As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2007
SECURITIES ACT FILE NO. 333-134551
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-21906
================================================================================
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |X|
Pre-Effective Amendment No. |_|
Post Effective Amendment No. 41 |X|
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |X|
mendment No. 44 |X|
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
|
CLAYMORE EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
2455 CORPORATE WEST DRIVE
LISLE, ILLINOIS 60532
(Address of Principal Executive
Offices)
(630) 505-3700
Registrant's Telephone Number
NICHOLAS DALMASO, ESQ.
CLAYMORE ADVISORS, LLC
2455 CORPORATE WEST DRIVE
LISLE, ILLINOIS 60532
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
STUART M. STRAUSS, ESQ.
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
31 WEST 52ND STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX)
_________ IMMEDIATELY UPON FILING PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (B) OF RULE 485.
X ON DECEMBER 31, 2007 PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (B) OF RULE 485.
_________ 60 DAYS AFTER FILING PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A)(1) OF RULE 485.
_________ ON [DATE] PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A) OF RULE 485.
_________ 75 DAYS AFTER FILING PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A)(2) OF RULE 485.
_________ ON [DATE] PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A) OF RULE 485.
[LOGO]
CLAYMORE(R)
CLAYMORE EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
o Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF
o Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF
o Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF
o Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF
o Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF
o Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF
o Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF
Prospectus
December 31, 2007
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction--Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust 3
Who Should Invest 3
Tax-Advantaged Product Structure 4
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF 5
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF 12
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF 19
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF 26
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF 33
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF 45
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF 54
Secondary Investment Strategies 60
Additional Risk Considerations 61
Investment Advisory Services 62
Purchase and Redemption of Shares 64
How to Buy and Sell Shares 66
Frequent Purchases And Redemptions 71
Fund Service Providers 72
Index Providers 73
Disclaimers 74
Federal Income Taxation 76
Other Information 79
Financial Highlights 80
|
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUNDS, CLAYMORE ADVISORS, LLC, THE FUNDS'
INVESTMENT ADVISER (THE "INVESTMENT ADVISER"), OR THE FUNDS' DISTRIBUTOR,
CLAYMORE SECURITIES, INC. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER BY THE
FUNDS OR BY THE FUNDS' DISTRIBUTOR TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY
ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR THE FUNDS TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
INTRODUCTION-CLAYMORE EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
The Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (the "Trust") is an investment company
currently consisting of 25 separate exchange-traded "index funds." The
investment objective of each of the funds is to replicate as closely as
possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specified market index.
Claymore Advisors, LLC is the investment adviser for the funds (the "Investment
Adviser").
This prospectus relates to seven funds of the Trust, Claymore/Clear Spin-Off
ETF, Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF, Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF,
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF, Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF,
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF and Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF (each
a "Fund" and, together, the "Funds").
The Funds' shares (the "Shares") are listed and traded on the American Stock
Exchange (the "AMEX"). The Funds' Shares trade at market prices that may differ
to some degree from the net asset value ("NAV") of the Shares. Unlike
conventional mutual funds, the Funds issue and redeem Shares on a continuous
basis, at NAV, only in large specified blocks of 50,000 Shares, each of which is
called a "Creation Unit." Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally
in-kind for securities included in a specified index. EXCEPT WHEN AGGREGATED IN
CREATION UNITS, SHARES ARE NOT REDEEMABLE SECURITIES OF THE FUNDS.
WHO SHOULD INVEST
The Funds are designed for investors who seek a relatively low-cost "passive"
approach for investing in a portfolio of equity securities of companies in a
specified index. The Funds may be suitable for long-term investment in the
market represented by a specified index and may also be used as an asset
allocation tool or as a speculative trading instrument.
| 3
TAX-ADVANTAGED PRODUCT STRUCTURE
Unlike interests in many conventional mutual funds, the Shares are traded
throughout the day on a national securities exchange, whereas mutual fund
interests are typically only bought and sold at closing net asset values. The
Shares have been designed to be tradable in the secondary market on a national
securities exchange on an intra-day basis, and to be created and redeemed
principally in-kind in Creation Units at each day's next calculated NAV. These
arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from adverse effects
on the Funds' portfolios that could arise from frequent cash creation and
redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an
adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders because of the mutual fund's need to
sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet fund redemptions. These sales
may generate taxable gains for the shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the
Shares' in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for
the Funds or their ongoing shareholders.
4 |
CLAYMORE/CLEAR SPIN-OFF ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Clear
Spin-off Index (the "Spin-off Index" or "Index"). The Fund's investment
objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without
shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Spin-off Index. The
Spin-off Index is comprised of approximately 40 stocks selected, based on
investment and other criteria, from a broad universe of U.S.-traded stocks,
American depositary receipts ("ADRs") and master limited partnerships ("MLPs").
The universe of companies eligible for inclusion in the Index includes companies
that have been spun-off within the past two years (but not more recently than
six months prior to the applicable rebalancing date), without limitations on
market capitalization (including micro-cap securities), but which are primarily
small- and mid-cap companies with capitalizations under $10.0 billion. Clear
Indexes LLC ("Clear" or the "Index Provider") defines a spin-off company as any
company resulting from either of the following events: a spin-off distribution
of stock of a subsidiary company by its parent company to parent company
shareholders or equity "carve-outs" or "partial initial public offerings" in
which a parent company sells a percentage of the equity of a subsidiary to
public shareholders. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total
assets in common stock, ADRs and MLPs that comprise the Index. The Fund has
adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide shareholders with at least 60
days notice prior to any material change in this policy or the Index. The Board
of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's investment strategy and other
policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment
| 5
Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a whole. There
may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to overweight
another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the Index which
the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for one or more
Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available investment
techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition, from time to
time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may sell stocks
that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are not yet
represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or addition to
the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Spin-off Index selection methodology is designed to identify companies with
potentially superior risk/return profiles as determined by Clear. The Index is
designed to actively represent the stock of a group of companies that have
recently been spun-off from larger corporations and have the opportunity to
better focus on their core market segment. The Index constituent selection
methodology was developed by Clear as a quantitative approach to selecting
stocks from a universe of all spin-off companies. The Index constituent
selection model evaluates and selects stocks from a universe of recently
spun-off companies using a proprietary, 100% rules-based methodology developed
by Clear. The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor
proprietary selection rules to seek to identify those stocks that offer the
greatest potential from a risk/return perspective. The Index is adjusted
semi-annually.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all equities trading on major U.S.
exchanges of companies that have been spun-off within the past two years.
2. The Spin-off Index comprises the 40 highest-ranking stocks chosen from the
universe of spun-off companies.
3. Each company is ranked using a 100% quantitative rules-based methodology
that includes composite scoring of several growth-oriented, multi-factor
filters, and is sorted from highest to lowest.
4. The 40 highest-ranking stocks are chosen and given a modified market cap
weighting with a maximum weight of 5%.
5. The constituent selection process and portfolio rebalance is repeated
semi-annually.
6 |
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, greater market volatility than U.S.
securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In
addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the
value of the Fund's investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full
value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in
foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of
the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline
relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the
investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
| 7
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
MICRO-CAP COMPANY RISK. Micro-cap stocks involve substantially greater risks of
loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less
predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and
their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than
companies with larger market capitalizations. Micro-cap companies may be newly
formed or in the early stages of development, with limited product lines,
markets or financial resources and may lack management depth. In addition, there
may be less public information available about these companies. The shares of
micro-cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more
established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these
securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Also, it may take a
long time before the Fund realizes a gain, if any, on an investment in a
micro-cap company.
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RISK. Investments in securities of master limited
partnerships involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock.
Holders of the units of master limited partnerships have more limited control
and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are also
certain tax risks associated with an investment in units of master limited
partnerships. In addition, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit
holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of a master limited
partnership, including a conflict arising as a result of incentive distribution
payments.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Spin-off
Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of
operating expenses not applicable to the Spin-off Index, and incurs costs in
buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities
holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Spin-off Index. Since the
Spin-off Index constituents may vary on a semi-annual basis, the Fund's costs
associated with rebalancing may be greater than those incurred by other
exchange-traded funds that track indices whose composition changes less
frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Spin-off Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in
the Spin-off Index with the same weightings as the Spin-off Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Spin-off Index.
8 |
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 9
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.61%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.11%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 0.36%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.75%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, licensing fees,
offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes
and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not
incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from exceeding
0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December 31, 2010.
The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an Expense
Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the Investment
Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay certain
operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense ratio of
the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth above) (the
"Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the Fund's
commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from the
Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three years
if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls below
the Expense Cap.
10 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$76 $238 $499 $1,247
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
40 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 40 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $10,074, $30,461, $63,136 and $156,617 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 11
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT INSIDER ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Sabrient
Insider Sentiment Index (the "Insider Sentiment Index" or "Index"). The Fund's
investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Insider Sentiment
Index. The Insider Sentiment Index is comprised of approximately 100 stocks
selected, based on investment and other criteria, from a broad universe of
U.S.-traded stocks and American depositary receipts ("ADRs"). The universe of
companies eligible for inclusion in the Index includes approximately 6,000
listed companies without limitations on market capitalization. The Fund will
normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks and ADRs that
comprise the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to
provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change
in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the
Fund's investment strategy and other policies without shareholder approval,
except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are
12 |
not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Insider Sentiment Index selection methodology is designed to identify
companies with potentially superior risk-return profiles as determined by
Sabrient Systems LLC ("Sabrient" or the "Index Provider"). The objective of the
Index is to actively represent a group of stocks that are reflecting favorable
corporate insider buying trends (determined via the public filings of such
corporate insiders) and Wall Street analyst earnings estimate increases.
Pursuant to Sabrient's proprietary methodology, Sabrient evaluates both
corporate insider buying trends and Wall Street analyst earnings estimate
increases in ranking companies for possible Index inclusion, and it is possible
for a company that scores highly enough under either one of those factors to be
included in the Index based on that factor alone.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to identify those stocks that are believed to offer the greatest
potential from a risk/return perspective while maintaining industry
diversification. The approach is specifically designed to enhance investment
applications and investability. The Index is adjusted quarterly.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all equities trading on major U.S.
exchanges.
2. The Insider Sentiment Index is comprised of the 100 highest-ranking stocks
chosen from a subset of companies covered by more than one analyst.
3. Each company is ranked using a 100% quantitative rules-based methodology
that includes composite scoring of a handful of specially-targeted
factors, and is sorted from highest to lowest.
4. The 100 highest-ranking stocks are chosen and given an equal weighting in
the portfolio.
5. The constituent selection process and portfolio rebalance is repeated once
per quarter.
| 13
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting
standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United
States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has
invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may
affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the
underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or
unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute
shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through
to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
14 |
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Insider
Sentiment Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number
of operating expenses not applicable to the Insider Sentiment Index, and incurs
costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's
securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Insider
Sentiment Index. Since the Insider Sentiment Index constituents may vary on a
quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may be greater
than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices whose
composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Insider Sentiment Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the
stocks in the Insider Sentiment Index with the same weightings as the Insider
Sentiment Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Insider Sentiment Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
| 15
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
16 |
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.65%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.15%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 0.39%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.76%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
| 17
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$78 $243 $513 $1,287
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
100 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 100 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $10,201, $30,856, $64,686 and $161,337 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
18 |
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT STEALTH ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Sabrient
Stealth Index (the "Stealth Index" or "Index"). The Fund's investment objective
is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without
shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Stealth Index. The
Stealth Index is comprised of approximately 150 stocks selected, based on
investment and other criteria, from a broad universe of U.S.-traded stocks and
American depositary receipts ("ADRs") having little or no Wall Street analyst
coverage (no more than two analysts). The universe of potential Index
constituents includes approximately 2,100 listed companies without limitations
on market capitalization, but which are mostly small-cap and micro-cap companies
with capitalizations under $3.5 billion. The Fund will normally invest at least
90% of its total assets in common stock and ADRs that comprise the Index. The
Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide shareholders with at
least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this policy or the Index.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's investment strategy and
other policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are
| 19
not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Stealth Index selection methodology is designed to identify companies with
potentially superior risk-return profiles as determined by Sabrient Systems LLC
("Sabrient" or the "Index Provider"). The objective of the Index is to actively
represent a group of stocks that are "flying under the radar screen" of Wall
Street's analysts, but which have displayed robust growth characteristics.
The Index constituent selection methodology was developed by Sabrient as a
quantitative approach to selecting stocks in a diversified portfolio from a
group of companies that have little or no Wall Street analyst coverage (no more
than two analysts). The Index constituent selection model evaluates and selects
stocks from a universe of uncovered and under-covered companies using a
proprietary, 100% rules-based methodology developed by Sabrient.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to identify those stocks that offer the greatest potential from
a risk/return perspective while maintaining industry diversification. The
approach is specifically designed to enhance investment applications and
investability. The constituent selection process and portfolio rebalance are
repeated once per quarter.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all equities trading on major U.S.
exchanges that have no more than two analysts covering them. All potential
Index constituents whose financials suggest the increased likelihood of
aggressive accounting practices (based on measurements that are a
component of the Index Provider's proprietary methodology) are excluded
from the Index. No more than 25% of the stocks in the Index may be from
any single sector under the Standard & Poor's Global Industry
Classification System.
2. The Stealth Index comprises the 150 highest-ranking stocks chosen from a
subset of uncovered and under-covered companies (no more than two
analysts).
3. Each company is ranked using a 100% quantitative rules-based methodology
that includes composite scoring of several growth-oriented, multi-factor
filters, and is sorted from highest to lowest.
4. The 150 highest-ranking companies are chosen and given a modified equal
weight in the portfolio.
5. The constituent selection process and portfolio rebalance is repeated once
per quarter.
20 |
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, greater market volatility than U.S.
securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In
addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the
value of the Fund's investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full
value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in
foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of
the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline
relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the
investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
| 21
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
MICRO-CAP COMPANY RISK. Micro-cap stocks involve substantially greater risks of
loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less
predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and
their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than
companies with larger market capitalizations. Micro-cap companies may be newly
formed or in the early stages of development, with limited product lines,
markets or financial resources and may lack management depth. In addition, there
may be less public information available about these companies. The shares of
micro-cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more
established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these
securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Also, it may take a
long time before the Fund realizes a gain, if any, on an investment in a
micro-cap company.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Stealth
Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of
operating expenses not applicable to the Stealth Index, and incurs costs in
buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities
holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Stealth Index. Since the
Stealth Index constituents may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs
associated with rebalancing may be greater than those incurred by other
exchange-traded funds that track indices whose composition changes less
frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Stealth Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the
Stealth Index with the same weightings as the Stealth Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Stealth Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
22 |
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 23
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $1,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $4,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 1.01%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.51%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 0.67%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.84%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,000. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
24 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$86 $268 $621 $1,618
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $1,000 per transaction (assuming
150 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $1,000 per transaction
(assuming 150 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $11,718, $34,511, $78,673 and $203,290 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 25
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT DEFENDER ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Sabrient
Defensive Equity Index (the "Defensive Equity Index" or "Index"). The Fund's
investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Defensive Equity
Index. The Index is comprised of approximately 100 stocks selected, based on
investment and other criteria, from a broad universe of U.S.-traded stocks and
American depositary receipts ("ADRs"). The universe of potential Index
constituents includes approximately 1,000 listed companies, generally with
market capitalizations in excess of $1 billion. The Fund will normally invest at
least 90% of its total assets in common stock and ADRs that comprise the Index.
The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide shareholders
with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this policy or the
Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's investment
strategy and other policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise
indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are
26 |
not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Defensive Equity Index selection methodology is designed to identify
companies with potentially superior risk/return profiles, as determined by
Sabrient Systems LLC ("Sabrient" or the "Index Provider"), during periods of
weakness in the markets and/or the American economy overall. The Index is
designed to actively represent a group of stocks that reflect occurrences such
as low relative valuations, conservative accounting, dividend payments and a
history of out-performance during bearish market periods. The Index constituents
represent a "defensive" portfolio with the potential to outperform broad market
benchmark indices on a risk-adjusted basis during periods of market weakness,
while still providing the potential for positive returns during strong market
periods.
The Index constituent selection methodology was developed by Sabrient as an
effective, quantitative approach to selecting stocks in a diversified portfolio
from a broad universe of companies. The Index constituent selection methodology
evaluates and selects stocks from the qualified universe of companies using a
proprietary, 100% rules-based methodology developed by Sabrient.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to seek to identify those stocks that offer the greatest
potential from a risk/return perspective during weak market periods. The
approach is specifically designed to enhance investment applications and
investability. The constituent selection process and portfolio rebalance are
repeated once per quarter.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all equities trading on major U.S.
exchanges.
2. The Defensive Equity Index is comprised of approximately the 100 highest-
ranking stocks chosen from a subset of eligible companies using a 100%
rules-based quantitative ranking methodology. To prevent undue industry
sector concentration, limits have been placed on the number of stocks in
the Index that may share a particular sector or industry classification
under the Standard & Poor's Global Industry Classification System.
3. Each stock is ranked based on the composite scoring of a handful of
specially-targeted factors, and is sorted from highest to lowest. The
constituent selection methodology was developed by Sabrient as an
effective, quantitative approach designed to identify those companies that
offer the greatest potential for maintaining value during difficult market
conditions and thus providing the investor with a defensive portfolio.
| 27
4. The 100 highest-ranking companies are chosen and given a modified equal
weighting in the portfolio.
5. The constituent selection process and portfolio rebalance are repeated
once per quarter.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting
standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United
States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has
invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may
affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the
underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or
unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute
shareholder communications to the holders
28 |
of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to
the deposited securities.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Defensive Equity Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a
number of operating expenses not applicable to the Defensive Equity Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Defensive Equity Index. Since the Defensive Equity Index constituents may vary
on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may be
greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices
whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Defensive Equity Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the
stocks in the Defensive Equity Index with the same weightings as the Defensive
Equity Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Defensive Equity Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
| 29
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
30 |
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.85%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.35%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 0.56%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.79%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
| 31
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$81 $252 $569 $1,468
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
100 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 100 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $10,583, $32,040, $71,641 and $184,007 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
32 |
CLAYMORE/ZACKS SECTOR ROTATION ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Zacks Sector
Rotation Index (the "Zacks Sector Rotation Index" or "Index"). The Fund's
investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Zacks Sector
Rotation Index. The Zacks Sector Rotation Index is comprised of approximately
100 stocks selected, based on investment and other criteria, from a universe of
the 1,000 largest listed equity companies based on market capitalization. The
universe of potential Index constituents includes all U.S. stocks, American
depositary receipts ("ADRs") and master limited partnerships ("MLPs") listed on
domestic exchanges. The companies in the universe are selected using a
proprietary methodology developed by Zacks Investment Research, Inc. ("Zacks" or
the "Index Provider"). The stocks included in the Index currently have market
capitalizations in excess of $1.7 billion. The Fund will normally invest at
least 90% of its total assets in common stocks, ADRs and MLPs that comprise the
Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide
shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this
policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's
investment strategy and other policies without shareholder approval, except as
otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other
| 33
available investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In
addition, from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The
Fund may sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that
are not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Zacks Sector Rotation Index uses a proprietary quantitative methodology
developed by Zacks to overweight (as compared to other benchmark indices)
sectors with potentially superior risk-return profiles. The objective of the
Index is to overweight those sectors that combined have the potential to
outperform, on a risk-adjusted basis, the S&P 500(R) Index and other benchmark
indices.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to identify those sectors that offer the greatest potential from
a risk/return perspective. The approach is specifically designed to enhance
investment applications and investability. The sector allocation and constituent
ranking, reconstitution and rebalancing process is repeated on a quarterly
basis.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all U.S. equities, domestic
exchange-listed ADRs and MLPs that rank as the 1,000 largest based on
market capitalization.
2. The sector allocation methodology strives to overweight cyclical sectors
prior to anticipated periods of economic expansion and overweight
non-cyclical sectors prior to anticipated periods of economic contraction.
3. Sector allocations are chosen based on a quantitative methodology
proprietary to Zacks using the 16 Zacks "Expanded Sectors." These sectors
consist of Consumer Staples, Consumer Discretionary, Retail/Wholesale,
Medical, Auto/Tires/Trucks, Basic Materials, Industrial Products,
Construction, Multi-Sector Conglomerates, Computer/Technology, Aerospace,
Oils/Energy, Finance, Utilities, Transportation and Business Services. The
sector allocation methodology uses a bottom-up approach to decide on the
weightings of each sector based on relative value, price momentum and
earnings growth. Exposure for any one sector may range from zero percent
(0%) to a maximum of forty-five percent (45%) of the Index.
