock or securities that are substantially identical. In such a case, the basis of the stock or securities acquired by the fund will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Foreign Investments. Dividends or other income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the fund from investments in foreign securities may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. The fund may not be eligible to elect to treat any foreign taxes it pays as paid by its shareholders, who therefore may not be entitled to credits or deductions for such taxes on their own tax returns. Foreign taxes paid by the fund will reduce the return from the fund’s investments.

Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. In general, gains (and losses) realized on debt instruments will be treated as Section 988 gain (or loss) to the extent attributable to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the instruments are denominated. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency, foreign currency forward

 

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contracts, certain foreign currency options or futures contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated in foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss unless, in certain cases, the fund were to elect otherwise.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies. If the fund purchases shares in certain foreign investment entities, called “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”), it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains. If the fund were to invest in a PFIC and elected to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the fund might be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the qualified electing fund, even if not distributed to the fund, and such amounts would be subject to the 90% and excise tax distribution requirements described above. In order to make this election, the fund would be required to obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain.

Alternatively, the fund may make a mark-to-market election that will result in the fund being treated as if it had sold and repurchased any PFIC stock for which it made the election at the end of each year. In such case, the fund would report any such gains as ordinary income and would deduct any such losses as ordinary losses to the extent of previously recognized gains. A mark-to-market election is made individually for each PFIC the fund owns and, once made, would be effective for all subsequent taxable years of the fund, unless revoked with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). By making the election, the fund could potentially ameliorate the adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year may be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it receives from such PFIC and its proceeds from dispositions of such PFIC stock. The fund may have to distribute this “phantom” income and gain to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax.

The fund will make the appropriate tax elections, if possible, and take any additional steps that are necessary to mitigate the effect of these rules.

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

Dividends and Distributions. Dividends and other distributions by the fund are generally treated under the Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distributions are made. However, any dividend or distributions declared by the fund in October, November or December of any calendar year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month shall be deemed to have been received by each shareholder on December 31 of such calendar year and to have been paid by the fund not later than such December 31, provided such dividend is actually paid by the fund during January of the following calendar year.

The fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers). However, if the fund retains for investment an amount equal to all or a portion of its net long-term capital gains in excess of its net short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), it will be subject to a corporate tax (currently at a maximum rate of 35%) on the amount retained. In that event, the fund will designate such retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gains, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount, (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the 35% tax paid by the fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent their credits exceed their liabilities, if any, and (c) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to 65% of the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s income. Organizations or

 

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persons not subject to U.S. federal income tax on such capital gains will be entitled to a refund of their pro rata share of such taxes paid by the fund upon filing appropriate returns or claims for refund with the IRS.

Distributions of net realized long-term capital gains, if any, that the fund designates as capital gains dividends are taxable as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares and regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares of the fund. All other dividends of a fund (including dividends from short-term capital gains) from its current and accumulated earnings and profits (“regular dividends”) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income.

Special rules apply, however, to regular dividends paid to individuals. Such a dividend, with respect to taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, may be subject to tax at the rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains for individuals (currently at a maximum rate of 15%), provided that the individual receiving the dividend satisfies certain holding period and other requirements. Dividends subject to these special rules are not actually treated as capital gains, however, and thus are not included in the computation of an individual’s net capital gain and generally cannot be used to offset capital losses. The long-term capital gains rates will apply to: (i) 100% of the regular dividends paid by the fund to an individual in a particular taxable year if 95% or more of the fund’s gross income (ignoring gains attributable to the sale of stocks and securities except to the extent net short-term capital gain from such sales exceeds net long-term capital loss from such sales) in that taxable year is attributable to qualified dividend income received by the fund; or (ii) the portion of the regular dividends paid by the fund to an individual in a particular taxable year that is attributable to qualified dividend income received by the fund in that taxable year if such qualified dividend income accounts for less than 95% of the fund’s gross income (ignoring gains attributable to the sale of stocks and securities except to the extent net short-term capital gain from such sales exceeds net long-term capital loss from such sales) for that taxable year.