4. Within each sector, stocks are selected based on liquidity. Individual
stock exposure will be determined by relative market capitalization within
the sector. No individual stock may consist of more than 5% of the total
Index.
5. The sector allocation and constituent ranking, reconstitution and
rebalancing process is repeated on a quarterly basis.
34 |
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting
standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United
States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has
invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may
affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the
underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or
unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute
shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through
to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
| 35
MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of medium-sized companies
involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investing in more
established companies. These companies' stocks may be more volatile and less
liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks may have returns
that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock market.
SECTOR CONCENTRATION RISK. A significant percentage of the Zacks Sector Rotation
Index may be comprised of issuers in a single industry or sector of the economy.
If the Fund is focused in an industry or sector, it may present more risks than
if it were broadly diversified over numerous industries and sectors of the
economy. In that connection, the Fund may at any time be subject to some or all
of the following risks relating to the sectors which constitute the Zacks Sector
Rotation Index:
CONSUMER STAPLES SECTOR RISK. Companies in this sector are subject to
government regulation affecting the permissibility of using various food
additives and production methods, which regulations could affect company
profitability. Tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the adoption
of proposed legislation and/or by litigation. Also, the success of food
and soft drink may be strongly affected by fads, marketing campaigns and
other factors affecting supply and demand.
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SECTOR RISK. The success of consumer product
manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the
overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competitive
and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household
income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes
can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the
marketplace.
RETAIL/WHOLESALE SECTOR RISK. The retail and wholesale industries may be
affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy,
interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. The success of
companies in the retail industry depends heavily on disposable household
income and consumer spending, and changes in demographics and consumer
preferences can affect the success of retail products. The success of
retail products may be strongly affected by fads, marketing campaigns and
other factors affecting supply and demand. In addition, the retail and
wholesale industries are subject to severe competition.
MEDICAL SECTOR RISK. Companies in the medical sector may be susceptible to
government regulation and reimbursement rates. Such companies may also be
heavily dependent on patent protection, with their profitability affected
by the expiration of patents. Companies in the medical sector may also be
subject to expenses and losses from extensive litigation based on product
liability and similar claims, as well as competitive forces that may make
it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price
discounting. The process for obtaining
36 |
new product approval by the Food and Drug Administration is long and
costly. Medical service providers may have difficulty obtaining staff to
deliver service, and may be susceptible to product obsolescence. Such
companies also may be characterized by thin capitalization and limited
product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel.
AUTO/TIRES/TRUCKS SECTOR RISK. The automotive industry can be highly
cyclical, and companies in the industry may suffer periodic operating
losses. The industry can be significantly affected by labor relations and
fluctuating component prices. While most of the major manufacturers are
large, financially strong companies, many others are small and can be
non-diversified in both product line and customer base.
BASIC MATERIALS SECTOR RISK. Companies in the basic materials sector could
be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, exchange rates,
import controls and increased competition. Production of industrial
materials often exceeds demand as a result of over-building or economic
downturns, leading to poor investment returns. Companies in the basic
materials sector are at risk for environmental damage and product
liability claims. Companies in the basic materials sector may be adversely
affected by depletion of resources, technical progress, labor relations,
and government regulations.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS SECTOR RISK. The stock prices of companies in the
industrial sector are affected by supply and demand both for their
specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general.
The products of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence due
to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction.
Government regulation, world events and economic conditions may affect the
performance of companies in the industrial sector. Companies in the
industrial sector may be at risk for environmental damage and product
liability claims.
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR RISK. Companies in the construction sector can be
significantly affected by changes in government spending on housing
subsidies, public works, and transportation facilities such as highways
and airports, as well as changes in interest rates, consumer confidence
and spending, taxation, zoning laws, demographic patterns, housing starts,
overbuilding, real estate values, and the level of new and existing home
sales. Different segments of the construction sector can be significantly
affected by natural disasters and environmental clean-up costs.
MULTI-SECTOR CONGLOMERATES SECTOR RISK. Conglomerates are subject to the
risk that one or more of their businesses may not be successful should
management lose focus on, or give greater attention to, one or more of the
conglomerate's other businesses. Additionally, should the markets in which
any one of a conglomerate's business operates suffer a decline in
profitability, such profit decline will have a negative financial impact
on the conglomerate as a whole.
| 37
Companies in the Multi-Sector Conglomerates sector may be subject to some
or all of the risks applicable to any or all of the other sectors that
constitute the Zacks Sector Rotation Index.
COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SECTOR RISK. Competitive pressures may have a
significant effect on the financial condition of companies in the
computer/technology sector. Also, many of the products and services
offered by computer and technology companies are subject to the risks of
short product cycles and rapid obsolescence. Companies in the
computer/technology sector also may be subject to competition from new
market entrants. Such companies also may be subject to risks relating to
research and development costs and the availability and price of
components. As product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity
increases, these companies could become increasingly subject to aggressive
pricing, which hampers profitability. Other risks include those related to
regulatory changes, such as the possible adverse effects on profits of
recent increased competition among telecommunications companies and the
uncertainties resulting from such companies' diversification into new
domestic and international businesses, as well as agreements by any such
companies linking future rate increases to inflation or other factors not
directly related to the actual operating profits of the enterprise.
AEROSPACE SECTOR RISK. The aerospace sector can be significantly affected
by competition within the industry, domestic and foreign economies,
government regulation, labor relations, and the price of fuel. Airline
deregulation has substantially diminished the government's role in the air
transport industry while promoting an increased level of competition.
However, regulations and policies of various domestic and foreign
governments can still affect the profitability of individual carriers as
well as the entire industry. In addition, companies in the aerospace
sector can be significantly affected by government aerospace regulation
and spending policies because companies involved in the aerospace sector
may rely to a large extent on U.S. (and other) Government demand for their
products and services. There are significant inherent risks in contracting
with the U.S. Government which could have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition and results of operations of industry
participants, including:
- termination by the U.S. Government of any contract as a result
of a default by industry participants could subject them to
liability for the excess costs incurred by the U.S. Government
in procuring undelivered items from another source;
- termination by the U.S. Government of any contract for
convenience would generally limit industry participants
recovery to costs already incurred or committed and limit
participants profit to work completed prior to termination;
- modification of U.S. Government contracts due to lack of
congressional funding or changes in such funding could subject
certain contracts to termination or modification;
38 |
- failure to comply, even inadvertently, with the extensive and
complex U.S. Government laws and regulations applicable to
certain U.S. Government contracts and the laws governing the
export of controlled products and commodities could subject
industry participants to contract termination, civil and
criminal penalties and, under certain circumstances,
suspension from future U.S. Government contracts and exporting
of products for a specific period of time;
- results of routine U.S. Government audits and review could, in
certain circumstances, lead to adjustments to industry
contract prices, which could be significant; and
- successful bids for U.S. Government contracts or the
profitability of such contracts, if awarded, cannot be
guaranteed in the light of the competitive bidding atmosphere
under which U.S. Government contracts are awarded.
Furthermore, because companies involved in the aerospace sector may rely
to a large extent on U.S. (and other) Government demand for their products
and services, those companies could be adversely impacted by future
reductions or changes in U.S. Government spending. U.S. Government
spending in aerospace is not generally correlated with any economic cycle,
but rather, on the cycle of general political support for this type of
spending. However, there is no assurance that future levels of aerospace
spending will increase or that levels of aerospace and defense spending
will not decrease in the future.
OILS/ENERGY SECTOR RISK. The profitability of companies in the oils/energy
sector is related to worldwide energy prices, exploration, and production
spending. Such companies also are subject to risks of changes in exchange
rates, government regulation, world events, depletion of resources and
economic conditions, as well as market, economic and political risks of
the countries where energy companies are located or do business. Oil and
gas exploration and production can be significantly affected by natural
disasters. Oil exploration and production companies may be adversely
affected by changes in exchange rates, interest rates, government
regulation, world events, and economic conditions. Oil exploration and
production companies may be at risk for environmental damage claims.
FINANCE SECTOR RISK. The financial services industries are subject to
extensive government regulation, can be subject to relatively rapid change
due to increasingly blurred distinctions between service segments, and can
be significantly affected by availability and cost of capital funds,
changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt
defaults, and price competition.
UTILITIES SECTOR RISK. The rates that traditional regulated utility
companies may charge their customers generally are subject to review and
limitation by governmental regulatory commissions. Although rate changes
of a utility usually fluctuate in approximate correlation with financing
costs due to political and regulatory factors, rate changes ordinarily
occur only following a
| 39
delay after the changes in financing costs. This factor will tend to
favorably affect a regulated utility company's earnings and dividends in
times of decreasing costs, but conversely, will tend to adversely affect
earnings and dividends when costs are rising. The value of regulated
utility debt securities (and, to a lesser extent, equity securities) tends
to have an inverse relationship to the movement of interest rates. Certain
utility companies have experienced full or partial deregulation in recent
years. These utility companies are frequently more similar to industrial
companies in that they are subject to greater competition and have been
permitted by regulators to diversify outside of their original geographic
regions and their traditional lines of business. These opportunities may
permit certain utility companies to earn more than their traditional
regulated rates of return. Some companies, however, may be forced to
defend their core business and may be less profitable.
Among the risks that may affect utility companies are the following: risks
of increases in fuel and other operating costs; the high cost of borrowing
to finance capital construction during inflationary periods; restrictions
on operations and increased costs and delays associated with compliance
with environmental and nuclear safety regulations; and the difficulties
involved in obtaining natural gas for resale or fuel for generating
electricity at reasonable prices. Other risks include those related to the
construction and operation of nuclear power plants; the effects of energy
conservation and the effects of regulatory changes.
TRANSPORTATION SECTOR RISK. Companies in the transportation sector can be
significantly affected by changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor
relations, and insurance costs. The trend in the United States has been to
deregulate the transportation industry, which could have a favorable
long-term effect, but future government decisions could adversely affect
transportation companies.
BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR RISK. Companies in the business services sector
can be significantly affected by competitive pressures, such as
technological developments, fixed-rate pricing, and the ability to attract
and retain skilled employees. The success of companies that provide
business-related services is, in part, subject to continued demand for
business services as companies and other organizations seek alternative,
cost-effective means to meet their economic goals.
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RISK. Investments in securities of master limited
partnerships involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock.
Holders of the units of master limited partnerships have more limited control
and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are also
certain tax risks associated with an investment in units of master limited
partnerships. In addition, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit
holders, subordinated unit
40 |
holders and the general partner of a master limited partnership, including a
conflict arising as a result of incentive distribution payments.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RISK. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of
its portfolio securities in connection with the quarterly rebalancing of the
Zacks Sector Rotation Index, and therefore the Fund's investments. A portfolio
turnover rate of 200%, for example, is equivalent to the Fund buying and selling
all of its securities two times during the course of the year. A high portfolio
turnover rate (over 100%) could result in high brokerage costs. While a high
portfolio turnover rate can result in an increase in taxable capital gains
distributions to the Fund's shareholders, the Fund will seek to utilize the
creation and redemption in kind mechanism to minimize capital gains to the
extent possible.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Zacks
Sector Rotation Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a
number of operating expenses not applicable to the Zacks Sector Rotation Index,
and incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing
the Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Zacks Sector Rotation Index. Since the Zacks Sector Rotation Index constituents
may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may
be greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices
whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Zacks Sector Rotation Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the
stocks in the Zacks Sector Rotation Index with the same weightings as the Zacks
Sector Rotation Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Zacks Sector Rotation Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
| 41
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
42 |
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.47%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 0.97%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 0.25%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.72%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
| 43
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$74 $230 $459 $1,117
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
100 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 100 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $9,693, $29,275, $57,893 and $140,161 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
44 |
CLAYMORE/ZACKS YIELD HOG ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Zacks Yield
Hog Index (the "Zacks Yield Hog Index" or "Index"). The Fund's investment
objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without
shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Zacks Yield Hog
Index. The Zacks Yield Hog Index is comprised of approximately 125 to 150
securities selected, based on investment and other criteria, from a universe of
domestic and international companies. The securities comprising the Index
include stocks of small and medium-sized companies. The universe of securities
within the Index includes U.S. listed common stocks and American depositary
receipts ("ADRs") paying dividends, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"),
master limited partnerships, closed-end funds and traditional preferred stocks.
The companies in the universe are selected using a proprietary methodology
developed by Zacks Investment Research, Inc. ("Zacks" or the "Index Provider").
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in securities
that comprise the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to
provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change
in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the
Fund's investment strategy and other policies without shareholder approval,
except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund expects to use a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective.
Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select
stocks from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of stocks that
resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and
other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization
and other financial characteristics of stocks. The quantity of holdings in the
Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund.
However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another
| 45
stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the Index which the
Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for one or more Index
components, or utilize various combinations of other available investment
techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition, from time to
time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may sell stocks
that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are not yet
represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or addition to
the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Zacks Yield Hog Index selection methodology is designed to identify
companies with potentially high income and superior risk-return profiles as
determined by Zacks. The objective of the Index is to select a diversified group
of securities with the potential to have a yield in excess of and outperform, on
a risk adjusted basis, the Dow Jones US Select Dividend Index and other
benchmark indices.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to identify those securities that offer the greatest potential
from a yield and risk/return perspective while maintaining industry
diversification. The approach is specifically designed to enhance investment
applications and investability. The constituent selection process, as well as
the ranking, reconstitution and rebalancing of the Index, is repeated quarterly.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all U.S. stocks and ADRs that pay
dividends, as well as REITs, master limited partnerships, closed-end funds
and traditional preferred stocks.
2. The Index is comprised of approximately the 125 to 150 highest-ranking
securities chosen using a rules-based quantitative ranking methodology
proprietary to Zacks. Half (50%) or more of the portfolio will consist of
dividend-paying common stocks. Closed-end funds are limited to 10% of the
portfolio. Master limited partnerships may make up one-quarter (25%) of
the portfolio. Exposure to all other categories of investment type (ADRs,
REITs and preferred stock) other than U.S. common stock are limited to a
20% maximum per investment type.
3. Each company within each investment type is ranked using a quantitative
rules-based methodology that includes yield, company growth, liquidity,
relative value and other factors and is sorted from highest to lowest.
4. The approximately 125 to 150 constituents are chosen and are weighted
based on a proprietary method developed by Zacks within each investment
type.
5. The constituent selection process, as well as the ranking, reconstitution
and rebalancing of the Index, is repeated quarterly.
6. The securities comprising the portfolio are regularly reviewed for
deletion or dilution based on factors determined by Zacks.
46 |
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
PREFERRED STOCK RISK. There are certain additional risks associated with
investing in preferred securities, including, but not limited to, (i) preferred
securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to
defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences
to the issuer; (ii) preferred securities are generally subordinated to bonds and
other debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms of having
priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be
subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments; preferred
securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as
common stocks or U.S. Government securities; generally, traditional preferred
securities offer no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless
preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at
which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the
issuer's board; in certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred
securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
| 47
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting
standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United
States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has
invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may
affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the
underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or
unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute
shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through
to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
REIT RISK. Investments in securities of real estate companies involve risks.
These risks include, among others, adverse changes in national, state or local
real estate conditions; obsolescence of properties; changes in the availability,
cost and terms of mortgage funds; and the impact of changes in environmental
laws. In addition, a REIT that fails to comply with federal tax requirements
affecting REITs may be subject to federal income taxation, or the federal tax
requirement that a REIT distribute substantially all of its net income to its
shareholders may result in a REIT having insufficient capital for future
expenditures. The value of a REIT can depend on the structure of and cash flow
generated by the REIT. In addition, like mutual funds, REITs have expenses,
including advisory and administration fees, that are paid their shareholders. As
a result, you will absorb duplicate levels of fees when the Fund invests in
REITs. In addition, REITs are subject to certain provisions under federal tax
law. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse
consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing return to the Fund
on its investment in such company.
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RISK. Investments in securities of master limited
partnerships involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock.
Holders of the units of master limited partnerships have more limited control
and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are also
certain tax risks associated with an investment in units of master limited
partnerships. In addition, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit
holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of a master limited
partnership, including a conflict arising as a result of incentive distribution
payments.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Investments in securities of
other investment companies involve risks, including, among others, the fact that
shares of other investment companies are subject to the management fees and
other expenses of those companies, and the purchase of shares of some investment
companies (in the case of closed-end investment companies) may sometimes require
the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such companies'
48 |
portfolio securities or net asset values. The Fund must continue, at the same
time, to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its
investments, including shares of other investment companies. The securities of
other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject
to certain leverage risks.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
BELOW-INVESTMENT GRADE SECURITIES RISK. The Fund may invest in certain preferred
stocks that are rated below investment grade. Preferred stocks that are not
investment grade are high yield, high risk securities. These securities offer a
higher yield than other, higher rated securities, but they carry a greater
degree of risk and are considered speculative by the major credit rating
agencies. Preferred stocks rated below investment grade may be issued by
companies that are restructuring, are smaller and less creditworthy, or are more
highly indebted than other companies. This means that they may have more
difficulty making scheduled dividend payments. Changes in the value of preferred
stocks rated below investment grade are influenced more by changes in the
financial and business position of the issuing company than by changes in
interest rates when compared to investment grade preferred stocks.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Zacks
Yield Hog Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number
of operating expenses not applicable to the Zacks Yield Hog Index, and incurs
costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's
securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Zacks Yield Hog
Index. Since the Zacks Yield Hog Index constituents may vary on a quarterly
basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may be greater than those
incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices whose composition
changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Zacks Yield Hog Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the
stocks in the Zacks Yield Hog Index with the same weightings as the Zacks Yield
Hog Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Zacks Yield Hog Index.
| 49
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
50 |
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 51
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $1,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $4,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquired fund fees and expenses(4) 0.15%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.40%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.05%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(5) 0.20%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.85%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,000. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) Acquired fund fees and expenses refer to the Fund's pro rata portion of
the management fees and operating expenses of the closed-end funds in
which the Fund invests.
(5) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap. Acquired fund fees and expenses are not subject to
the Expense Cap.
52 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$87 $271 $518 $1,225
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $1,000 per transaction (assuming
125 to 150 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $1,000 per
transaction (assuming 125 to 150 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy
and Sell Shares" later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in
inventory will also pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the
table above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5%
return each year, and assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain
the same, the total costs would be $11,845, $34,905, $65,744 and $154,152 if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten
years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten year examples do
not reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 53
CLAYMORE/ZACKS GROWTH & INCOME INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Zacks Growth
& Income Index (the "Zacks Growth & Income Index" or "Index"). The Fund's
investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Zacks Growth &
Income Index. The Index is comprised of approximately 225 stocks selected, based
on investment and other criteria, from a universe of the 1,500 most liquid U.S.
listed equity securities. The universe of securities eligible for inclusion in
the Index includes all U.S. stocks, including American depositary receipts
("ADRs"), listed on domestic exchanges. The securities in the universe are
selected using a proprietary methodology developed by Zacks Investment Research,
Inc. ("Zacks" or the "Index Provider"). The methodology adjusts over time based
on the assets in the portfolio to ensure investability at higher capacity
levels. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common
stock and ADRs that comprise the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that
requires the Fund to provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to
any material change in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the
Trust may change the Fund's investment strategy and other policies without
shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
54 |
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are not
yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or addition
to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Zacks Growth & Income Index selection methodology is designed to identify
securities with potentially high income, long-term growth potential and superior
risk-return profiles as determined by Zacks. The Index is designed to select a
diversified group of stocks with the potential to outperform, on a risk-adjusted
basis, broad market benchmark indices.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to seek to identify those stocks that offer the greatest
potential from a yield and risk/return perspective. The approach is specifically
designed to enhance investment applications and investability.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all U.S. equities that rank as the
1,500 largest based on market capitalization. From this initial universe a
growth sub-universe and an income sub-universe are selected using a
proprietary model designed by Zacks.
2. The Index methodology is made up of two equally weighted sub-models: the
growth sub-model and the income sub-model.
3. The income sub-model ranks each company in the income sub-universe using a
quantitative rules-based methodology to select the 75 highest-ranked
equities. The constituent selection methodology was developed by Zacks as
a quantitative approach to identify those companies that offer the
greatest yield potential.
4. The growth sub-model ranks each company in the growth sub-universe using a
quantitative rules-based methodology to select the 150 highest-ranked
equities. The constituent selection methodology was developed by Zacks as
a quantitative approach to identify those companies that offer the
greatest short-term growth potential on a risk-adjusted basis.
| 55
5. The constituents within each sub-model are then weighted by a
liquidity-based methodology. Both sub-models are then combined to each
make up 50% of the Index.
6. The constituent selection process, as well as the ranking and
reconstitution, is completed quarterly for the growth sub-model and
semi-annually for the income-sub-model. The 50/50 rebalancing of the two
sub-models is repeated semi-annually.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting
standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United
States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has
invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may
affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the
underlying issuers of certain
56 |
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index. Since the Index constituents
may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may
be greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices
whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 57
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $1,500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $6,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 8.25%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 8.75%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 6.68%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 2.07%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
58 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$210 $649 $2,486 $6,510
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $1,500 per transaction (assuming
225 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $1,500 per transaction
(assuming 225 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would $27,754, $82,592, $312,278 and $815,235 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 59
SECONDARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Each Fund normally invests at least 90% of its total assets in component
securities that comprise its respective Index. The Funds may invest their
remaining assets in money market instruments, including repurchase agreements or
other funds which invest exclusively in money market instruments, convertible
securities, structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment
and interest payments are based on the movement of one or more specified
factors, such as the movement of a particular stock or stock index) and in
swaps, options and futures contracts. Swaps, options and futures contracts (and
convertible securities and structured notes) may be used by a Fund in seeking
performance that corresponds to its respective Index, and in managing cash
flows. The Funds will not invest in money market instruments as part of a
temporary defensive strategy to protect against potential stock market declines.
The Investment Adviser anticipates that it may take approximately three business
days (i.e., each day the AMEX is open) for additions and deletions to each
Fund's Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.
Each Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of 10% of the value of its
assets, but only for temporary or emergency purposes.
The Funds may lend their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other
financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions
and for other purposes. In connection with such loans, the Fund receives liquid
collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of the portfolio securities being
lent. This collateral is marked to market on a daily basis.
The policies described herein constitute non-fundamental policies that may be
changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. Certain other
fundamental policies of the Fund are set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information under "Investment Restrictions."
60 |
ADDITIONAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to the risks described previously, there are certain other risks
related to investing in the Funds.
TRADING ISSUES. Trading in Shares on the AMEX may be halted due to market
conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the AMEX, make trading in Shares
inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the AMEX is subject to trading
halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the AMEX "circuit
breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the AMEX
necessary to maintain the listing of the Funds will continue to be met or will
remain unchanged.
FLUCTUATION OF NET ASSET VALUE. The NAV of a Fund's Shares will generally
fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund's holdings. The market
prices of the Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV
as well as the relative supply of and demand for the Shares on the AMEX. The
Investment Adviser cannot predict whether the Shares will trade below, at or
above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that
supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the Shares
will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing
the prices of the stocks of the Index trading individually or in the aggregate
at any point in time.
However, given that the Shares can be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units
(unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable
discounts from, and sometimes premiums to, their NAV), the Investment Adviser
believes that large discounts or premiums to the NAV of the Shares should not be
sustained.
SECURITIES LENDING. Although a Fund will receive collateral in connection with
all loans of its securities holdings, the Fund would be exposed to a risk of
loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed
securities (e.g., the loaned securities may have appreciated beyond the value of
the collateral held by the Fund). In addition, the Fund will bear the risk of
loss of any cash collateral that it invests.
LEVERAGE. To the extent that a Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged.
Leveraging generally exaggerates the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease
in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
These risks are described further in the Statement of Additional Information.
| 61
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Claymore Advisors, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Claymore Group Inc., acts
as each Fund's investment adviser pursuant to an advisory agreement with the
Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Investment Adviser is a Delaware limited
liability company with its principal offices located at 2455 Corporate West
Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532. As of November 30, 2007, Claymore entities have
provided supervisory, management, servicing or distribution services on
approximately $18.3 billion in assets through closed-end funds, unit investment
trusts and exchange-traded funds. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the
Investment Adviser manages the investment and reinvestment of each Fund's assets
and administers the affairs of each Fund to the extent requested by the Board of
Trustees. The Investment Adviser also acts as investment adviser to closed-end
and open-end management investment companies.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Investment Adviser an
advisory fee for the services and facilities it provides payable on a monthly
basis at the annual rate of 0.50% of each Fund's average daily net assets. The
Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund
expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each Fund
(excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's licensing fees, offering
costs, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary
expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary
course of each Fund's business) from exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per
year, at least until December 31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the
0.60% expense cap are: (a) legal fees pertaining to each Fund's Shares offered
for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be
listed on an exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into
the Expense Agreement, in which the Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its
management fees and/or pay certain operating expenses of each Fund in order to
maintain the expense ratio of each Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the
expenses set forth above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years
subsequent to each Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may
recover from each Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior
three years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
62 |
In addition to advisory fees, each Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its
operations, including service fees, distribution fees, custodian fees, legal and
independent registered public accounting firm fees, the costs of reports and
proxies to shareholders, compensation of Trustees (other than those who are
affiliated persons of the Investment Adviser) and all other ordinary business
expenses not specifically assumed by the Investment Adviser.
APPROVAL OF ADVISORY AGREEMENT
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees' approval of the
Advisory Agreement is available in each Fund's semi-annual report to
shareholders dated February 28, 2007, except with respect to the Claymore/Zacks
Growth & Income Index ETF, for which the discussion is available in the Fund's
annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2007.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The portfolio manager who is currently responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Funds' portfolio is Chuck Craig, CFA. Mr. Craig has managed each Fund's
portfolio since its inception. Mr. Craig is a Managing Director, Portfolio
Management and Supervision, of the Investment Adviser and Claymore Securities,
Inc. and joined Claymore Securities, Inc. in May of 2003. Before joining
Claymore Securities, Inc., Mr. Craig spent four years with First Trust
Portfolios L.P. (formerly Nike Securities) as an equity-research analyst and
portfolio manager within the Equity Strategy Research group. Mr. Craig received
a M.S. in Financial Markets from the Center for Law and Financial Markets at the
Illinois Institute of Technology. He also earned a B.S. in Finance from Northern
Illinois University.
The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about
the portfolio manager's compensation structure, other accounts managed by the
portfolio manager and the portfolio manager's ownership of securities of the
Funds he manages.
| 63
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
GENERAL
The Shares will be issued or redeemed by the Funds at net asset value per Share
only in Creation Unit size. See "Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees."
Most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Funds in secondary market
transactions through brokers. Shares of the Funds are listed for trading on the
secondary market on the AMEX. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the
trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment.
Although Shares are generally purchased and sold in "round lots" of 100 Shares,
brokerage firms typically permit investors to purchase or sell Shares in smaller
"odd lots," at no per-share price differential. When buying or selling Shares
through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges,
and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price
in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale)
transaction. The Funds trade on the AMEX at prices that may differ to varying
degrees from the daily NAV of the Shares. Given that each Fund's Shares can be
issued and redeemed in Creation Units, the Investment Adviser believes that
large discounts and premiums to NAV should not be sustained for long. The Funds
trade under the AMEX symbols set forth in the chart below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF FUND AMEX TICKER SYMBOL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF CSD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF NFO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF STH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF DEF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF XRO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF CVY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF CZG
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per Share.
Investors may acquire Shares directly from the Funds, and shareholders may
tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Funds, only in Creation Units
of 50,000 Shares, as discussed in the "Creations, Redemptions and Transaction
Fees" section, which follows.
64 |
BOOK ENTRY
Shares are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are
issued. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee is the record owner
of all outstanding Shares of the Funds and is recognized as the owner of all
Shares for all purposes.
Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or
its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares.
Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or
indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of
Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates
or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a
registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of
Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These
procedures are the same as those that apply to any other stocks that you may
hold in book entry or "street name" form.
| 65
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES
PRICING FUND SHARES
The trading price of each Fund's shares on the AMEX may differ from the Fund's
daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand,
economic conditions and other factors.
The AMEX disseminates the approximate value of Shares of the Funds every fifteen
seconds. This approximate value should not be viewed as a "real-time" update of
the NAV per Share of the Funds because the approximate value may not be
calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day,
generally at the end of the business day. The Funds are not involved in, or
responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value and
the Funds do not make any warranty as to its accuracy.
The net asset value per Share for each Fund is determined once daily as of the
close of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, each day the NYSE is open for
trading. NAV per Share is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities, cash and other assets (including accrued interest), less
all liabilities (including accrued expenses), by the total number of shares
outstanding.
Equity securities are valued at the last reported sale price on the principal
exchange or on the principal OTC market on which such securities are traded, as
of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the day the securities are being
valued or, if there are no sales, at the mean of the most recent bid and asked
prices. Equity securities that are traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock Market
are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Debt securities are valued at
the mean between the last available bid and asked prices for such securities or,
if such prices are not available, at prices for securities of comparable
maturity, quality, and type. Securities for which market quotations are not
readily available, including restricted securities, are valued by a method that
the Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value. Securities will be valued
at fair value when market quotations are not readily available or are deemed
unreliable, such as when a security's value or meaningful portion of a Fund's
portfolio is believed to have been materially affected by a significant event.
Such events may include a natural disaster, an economic event like a bankruptcy
filing, a trading halt in a security, an unscheduled early market close or a
substantial fluctuation in domestic and foreign markets that has occurred
between the close of the principal exchange and the NYSE. In such a case, the
value for a security is likely to be different from the last quoted market
price. In addition, due to the subjective and variable nature of fair market
value pricing, it is possible that the
66 |
value determined for a particular asset may be materially different from the
value realized upon such asset's sale.
CREATION UNITS
Investors such as market makers, large investors and institutions who wish to
deal in Creation Units directly with the Funds must have entered into an
authorized participant agreement with the distributor and the transfer agent, or
purchase through a dealer that has entered into such an agreement. Set forth
below is a brief description of the procedures applicable to purchase and
redemption of Creation Units. For more detailed information, see "Creation and
Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
In order to purchase Creation Units of a Fund, an investor must generally
deposit a designated portfolio of equity securities constituting a substantial
replication, or a representation, of the stocks included in the Index (the
"Deposit Securities") and generally make a small cash payment referred to as the
"Cash Component." For those Authorized Participants that are not eligible for
trading a Deposit Security, custom orders are available. The list of the names
and the numbers of shares of the Deposit Securities is made available by the
Funds' custodian through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing
Corporation, commonly referred to as NSCC, immediately prior to the opening of
business each day of the AMEX. The Cash Component represents the difference
between the net asset value of a Creation Unit and the market value of the
Deposit Securities. In the case of custom orders, cash-in-lieu may be added to
the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Securities that the Authorized
Participant may not be eligible to trade.
Orders must be placed in proper form by or through either (i) a "Participating
Party" i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the Clearing Process of the
Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process") or (ii) a
participant of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC Participant") that has entered
into an agreement with the Trust, the distributor and the transfer agent, with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units (collectively,
"Authorized Participant" or "AP"). All standard orders must be placed for one or
more whole Creation Units of Shares of each Fund and must be received by the
distributor in proper form no later than the close of regular trading on the
AMEX (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) ("Closing Time") in order to receive
that day's closing NAV per Share. In the case of custom orders, as further
described in the Statement of Additional Information, the order must be received
by the distributor no later than one hour prior to Closing Time in order to
receive that day's closing NAV per Share. A custom order may be placed by an
Authorized Participant in the event that the Trust permits or requires the
| 67
substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component to replace
any Deposit Security which may not be available in sufficient quantity for
delivery or which may not be eligible for trading by such Authorized Participant
or the investor for which it is acting or any other relevant reason. See
"Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
A fixed creation transaction fee of $500 per transaction (assuming 100 or fewer
stocks in each Creation Unit; Creation Units that have 101-200 stocks are
subject to a fee of $1,000 and Creation Units that have more than 200 stocks are
subject to a fee of $1,500) (the "Creation Transaction Fee") is applicable to
each transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased in the
transaction. An additional charge of up to four times the Creation Transaction
Fee may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside of the Clearing
Process (through a DTC Participant) or to the extent that cash is used in lieu
of securities to purchase Creation Units. See "Creation and Redemption of
Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional Information. The
price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per Share times the number
of Shares in a Creation Unit plus the fees described above and, if applicable,
any transfer taxes.
Shares of each Fund may be issued in advance of receipt of all Deposit
Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on
deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the
missing Deposit Securities. Any such transaction effected must be effected
outside the Clearing Process. See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit
Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional Information.
LEGAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSACTIONS IN CERTAIN STOCKS
An investor subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock
required to be deposited in connection with the purchase of a Creation Unit may,
at a Fund's discretion, be permitted to deposit an equivalent amount of cash in
substitution for any stock which would otherwise be included in the Deposit
Securities applicable to the purchase of a Creation Unit. For more details, see
"Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV and only on a day the
AMEX is open for business. The Funds' custodian makes available immediately
prior to the opening of business each day of the AMEX, through the facilities of
the NSCC, the list of the names and the numbers of shares of the Funds'
portfolio securities that will be applicable that day to redemption requests
68 |
in proper form ("Fund Securities"). Fund Securities received on redemption may
not be identical to Deposit Securities which are applicable to purchases of
Creation Units. Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for the
Funds, the redemption proceeds consist of the Fund Securities, plus cash in an
amount equal to the difference between the NAV of Shares being redeemed as next
determined after receipt by the transfer agent of a redemption request in proper
form, and the value of the Fund Securities (the "Cash Redemption Amount"), less
the applicable redemption fee and, if applicable, any transfer taxes. Should the
Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of Shares being redeemed, a
compensating cash payment to the Trust equal to the differential, plus the
applicable redemption fee and, if applicable, any transfer taxes will be
required to be arranged for by or on behalf of the redeeming shareholder. For
more details, see "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund may only be effected by or through
an Authorized Participant. An order to redeem must be placed for one or more
whole Creation Units and must be received by the transfer agent in proper form
no later than the close of regular trading on the AMEX (normally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) in order to receive that day's closing NAV per Share. In the case
of custom orders, as further described in the Statement of Additional
Information, the order must be received by the transfer agent no later than 3:00
p.m. Eastern time.
A fixed redemption transaction fee of $500 per transaction (assuming 100 or
fewer stocks in each Creation Unit; Creation Units that have 100-200 stocks are
subject to a fee of $1,000 and Creation Units that have more than 200 stocks are
subject to a fee of $1,500) (the "Redemption Transaction Fee") is applicable to
each redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed
in the transaction. An additional charge of up to four times the Redemption
Transaction Fee may be charged to approximate additional expenses incurred by
the Trust with respect to redemptions effected outside of the Clearing Process
or to the extent that redemptions are for cash. The Funds reserve the right to
effect redemptions in cash. A shareholder may request a cash redemption in lieu
of securities, however, a Fund may, in its discretion, reject any such request.
See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
DISTRIBUTIONS
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS. Fund shareholders are entitled to their share of a
Fund's income and net realized gains on its investments. Each Fund pays out
substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as "distributions."
Each Fund typically earns income dividends from stocks and interest from debt
securities. These amounts, net of expenses, are passed along to Fund
shareholders
| 69
as "income dividend distributions." Each Fund realizes capital gains or losses
whenever it sells securities. Net long-term capital gains are distributed to
shareholders as "capital gain distributions."
Income dividends, if any, are distributed to shareholders annually, except for
the Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF, which distributes quarterly. Net capital gains
are distributed at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more
frequently to improve Index tracking or to comply with the distribution
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the Claymore/Zacks Yield
Hog ETF intends to distribute at least annually amounts representing the full
dividend yield net of expenses on the underlying investment securities as if the
Fund owned the underlying investment securities for the entire dividend period.
Some portion of each distribution may result in a return of capital. Fund
shareholders will be notified regarding the portion of the distribution that
represents a return of capital.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares
only if the broker through which the Shares were purchased makes such option
available.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SERVICE PLAN
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted a distribution and services plan
(the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act"). Under the Plan, each Fund is authorized to pay
distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its shares and
pay service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to
shareholders of each class and the maintenance of shareholder accounts in an
amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year.
No 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Funds, and there are no current plans to
impose these fees. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future,
because these fees are paid out of a Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, these
fees will increase the cost of your investment in the Fund. By purchasing shares
subject to distribution fees and service fees, you may pay more over time than
you would by purchasing shares with other types of sales charge arrangements.
Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charge permitted by the rules of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). The net income attributable to the Shares will
be reduced by the amount of distribution fees and service fees and other
expenses of the Funds.
70 |
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
The Funds impose no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions.
The Board of Trustees evaluated the risks of market timing activities by the
Funds' shareholders when they considered that no restriction or policy was
necessary. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, each Fund
issues and redeems its shares at NAV for a basket of securities intended to
mirror the Fund's portfolio, plus a small amount of cash, and a Fund's Shares
may be purchased and sold on the exchange at prevailing market prices. Given
this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that (a) market timing
would be attempted by each Fund's shareholders or (b) any attempts to market
time a Fund by its shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or
its shareholders.
| 71
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Claymore Advisors, LLC is the administrator of the Funds.
The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY") is the custodian and fund accounting and
transfer agent for the Funds.
Clifford Chance US LLP serves as legal counsel to the Funds.
Ernst & Young LLP serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting
firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for
auditing the annual financial statements of the Funds.
72 |
INDEX PROVIDERS
Clear Indexes LLC is the Index Provider for the Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF.
Clear is not affiliated with the Trust, the Investment Adviser or the
distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered into a license agreement with
Clear to use the Index. The Fund is entitled to use the Index pursuant to a
sub-licensing arrangement with the Investment Adviser.
Sabrient Systems LLC is the Index Provider for the Claymore/Sabrient Insider
ETF, the Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF and the Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF.
Sabrient is not affiliated with the Trust, the Investment Adviser or the
distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered into a license agreement with
Sabrient to use each Fund's respective Index. Each Fund is entitled to use its
respective Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Investment
Adviser.
Zacks Investment Research, Inc. is the Index Provider for the Claymore/Zacks
Sector Rotation ETF, the Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF and the Claymore/Zacks
Growth & Income Index ETF. Zacks is not affiliated with the Trust, the
Investment Adviser or the distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered into a
license agreement with Zacks to use each Fund's respective Index. Each Fund is
entitled to use its respective Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement
with the Investment Adviser.
| 73
DISCLAIMERS
The "Clear Spin-off Index" is a trademark of Clear and has been licensed for use
for certain purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Fund is not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by Clear and Clear makes no representation regarding
the advisability of investing in Shares of the Fund.
The "Sabrient Insider Sentiment Index", "Sabrient Stealth Index" and "Sabrient
Defensive Equity Index" are trademarks of Sabrient and have been licensed for
use for certain purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Funds are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by Sabrient and Sabrient makes no representation
regarding the advisability of investing in Shares of the Funds.
The "Zacks Sector Rotation Index", "Zacks Yield Hog Index" and "Zacks Growth &
Income Index" are trademarks of Zacks and have been licensed for use for certain
purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold
or promoted by Zacks and Zacks makes no representation regarding the
advisability of investing in Shares of the Funds.
The Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF and its Shares are not sponsored, endorsed, sold
or promoted by Clear. Clear makes no representation or warranty, express or
implied, to the shareholders of the Fund or any member of the public regarding
the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund
particularly or the ability of any data supplied by Clear to track general stock
market performance. Clear's only relationship to the Investment Adviser is the
licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Clear and of the data
supplied by Clear, which is determined, composed and calculated by Clear without
regard to the Fund or its Shares. Clear has no obligation to take the needs of
the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of the Fund into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the data supplied by Clear. Clear is not
responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices of
the Shares of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of such Shares.
Clear has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration,
marketing or trading of the Fund or its Shares.
The Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF, the Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF and the
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF and their Shares are not sponsored, endorsed,
sold or promoted by Sabrient. Sabrient makes no representation or warranty,
express or implied, to the shareholders of the Funds or any member of the public
regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds
particularly or the ability of any data supplied by Sabrient to track general
stock market performance. Sabrient's only relationship to the Investment Adviser
is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Sabrient and of the
data supplied by Sabrient, which is determined, composed and calculated by
Sabrient
74 |
without regard to the Funds or their Shares. Sabrient has no obligation to take
the needs of the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of the Funds into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the data supplied by
Sabrient. Sabrient is not responsible for and has not participated in the
determination of the prices of the Shares of the Funds or the timing of the
issuance or sale of such Shares. Sabrient has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds or their
Shares.
The Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF, the Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF and
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF and their Shares are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by Zacks. Zacks makes no representation or warranty,
express or implied, to the shareholders of the Funds or any member of the public
regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds
particularly or the ability of any data supplied by Zacks to track general stock
market performance. Zacks' only relationship to the Investment Adviser is the
licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Zacks and of the data
supplied by Zacks, which is determined, composed and calculated by Zacks without
regard to the Funds or their Shares. Zacks has no obligation to take the needs
of the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of the Funds into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the data supplied by Zacks. Zacks is not
responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices of
the Shares of the Funds or the timing of the issuance or sale of such Shares.
Zacks has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration,
marketing or trading of the Funds or their Shares.
The Investment Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness
of any Index or any data included therein, and the Investment Adviser shall have
no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Investment
Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by
the Funds, owners of the Shares of the Funds or any other person or entity from
the use of any Index or any data included therein. The Investment Adviser makes
no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to any
Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no
event shall the Investment Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive,
direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out
of matters relating to the use of any Index even if notified of the possibility
of such damages.
| 75
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will
be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general
information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax
consequences of an investment in Shares.
Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or
tax-deferred retirement account, such as an IRA plan, you need to be aware of
the possible tax consequences when:
o Your Fund makes distributions,
o You sell your Shares listed on the AMEX, and
o You purchase or redeem Creation Units.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually,
except for the Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF, which distributes quarterly. Each
Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of the calendar year to
comply with federal tax requirements. In general, your distributions are subject
to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or
reinvest them in a Fund. Dividends paid out of a Fund's income and net
short-term gains, if any, are taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of net
long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the
Shares.
Long-term capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers are generally taxed at a
maximum rate of 15% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. In
addition, for these taxable years some ordinary dividends declared and paid by a
Fund to non-corporate shareholders may qualify for taxation at the lower reduced
tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that holding period
and other requirements are met by the Fund and the shareholder.
Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits
are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the
Shares, and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce a Fund's net
asset value per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital
gain even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute
a return of capital.
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, each Fund's
ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital
gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower
76 |
treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S.
trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment in the United
States. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of
a dividend as an "interest-related dividend." An interest-related dividend that
is received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity generally would be exempt
from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements are
met. The Fund may also, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion
of a dividend as a "short-term capital gain dividend" which if received by a
nonresident alien or foreign entity generally would be exempt from the 30% U.S.
withholding tax, unless the foreign person is a nonresident alien individual
present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or
more during the taxable year. The provisions contained in the legislation
relating to dividends to foreign persons would apply to dividends with respect
to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2008. Prospective
investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the specific tax
consequences relating to the proposed legislation.
Dividends and interest received by a Fund may give rise to withholding and other
taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries
and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The Funds are not
expected to receive significant amounts of interest.
By law, each Fund must withhold a percentage of your distributions and proceeds
if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security
number. The backup withholding rate for individuals is currently 28%.
TAXES ON EXCHANGE-LISTED SHARES SALES
Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally
treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more
than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been
held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
TAXES ON PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
An authorized purchaser who exchanges equity securities for Creation Units
generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the
difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the
exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and the Cash Component
paid. A person who exchanges Creation Units for equity securities will generally
recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis
in the Creation Units and the aggregate market value of the securities received
and the Cash Redemption Amount. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may
assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units
cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales" on the basis
that there has been no significant change in economic
| 77
position. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor
with respect to whether the wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be
deductible.
Under current federal tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon
redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or
loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term
capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less.
If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation
statement showing how many and at what price you purchased or sold Shares.
THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION SUMMARIZES SOME OF THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES UNDER
CURRENT FEDERAL TAX LAW OF AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND. IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
PERSONAL TAX ADVICE. YOU MAY ALSO BE SUBJECT TO STATE AND LOCAL TAXATION ON FUND
DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALES OF FUND SHARES. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL
TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE POTENTIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN FUND SHARES
UNDER ALL APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
78 |
OTHER INFORMATION
For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment
company. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment
companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of
the Funds. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund
beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and
conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust, including
that such investment companies enter into an agreement with a Fund.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the
disclosure of a Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's Statement
of Additional Information.
| 79
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand each Fund's
financial performance since its inception. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment
in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This
information has been derived from the Funds' financial statements which have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the Funds' financial
statements, are included in the Funds' Annual Report, which is available upon
request.
80 |
CLAYMORE/CLEAR SPIN-OFF ETF
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 15, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.18
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) (a) 0.04
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 3.80
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 3.84
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 29.02
===================================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 28.97
===================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* (b)
Net asset value 15.25%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 50,793
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.75%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 0.17%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 23%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser, total return would have
been lower and the ratios would have been as follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.11%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -0.19%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
| 81
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT INSIDER ETF
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
SEPTEMBER 21, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.14
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) (a) 0.11
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 4.27
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 4.38
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income (0.04)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 29.48
===================================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 29.45
===================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* (b)
Net asset value 17.43%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 30,976
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.76%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 0.41%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 17%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser, total return would have
been lower and the ratios would have been as follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.15%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets 0.02%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
82 |
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT STEALTH ETF
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
SEPTEMBER 21, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.15
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) (a) 0.22
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.95
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.17
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income (0.07)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 26.25
===================================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 26.18
===================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* (b)
Net asset value 4.64%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 18,394
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.84%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 0.83%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 61%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser, total return would have
been lower and the ratios would have been as follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.51%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets 0.16%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
| 83
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT DEFENDER ETF
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 15, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.07
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) (a) 0.31
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.97
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.28
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income (0.01)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 26.34
===================================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 26.29
===================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* (b)
Net asset value 5.09%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 27,657
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.79%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 1.64%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 21%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser, total return would have
been lower and the ratios would have been as follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.35%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets 1.08%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
84 |
CLAYMORE/ZACKS SECTOR ROTATION ETF
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
SEPTEMBER 21, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 24.98
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) (a) 0.17
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 4.43
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 4.60
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income (0.04)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 29.54
===================================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 29.61
===================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* (b)
Net asset value 18.41%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 65,010
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.72%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 0.64%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 47%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser, total return would have
been lower and the ratios would have been as follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.97%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets 0.39%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
| 85
CLAYMORE/ZACKS YIELD HOG ETF
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
SEPTEMBER 21, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 24.96
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) (a) 1.06
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.12
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.18
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income (0.88)
Return of capital (0.12)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (1.00)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 26.14
===================================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 26.10
===================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* (b)
Net asset value 8.67%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 94,111
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.70%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 4.17%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 21%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser, total return would have
been lower and the ratios would have been as follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.90%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets 3.97%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
86 |
CLAYMORE/ZACKS GROWTH & INCOME INDEX ETF
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 2, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.08
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) (a) 0.02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.21
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.23
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 25.31
===================================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 24.45
===================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN* (b)
Net asset value 0.92%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 2,531
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 2.07%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 0.20%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 53%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser, total return would have
been lower and the ratios would have been as follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 8.75%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -6.48%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
| 87
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
The table that follows presents information about the differences between the
daily market price on secondary markets for Shares and the NAV of each Fund,
other than the Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF. Such information with
respect to the Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF will be presented once
that Fund's Shares have traded for a full twelve months. NAV is the price per
share at which each Fund issues and redeems Shares. It is calculated in
accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The "Market
Price" of each Fund generally is determined using the midpoint between the
highest bid and the lowest offer on the exchange on which the Fund is listed for
trading, as of the time the Fund's NAV is calculated. Each Fund's Market Price
may be at, above or below its NAV. The NAV of each Fund will fluctuate with
changes in the market value of its portfolio holdings. The Market Price of each
Fund will fluctuate in accordance with changes in its NAV, as well as market
supply and demand.
Premiums or discounts are the differences (generally expressed as a percentage)
between the NAV and Market Price of each Fund on a given day, generally at the
time NAV is calculated. A premium is the amount that each Fund is trading above
the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount is the amount
that each Fund is trading below the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of
the NAV.
The following information shows the frequency of distributions of premiums and
discounts for each Fund, other than the Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index
ETF. The information shown for each Fund, other then the Claymore/Zacks Growth &
Income Index ETF, is for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007 and for each of
the last four quarters.
Each line in the table shows the number of trading days in which the Fund traded
within the premium/discount range indicated. The number of trading days in each
premium/discount range is also shown as a percentage of the total number of
trading days in the period covered by the table. All data presented here
represents past performance, which cannot be used to predict future results.
88 |
CLAYMORE/CLEAR SPIN-OFF ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 2.0% and 1.5% 1/0.56% 1/0.51% 1/0.75% 1/1.41% --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.5% and 1.0% -- -- -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0 and 0.5% 1/0.56% 1/0.51% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5 and -0.5% 176/48.88% 195/98.98% 133/49.25% 70/98.59% 10/100%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 178/100.00% 197/100.00% 134/100.00% 71/100.00% 10/100.00%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Commenced operations on September 21, 2006.
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT INSIDER ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.5% and 1.0% 1/1.42% 1/0.39% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0% and 0.5% 1/0.42% 2/0.78% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5 and -0.5% 235/98.74% 253/98.44% 194/100% 131/100% 70/100%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -0.5 and -1.0% 1/0.42% 1/0.39% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 238/100.00% 257/100.00% 194/100.00% 131/100.00% 70/100.00%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Commenced operations on September 21, 2006.
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT STEALTH ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 2.0 and 1.5% 1/0.42% 1/0.39% 1/0.52% 1/0.76% --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.5% and 1.0% 1/0.42% 2/0.78% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0% and 0.5% 4/1.68% 4/1.56% 1/0.52% 1/0.76% 1/1.43%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5% and -0.5% 232/97.48% 250/97.28% 192/98.97% 129/98.47% 69/98.57%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 238/100.00% 257/100.00% 194/100.00% 131/100.00% 70/100.00%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Commenced operations on September 21, 2006.
| 89
CLAYMORE/SABRIENT DEFENDER ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0% and 0.5% 1/0.56% 1/0.51% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5 and -0.5% 175/98.31% 194/98.48% 134/100% 71/100% 10/100%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -1.0% and -0.5% 1/0.56% 1/0.51% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -1.0% and -1.5% 1/0.56% 1/0.51% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 178/100.00% 197/100.00% 134/100.00% 71/100.00% 10/100.00%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Commenced operations on September 21, 2006.
CLAYMORE/ZACKS SECTOR ROTATION ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0% and 0.5% 1/0.42% 2/0.78% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5 and -0.5% 236/99.16% 254/98.83% 194/100% 131/100% 70/100%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -0.5 and -1.0% 1/0.42% 1/0.39% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 238/100.00% 257/100.00% 194/100.00% 131/100.00% 70/100.00%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Commenced operations on September 21, 2006.
CLAYMORE/ZACKS YIELD HOG ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater than 2.0% 1/0.42% 1/0.39% 1/0.52% 1/0.76% --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 2.0 and 1.5% 1/0.42% 1/0.39% 1/0.52% 1/0.76% 1/1.43%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.5 and 1.0% -- -- -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0 and 0.5% 2/0.84% 2/0.78% -- -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5 and -0.5% 232/97.48% 251/97.67% 191/98.45% 128/97.71% 69/98.57%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -0.5 and -1.0% 2/0.84% 2/0.78% 1/0.52% 1/0.76% --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 238/100.00% 257/100.00% 194/100.00% 131/100.00% 70/100.00%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Commenced operations on September 21, 2006.
90 |
TOTAL RETURN INFORMATION
The following table presents information about the total return of each Fund's
Index in comparison to the total return of that Fund. The information presented
for each Fund is for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.
"Cumulative total returns" represent the total change in value of an investment
over the period indicated. A Fund's per Share NAV is the value of one Share of a
Fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual
fund shares. The NAV return is based on the NAV of a Fund, and the market return
is based on the market price per Share of a Fund. The price used to calculate
market return ("Market Price") is determined by using the midpoint between the
highest bid and the lowest offer on the exchange on which a Fund is listed for
trading, as of the time that a Fund's NAV is calculated. Since a Fund's Shares
typically do not trade in the secondary market until several days after a Fund's
inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market
trading in Fund Shares, the NAV of a Fund is used as a proxy for secondary
market trading price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume
that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested in a Fund at
Market Price and NAV, respectively. An index is a statistical composite that
tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike the Funds, an index does
not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the
expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses negatively impact the performance
of the Funds. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may
be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were
included, market returns would be lower. The returns shown in the table below do
not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Shares of each Fund. The investment
return and principal value of Shares of a Fund will vary with changes in market
conditions. Shares of a Fund may be worth more or less than their original cost
when they are redeemed or sold in the market. The Funds' past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
| 91
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
SINCE INCEPTION*
FUND/INDEX NAME THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF (At NAV) 15.25%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF (At Market) 15.05%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clear Spin-off Index 15.93%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.62%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF (At NAV) 17.43%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF (At Market) 17.31%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sabrient Insider Sentiment Index 18.31%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 13.79%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF (At NAV) 4.64%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF (At Market) 4.36%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sabrient Stealth Index 5.66%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 13.79%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF (At NAV) 5.09%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF (At Market) 4.89%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sabrient Defensive Equity Index 5.68%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard and Poor's 500(R) Index 4.62%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF (At NAV) 18.41%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF (At Market) 18.69%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zacks Sector Rotation Index 18.79%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 13.79%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF (At NAV) 8.67%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF (At Market) 8.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zacks Yield Hog Index 10.25%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 13.79%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF (At NAV) 0.92%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF (At Market) -2.51%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zacks Growth & Income Index 1.91%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Each of the Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF, Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF,
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF and Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF
commenced operations on September 21, 2006. Each of the Claymore/Clear
Spin-Off ETF and Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF commenced operations on
December 15, 2006. The Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF commenced
operations on April 2, 2007.
92 |
This page intentionally left blank.
| 93
This page intentionally left blank.
94 |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS OR PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS
o Call your broker
o www.claymore.com
DEALERS
o www.claymore.com
o Distributor Telephone: (888) 949-3837
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Claymore Advisors, LLC
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
DISTRIBUTOR
Claymore Securities, Inc.
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York Mellon
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
LEGAL COUNSEL
Clifford Chance US LLP
31 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
TRANSFER AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
[LOGO]
CLAYMORE(R)
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 2007, which contains
more details about the Funds, is incorporated by reference in its entirety into
this Prospectus, which means that it is legally part of this Prospectus.
You will find additional information about each Fund in its annual and
semi-annual reports to shareholders, when available. The annual report will
explain the market conditions and investment strategies affecting each Fund's
performance during its last fiscal year.
You can ask questions or obtain a free copy of the Funds' shareholder reports or
the Statement of Additional Information by calling 1-888-949-3837. Free copies
of the Funds' shareholder reports and the Statement of Additional Information
are available from our website at www.claymore.com.
Information about each Fund, including its reports and the Statement of
Additional Information, has been filed with the SEC. It can be reviewed and
copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or on the EDGAR
database on the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Information on the
operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC
at (202) 551-5850. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment
of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's e-mail address
(publicinfo@sec.gov) or by writing the Public Reference section of the SEC, 100
F Street NE, Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549.
PROSPECTUS
DISTRIBUTOR
Claymore Securities, Inc.
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
DECEMBER 31, 2007
Investment Company Act File No. 811-21906
Logo: Claymore(R)
CLAYMORE
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
[] Claymore/ BNY BRIC ETF
PROSPECTUS
DECEMBER 31, 2007
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION--CLAYMORE EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST 3
WHO SHOULD INVEST 3
TAX-ADVANTAGED PRODUCT STRUCTURE 3
CLAYMORE/BNY BRIC ETF 4
SECONDARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES 12
ADDITIONAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS 12
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES 13
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES 15
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES 16
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS 21
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS 21
INDEX PROVIDERS 21
DISCLAIMERS 21
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION 22
OTHER INFORMATION 25
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 25
|
No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this
Prospectus, in connection with the offer contained in this Prospectus and, if
given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon
as having been authorized by the Fund, Claymore Advisors, LLC, the Fund's
investment adviser (the "Investment Adviser"), or the Fund's distributor,
Claymore Securities, Inc. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer by the
Fund or by the Fund's distributor to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy
any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom
it is unlawful for the Fund to make such an offer in such jurisdiction.
INTRODUCTION-CLAYMORE
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
The Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (the "Trust") is an investment company
currently consisting of 25 separate exchange-traded "index funds." The
investment objective of each of the funds is to replicate as closely as
possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specified market index.
Claymore Advisors, LLC is the investment adviser for the funds (the "Investment
Adviser").
This prospectus relates to one fund of the Trust, the Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF (the
"Fund").
The Fund's shares (the "Shares") are issued and traded on the American Stock
Exchange (the "AMEX"). The Fund's Shares trade at market prices that may differ
to some degree from the net asset value ("NAV") of the Shares. Unlike
conventional mutual funds, the Fund issues and redeems Shares on a continuous
basis, at NAV, only in large specified blocks of 50,000 Shares, each of which is
called a "Creation Unit." Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally
in-kind for securities included in a specified index. EXCEPT WHEN AGGREGATED IN
CREATION UNITS, SHARES ARE NOT REDEEMABLE SECURITIES OF THE FUND.
WHO SHOULD INVEST
The Fund is designed for investors who seek a relatively low-cost "passive"
approach for investing in a portfolio of equity securities of companies in a
specified index. The Fund may be suitable for long-term investment in the market
represented by a specified index and may also be used as an asset allocation
tool or as a speculative trading instrument.
TAX-ADVANTAGED PRODUCT STRUCTURE
Unlike interests in many conventional mutual funds, the Shares are traded
throughout the day on a national securities exchange, whereas mutual fund
interests are typically only bought and sold at closing net asset values. The
Shares have been designed to be tradable in the secondary market on a national
securities exchange on an intra-day basis, and to be created and redeemed
principally in-kind in Creation Units at each day's next calculated NAV. These
arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from adverse effects
on the Fund's portfolio that could arise from frequent cash creation and
redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an
adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders because of the mutual fund's need to
sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet fund redemptions. These sales
may generate taxable gains for the shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the
Shares' in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for
the Fund or its ongoing shareholders.
3
CLAYMORE/BNY BRIC ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called The Bank of New
York Mellon BRIC Select ADR Index (the "BNY BRIC Index" or the "Index"). The
Fund's investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board
of Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the BNY BRIC Index. The
BNY BRIC Index is comprised of American depositary receipts ("ADRs") and global
depositary receipts ("GDRs") selected, based on liquidity, from a universe of
all listed depositary receipts of companies from Brazil, Russia, India and China
currently trading on U.S. exchanges. The companies in the universe are selected
using a proprietary methodology developed by The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY"
or the "Index Provider"). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its
total assets in ADRs and GDRs that comprise the Index. The Index currently
consists of 75 securities. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund
to provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material
change in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may
change the Fund's investment strategy and other policies without shareholder
approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index.
4
The Fund may sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks
that are not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from
or addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The BNY BRIC Index tracks the performance of U.S. exchange-listed depositary
receipts in ADR or GDR form that are listed for trading on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE"), AMEX and Nasdaq Stock Market ("NASDAQ") of companies from
Brazil, Russia, India and China, which meet certain criteria. The universe of
potential Index constituents includes all liquid U.S. exchange-listed ADRs and
GDRs. As of the date of this Prospectus, the BNY BRIC Index's constituent
countries are represented (in approximate market capitalization) in the Index as
follows: 48% of the Index consists of Brazilian companies, 6% of the Index
consists of Russian companies, 10% of the Index consists of Indian companies and
36% of the Index consists of Chinese companies.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Eligible securities include all ADRs and GDRs of companies from Brazil,
Russia, India and China, which are included in BNY's ADR indices specific
to Brazil, Russia, India and China, respectively, and which meet the
following criteria: n Price greater than or equal to $3.
[] Minimum 3 month average daily ADR trading volume greater than or equal
to 25,000 shares, or 125,000 ordinary shares in the local market. In
the case of new ADRs whose both ADR and ordinary volume is less than 3
months, average daily volume for the available time period will be
used in the calculation.