For this purpose, “qualified dividend income” generally means income from dividends received by the fund from U.S. corporations and qualified foreign corporations (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the U.S. or whose stock is traded on an established securities market in the U.S. and which are not passive foreign investment companies), provided that the fund satisfies certain holding period requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations and has not hedged its position in the stock in certain ways. However, qualified dividend income does not include any dividends received from tax-exempt corporations. Also, dividends received by the fund from a real estate investment trust or another regulated investment company generally are qualified dividend income only to the extent the dividend distributions are made out of qualified dividend income received by such real estate investment trust or other regulated investment company. In the case of securities lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends are not qualified dividend income. If a shareholder elects to treat fund dividends as investment income for purposes of the limitation on the deductibility of investment interest, such dividends would not be a qualified dividend income.

We will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount of dividends paid by us that are eligible for the reduced rates.

If an individual receives a regular dividend qualifying for the long-term capital gains rates and such dividend constitutes an “extraordinary dividend,” and the individual subsequently recognizes a loss on the sale or exchange of stock in respect of which the extraordinary dividend was paid, then the loss will be long-term capital loss to the extent of such extraordinary dividend. An “extraordinary dividend” on common stock for this purpose is generally a dividend (i) in an amount greater than or equal to 10% of the taxpayer’s tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within an 85-day period or (ii) in an amount greater than 20% of the taxpayer’s tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within a 365-day period.

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fund, and as a capital gain thereafter (if the shareholder holds his shares of the fund as capital assets). Shareholders receiving dividends or distributions in the form of additional shares should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of money that the shareholders receiving cash dividends or distributions will receive, and should have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount. Dividends paid by the fund that are attributable to dividends received by the fund from domestic corporations may qualify for the federal dividends-received deduction for corporations.

Investors considering buying shares just prior to a dividend or capital gain distribution should be aware that, although the price of shares just purchased at that time may reflect the amount of the forthcoming distribution, such dividend or distribution may nevertheless be taxable to them. If the fund is the holder of record of any stock on the record date for any dividends payable with respect to such stock, such dividends will be included in the fund’s gross income not as of the date received but as of the later of (a) the date such stock became ex-dividend with respect to such dividends (i.e., the date on which a buyer of the stock would not be entitled to receive the declared, but unpaid, dividends) or (b) the date the fund acquired such stock. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution requirements, the fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would otherwise be the case.

Certain types of income received by the fund from real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”), taxable mortgage pools or other investments may cause the fund to designate some or all of its distributions as “excess inclusion income.” To fund shareholders such excess inclusion income may (1) constitute taxable income, as “unrelated business taxable income” (“UBTI”) for those shareholders who would otherwise be tax-exempt such as individual retirement accounts, 401(k) accounts, Keogh plans, pension plans and certain charitable entities; (2) not be offset against net operating losses for tax purposes; (3) not be eligible for reduced U.S. withholding for non-U.S. shareholders even from tax treaty countries; and (4) cause the fund to be subject to tax if certain “disqualified organizations” as defined by the Code are fund shareholders. In addition, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of, inter alia, its investment in the fund if shares in the fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).

Sales of Shares. Upon the sale or exchange of his shares, a shareholder will realize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and his basis in his shares. A redemption of shares by the fund will be treated as a sale for this purpose. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss, if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s hands, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for more than one year and short-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for one year or less. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced, including replacement through the reinvesting of dividends and capital gains distributions in the fund, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of the fund share held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions or deemed distributions of long-term capital gains received by the shareholder with respect to such share. If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring shares of the fund, disposes of those shares within 90 days and then acquires shares in a mutual fund for which the otherwise applicable sales charge is reduced by reason of a reinvestment right (e.g., an exchange privilege), the original sales charge will not be taken into account in computing gain/loss on the original shares to the extent the subsequent sales charge is reduced. Instead, the disregarded portion of the original sales charge will be added to the tax basis of the newly acquired shares. Furthermore, the same rule also applies to a disposition of the newly acquired shares made within 90 days of the second acquisition. This provision prevents a shareholder from immediately deducting the sales charge by shifting his or her investment within a family of mutual funds.

Backup Withholding. The fund may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion of the dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to shareholders who fail to provide the fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the

 

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IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Certain shareholders are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Notices; Other Taxes. Shareholders will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the close of the fund’s taxable year regarding the U.S. federal income tax status of certain dividends, distributions and deemed distributions that were paid (or that are treated as having been paid) by the fund to its shareholders during the preceding taxable year.

Other Taxes. Dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds also may be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder’s particular situation.

If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS 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 regulated investment company are not excepted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders. Dividends paid by the fund to non-U.S. shareholders are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gains. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty. The withholding tax does not apply to regular dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder who provides a Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the non-U.S. shareholder were a U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to additional “branch profits tax” imposed at a rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate). A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate.

In general, United States federal withholding tax will not apply to any gain or income realized by a non-U.S. shareholder in respect of any distributions of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, exempt-interest dividends, or upon the sale or other disposition of shares of the fund.

A distribution from the fund to foreign shareholders who have held more than 5% of the fund at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of distribution is treated as real property gain subject to 35% withholding tax and treated as income effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business with certain tax filing requirements applicable, if such distribution is attributable to a distribution received by the fund from a REIT.

Shares of the fund held by a non-U.S. shareholder at death will be considered situated in the United States and subject to the U.S. estate tax.

The foregoing is only a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences affecting the fund and its shareholders. Current and prospective shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the fund.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Trust. The certificate of trust to establish Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust (referred to in this section as the trust) was filed with the State of Maryland on October 4, 2006. The fund was redomiciled as a series of the trust on April 13, 2007. Prior thereto, the fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust. Prior to the reorganization of the fund as a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, the fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Sector Series, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

The fund is a series of the trust, a Maryland business trust. A Maryland business trust is an unincorporated business association that is established under, and governed by, Maryland law. Maryland law provides a statutory framework for the powers, duties, rights and obligations of the trustees and shareholders of the trust, while the more specific powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Board (referred to in this section as the trustees) and the shareholders are determined by the trustees as set forth in the trust’s declaration of trust (referred to in this section as the declaration). Some of the more significant provisions of the declaration are described below.

Shareholder Voting.

The declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Maryland law, actions by the trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. The trustees may, without shareholder approval, amend the declaration or authorize the merger or consolidation of the trust into another trust or entity, reorganize the trust, or any series or class into another trust or entity or a series or class of another entity, sell all or substantially all of the assets of the trust or any series or class to another entity, or a series or class of another entity, or terminate the trust or any series or class.

The fund is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but the fund will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the declaration. The declaration provides for “dollar-weighted voting” which means that a shareholder’s voting power is determined, not by the number of shares he or she owns, but by the dollar value of those shares determined on the record date. All shareholders of all series and classes of the trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by series or by class, or when the trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes of shares.

Election and Removal of Trustees.

The declaration provides that the trustees may establish the number of trustees and that vacancies on the board may be filled by the remaining trustees, except when election of trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of two-thirds of the trustees and that trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting power of the trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining trustees. The provisions of the declaration relating to the election and removal of trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the trustees.

Amendments to the Declaration.

The trustees are authorized to amend the declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, trustees, officers or employees of the trust or that limit the rights to indemnification or insurance provided in the declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification under the declaration prior to the amendment.

 

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Issuance and Redemption of Shares.

The fund may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the trustees may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal, preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights, except as the trustees may determine. The fund may involuntarily redeem a shareholder’s shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide the fund with identification required by law, or if the fund is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder. Additionally, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts.

Disclosure of Shareholder Holdings.

The declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose to the fund information with respect to the direct and indirect ownership of shares in order to comply with various laws or regulations, and the fund may disclose such ownership if required by law or regulation.

Small Accounts.

The declaration provides that the fund may close out a shareholder’s account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the trustees from time to time. Alternately, the declaration permits the fund to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts.

Series and Classes.

The declaration provides that the trustees may establish series and classes in addition to those currently established and to determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the series and classes. The trustees may change any of those features, terminate any series or class, combine series with other series in the trust, combine one or more classes of a series with another class in that series or convert the shares of one class into another class.

Each share of the fund, as a series of the trust, represents an interest in the fund only and not in the assets of any other series of the trust.

Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability.

The declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the fund and requires the fund to indemnify a shareholder against any loss or expense arising from any such liability. In addition, the fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder. The declaration further provides that a trustee acting in his or her capacity of trustee is not personally liable to any person other than the trust or its shareholders, for any act, omission, or obligation of the trust. Further, a trustee is held to the same standard of conduct as a director of a Maryland corporation. This requires that a trustee perform his or her duties in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the trust or a series thereof, and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. The declaration also permits the limitation of a trustee’s liability to the full extent provided under Maryland law. Under current Maryland law, a trustee is liable to the trust or its shareholders for monetary damages only (a) to the extent that it is proved that he or she actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services or (b) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the trustee is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the trustee’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause

 

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of action adjudicated in the proceeding. The declaration requires the trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been trustees, officers or employees of the trust for any liability for actions or failures to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available.