[] Free-float adjusted market capitalization greater than or equal to
$250 million.
[] Passive foreign investment companies are excluded based upon the best
information available.
2. Decisions regarding additions to and removals from the Index are made by
the ADR Index Administrator and are subject to periodic review by a policy
steering committee known as The Bank of New York Mellon ADR Index
Committee.
3. The Index is weighted based on a modified capitalization method, using an
Index formula based upon the aggregate of prices times share quantities.
The number of shares used in the Index calculation generally represents the
entire class(es) or series of shares adjusted for free-float that trade in
the local market and also trade in the form of depositary receipts in the
United States. Adjustments are made to ensure that no single stock exceeds
23% of the Index and, with respect to 55% of the Index, that no single
stock represents more than 4.5% of the Index.
5
4. The Index may be adjusted for changes in shares and float that may affect
the weighting of constituents generally on a quarterly basis.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
Investors should consider the following risk factors and special considerations
associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause you to lose money.
Investment Risk. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
Equity Risk. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
Foreign Investment Risk. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs and GDRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in
securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, greater market volatility
than U.S. securities and less complete financial information than for U.S.
issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could
undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the Fund from realizing
the full value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies
based in foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the
value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could
decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of
the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
6
Emerging market countries are countries that major international financial
institutions, such as the World Bank, generally consider to be less economically
mature than developed nations. Emerging market countries can include every
nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New
Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. Investing in foreign
countries, particularly emerging market countries, entails the risk that news
and events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their
issuers. Countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable
governments, may present the risks of nationalization of businesses,
restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of
assets. The economies of emerging markets countries also may be based on only a
few industries, making them more vulnerable to changes in local or global trade
conditions and more sensitive to debt burdens or inflation rates. Local
securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to
respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt
liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.
Brazil has experienced substantial economic instability resulting from, among
other things, periods of very high inflation, persistent structural public
sector deficits and significant devaluations of the currency of Brazil, and
leading also to a high degree of price volatility in both the Brazilian equity
and foreign currency markets. Brazilian companies may also be adversely affected
by high interest and unemployment rates, and are particularly sensitive to
fluctuations in commodity prices.
Investing in securities of Russian companies involves additional risks,
including, among others, the absence of developed legal structures governing
private or foreign investments and private property; the possibility of the loss
of all or a substantial portion of the Fund's assets invested in Russia as a
result of expropriation; certain national policies which may restrict the Fund's
investment opportunities, including, without limitation, restrictions on
investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national
interests; and potentially greater price volatility in, significantly smaller
capitalization of, and relative illiquidity of, some of these markets.
Investing in securities of Indian companies involves additional risks,
including, but not limited to, greater price volatility, substantially less
liquidity and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets,
more substantial governmental involvement in the economy, higher rates of
inflation and greater political, economic and social uncertainty. Furthermore,
future actions of the Indian Government or religious and ethnic unrest could
have a significant impact on the economy.
Investing in securities of Chinese companies involves additional risks,
including, but not limited to: the economy of China differs, often unfavorably,
from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development,
government
7
involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, allocation of
resources and capital reinvestment, among others; the central government has
historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the
Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership; and
actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have
a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, previously
the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the
prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or
concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in
certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their
securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate
of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. It may do so in the
future as well, potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic
conditions in China, the economic prospects for, and the market prices and
liquidity of, the securities of China companies and the payments of dividends
and interest by China companies.
China Exposure Risk. From time to time, certain of the companies comprising the
BNY BRIC Index that are located in China may operate in, or have dealings with,
countries subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and
the United Nations and/or in countries identified by the U.S. government as
state sponsors of terrorism. One or more of these companies may be subject to
constraints under U.S. law or regulations which could negatively affect the
company's performance, and/or could suffer damage to its reputation if it is
identified as a company which invests or deals with countries which are
identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism or subject to
sanctions. As an investor in such companies, the Fund is indirectly subject to
those risks.
Small and Medium-Sized Company Risk. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
Non-Correlation Risk. The Fund's return may not match the return of the BNY BRIC
Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of
operating expenses not applicable to the BNY BRIC Index, and incurs costs in
buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities
holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the BNY BRIC Index. Since the
BNY BRIC Index constituents may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs
associated with rebalancing may be greater than those incurred by other
exchange-traded funds that track indices whose composition changes less
frequently.
8
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the BNY BRIC Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in
the BNY BRIC Index with the same weightings as the BNY BRIC Index.
Replication Management Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
BNY BRIC Index.
Issuer-Specific Changes. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
9
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order (1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.18%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 0.68%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 0.04%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.64%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
1 Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay a
standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation Unit is
purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the National Securities
Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be charged. See the
following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees".
2 Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
3 The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which
the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the Fund's
average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by the Fund.
4 The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or
pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of
the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's licensing fees,
offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and
extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the
ordinary course of the Fund's business) from exceeding 0.60% of average net
assets per year, at least until December 31, 2010. The offering costs excluded
from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a) legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares
offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid
to be listed on an exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered
into an Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay certain
operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense ratio of the
Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth above) (the "Expense
Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the Fund's commencement of
operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from the Fund fees and expenses
waived or reimbursed during the prior three years if the Fund's expense ratio,
including the recovered expenses, falls below the Expense Cap.
10
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
$65 $205 $366 $835
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
75 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 75 stocks in each Creation Unit). See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $8,674, $26,108 $46,274, and $104,823 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes to
the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
11
SECONDARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 90% of its total assets in component
securities that comprise its Index. The Fund may invest its remaining assets in
money market instruments, including repurchase agreements or other funds which
invest exclusively in money market instruments, convertible securities,
structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment and interest
payments are based on the movement of one or more specified factors, such as the
movement of a particular stock or stock index) and in swaps, options and futures
contracts. Swaps, options and futures contracts (and convertible securities and
structured notes) may be used by the Fund in seeking performance that
corresponds to its Index, and in managing cash flows. The Fund will not invest
in money market instruments as part of a temporary defensive strategy to protect
against potential stock market declines. The Investment Adviser anticipates that
it may take approximately three business days (i.e., each day the AMEX is open)
for additions and deletions to the Fund's Index to be reflected in the portfolio
composition of the Fund.
The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of 10% of the value of its
assets, but only for temporary or emergency purposes.
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other
financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions
and for other purposes. In connection with such loans, the Fund receives liquid
collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of the portfolio securities being
lent. This collateral is marked to market on a daily basis.
The policies described herein constitute non-fundamental policies that may be
changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. Certain other
fundamental policies of the Fund are set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information under "Investment Restrictions."
ADDITIONAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to the risks described previously, there are certain other risks
related to investing in the Fund.
Trading Issues. Trading in Shares on the AMEX may be halted due to market
conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the AMEX, make trading in Shares
inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the AMEX is subject to trading
halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the AMEX "circuit
breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the AMEX
12
necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will
remain unchanged.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value. The NAV of the Fund's Shares will generally
fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund's holdings. The market
prices of the Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV
as well as the relative supply of and demand for the Shares on the AMEX. The
Investment Adviser cannot predict whether the Shares will trade below, at or
above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that
supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the Shares
will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing
the prices of the stocks of the Index trading individually or in the aggregate
at any point in time.
However, given that the Shares can be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units
(unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable
discounts from, and sometimes premiums to, their NAV), the Investment Adviser
believes that large discounts or premiums to the NAV of the Shares should not be
sustained.
Securities Lending. Although the Fund will receive collateral in connection with
all loans of its securities holdings, the Fund would be exposed to a risk of
loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed
securities (e.g., the loaned securities may have appreciated beyond the value of
the collateral held by the Fund). In addition, the Fund will bear the risk of
loss of any cash collateral that it invests.
Leverage. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged.
Leveraging generally exaggerates the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease
in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
These risks are described further in the Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Claymore Advisors, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Claymore Group Inc., acts
as the Fund's investment adviser pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Fund
(the "Advisory Agreement"). The Investment Adviser is a Delaware limited
liability company with its principal offices located at 2455 Corporate West
Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532. As of November 30, 2007, Claymore entities have
provided supervisory, management, servicing or distribution services on
approximately $18.3 billion in assets through closed-end funds, unit investment
trusts and exchange-traded funds. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the
Investment Adviser manages the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets
and
13
administers the affairs of the Fund to the extent requested by the Board of
Trustees. The Investment Adviser also acts as investment adviser to closed-end
and open-end management investment companies.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser an
advisory fee for the services and facilities it provides payable on a monthly
basis at the annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The
Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund
expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's licensing fees, offering
costs, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary
expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary
course of the Fund's business) from exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per
year, at least until December 31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the
0.60% expense cap are: (a) legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered
for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be
listed on an exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into
the Expense Agreement, in which the Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its
management fees and/or pay certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to
maintain the expense ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses
set forth above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to
the Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three years if
the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls below the
Expense Cap.
In addition to advisory fees, the Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its
operations, including service fees, distribution fees, custodian fees, legal and
independent registered public accounting firm fees, the costs of reports and
proxies to shareholders, compensation of Trustees (other than those who are
affiliated persons of the Investment Adviser) and all other ordinary business
expenses not specifically assumed by the Investment Adviser.
APPROVAL OF ADVISORY AGREEMENT
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees' approval of the
Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund's semi-annual report to shareholders
dated February 28, 2007.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The portfolio manager who is currently responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Fund's portfolio is Chuck Craig, CFA. Mr. Craig has managed the Fund's
portfolio since its inception. Mr. Craig is a Managing Director, Portfolio
Management and Supervision, of the Investment Adviser and Claymore Securities,
Inc. and joined Claymore Securities, Inc. in May of 2003. Before joining
Claymore Securities, Inc., Mr. Craig spent four years with First
14
Trust Portfolios L.P. (formerly Nike Securities) as an equity-research analyst
and portfolio manager within the Equity Strategy Research group. Mr. Craig
received a M.S. in Financial Markets from the Center for Law and Financial
Markets at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He also earned a B.S. in
Finance from Northern Illinois University.
The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about
the portfolio manager's compensation structure, other accounts managed by the
portfolio manager and the portfolio manager's ownership of securities of the
Fund he manages.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
GENERAL
The Shares are issued or redeemed by the Fund at net asset value per Share only
in Creation Unit size. See "Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees."
Most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund in secondary market
transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the
secondary market on the AMEX. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the
trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment.
Although Shares are generally purchased and sold in "round lots" of 100 Shares,
brokerage firms typically permit investors to purchase or sell Shares in smaller
"odd lots," at no per-share price differential. When buying or selling Shares
through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges,
and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price
in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale)
transaction. The Fund trades on the AMEX at prices that may differ to varying
degrees from the daily NAV of the Shares. Given that the Fund's Shares can be
issued and redeemed in Creation Units, the Investment Adviser believes that
large discounts and premiums to NAV should not be sustained for long. The Fund
trades under the AMEX symbol set forth in the chart below.
NAME OF FUND AMEX TICKER SYMBOL
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF EEB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per Share.
Investors may acquire Shares directly from the Fund, and shareholders may tender
their Shares for redemption directly to the Fund, only in Creation Units of
50,000 Shares, as discussed in the "Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees"
section, which follows.
15
BOOK ENTRY
Shares are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are
issued. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee is the record owner
of all outstanding Shares of the Fund and is recognized as the owner of all
Shares for all purposes.
Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or
its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares.
Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or
indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of
Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates
or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a
registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of
Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These
procedures are the same as those that apply to any other stocks that you may
hold in book entry or "street name" form.
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES
PRICING FUND SHARES
The trading price of the Fund's shares on the AMEX may differ from the Fund's
daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand,
economic conditions and other factors.
The AMEX disseminates the approximate value of Shares of the Fund every fifteen
seconds. This approximate value should not be viewed as a "real-time" update of
the NAV per Share of the Fund because the approximate value may not be
calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day,
generally at the end of the business day. The Fund is not involved in, or
responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value and
the Fund does not make any warranty as to its accuracy.
The net asset value per Share for the Fund is determined once daily as of the
close of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, each day the NYSE is open for
trading. NAV per Share is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities, cash and other assets (including accrued interest), less
all liabilities (including accrued expenses), by the total number of shares
outstanding.
Equity securities are valued at the last reported sale price on the principal
exchange or on the principal OTC market on which such securities are traded, as
of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the day the securities are being
valued or, if there are no sales, at the mean of the most recent bid and asked
prices. Equity securities that are traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock
16
Market are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Debt securities are
valued at the mean between the last available bid and asked prices for such
securities or, if such prices are not available, at prices for securities of
comparable maturity, quality, and type. Securities for which market quotations
are not readily available, including restricted securities, are valued by a
method that the Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value. Securities will
be valued at fair value when market quotations are not readily available or are
deemed unreliable, such as when a security's value or meaningful portion of the
Fund's portfolio is believed to have been materially affected by a significant
event. Such events may include a natural disaster, an economic event like a
bankruptcy filing, a trading halt in a security, an unscheduled early market
close or a substantial fluctuation in domestic and foreign markets that has
occurred between the close of the principal exchange and the NYSE. In such a
case, the value for a security is likely to be different from the last quoted
market price. In addition, due to the subjective and variable nature of fair
market value pricing, it is possible that the value determined for a particular
asset may be materially different from the value realized upon such asset's
sale.
CREATION UNITS
Investors such as market makers, large investors and institutions who wish to
deal in Creation Units directly with the Fund must have entered into an
authorized participant agreement with the distributor and the transfer agent, or
purchase through a dealer that has entered into such an agreement. Set forth
below is a brief description of the procedures applicable to purchase and
redemption of Creation Units. For more detailed information, see "Creation and
Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
In order to purchase Creation Units of the Fund, an investor must generally
deposit a designated portfolio of equity securities constituting a substantial
replication, or a representation, of the stocks included in the Index (the
"Deposit Securities") and generally make a small cash payment referred to as the
"Cash Component." For those Authorized Participants that are not eligible for
trading a Deposit Security, custom orders are available. The list of the names
and the numbers of shares of the Deposit Securities is made available by the
Fund's custodian through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing
Corporation, commonly referred to as NSCC, immediately prior to the opening of
business each day of the AMEX. The Cash Component represents the difference
between the net asset value of a Creation Unit and the market value of the
Deposit Securities. In the case of custom orders, cash-in-lieu may be added to
the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Securities that the Authorized
Participant may not be eligible to trade.
17
Orders must be placed in proper form by or through either (i) a "Participating
Party" i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the Clearing Process of the
Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process") or (ii) a
participant of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC Participant") that has entered
into an agreement with the Trust, the distributor and the transfer agent, with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units (collectively,
"Authorized Participant" or "AP"). All standard orders must be placed for one or
more whole Creation Units of Shares of the Fund and must be received by the
distributor in proper form no later than the close of regular trading on the
AMEX (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) ("Closing Time") in order to receive
that day's closing NAV per Share. In the case of custom orders, as further
described in the Statement of Additional Information, the order must be received
by the distributor no later than one hour prior to Closing Time in order to
receive that day's closing NAV per Share. A custom order may be placed by an
Authorized Participant in the event that the Trust permits or requires the
substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component to replace
any Deposit Security which may not be available in sufficient quantity for
delivery or which may not be eligible for trading by such Authorized Participant
or the investor for which it is acting or any other relevant reason. See
"Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
A fixed creation transaction fee of $500 per transaction (assuming 75 or fewer
stocks in each Creation Unit) (the "Creation Transaction Fee") is applicable to
each transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased in the
transaction. An additional charge of up to four times the Creation Transaction
Fee may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside of the Clearing
Process (through a DTC Participant) or to the extent that cash is used in lieu
of securities to purchase Creation Units. See "Creation and Redemption of
Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional Information. The
price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per Share times the number
of Shares in a Creation Unit plus the fees described above and, if applicable,
any transfer taxes.
Shares of the Fund may be issued in advance of receipt of all Deposit Securities
subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit
with the Trust cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the missing
Deposit Securities. Any such transaction effected must be effected outside the
Clearing Process. See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
LEGAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSACTIONS IN CERTAIN STOCKS
An investor subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock
required to be deposited in connection with the purchase of a Creation Unit may,
at the Fund's discretion, be permitted to deposit an equivalent amount of cash
in substitution for any stock which would otherwise be included in the Deposit
Securities applicable to
18
the purchase of a Creation Unit. For more details, see "Creation and Redemption
of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional Information.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV and only on a day the
AMEX is open for business. The Fund's custodian makes available immediately
prior to the opening of business each day of the AMEX, through the facilities of
the NSCC, the list of the names and the numbers of shares of the Fund's
portfolio securities that will be applicable that day to redemption requests in
proper form ("Fund Securities"). Fund Securities received on redemption may not
be identical to Deposit Securities which are applicable to purchases of Creation
Units. Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for the Fund, the
redemption proceeds consist of the Fund Securities, plus cash in an amount equal
to the difference between the NAV of Shares being redeemed as next determined
after receipt by the transfer agent of a redemption request in proper form, and
the value of the Fund Securities (the "Cash Redemption Amount"), less the
applicable redemption fee and, if applicable, any transfer taxes. Should the
Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of Shares being redeemed, a
compensating cash payment to the Trust equal to the differential, plus the
applicable redemption fee and, if applicable, any transfer taxes will be
required to be arranged for by or on behalf of the redeeming shareholder. For
more details, see "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund may only be effected by or through
an Authorized Participant. An order to redeem must be placed for one or more
whole Creation Units and must be received by the transfer agent in proper form
no later than the close of regular trading on the AMEX (normally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) in order to receive that day's closing NAV per Share. In the case
of custom orders, as further described in the Statement of Additional
Information, the order must be received by the transfer agent no later than 3:00
p.m. Eastern time.
A fixed redemption transaction fee of $500 per transaction (assuming 75 or
fewer stocks in each Creation Unit) (the "Redemption Transaction Fee") is
applicable to each redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation
Units redeemed in the transaction. An additional charge of up to four times the
Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged to approximate additional expenses
incurred by the Trust with respect to redemptions effected outside of the
Clearing Process or to the extent that redemptions are for cash. The Fund
reserves the right to effect redemptions in cash. A shareholder may request a
cash redemption in lieu of securities, however, the Fund may, in its discretion,
reject any such request. See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit
Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional Information.
19
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and Capital Gains. Fund shareholders are entitled to their share of
the Fund's income and net realized gains on its investments. The Fund pays out
substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as "distributions."
The Fund typically earns income dividends from stocks and interest from debt
securities. These amounts, net of expenses, are passed along to Fund
shareholders as "income dividend distributions." The Fund realizes capital gains
or losses whenever it sells securities. Net long-term capital gains are
distributed to shareholders as "capital gain distributions."
Income dividends, if any, are distributed to shareholders annually. Net capital
gains are distributed at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more
frequently to improve Index tracking or to comply with the distribution
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Some portion of each distribution may
result in a return of capital. Fund shareholders will be notified regarding the
portion of the distribution that represents a return of capital.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares
only if the broker through which the Shares were purchased makes such option
available.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SERVICE PLAN
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted a distribution and services plan
(the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"). Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay
distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its shares and
pay service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to
shareholders of each class and the maintenance of shareholder accounts in an
amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year.
No 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Fund, and there are no current plans to
impose these fees. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future,
because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, these
fees will increase the cost of your investment in the Fund. By purchasing shares
subject to distribution fees and service fees, you may pay more over time than
you would by purchasing shares with other types of sales charge arrangements.
Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charge permitted by the rules of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). The net income attributable to the Shares will
be reduced by the amount of distribution fees and service fees and other
expenses of the Fund.
20
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
The Fund imposes no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions.
The Board of Trustees evaluated the risks of market timing activities by the
Fund's shareholders when they considered that no restriction or policy was
necessary. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, the Fund
issues and redeems its shares at NAV for a basket of securities intended to
mirror the Fund's portfolio, plus a small amount of cash, and the Fund's Shares
may be purchased and sold on the exchange at prevailing market prices. Given
this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that (a) market timing
would be attempted by the Fund's shareholders or (b) any attempts to market time
the Fund by its shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or its
shareholders.
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Claymore Advisors, LLC is the administrator of the Fund.
The Bank of New York Mellon is the custodian and fund accounting and transfer
agent for the Fund.
Clifford Chance US LLP serves as legal counsel to the Fund.
Ernst & Young LLP serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting
firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for
auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.