The declaration provides that any trustee who serves as chair of the board or of a committee of the board, lead independent trustee, or audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

Derivative Actions.

The declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by three unrelated shareholders must first be made on the fund’s Trustees. The declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the fund, the trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the fund. The declaration further provides that shareholders owning shares representing at least 5% of the voting power of the affected fund must join in bringing the derivative action. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholders will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the fund in connection with the consideration of the demand, if in the judgment of the independent trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the declaration, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the fund’s costs, including attorneys’ fees.

The declaration further provides that the fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys’ fees that the fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the fund be brought only in federal court in Baltimore, Maryland, or if not permitted to be brought in federal court, then in state court in Baltimore, Maryland, and that the right to jury trial be waived to the full extent permitted by law.

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports. The fund sends its shareholders a Semi-Annual report and an audited Annual Report, which include listings of investment securities held by the fund at the end of the period covered. In an effort to reduce the fund’s printing and mailing costs, the fund consolidates the mailing of its Semi-Annual and Annual Reports by household. This consolidation means that a household having multiple accounts with the identical address of record will receive a single copy of each report. In addition, the fund also consolidates the mailing of its prospectus so that a shareholder having multiple accounts (that is, individual, IRA and/or Self- Employed Retirement Plan accounts) will receive a single prospectus annually. Shareholders who do not want this consolidation to apply to their accounts should contact their Service Agent.

Legal Matters

Beginning in June 2004, class action lawsuits alleging violations of the federal securities laws were filed against CGMI, a former distributor of the fund, and a number of its then affiliates, including Smith Barney Fund

 

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Management LLC (“SBFM”), and Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. (“SBAM”), which were then investment adviser or manager to certain of the Funds (the “Managers”), substantially all of the mutual funds then managed by the Managers (the “Defendant Funds”), and Board Members of the Defendant Funds (collectively, the “Defendants”). The complaints alleged, among other things, that CGMI created various undisclosed incentives for its brokers to sell Smith Barney and Salomon Brothers funds. In addition, according to the complaints, the Managers caused the Defendant Funds to pay excessive brokerage commissions to CGMI for steering clients towards proprietary funds. The complaints also alleged that the defendants breached their fiduciary duty to the Defendant Funds by improperly charging Rule 12b-1 fees and by drawing on fund assets to make undisclosed payments of soft dollars and excessive brokerage commissions. The complaints also alleged that the Defendant Funds failed to adequately disclose certain of the allegedly wrongful conduct. The complaints sought injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, rescission of the Defendant Funds’ contracts with the Managers, recovery of all fees paid to the Managers pursuant to such contracts and an award of attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses.

On December 15, 2004, a consolidated amended complaint (the “Complaint”) was filed alleging substantially similar causes of action. On May 27, 2005, all of the Defendants filed motions to dismiss the Complaint. On July 26, 2006, the court issued a decision and order (1) finding that plaintiffs lacked standing to sue on behalf of the shareholders of the Defendant Funds in which none of the plaintiffs had invested, including the Financial Services Fund, and dismissing those Defendant Funds from the case (although stating that they could be brought back into the case if standing as to them could be established), and (2) other than one stayed claim, dismissing all of the causes of action against the remaining Defendants, with prejudice, except for the cause of action under Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act, which the court granted plaintiffs leave to replead as a derivative claim.

On October 16, 2006, plaintiffs filed their Second Consolidated Amended Complaint (“Second Amended Complaint”) which alleges derivative claims on behalf of nine funds identified in the Second Amended Complaint under Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act, against Citigroup Asset Management, Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc, SBFM and CGMI as investment advisers to the identified funds, as well as CGMI as a distributor for the identified funds (collectively, the “Second Amended Complaint Defendants”). The Financial Services Fund was not identified in the Second Amended Complaint. The Second Amended Complaint alleges no claims against any of the Funds or any of their Board Members. Under Section 36(b), the Second Amended Complaint alleges similar facts and seeks similar relief against the Second Amended Complaint Defendants as the Complaint.

On December 3, 2007, the court granted the Defendants’ motion to dismiss, with prejudice. On January 2, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Additional lawsuits arising out of these circumstances and presenting similar allegations and requests for relief may be filed in the future.

* * *

On May 31, 2005, the SEC issued an order in connection with the settlement of an administrative proceeding against SBFM, the then-investment adviser or manager to certain of the Funds and CGMI, relating to the appointment of an affiliated transfer agent for the Smith Barney family of mutual funds (the “Affected Funds”).

The SEC order found that SBFM and CGMI willfully violated Section 206(1) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder (the “Advisers Act”). Specifically, the order found that SBFM and CGMI knowingly or recklessly failed to disclose to the boards of the Affected Funds in 1999 when

 

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proposing a new transfer agent arrangement with an affiliated transfer agent that: First Data Investors Services Group (“First Data”), the Affected Funds’ then-existing transfer agent, had offered to continue as transfer agent and do the same work for substantially less money than before; and that Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM”), the Citigroup business unit that, at the time, included the Affected Funds’ investment manager and other investment advisory companies, had entered into a side letter with First Data under which CAM agreed to recommend the appointment of First Data as sub-transfer agent to the affiliated transfer agent in exchange for, among other things, a guarantee by First Data of specified amounts of asset management and investment banking fees to CAM and CGMI. The order also found that SBFM and CGMI willfully violated Section 206(2) of the Advisers Act by virtue of the omissions discussed above and other misrepresentations and omissions in the materials provided to the Affected Funds’ boards, including the failure to make clear that the affiliated transfer agent would earn a high profit for performing limited functions while First Data continued to perform almost all of the transfer agent functions, and the suggestion that the proposed arrangement was in the Affected Funds’ best interests and that no viable alternatives existed. SBFM and CGMI do not admit or deny any wrongdoing or liability. The settlement does not establish wrongdoing or liability for purposes of any other proceeding.

The SEC censured SBFM and CGMI and ordered them to cease and desist from violations of Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Advisers Act. The order required Citigroup to pay $208.1 million, including $109 million in disgorgement of profits, $19.1 million in interest, and a civil money penalty of $80 million. Approximately $24.4 million has already been paid to the Affected Funds, primarily through fee waivers. The remaining $183.7 million, including the penalty, has been paid to the U.S. Treasury and will be distributed pursuant to a plan submitted for the approval of the SEC. At this time, there is no certainty as to how the above-described proceeds of the settlement will be distributed, to whom such distributions will be made, the methodology by which such distributions will be allocated, and when such distributions will be made. The order also required that transfer agency fees received from the Affected Funds since December 1, 2004, less certain expenses, be placed in escrow and provided that a portion of such fees might be subsequently distributed in accordance with the terms of the order. On April 3, 2006, an aggregate amount of approximately $9 million held in escrow was distributed to the Affected Funds.

The order required SBFM to recommend a new transfer agent contract to the Fund boards within 180 days of the entry of the order; if a Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent or sub-transfer agent, SBFM and CGMI would have been required, at their expense, to engage an independent monitor to oversee a competitive bidding process. On November 21, 2005, and within the specified timeframe, the Affected Funds’ Boards selected a new transfer agent for the Affected Funds. No Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent. Under the order, SBFM also must comply with an amended version of a vendor policy that Citigroup instituted in August 2004.

Although there can be no assurance, the manager does not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Affected Funds.

On December 1, 2005, Citigroup completed the sale of substantially all of its global asset management business, including SBFM, to Legg Mason.

Beginning in August 2005, five class action lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities laws and state law were filed against CGMI and SBFM (collectively, the “Defendants”) based on the May 31, 2005 settlement order issued against the Defendants by the SEC as described above. The complaints seek injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, removal of SBFM as the investment manager for the Smith Barney family of funds, rescission of the Funds’ management and other contracts with SBFM, recovery of all fees paid to SBFM pursuant to such contracts, and an award of attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses.

The five actions were subsequently consolidated, and a consolidated complaint was filed.

 

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On September 26, 2007, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an order dismissing the consolidated complaint and judgment was later entered. An appeal has been filed and is pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

* * *

On September 16, 2005, the staff of the SEC informed SBFM and SBAM that the staff was considering recommending that the SEC institute administrative proceedings against SBFM and SBAM for alleged violations of Section 19(a) and 34(b) of the Investment Company Act (and related Rule 19a-1). On September 27, 2007, SBFM and SBAM, without admitting or denying any findings therein, consented to the entry of an order by the SEC relating to the disclosure by certain closed-end funds previously managed by SBFM or SBAM of the sources of distributions paid by the funds between 2001 and 2004. Each of SBFM and SBAM agreed to pay a fine of $450,000, for which it was indemnified by Citigroup, its former parent. It is not expected that this matter will adversely impact the fund or the manager.