INDEX PROVIDER
The Bank of New York Mellon is the Index Provider for the Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF.
BNY is not affiliated with the Trust, the Investment Adviser or the distributor.
The Investment Adviser has entered into a license agreement with BNY to use the
Index. The Fund is entitled to use its Index pursuant to a sub-licensing
arrangement with the Investment Adviser.
DISCLAIMERS
The "Bank of New York Mellon BRIC Select ADR Index" is a trademark of BNY and
has been licensed for use for certain purposes by the Investment Adviser. The
Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BNY and BNY makes no
representation regarding the advisability of investing in Shares of the Fund.
21
The Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF and its Shares are not sponsored, endorsed, sold,
recommended or promoted by BNY or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. None of
the BNY or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates make any representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the shareholders of the Fund or any member of
the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in
the Fund particularly, the ability of any data supplied by BNY to track general
stock market performance or the suitability or appropriateness of the Fund for
the shareholders or members of the public. BNY's only relationship to the
Investment Adviser is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of BNY
and of the data supplied by BNY, which is determined, composed and calculated by
BNY without regard to the Investment Adviser, Fund or its Shares. Neither BNY
nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates has any obligation to take the needs
of the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of the Fund into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the data supplied by BNY. BNY and any of
its subsidiaries or affiliates are not responsible for and have not participated
in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Shares to
be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the
products are to be converted to cash, prices of the Shares of the Fund or the
timing of the issuance or sale of such Shares. BNY has no obligation or
liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
Fund or its Shares.
The Investment Adviser and BNY or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates do not
guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Index or any data included
therein, and the Investment Adviser shall have no liability for any errors,
omissions or interruptions therein. The Investment Adviser and BNY or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates make no warranty, express or implied, as to results
to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person
or entity from the use of the Index or any data included therein. The Investment
Adviser and BNY or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates make no express or
implied warranties, and expressly disclaim all warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Index or any data
included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the
Investment Adviser and BNY or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates have any
liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages
(including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Index
even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will
be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general
22
information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax
consequences of an investment in Shares.
Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or
tax-deferred retirement account, such as an IRA plan, you need to be aware of
the possible tax consequences when:
[] The Fund makes distributions,
[] You sell your Shares listed on the AMEX, and
[] You purchase or redeem Creation Units.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually.
The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of the calendar year
to comply with federal tax requirements. In general, your distributions are
subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash
or reinvest them in the Fund. Dividends paid out of the Fund's income and net
short-term gains, if any, are taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of net
long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the
Shares.
Long-term capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers are generally taxed at a
maximum rate of 15% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. In
addition, for these taxable years some ordinary dividends declared and paid by
the Fund to non-corporate shareholders may qualify for taxation at the lower
reduced tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that the
holding period and other requirements are met by the Fund and the shareholder.
If more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at the end of its taxable year
consists of foreign stock or securities, the Fund intends to elect to "pass
through" to its investors certain foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, with
the result that each investor will (i) include in gross income, as an additional
dividend, even though not actually received, the investor's pro rata share of
the Fund's foreign income taxes, and (ii) either deduct (in calculating U.S.
taxable income) or credit (in calculating U.S. federal income), subject to
certain limitations, the investor's pro rata share of the Fund's foreign income
taxes. It is expected that more than 50% of the Fund's assets will consist of
foreign stock or securities.
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, each Fund's
ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital
gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower
treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S.
trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment in the United
States. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of
a dividend as an "interest-related dividend." An interest-related dividend that
is received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity generally would be exempt
from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements are
23
met. The Fund may also, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion
of a dividend as a "short-term capital gain dividend" which if received by a
nonresident alien or foreign entity generally would be exempt from the 30% U.S.
withholding tax, unless the foreign person is a nonresident alien individual
present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or
more during the taxable year. The provisions contained in the legislation
relating to dividends to foreign persons would apply to dividends with respect
to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2008. Prospective
investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the specific tax
consequences relating to the proposed legislation.
Dividends and interest received by a Fund may give rise to withholding and other
taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries
and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The Funds are not
expected to receive significant amounts of interest.
Distributions in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and
profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis
in the Shares, and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce the
Fund's net asset value per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or
capital gain even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may
constitute a return of capital.
By law, the Fund must withhold a percentage of your distributions and
proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social
security number. The backup withholding rate for individuals is currently 28%.
TAXES ON EXCHANGE-LISTED SHARES SALES
Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally
treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more
than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been
held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
TAXES ON PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
An authorized purchaser who exchanges equity securities for Creation Units
generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the
difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the
exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and the Cash Component
paid. A person who exchanges Creation Units for equity securities will generally
recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis
in the Creation Units and the aggregate market value of the securities received
and the Cash Redemption Amount. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may
assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units
cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales" on the basis
that there has been no significant change in economic
24
position. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor
with respect to whether the wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be
deductible.
Under current federal tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon
redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or
loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term
capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less.
If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation
statement showing how many and at what price you purchased or sold Shares.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under
current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for
personal tax advice. You may also be subject to state and local taxation on Fund
distributions and sales of Fund Shares. You are advised to consult your personal
tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in Fund Shares
under all applicable tax laws.
OTHER INFORMATION
For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment
company. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment
companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of
the Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund
beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and
conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust, including
that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Fund.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the
disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance since its inception. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This
information has been derived from the Fund's financial statements which have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the Fund's financial
statements, are included in the Fund's Annual Report, which is available upon
request.
25
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
SEPTEMBER 21, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 24.58
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) (a) 0.62
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 15.54
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 16.16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income (0.05)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 40.69
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 40.75
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value 65.78%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $419,092
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.64%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 1.89%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 3%(d)
|
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser, total
return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.68%(c)
Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets 1.85%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common share
at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the period
reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions are
assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not reflect
brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less than one
year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
26
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
The table that follows presents information about the differences between the
daily market price on secondary markets for Shares and the NAV of the Fund. NAV
is the price per share at which the Fund issues and redeems Shares. It is
calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund
shares. The "Market Price" of the Fund generally is determined using the
midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the exchange on which
the Fund is listed for trading, as of the time the Fund's NAV is calculated. The
Fund's Market Price may be at, above or below its NAV. The NAV of the Fund will
fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio holdings. The Market
Price of the Fund will fluctuate in accordance with changes in its NAV, as well
as market supply and demand.
Premiums or discounts are the differences (generally expressed as a percentage)
between the NAV and Market Price of the Fund on a given day, generally at the
time NAV is calculated. A premium is the amount that the Fund is trading above
the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount is the amount
that the Fund is trading below the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of
the NAV.
The following information shows the frequency of distributions of premiums and
discounts for the Fund. The information shown for the Fund is for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 2007 and for each of the last four quarters.
Each line in the table shows the number of trading days in which the Fund traded
within the premium/discount range indicated. The number of trading days in each
premium/discount range is also shown as a percentage of the total number of
trading days in the period covered by the table. All data presented here
represents past performance, which cannot be used to predict future results.
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.5% and 1.0% 1/0.42% 1/0.39% -- -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0% and 0.5% 5/2.10% 6/2.33% 3/1.55% 3/2.29% 3/4.21%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5% and -0.5% 232/97.48% 250/97.28% 191/98.45% 128/97.71% 67/95.71%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 238/100% 257/100% 194/100% 131/100% 70/100%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Commenced operations on September 21, 2006
|
27
TOTAL RETURN INFORMATION
The following table presents information about the total return of the Fund's
Index in comparison to the total return of the Fund. The information presented
for the Fund is for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.
"Cumulative total returns" represent the total change in value of an investment
over the period indicated. The Fund's per Share NAV is the value of one Share of
the Fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing
mutual fund shares. The NAV return is based on the NAV of the Fund, and the
market return is based on the market price per Share of the Fund. The price used
to calculate market return ("Market Price") is determined by using the midpoint
between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the exchange on which the Fund
is listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund's NAV is calculated. Since
the Fund's Shares typically do not trade in the secondary market until several
days after the Fund's inception, for the period from inception to the first day
of secondary market trading in Fund shares, the NAV of the Fund is used as a
proxy for secondary market trading price to calculate market returns. Market and
NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been
reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and NAV, respectively. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore does not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. Also, market returns do not
include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market
transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be
lower. The returns shown in the table below do not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or
sale of Shares of the Fund. The investment return and principal value of Shares
of the Fund will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares of the Fund may
be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in
the market. The Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results.
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
SINCE INCEPTION*
FUND/INDEX NAME THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2007
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF (At NAV) 65.78%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF (At Market) 66.02%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank of New York Mellon BRIC Select ADR Index 67.86%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSCI Emerging Markets Index 43.13%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* The Fund commenced operations on September 21, 2006.
28
This page intentionally left blank.
29
This page intentionally left blank.
30
FOR MORE INFORMATION
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS OR PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS
[] Call your broker
[] www.claymore.com
DEALERS
[] www.claymore.com
[] Distributor Telephone: (888) 949-3837
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Claymore Advisors, LLC
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
DISTRIBUTOR
Claymore Securities, Inc.
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
CUSTODIAN TRANSFER AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon The Bank of New York Mellon
101 Barclay Street 101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286 New York, New York 10286
LEGAL COUNSEL INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
Clifford Chance US LLP ACCOUNTING FIRM
31 West 52nd Street Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York 10019 233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
|
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 2007, which contains
more details about the Fund, is incorporated by reference in its entirety into
this Prospectus, which means that it is legally part of this Prospectus.
You will find additional information about the Fund in its annual and
semi-annual reports to shareholders, when available. The annual report will
explain the market conditions and investment strategies affecting the Fund's
performance during its last fiscal year.
You can ask questions or obtain a free copy of the Fund's shareholder report or
the Statement of Additional Information by calling 1-888-949-3837. Free copies
of the Fund's shareholder report and the Statement of Additional Information are
available from our website at www.claymore.com.
Information about the Fund, including its reports and the Statement of
Additional Information, has been filed with the SEC. It can be reviewed and
copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or on the EDGAR
database on the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Information on the
operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC
at (202) 551-8090. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment
of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's e-mail address
(publicinfo@sec.gov) or by writing the Public Reference section of the SEC, 100
F Street NE, Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549.
PROSPECTUS
Distributor
Claymore Securities, Inc.
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
DECEMBER 31, 2007
Investment Company Act File No. 811-21906
[LOGO]
CLAYMORE(R)
CLAYMORE EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
o Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF
o Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF
o Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF
o Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF
o Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF
o Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF
o Claymore/LGA Green ETF
o Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF
o Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF
o Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF
PROSPECTUS
DECEMBER 31, 2007
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION--CLAYMORE EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST 3
WHO SHOULD INVEST 3
TAX-ADVANTAGED PRODUCT STRUCTURE 4
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS 50 ETF 5
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS MID-CAP VALUE ETF 11
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS SMALL-CAP CORE ETF 17
CLAYMORE/GREAT COMPANIES LARGE-CAP GROWTH INDEX ETF 23
CLAYMORE/OCEAN TOMO PATENT ETF 29
CLAYMORE/OCEAN TOMO GROWTH INDEX ETF 36
CLAYMORE/LGA GREEN ETF 42
CLAYMORE/ZACKS MID-CAP CORE ETF 48
CLAYMORE/CLEAR MID-CAP GROWTH INDEX ETF 54
CLAYMORE/INDEXIQ SMALL-CAP VALUE ETF 60
SECONDARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES 66
ADDITIONAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS 66
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES 67
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES 69
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES 71
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS 75
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS 76
INDEX PROVIDERS 76
DISCLAIMERS 77
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION 81
OTHER INFORMATION 84
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 84
|
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUNDS, CLAYMORE ADVISORS, LLC, THE FUNDS'
INVESTMENT ADVISER (THE "INVESTMENT ADVISER"), OR THE FUNDS' DISTRIBUTOR,
CLAYMORE SECURITIES, INC. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER BY THE
FUNDS OR BY THE FUNDS' DISTRIBUTOR TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY
ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR THE FUNDS TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
INTRODUCTION-CLAYMORE
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
The Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (the "Trust") is an investment company
currently consisting of 25 separate exchange-traded "index funds." The
investment objective of each of the funds is to replicate as closely as
possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specified market index.
Claymore Advisors, LLC is the investment adviser for the funds (the "Investment
Adviser").
This prospectus relates to ten funds of the Trust, Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF,
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF, Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF,
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF, Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent
ETF, Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF, Claymore/LGA Green ETF,
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF, Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF and
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF (each a "Fund" and, together, the "Funds").
The Funds' shares (the "Shares") are listed and traded on the American Stock
Exchange (the "AMEX"). The Funds' Shares trade at market prices that may differ
to some degree from the net asset value ("NAV") of the Shares. Unlike
conventional mutual funds, the Funds issue and redeem Shares on a continuous
basis, at NAV, only in large specified blocks of 50,000 Shares, each of which is
called a "Creation Unit." Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally
in-kind for securities included in a specified index. EXCEPT WHEN AGGREGATED IN
CREATION UNITS, SHARES ARE NOT REDEEMABLE SECURITIES OF THE FUNDS.
WHO SHOULD INVEST
The Funds are designed for investors who seek a relatively low-cost "passive"
approach for investing in a portfolio of equity securities of companies in a
specified index. The Funds may be suitable for long-term investment in the
market represented by a specified index and may also be used as an asset
allocation tool or as a speculative trading instrument.
| 3
TAX-ADVANTAGED PRODUCT STRUCTURE
Unlike interests in many conventional mutual funds, the Shares are traded
throughout the day on a national securities exchange, whereas mutual fund
interests are typically only bought and sold at closing net asset values. The
Shares have been designed to be tradable in the secondary market on a national
securities exchange on an intra-day basis, and to be created and redeemed
principally in-kind in Creation Units at each day's next calculated NAV. These
arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from adverse effects
on the Funds' portfolios that could arise from frequent cash creation and
redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an
adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders because of the mutual fund's need to
sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet fund redemptions. These sales
may generate taxable gains for the shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the
Shares' in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for
the Funds or their ongoing shareholders.
4 |
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS 50 ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an index called the BIR Leaders 50 Index
(the "BIR-50 Index" or "Index"). The Fund's investment objective is not
fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder
approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the BIR-50 Index. The
Index is comprised of 50 stocks selected from a universe of common stocks and
American depositary receipts ("ADRs") listed on U.S. exchanges and covered by
Best Independent Research, LLC ("BIR" or "Index Provider"), a consortium of the
following five independent research companies: Ativo Research, Channel Trend
Inc., Columbine Capital Services, Ford Equity Research, and Thomas White
International. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires
the Fund to provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any
material change in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust
may change the Fund's investment strategy and other policies without shareholder
approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are
| 5
not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The BIR-50 Index is designed to identify companies with potentially superior
risk/return profiles to those of stocks contained in the S&P 500(R) or Russell
3000(R) indices. The Index constituent selection methodology is a proprietary
strategy developed by BIR. Each individual BIR member ranks stocks on a 10-point
scale (highest probability of market out-performance to lowest) based on their
proprietary methodologies incorporating multiple fundamental factors including,
but not limited to, valuation, leverage, earnings growth and price momentum.
BIR's research team produces a BIR master ranking by blending the individual
rankings of each independent research company to establish a composite score.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. The stocks in the portfolio are selected using a modified equal weighting
methodology.
2. Stocks must have an average daily trading volume that exceeds $5 million
in the two months prior to selection.
3. No industry weight may be over 150% of such industry's representation in
the Russell 3000(R) Index.
4. In the event that two or more stocks have the same attractiveness score
and the Index only has room for one additional constituent, the one that
belongs to the industry with the greatest under-representation relative to
the Russell 3000(R) Index's industry exposure will be selected, assuming
(3) is not violated. As a secondary tiebreaker, the stock with the greater
average daily liquidity over the prior 60 days will be selected.
5. The constituent selection process, as well as ranking and reconstitution,
will be repeated annually.
6 |
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, greater market volatility than U.S.
securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In
addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the
value of the Fund's investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full
value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in
foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of
the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline
relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the
investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
| 7
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index. Since the Index constituents
may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may
be greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices
whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
8 |
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 7.07%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 7.57%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 5.74%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 1.83%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
| 9
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$186 $576 $2,196 $5,895
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
50 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 50 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $23,738, $72,446, $274,963 and $737,434 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
10 |
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS MID-CAP VALUE ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an index called the BIR Leaders Mid-Cap
Value Index (the "Index"). The Fund's investment objective is not fundamental
and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Index. The Index is
comprised of approximately 100 stocks selected from a universe of
mid-capitalization value common stocks or American depositary receipts ("ADRs")
listed on U.S. exchanges covered by Best Independent Research, LLC ("BIR" or
"Index Provider"), a consortium of the following five independent research
companies: Ativo Research, Channel Trend Inc., Columbine Capital Services, Ford
Equity Research, and Thomas White International. The mid-capitalization universe
is defined by BIR as those stocks with a market capitalization between
approximately $1 billion and $25 billion. The Fund will normally invest at least
90% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Index. The Fund has
adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide shareholders with at least 60
days notice prior to any material change in this policy or the Index. The Board
of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's investment strategy and other
policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The
| 11
Fund may sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that
are not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Index is designed to identify companies with potentially superior
risk-return profiles as compared to the stocks contained in mid-cap value
benchmark indices such as the Russell Midcap Value Index or the S&P MidCap 400
Index. The Index constituent selection methodology is a proprietary strategy
developed by BIR. Each individual BIR member ranks stocks on a 10-point scale
(highest probability of market out-performance to lowest) based on their
proprietary methodologies incorporating multiple fundamental factors including,
but not limited to, valuation, leverage, earnings growth and price momentum.
BIR's research team produces a BIR master ranking by blending the individual
rankings of each independent research company to establish a composite score.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. The stocks in the portfolio are selected using a modified equal weighting
methodology.
2. Stocks must have an average daily trading volume that exceeds $5 million
in the two months prior to selection.
3. No industry weight may be over 150% of that of such industry's
representation in the Russell Midcap Value Index.
4. In the event that two or more stocks have the same attractiveness score
and the Index only has room for one additional constituent, the one that
belongs to the industry with the greatest under-representation relative to
the Russell Midcap Value Index industry exposure will be selected assuming
(3) is not violated. As a secondary tiebreaker, the stock with the greater
average daily liquidity over the prior 60 days will be selected.
5. The constituent selection process, as well as ranking and reconstitution,
will be repeated annually.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general
12 |
market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which
the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to
specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an adverse event,
such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of equity
securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an issuer
may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a
drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, greater market volatility than U.S.
securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In
addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the
value of the Fund's investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full
value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in
foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of
the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline
relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the
investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of medium-sized companies
involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investing in more
established companies. These companies' stocks may be more volatile and less
liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks may have returns
that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index. Since the Index constituents
may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may
be greater
| 13
than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices whose
composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
14 |
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 7.31%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 7.81%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 5.87%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 1.94%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
| 15
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$197 $609 $2,271 $6,035
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
100 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 100 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $25,121, $76,646, $284,411 and $754,841 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
16 |
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS SMALL-CAP CORE ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an index called the BIR Leaders
Small-Cap Core Index (the "Index"). The Fund's investment objective is not
fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder
approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Index. The Index is
comprised of approximately 150 stocks selected from a universe of
small-capitalization core common stocks or American depositary receipts ("ADRs")
listed on U.S. exchanges covered by Best Independent Research, LLC ("BIR" or
"Index Provider"), a consortium of the following five independent research
companies: Ativo Research, Channel Trend Inc., Columbine Capital Services, Ford
Equity Research, and Thomas White International. The small-capitalization
universe is currently defined by Best Independent Research as stocks with a
market capitalization of under $4.5 billion. The Fund will normally invest at
least 90% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Index. The Fund
has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide shareholders with at
least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this policy or the Index.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's investment strategy and
other policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The
| 17
Fund may sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that
are not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The BIR Small-Cap Core Index is designed to identify companies with potentially
superior risk-return profiles to those of stocks contained in the Russell
2000(R) Index. The Index constituent selection methodology is a proprietary
strategy developed by BIR. Each individual BIR member ranks stocks on a 10-point
scale (highest probability of market out-performance to lowest) based on their
proprietary methodologies incorporating multiple fundamental factors including,
but not limited to, valuation, leverage, earnings growth and price momentum.