* * *

The foregoing speaks only as of the date of this SAI. Additional lawsuits presenting allegations and requests for relief arising out of or in connection with any of the foregoing matters may be filed against these and related parties in the future.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements of the fund (Statement of Assets and Liabilities, including the Schedule of Investments, as of March 31, 2008, Statement of Operations for the year ended March 31, 2008, Statements of Changes in Net Assets for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31, 2008, Financial Highlights for each of the years or periods in the five-year period ended March 31, 2008, and Notes to Financial Statements along with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, each of which is included in the Annual Report to Shareholders of the fund), are incorporated by reference into this SAI (filed on June 3, 2008; Accession Number 0001193125-08-127117).

 

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APPENDIX A

Summary of Subadviser’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC.

November 2, 2005

Proxy Voting

Background

As outlined in the Investment Management Agreement, Barrett Associates shall assume no responsibility for, and Barrett shall be expressly precluded from, voting proxies for securities held in client accounts. Barrett will instruct client custodians to mail proxy material directly to clients. Notwithstanding the foregoing, clients may instruct Barrett to vote proxies by executing a Proxy Voting Form, an attachment to the Investment Management Agreement. With respect to the fund, Barrett is responsible for voting proxies for securities held by the fund.

Barrett has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). If authority to vote proxies is established by the client by executing the Proxy Voting Form- Exhibit C of the Investment Management Agreement, our proxy voting guidelines have been tailored to reflect this specific contractual obligation. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.

In exercising its voting authority, Barrett Associates will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Barrett Associates Inc.) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.

Policy

Barrett Associates’ proxy voting procedures are designed and implemented in a way that is reasonably expected to ensure that proxy matters are handled in the best interest of clients for whom we have voting authority. While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration Barrett Associates’ contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent Barrett Associates deems appropriate).

Procedures

Responsibility and Oversight

The Barrett Associates proxy voting committee (the “Proxy Committee”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. Barrett’s proxy coordinators (the Proxy Coordinators”) coordinate the gathering of proxies. For their respective accounts, the portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.

Client Authority

If the client has executed a Proxy Voting Form or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan and Barrett has not received written instruction from the client that precludes the firm from voting proxies, Barrett will assume responsibility for proxy voting.

 

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Proxy Gathering

Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to the Proxy Coordinator. Proxy Recipients of existing clients will be reminded of the appropriate routing to the Proxy Coordinator for proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Barrett Associates becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to a Proxy Coordinator of proxy materials received and also reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Barrett Associates personnel other than a Proxy Coordinator receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to a Proxy Coordinator.

Proxy Voting

Once proxy materials are received, a Proxy Coordinator will initiate the following actions:

a. Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted.

b. If the proxy coordinator and/or portfolio manager is uncertain about any material conflicts of interest, Chairman of the Proxy Committee and/or Chief Compliance Officer will review the proxy issues and make a final determination. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.)

c. If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Barrett Associates obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Barrett Associates seeks voting instructions from an independent third party.

d. Votes are determined on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures

e. The Proxy Coordinators vote the proxies pursuant to the instructions received from the appropriate manager.

Timing

Barrett Associates personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.

Recordkeeping

Barrett Associates maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:

A copy of Barrett Associates’ policies and procedures.

Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities.

A copy of any document created by Barrett Associates that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies.

Each written client request for proxy voting records and Barrett Associates’ written response to both verbal and written client requests.

 

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A proxy log including:

1. Issuer name;

2. Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted;

3. Council on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted;

4. A brief identification of the matter voted on;

5. Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer;

6. Whether a vote was cast on the matter;

7. A record of how the vote was cast; and

8. Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team.

Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Barrett Associates’ offices.

Disclosure

Barrett Associates’ proxy policy is outlined in the firm’s Part II of Form ADV. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that Barrett Associates carries out its obligation to vote proxies in the best interest of clients, consistent with its fiduciary obligation. A copy of our policy is available upon request. New clients who direct Barrett to vote will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures within 10 business days of contract execution. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.

Conflicts of Interest -

Issues to be considered include, but are not limited to:

1. Whether Barrett (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company;

2. Barrett, or an officer or director of Barrett, or a member of the Proxy Committee—those responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and

3. Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders.

Voting Guidelines

Barrett’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the account’s Portfolio Manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.

Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.

 

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I. Board Approved Proposals

The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. Barrett Associates generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors.

Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors.

 

  1. Matters relating to Compensation

Barrett Associates generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance.