BIR's research team produces a BIR master ranking by blending the individual
rankings of each independent research company to establish a composite score.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. The stocks in the portfolio are selected using a modified equal weighting
methodology.
2. Stocks must have an average daily trading volume that exceeds $5 million
in the two months prior to selection.
3. No industry weight may be over 150% of that such industry's representation
in the Russell 2000(R) Index.
4. In the event that two or more stocks have the same attractiveness score
and the Index only has room for one additional constituent, the one that
belongs to the industry with the greatest under-representation relative to
the Russell 2000(R) Index's industry exposure will be selected, assuming
(3) is not violated. As a secondary tiebreaker, the stock with the greater
average daily liquidity over the prior 60 days will be selected.
5. The constituent selection process, as well as ranking and reconstitution,
will be repeated annually.
18 |
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, greater market volatility than U.S.
securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In
addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the
value of the Fund's investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full
value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in
foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of
the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline
relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the
investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
SMALL COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small companies involves greater
risk than is customarily associated with investing in more established
companies. These companies' stocks may be more volatile and less liquid than
those of more
| 19
established companies. These stocks may have returns that vary, sometimes
significantly, from the overall stock market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index. Since the Index constituents
may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may
be greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices
whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
20 |
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $1,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $4,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 6.14%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 6.64%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 4.92%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 1.72%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,000. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
| 21
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$175 $542 $1,981 $5,377
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $1,000 per transaction (assuming
150 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $1,000 per transaction
(assuming 150 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $22,853, $68,732, $248,621 and $673,156 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
22 |
CLAYMORE/GREAT COMPANIES LARGE-CAP
GROWTH INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Great
Companies Large-Cap Growth Index (the "Large-Cap Index" or "Index"). The Fund's
investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Large-Cap Index. The
Large-Cap Index is composed of between 35 and 50 securities. The companies
included in the Index universe are selected using a quantitative methodology
developed by Great Companies, Inc. ("Great Companies" or the "Index Provider")
that is based on earnings growth, market price relative to True Worth TM (a
proprietary valuation metric of Great Companies that measures implied cash flow
returns relative to a stock's current multiple as well as comparable common
stocks at competitive firms), and the traits of "great companies" as detailed in
the book Great Companies, Great Returns, by Jim Huguet, published by Random
House (1999). These traits include some or all of the following characteristics
exhibited by companies (as determined by the Index Provider):
o Highly regarded by knowledgeable experts, reflected in recognition
by major publications for their achievements;
o Publicly traded on a major stock exchange for at least five years;
o Headquartered in the United States;
o A history of operating excellence within their respective
industries;
o Market capitalization in excess of $10 billion; with solid
financials and appropriate debt levels;
o Global orientation allowing the company to succeed anywhere in the
world;
o A history of above average long-term earnings growth;
o A record of either selling or closing poor-performing businesses
while investing in or expanding higher-performing businesses;
o Protected by strong barriers such as patents, brand franchises, low
cost producer status, superior quality and outstanding customer
service;
| 23
o A record of attracting and retaining high-performing employees;
o An outstanding management team, especially the chief executive
officer; and
o Growth primarily driven by innovation and other internal factors
rather than by external factors (such as acquisitions).
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stock
and American depositary receipts ("ADRs") that comprise the Index. The Fund has
adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide shareholders with at least 60
days notice prior to any material change in this policy or the Index. The Board
of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's investment strategy and other
policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are not
yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or addition
to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Large-Cap Index selection methodology seeks to identify companies that have
a track record of double digit earnings growth, the potential for double digit
earnings growth in the future, possess the traits of all "great companies," as
set forth above, and are trading at or below their True Worth TM.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all U.S. listed securities with large
market capitalizations as defined by Great Companies (which currently
means companies whose market capitalization is in excess of $10 billion).
2. The Index is comprised of securities that meet Great Companies'
proprietary methodology as set forth above. The methodology is designed by
Great
24 |
Companies to identify those companies that offer investors the greatest
potential future total returns, and the companies will be ranked in
accordance with this methodology.
3. New constituents are initially weighted equally. Positions are revised
semi-annually so as not to exceed 5% in any one company.
4. The selection process, reconstitution, and/or rebalancing of the Index is
repeated semi-annually.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting
standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United
States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has
invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may
affect the value
| 25
of the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of
certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index. Since the Index constituents
may vary on a semi-annual basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing
may be greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track
indices whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
26 |
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 6.51%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 7.01%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 5.24%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 1.77%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
| 27
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$180 $557 $2,069 $5,589
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
35-50 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes
to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per
transaction (assuming 35-50 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and
Sell Shares" later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory
will also pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above.
Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each
year, and assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $22,982, $70,149, $259,080 and $699,163 if the Creation
Unit is redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years,
respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
28 |
CLAYMORE/OCEAN TOMO PATENT ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Ocean Tomo
300(R) Patent Index (the "OT300 Index" or "Index"). The Index is the first
publicly available patent index. The Fund's investment objective is not
fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder
approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Index. The Index is
comprised of approximately 300 stocks selected, based on patent valuation and
other criteria, from a broad universe of U.S.-traded stocks. The universe of
companies includes approximately the 1,000 most-liquid listed companies without
limitations on market capitalization. The Fund will normally invest at least 90%
of its total assets in common stock and American depository receipts ("ADRs")
that comprise the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to
provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change
in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the
Fund's investment strategy and other policies without shareholder approval,
except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are
| 29
not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Index selection methodology is designed to identify six companies within
each of 50 style and size groups (which include value, relative value, blend,
growth at a reasonable price (GARP) and growth by decile) with the highest
patent value to book value ratio as determined by Ocean Tomo, LLC ("Ocean Tomo"
or the "Index Provider") using Ocean Tomo's Patent Ratings(R) software. The
Index is designed to actively represent a group of stocks that own quality
patent portfolios. The Index constituent selection methodology was developed by
Ocean Tomo as a quantitative approach to selecting stocks from a universe of
1,000 companies. The Index constituent selection methodology evaluates and
selects stocks from a universe of 1,000 companies eligible for inclusion in the
Index using a proprietary, 100% rules-based methodology developed by Ocean Tomo.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to seek to identify those stocks that offer the greatest patent
value opportunities. The approach is specifically designed to enhance investment
applications and investability. The Index annually reconstitutes after the close
of business on the last business day of October.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all equities trading on major U.S.
exchanges that are among the 1,000 most liquid securities.
2. The potential Index constituents are then narrowed to a universe of
companies that own patents.
3. The patent-owning companies are divided into 50 style and size groups with
the highest patent value to book value ratio using Ocean Tomo's Patent
Ratings(R) software. Each group contains an approximately equal number of
patent-owning companies.
4. The stocks in each group are ranked using a 100% rules-based methodology
that seeks to identify those stocks that offer the greatest patent value
opportunities.
5. The six highest ranking stocks in each group are selected (resulting in a
total of 300 stocks) and are weighted by market capitalization.
6. The constituent selection process and portfolio rebalance are repeated
once per year.
30 |
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
PATENT RISK. The companies in which the Fund invests can be significantly
affected by patent considerations, including the termination of their patent
protection for their products. Certain of such companies' industries may be
characterized by the existence of a large number of patents and frequent claims
and related litigation regarding patent rights. Certain such companies may
depend on rapidly identifying and seeking patent protection for their
discoveries. The process of obtaining patent protection is expensive and time
consuming. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the steps taken by such
companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent
misappropriation of their proprietary rights or that competitors will not
independently develop products that are substantially equivalent or superior to
such companies' products.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, greater market volatility than U.S.
securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In
addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the
value of the
| 31
Fund's investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full value of its
investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign
markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of the
currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline relative to
the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the investment to
U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary
receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are
under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of
such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the
deposited securities.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
32 |
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 33
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $1,500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $6,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 1.47%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.97%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 1.06%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.91%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
34 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$93 $290 $748 $2,020
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $1,500 per transaction (assuming
300 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $1,500 per transaction
(assuming 300 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $13,108, $37,767, $95,006 and $253,987 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 35
CLAYMORE/OCEAN TOMO GROWTH INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Ocean Tomo
300(R) Patent Growth Index (the "Ocean Tomo Index" or "Index"). The Fund's
investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Ocean Tomo Index.
The Index is comprised of approximately 60 stocks selected, based on investment
and other criteria, from a universe of U.S. listed companies. The universe of
companies includes the 300 companies that comprise the Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent
Index without limit on market capitalization. The companies in the universe are
selected using criteria as identified by Ocean Tomo, LLC ("Ocean Tomo" or the
"Index Provider"). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total
assets in common stock and American depository receipts ("ADRs") that comprise
the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide
shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change in this
policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's
investment strategy and other policies without shareholder approval, except as
otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that
36 |
are not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Growth Index selection process is designed to
identify six companies in each of ten market capitalization deciles with the
highest price-to-book ratio from the universe of companies that are members of
the Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Index. The resulting 60 companies form the Index.
The Index is market capitalization weighted, with a maximum exposure to any
individual stock capped at 15%. Any excess weighting is distributed according to
the appropriate pro rata share to the remaining stocks within the Index that are
below the 15% threshold. The Index is reconstituted annually after the close of
business on the last day of October.
The Index constituent selection methodology was developed by Ocean Tomo as a
quantitative approach to selecting stocks in a diversified portfolio from a
group of listed equities. The Index member selection model evaluates and selects
stocks on the basis of the value of their intellectual property, specifically
their patent valuations, using Ocean Tomo's PatentRatings(R) software, from a
universe of U.S. listed stocks using a proprietary, 100% rules-based methodology
developed by Ocean Tomo.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to identify those stocks that offer the greatest potential from
a risk/return perspective. The approach is specifically designed to enhance
investment applications and investability.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include any of the 300 companies that
comprise the Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Index, those companies with highest
innovation ratio (patent value relative to book value).
2. These 300 companies are divided into 10 size deciles based on their market
capitalization.
3. The 6 companies with the highest price-to-book ratio within each decile
are then selected to constitute the Index.
4. The Index is market capitalization weighted, with the maximum exposure to
any individual stock capped at 15%.
5. Any excess weighting is distributed according to the appropriate pro rate
share to the remaining stocks within the Index below the 15% threshold.
6. The Index is reconstituted annually after the market close on the last
business day in October.
| 37
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
PATENT RISK. The companies in which the Fund invests can be significantly
affected by patent considerations, including the termination of their patent
protection for their products. Certain of such companies' industries may be
characterized by the existence of a large number of patents and frequent claims
and related litigation regarding patent rights. Certain such companies may
depend on rapidly identifying and seeking patent protection for their
discoveries. The process of obtaining patent protection is expensive and time
consuming. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the steps taken by such
companies to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent
misappropriation of their proprietary rights or that competitors will not
independently develop products that are substantially equivalent or superior to
such companies' products.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing
38 |
the full value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies
based in foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the
value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could
decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of
the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small and
medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with
investing in more established companies. These companies' stocks may be more
volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks
may have returns that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock
market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 39
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 7.98%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 8.48%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 6.45%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 2.03%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
40 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$206 $637 $2,424 $6,377
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
60 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 60 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $26,252, $80,073, $303,544 and $797,625 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 41
CLAYMORE/LGA GREEN ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the Light Green
Eco*IndexTM (the "Eco*IndexTM" or "Index"). The Fund's investment objective is
not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder
approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Eco*IndexTM. The
Eco*IndexTM is comprised of approximately 225 stocks selected, based on
investment and other criteria, from a broad universe of U.S.-traded stocks and
American depository receipts ("ADRs) with representation from all economic
sectors. The universe of companies eligible for inclusion in the Index includes
approximately 500 listed companies without limitations on market capitalization,
but which are mostly mid- and large-cap companies with capitalizations in excess
of $1 billion. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in
common stock and ADRs that comprise the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy
that requires the Fund to provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice
prior to any material change in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees
of the Trust may change the Fund's investment strategy and other policies
without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are not
yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or addition
to the Index.
42 |
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Eco*IndexTM selection methodology is designed to identify companies with the
best combination of environmental performance trends in their respective
industries as determined by Light Green Advisors ("LGA" or the "Index
Provider"). The Eco*IndexTM seeks to actively represent a broadly diversified
group of liquid, major market stocks with representation from all economic
sectors that are demonstrable environmental leaders in terms of waste
minimization, clean production, pollution and spill prevention, and consistent
compliance with environmental laws. The Index Provider has developed a
quantitative process for collecting corporate environmental performance
information from public agencies with environmental responsibilities in the
U.S., combining that information with financial information and industry
composition information to permit fair comparison of firms of different sizes,
determining industry group benchmarks for various facets of environmental
performance that change over time, and identifying firms that have better
performance trends than their industry peers in those aspects of environmental
performance that can be readily quantified. The Index constituent selection
methodology was developed by LGA as a quantitative approach to selecting stocks
from a universe of primarily mid- and large-cap companies with capitalizations
in excess of $1 billion. The Index constituent selection methodology evaluates
and selects stocks from a universe of approximately 500 companies using a
proprietary, 100% rules-based methodology developed by LGA. The Index
constituent selection methodology identifies stocks that offer the greatest
potential from a risk/return perspective. The approach is specifically designed
to create a portfolio that matches sector breakdowns in the U.S. stock market
and select constituents that are environmental leaders within each of those
sectors. The Index is adjusted semi-annually.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all equities trading on major U.S.
exchanges that are not subject to any trading restrictions and that have a
market capitalization in excess of $1 billion.
2. The Eco*IndexTM comprises the top 50% of the highest-ranking stocks based
on LGA's environmental analysis chosen from the companies in each industry
peer group. LGA defines industry peer groups based on Standard and Poor's
Global Industry Classification Standard ("GICS").
3, Each company is ranked using a quantitative rules-based methodology that
includes composite scoring of several environment-oriented, multi-factor
filters, and is sorted from highest to lowest.
4. Companies are weighted in the Eco*IndexTM by combining the weight of the
company's industry peer group within the S&P 500 with an assigned weight
of the company within its industry peer group. This provides overall
sector
| 43
neutrality relative to the S&P 500 while providing greater weighting to
companies with better environmental performance.
5. Each company's assigned weight within their industry peer group is
determined by their environmental ranking (as determined by the Index
Provider's methodology set forth above) within the industry peer group, so
that an Eco*IndexTM company with a higher environmental ranking is
weighted more heavily than an industry peer company with a lower ranking.
6. The constituent selection process is repeated once per year.
7. The portfolio rebalance is repeated twice per year.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting
standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United
States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has
invested could decline relative to
44 |
the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the investment to
U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary
receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are
under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of
such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the
deposited securities.
MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of medium-sized companies
involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investing in more
established companies. These companies' stocks may be more volatile and less
liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks may have returns
that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Eco
Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of
operating expenses not applicable to the Eco Index, and incurs costs in buying
and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities
holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Eco Index. Since the Eco
Index constituents may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated
with rebalancing may be greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded
funds that track indices whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Eco Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Eco
Index with the same weightings as the Eco Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Eco Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 45
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $1,500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $6,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 1.62%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 2.12%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 1.17%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 0.95%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
46 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$97 $303 $794 $2,152
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $1,500 per transaction (assuming
225 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $1,500 per transaction
(assuming 225 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $13,615, $39,338, $100,774 and $270,530 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 47
CLAYMORE/ZACKS MID-CAP CORE ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an index called the Zacks Mid-Cap Core
Index (the "Zacks Mid-Cap Core Index" or "Index"). The Fund's investment
objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without
shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Zacks Mid-Cap Core
Index. The Index is comprised of 100 stocks selected, based on investment and
other criteria, from a universe of mid-capitalization common stocks and American
depository receipts ("ADRs). Currently, the mid-capitalization universe ranges
from approximately $1 billion in market capitalization to $10 billion in market
capitalization as defined by Zacks Investment Research, Inc. ("Zacks" or the
"Index Provider"). The securities in the universe are selected using a
proprietary strategy developed by Zacks. The Fund will normally invest at least
90% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Index. The Fund has
adopted a policy that requires the Fund to provide shareholders with at least 60
days notice prior to any material change in this policy or the Index. The Board
of Trustees of the Trust may change the Fund's investment strategy and other
policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index.
48 |
The Fund may sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks
that are not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from
or addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Zacks Mid-Cap Core Index selection methodology is designed to identify
securities with potentially superior risk-return profiles as determined by
Zacks. The Index seeks to select a group of stocks with the potential to
outperform indices such as the Russell Midcap Index or the S&P MidCap 400 Index
and other benchmark indices on a risk-adjusted basis.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to identify those stocks that offer the greatest potential from
a risk/return perspective. The approach is specifically designed to enhance
investment applications and investability. The Index is adjusted quarterly.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all common stocks and ADRs listed on
major domestic exchanges. The universe is limited to the
mid-capitalization universe as defined by Zacks, which consists of those
stocks that rank between the 7th percentile and 25th percentile of an
ordinal ranking of all domestic equities based on descending market
capitalization (which currently translates to a range from approximately
$1 billion in market capitalization to $10 billion in market
capitalization).
2. Each security is ranked using a quantitative rules-based methodology that
includes broker recommendation changes, valuation, liquidity, contrarian
indicators, and other factors and is sorted from highest to lowest. The
constituent selection methodology was developed by Zacks as a quantitative
approach to identifying those securities that offer the greatest return
potential on a risk-adjusted basis.
3. The Index is comprised of the 100 highest-ranking securities chosen using
a rules-based quantitative ranking methodology proprietary to Zacks. The
constituents are weighted based on relative market capitalization.
4. The constituent selection process as well as the ranking, reconstitution,
and rebalancing of the Index is repeated quarterly.
| 49
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, less market liquidity, generally greater
market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information
than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social
developments could undermine the value of the Fund's investments or prevent the
Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting
standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United
States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has
invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may
affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the
underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or
unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute
shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through
to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
50 |
MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of medium-sized companies
involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investing in more
established companies. These companies' stocks may be more volatile and less
liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks may have returns
that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index. Since the Index constituents
may vary on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may
be greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices
whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 51
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 6.63%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 7.13%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 5.32%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 1.81%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
52 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$184 $569 $2,103 $5,660
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
100 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 100 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $23,486, $71,681, $263,390 and $708,054 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 53
CLAYMORE/CLEAR MID-CAP GROWTH INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an index called the Clear Mid-Cap Growth
Index (the "Index"). The Fund's investment objective is not fundamental and may
be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Index. The universe
of securities that may comprise the Index contains all U.S. common stocks,
American depository receipts ("ADRs) and master limited partnerships ("MLPs")
that have mid-sized market capitalizations, ranging from approximately $1
billion to $12 billion as defined by Clear Indexes LLC ("Clear" or the "Index
Provider"). The Index consists of 50 stocks, which are selected based upon a
100% rules-based proprietary algorithm developed by Clear. The Fund will
normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stock, ADRs and MLPs
that comprise the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to
provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change
in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the
Fund's investment strategy and other policies without shareholder approval,
except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are
54 |
not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index is comprised of U.S. common stocks, ADRs and MLPs
of companies that have mid-sized market capitalizations and growth
characteristics as defined by Clear. Market capitalizations typically range
between $1 billion and $12 billion. Companies are selected based on a set of
investment algorithms proprietary to Clear that evaluate a firm's fundamental
characteristics and valuation. Fundamental characteristics include sales and
profit growth along with financial leverage and return on equity. Valuation
includes price to earnings and price to earnings to growth metrics. The Index
consists of 50 stocks and will rebalance quarterly.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include common stocks, ADRs and MLPs traded
on the AMEX, New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ markets with mid-sized
market capitalizations between $1 billion and $12 billion.
2. Stocks are ranked using a proprietary, 100% rules-based methodology
derived from fundamental and valuation metrics that include sales, profit
growth, leverage and return on equity.
3. The 50 highest ranking stocks are selected and approximately equal
weighted.
4. The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted on a quarterly basis.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer
| 55
in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make
anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of the
security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund's investments in non-U.S. issuers, although
limited to ADRs, may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers, including, among others, greater market volatility than U.S.
securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In
addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the
value of the Fund's investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full
value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in
foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of
the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline
relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the
investment to U.S. investors. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of medium-sized companies
involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investing in more
established companies. These companies' stocks may be more volatile and less
liquid than those of more established companies. These stocks may have returns
that vary, sometimes significantly, from the overall stock market.