Barrett Associates generally votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or re-pricing of underwater options.

Barrett Associates generally votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stocks’ current market price.

Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to compensation.

 

  2. Matters relating to Capitalization

The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Barrett Associates votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization.

 

  3. Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions

Barrett Associates generally votes against highly dilutive acquisitions, although these issues are examined on a case-by-case basis.

 

  4. Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures

Barrett Associates votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:

Barrett Associates votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans.

Barrett Associates votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions.

 

  5. Other Business Matters

Barrett Associates votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.

Barrett Associates votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws.

Barrett Associates generally votes against authorizing management to vote for unidentified substantive business at and against giving management the authority to adjourn meetings without compelling reasons.

 

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II. Shareholder Proposals

SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Barrett Associates votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors generally.

 

III. Voting Shares of Investment Companies

Barrett Associates may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.

Barrett Associates votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios.

Barrett Associates votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided.

 

IV. Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers

In the event Barrett Associates is required to vote on securities held in foreign issuers—i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.

Barrett Associates votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights.

Voting Procedures When Barrett Utilizes a Third Party Proxy Service -

If Barrett is utilizing a third party proxy service in connection with certain client accounts, a Proxy Coordinator will ensure that the proxy service receives updated holdings for the affected accounts. A Proxy Coordinator will also ensure that the proxy service delivers its recommendations on a timely basis and that such information is provided to the appropriate manager. A Proxy Coordinator will maintain records of the proxy service recommendations and voting reports.

Corporate Actions

Notice of any corporate actions should be communicated to a Proxy Coordinator who shall coordinate with the portfolio managers to determine the firm’s desired course of action and communicate the firm’s instructions to the custodian. The appropriate Proxy Coordinator will also keep accurate records of each corporate action and the steps that were taken by the firm.

 

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APPENDIX B

RATINGS OF SECURITIES

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) ratings:

Long-Term Debt Ratings

Aaa—Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of 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 by an 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 an obligation rated Aaa is judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.

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 risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities. An obligation rated Aa is judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. Obligations rated Aaa and Aa comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds.

A—Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future. An obligation rated A is considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa—Bonds which are rated Baa are considered medium-grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. An obligation rated Baa is subject to moderate credit risk. Obligations rated Baa are considered medium grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Ba—Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. An obligation rated Ba is judged to have speculative elements and is subject to substantial credit risk.

B—Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small. An obligation rated B is considered speculative and is subject to high credit risk.

Caa—Bonds which are rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.

Ca—Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are judged to be highly speculative in a high degree and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect for recovery of principal and interest. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C—An obligation rated C is the lowest rated class of bonds and is typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

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Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Short-Term Debt Ratings

Prime-1—Issuers with a Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of short-term debt obligations.

Prime-2—Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of short-term debt obligations.

Prime-3—Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of short-term obligations.

Not Prime—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated not prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Description of Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Ratings:

Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings

AAA—An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA—An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A—An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB—An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB—An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B—An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC—An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

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In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC—An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

R—An obligor rated R is under regulatory supervision owing to its financial condition. During the pendency of the regulatory supervision the regulators may have the power to favor one class of obligations and not to others.

SD and D—An obligor rated SD (Selective Default) or D has failed to pay one or more of its financial obligations (rated or unrated) when it came due. A D rating is assigned when Standard & Poor’s believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An SD rating is assigned when Standard & Poor’s believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner.

Plus (+) or minus (-)—The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

c—The ‘c’ subscript is used to provide additional information to investors that the bank may terminate its obligation to purchase tendered bonds if the long-term credit rating of the issuer is below an investment-grade level and/or the issuer’s bonds are deemed taxable.

p—The letter p indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.

*—Continuance of ratings is contingent upon S&P’s receipt of an executed copy of the escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming investments and cash flows.

r—The r is attached to highlight derivatives, hybrids and certain other obligations that S&P believes may experience high volatility or high variability in expected returns as a result of noncredit risks. Examples of such obligations are securities whose principal or interest return is indexed to equities, commodities or other instruments. The absence of an ‘r’ symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.

N.R. Not rated.

Commercial Paper

A-1.—A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2.—A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

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A-3.—A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

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LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST

 

 

Legg Mason Partners Financial Services Fund

 

                                         July 20, 2008

LEGG MASON PARTNERS EQUITY TRUST

55 Water Street

New York, NY 10041