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RISK. Investments in securities of master limited
partnerships involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock.
Holders of the units of master limited partnerships have more limited control
and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are also
certain tax risks associated with an investment in units of master limited
partnerships. In addition, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit
holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of a master limited
partnership, including a conflict arising as a result of incentive distribution
payments.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index. Since the Index constituents
may vary
56 |
on a quarterly basis, the Fund's costs associated with rebalancing may be
greater than those incurred by other exchange-traded funds that track indices
whose composition changes less frequently.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 57
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 8.80%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 9.30%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 7.27%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 2.03%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
58 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$206 $637 $2,581 $6,756
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
50 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 50 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $26,252, $80,073, $323,112 and $844,958 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 59
CLAYMORE/INDEXIQ SMALL-CAP VALUE ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the IndexIQ
Active Value Small Cap Index (the "Active Value Index" or "Index"). The Fund's
investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Trustees without shareholder approval.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund, using a low cost "passive" or "indexing" investment approach, seeks to
replicate, before fees and expenses, the performance of the Active Value Index.
The Active Value Index is comprised of approximately 100 stocks selected, based
on investment and other criteria, from a broad universe of U.S. listed common
stocks. The universe of companies eligible for inclusion in the Index includes
approximately 1,200 listed companies that have a small-market capitalization
ranging from $100 million to $4.5 billion, and other minimum liquidity
characteristics as defined by IndexIQ, Inc. ("IndexIQ" or the "Index Provider").
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks
that comprise the Index. The Fund has adopted a policy that requires the Fund to
provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice prior to any material change
in this policy or the Index. The Board of Trustees of the Trust may change the
Fund's investment strategy and other policies without shareholder approval,
except as otherwise indicated.
The Investment Adviser seeks a correlation over time of 0.95 or better between
the Fund's performance and the performance of the Index. A figure of 1.00 would
represent perfect correlation.
The Fund generally will invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of the
stocks in the Index in those weightings. In those circumstances, the Fund may
purchase a sample of the stocks in the Index in proportions expected by the
Investment Adviser to replicate generally the performance of the Index as a
whole. There may also be instances in which the Investment Adviser may choose to
overweight another stock in the Index, purchase (or sell) securities not in the
Index which the Investment Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
one or more Index components, or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques, in seeking to accurately track the Index. In addition,
from time to time stocks are added to or removed from the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index or purchase stocks that are
60 |
not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from or
addition to the Index.
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The Active Value Index selection methodology is designed to identify companies
with potentially superior risk-return profiles as determined by IndexIQ. The
Index seeks to represent a group of small-capitalization companies that are
demonstrating favorable value-oriented characteristics and are reinvesting in
themselves to strengthen their future competitive positioning, giving them the
potential to outperform, on a risk-adjusted basis, the Russell 2000(R) Index and
other small-cap-oriented benchmark indices.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary
selection rules to identify those stocks that are believed to offer the greatest
potential from a risk/return perspective. The approach is specifically designed
to enhance investment applications and investability. The Index is adjusted
annually to ensure timely stock selections.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
1. Potential Index constituents include all U.S. common stocks trading on
major U.S. exchanges with small market capitalizations ranging from $100
million to $4.5 billion and meeting other minimum liquidity constraints.
2. Each company is selected using a 100% quantitative rules-based methodology
that includes composite scoring of a handful of specially-targeted
factors, and is sorted from highest to lowest. The constituent selection
methodology was developed by IndexIQ as a quantitative approach to
identify those companies that are believed to offer the greatest potential
and best reflect value-oriented characteristics and a propensity to
reinvest in themselves to strengthen their future competitive positioning.
3. The 100 highest-ranking companies are chosen and given a weighting based
on IndexIQ's proprietary weighting methodology that accounts for each
company's relative performance on each of the specially-targeted factors.
4. The constituent selection process and portfolio rebalance is repeated once
per year.
| 61
PRIMARY INVESTMENT RISKS
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND, WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE MONEY.
INVESTMENT RISK. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
EQUITY RISK. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk, which is
the risk that the value of the securities held by the Fund will fall due to
general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in
which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors
relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. For example, an
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of
equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an
issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market;
or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks and other equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, common stock
of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to
make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock is
subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a
company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and
therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt
instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common
stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income
securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns.
SMALL COMPANY RISK. Investing in securities of small companies involves greater
risk than is customarily associated with investing in more established
companies. These companies' stocks may be more volatile and less liquid than
those of more established companies. These stocks may have returns that vary,
sometimes significantly, from the overall stock market.
NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index
for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating
expenses not applicable to the Index, and incurs costs in buying and selling
securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Index.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or futures or other
derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the return on
the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in the Index
with the same weightings as the Index.
62 |
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not
"actively" managed. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a stock because the
stock's issuer was in financial trouble unless that stock is removed from the
Index.
ISSUER-SPECIFIC CHANGES. The value of an individual security or particular type
of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform
differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of
smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
NON-DIVERSIFIED FUND RISK. The Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest
a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a
diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single
investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a
diversified fund.
FUND PERFORMANCE
As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet completed a full
calendar year of investment operations. When the Fund has completed a full
calendar year of investment operations, this section will include charts that
show annual total returns, highest and lowest quarterly returns and average
annual total returns (before and after taxes) compared to a benchmark index
selected for the Fund.
| 63
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard creation/redemption transaction fee per order(1) $ 500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum additional creation/redemption transaction fee
per order(1) $2,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2) (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees(3) --%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 9.69%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 10.19%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense waiver and reimbursements(4) 8.02%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net operating expenses 2.17%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must pay
a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500. If a Creation
Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through the
National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See the following discussion of "Creation Transaction Fees and
Redemption Transaction Fees".
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plan pursuant to
which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently paid by
the Fund.
(4) The Fund's Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expenses, a portion of the Fund's
licensing fees, offering costs, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other
expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per year, at least until December
31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the 0.60% expense cap are: (a)
legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and
state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an
exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into an
Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the "Expense Agreement") in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay
certain operating expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the expense
ratio of the Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the expenses set forth
above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years subsequent to the
Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may recover from
the Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior three
years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
64 |
EXAMPLE
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year. Although your actual costs
may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONE YEAR* THREE YEARS* FIVE YEARS* TEN YEARS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$220 $679 $2,782 $7,154
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares
(each block of 50,000 Shares called a "Creation Unit") or multiples thereof. As
a practical matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with
creation and redemption agreements and called Authorized Participants ("APs")
can purchase or redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV
must pay a standard Creation Transaction Fee of $500 per transaction (assuming
100 stocks in each Creation Unit). An AP who holds Creation Units and wishes to
redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Fee of $500 per transaction
(assuming 100 stocks in each Creation Unit. See "How to Buy and Sell Shares"
later in this Prospectus). APs who hold Creation Units in inventory will also
pay the Annual Fund Operating Expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,250,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's gross operating expenses remain the same, the total
costs would be $28,009, $85,384, $348,191 and $894,759 if the Creation Unit is
redeemed after one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively.*
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, a variable fee of up
to four times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged
to the AP making the transaction.
The creation fee, redemption fee and variable fee are not expenses of the Fund
and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
* The costs for the one-year and three-year examples reflect the Expense Cap
that is in effect until December 31, 2010, as set forth in the footnotes
to the fee table. The costs for the five-year and ten-year examples do not
reflect the Expense Cap after such date.
| 65
SECONDARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Each Fund normally invests at least 90% of its total assets in component
securities that comprise its respective Index. The Funds may invest their
remaining assets in money market instruments, including repurchase agreements or
other funds which invest exclusively in money market instruments, convertible
securities, structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment
and interest payments are based on the movement of one or more specified
factors, such as the movement of a particular stock or stock index) and in
swaps, options and futures contracts. Swaps, options and futures contracts (and
convertible securities and structured notes) may be used by a Fund in seeking
performance that corresponds to its respective Index, and in managing cash
flows. The Funds will not invest in money market instruments as part of a
temporary defensive strategy to protect against potential stock market declines.
The Investment Adviser anticipates that it may take approximately three business
days (i.e., each day the AMEX is open) for additions and deletions to each
Fund's Index to be reflected in the portfolio composition of the Fund.
Each Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of 10% of the value of its
assets, but only for temporary or emergency purposes.
The Funds may lend their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other
financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions
and for other purposes. In connection with such loans, the Fund receives liquid
collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of the portfolio securities being
lent. This collateral is marked to market on a daily basis.
The policies described herein constitute non-fundamental policies that may be
changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. Certain other
fundamental policies of the Fund are set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information under "Investment Restrictions."
ADDITIONAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to the risks described previously, there are certain other risks
related to investing in the Funds.
TRADING ISSUES. Trading in Shares on the AMEX may be halted due to market
conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the AMEX, make trading in Shares
inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the AMEX is subject to trading
halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the AMEX "circuit
66 |
breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the AMEX
necessary to maintain the listing of the Funds will continue to be met or will
remain unchanged.
FLUCTUATION OF NET ASSET VALUE. The NAV of a Fund's Shares will generally
fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund's holdings. The market
prices of the Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV
as well as the relative supply of and demand for the Shares on the AMEX. The
Investment Adviser cannot predict whether the Shares will trade below, at or
above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that
supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the Shares
will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing
the prices of the stocks of the Index trading individually or in the aggregate
at any point in time.
However, given that the Shares can be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units
(unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable
discounts from, and sometimes premiums to, their NAV), the Investment Adviser
believes that large discounts or premiums to the NAV of the Shares should not be
sustained.
SECURITIES LENDING. Although a Fund will receive collateral in connection with
all loans of its securities holdings, the Fund would be exposed to a risk of
loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed
securities (e.g., the loaned securities may have appreciated beyond the value of
the collateral held by the Fund). In addition, the Fund will bear the risk of
loss of any cash collateral that it invests.
LEVERAGE. To the extent that a Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged.
Leveraging generally exaggerates the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease
in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
These risks are described further in the Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Claymore Advisors, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Claymore Group Inc., acts
as each Fund's investment adviser pursuant to an advisory agreement with the
Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Investment Adviser is a Delaware limited
liability company with its principal offices located at 2455 Corporate West
Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532. As of November 30, 2007, Claymore entities
| 67
have provided supervisory, management, servicing or distribution services on
approximately $18.3 billion in assets through closed-end funds, unit investment
trusts and exchange-traded funds. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the
Investment Adviser manages the investment and reinvestment of each Fund's assets
and administers the affairs of each Fund to the extent requested by the Board of
Trustees. The Investment Adviser also acts as investment adviser to closed-end
and open-end management investment companies.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Investment Adviser an
advisory fee for the services and facilities it provides payable on a monthly
basis at the annual rate of 0.50% of each Fund's average daily net assets. The
Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund
expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each Fund
(excluding interest expenses, a portion of each Fund's licensing fees, offering
costs, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary
expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary
course of each Fund's business) from exceeding 0.60% of average net assets per
year, at least until December 31, 2010. The offering costs excluded from the
0.60% expense cap are: (a) legal fees pertaining to each Fund's Shares offered
for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be
listed on an exchange. The Trust and the Investment Adviser have entered into
the Expense Agreement, in which the Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its
management fees and/or pay certain operating expenses of each Fund in order to
maintain the expense ratio of each Fund at or below 0.60% (excluding the
expenses set forth above) (the "Expense Cap"). For a period of five years
subsequent to each Fund's commencement of operations, the Investment Adviser may
recover from each Fund fees and expenses waived or reimbursed during the prior
three years if the Fund's expense ratio, including the recovered expenses, falls
below the Expense Cap.
In addition to advisory fees, each Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its
operations, including service fees, distribution fees, custodian fees, legal and
independent registered public accounting firm fees, the costs of reports and
proxies to shareholders, compensation of Trustees (other than those who are
affiliated persons of the Investment Adviser) and all other ordinary business
expenses not specifically assumed by the Investment Adviser.
APPROVAL OF ADVISORY AGREEMENT
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees' approval of the
Advisory Agreement is available in each Fund's annual report to shareholders
dated August 31, 2007 (except with respect to the Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF
and the Claymore/LGA Green ETF, for which the discussion is available in each
Fund's semi-annual report to shareholders dated February 28, 2007).
68 |
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The portfolio manager who is currently responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Funds' portfolio is Chuck Craig, CFA. Mr. Craig has managed each Fund's
portfolio since its inception. Mr. Craig is a Managing Director, Portfolio
Management and Supervision, of the Investment Adviser and Claymore Securities,
Inc. and joined Claymore Securities, Inc. in May of 2003. Before joining
Claymore Securities, Inc., Mr. Craig spent four years with First Trust
Portfolios L.P. (formerly Nike Securities) as an equity-research analyst and
portfolio manager within the Equity Strategy Research group. Mr. Craig received
a M.S. in Financial Markets from the Center for Law and Financial Markets at the
Illinois Institute of Technology. He also earned a B.S. in Finance from Northern
Illinois University.
The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about
the portfolio manager's compensation structure, other accounts managed by the
portfolio manager and the portfolio manager's ownership of securities of the
Funds he manages.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
GENERAL
The Shares will be issued or redeemed by the Funds at net asset value per Share
only in Creation Unit size. See "Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees."
Most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Funds in secondary market
transactions through brokers. Shares of the Funds are listed for trading on the
secondary market on the AMEX. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the
trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment.
Although Shares are generally purchased and sold in "round lots" of 100 Shares,
brokerage firms typically permit investors to purchase or sell Shares in smaller
"odd lots," at no per-share price differential. When buying or selling Shares
through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges,
and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price
in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale)
transaction. The Funds trade on the AMEX at prices that may differ to varying
degrees from the daily NAV of the Shares. Given that each Fund's Shares can be
issued and redeemed in Creation Units, the Investment Adviser believes that
large discounts and premiums to NAV should not be sustained for long. The Funds
trade under the AMEX symbols set forth in the chart below.
| 69
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF FUND AMEX TICKER SYMBOL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF BST
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF BMV
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF BES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF XGC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF OTP
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF OTR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF GRN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF CZA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF MCG
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF SCV
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per Share.
Investors may acquire Shares directly from the Funds, and shareholders may
tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Funds, only in Creation Units
of 50,000 Shares, as discussed in the "Creations, Redemptions and Transaction
Fees" section, which follows.
BOOK ENTRY
Shares are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are
issued. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee is the record owner
of all outstanding Shares of the Funds and is recognized as the owner of all
Shares for all purposes.
Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or
its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares.
Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or
indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of
Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates
or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a
registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of
Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These
procedures are the same as those that apply to any other stocks that you may
hold in book entry or "street name" form.
70 |
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES
PRICING FUND SHARES
The trading price of each Fund's shares on the AMEX may differ from the Fund's
daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand,
economic conditions and other factors.
The AMEX disseminates the approximate value of Shares of the Funds every fifteen
seconds. This approximate value should not be viewed as a "real-time" update of
the NAV per Share of the Funds because the approximate value may not be
calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day,
generally at the end of the business day. The Funds are not involved in, or
responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value and
the Funds do not make any warranty as to its accuracy.
The net asset value per Share for each Fund is determined once daily as of the
close of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, each day the NYSE is open for
trading. NAV per Share is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities, cash and other assets (including accrued interest), less
all liabilities (including accrued expenses), by the total number of shares
outstanding.
Equity securities are valued at the last reported sale price on the principal
exchange or on the principal OTC market on which such securities are traded, as
of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the day the securities are being
valued or, if there are no sales, at the mean of the most recent bid and asked
prices. Equity securities that are traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock Market
are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Debt securities are valued at
the mean between the last available bid and asked prices for such securities or,
if such prices are not available, at prices for securities of comparable
maturity, quality, and type. Securities for which market quotations are not
readily available, including restricted securities, are valued by a method that
the Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value. Securities will be valued
at fair value when market quotations are not readily available or are deemed
unreliable, such as when a security's value or meaningful portion of a Fund's
portfolio is believed to have been materially affected by a significant event.
Such events may include a natural disaster, an economic event like a bankruptcy
filing, a trading halt in a security, an unscheduled early market close or a
substantial fluctuation in domestic and foreign markets that has occurred
between the close of the principal exchange and the NYSE. In such a case, the
value for a security is likely to be different from the last quoted market
price. In addition, due to the subjective and variable nature of fair market
value pricing, it is possible that the value determined for a particular asset
may be materially different from the value realized upon such asset's sale.
| 71
CREATION UNITS
Investors such as market makers, large investors and institutions who wish to
deal in Creation Units directly with the Funds must have entered into an
authorized participant agreement with the distributor and the transfer agent, or
purchase through a dealer that has entered into such an agreement. Set forth
below is a brief description of the procedures applicable to purchase and
redemption of Creation Units. For more detailed information, see "Creation and
Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
In order to purchase Creation Units of a Fund, an investor must generally
deposit a designated portfolio of equity securities constituting a substantial
replication, or a representation, of the stocks included in the Index (the
"Deposit Securities") and generally make a small cash payment referred to as the
"Cash Component." For those Authorized Participants that are not eligible for
trading a Deposit Security, custom orders are available. The list of the names
and the numbers of shares of the Deposit Securities is made available by the
Funds' custodian through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing
Corporation, commonly referred to as NSCC, immediately prior to the opening of
business each day of the AMEX. The Cash Component represents the difference
between the net asset value of a Creation Unit and the market value of the
Deposit Securities. In the case of custom orders, cash-in-lieu may be added to
the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Securities that the Authorized
Participant may not be eligible to trade.
Orders must be placed in proper form by or through either (i) a "Participating
Party" i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the Clearing Process of the
Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process") or (ii) a
participant of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC Participant") that has entered
into an agreement with the Trust, the distributor and the transfer agent, with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units (collectively,
"Authorized Participant" or "AP"). All standard orders must be placed for one or
more whole Creation Units of Shares of each Fund and must be received by the
distributor in proper form no later than the close of regular trading on the
AMEX (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) ("Closing Time") in order to receive
that day's closing NAV per Share. In the case of custom orders, as further
described in the Statement of Additional Information, the order must be received
by the distributor no later than one hour prior to Closing Time in order to
receive that day's closing NAV per Share. A custom order may be placed by an
Authorized Participant in the event that the Trust permits or requires the
substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component to replace
any Deposit Security which may not be available in sufficient quantity for
delivery or which may not be eligible for trading by such Authorized
72 |
Participant or the investor for which it is acting or any other relevant reason.
See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
A fixed creation transaction fee of $500 per transaction (assuming 100 or fewer
stocks in each Creation Unit; Creation Units that have 101-200 stocks are
subject to a fee of $1,000; Creation Units that have 201-300 stocks are subject
to a fee of $1,500) (the "Creation Transaction Fee") is applicable to each
transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased in the
transaction. An additional charge of up to four times the Creation Transaction
Fee may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside of the Clearing
Process (through a DTC Participant) or to the extent that cash is used in lieu
of securities to purchase Creation Units. See "Creation and Redemption of
Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional Information. The
price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per Share times the number
of Shares in a Creation Unit plus the fees described above and, if applicable,
any transfer taxes.
Shares of each Fund may be issued in advance of receipt of all Deposit
Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on
deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the
missing Deposit Securities. Any such transaction effected must be effected
outside the Clearing Process. See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit
Aggregations" in the Statement of Additional Information.
LEGAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSACTIONS IN CERTAIN STOCKS
An investor subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock
required to be deposited in connection with the purchase of a Creation Unit may,
at a Fund's discretion, be permitted to deposit an equivalent amount of cash in
substitution for any stock which would otherwise be included in the Deposit
Securities applicable to the purchase of a Creation Unit. For more details, see
"Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV and only on a day the
AMEX is open for business. The Funds' custodian makes available immediately
prior to the opening of business each day of the AMEX, through the facilities of
the NSCC, the list of the names and the numbers of shares of the Funds'
portfolio securities that will be applicable that day to redemption requests in
proper form ("Fund Securities"). Fund Securities received on redemption may not
be identical to Deposit Securities which are applicable to purchases of Creation
Units. Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for the Funds,
| 73
the redemption proceeds consist of the Fund Securities, plus cash in an amount
equal to the difference between the NAV of Shares being redeemed as next
determined after receipt by the transfer agent of a redemption request in proper
form, and the value of the Fund Securities (the "Cash Redemption Amount"), less
the applicable redemption fee and, if applicable, any transfer taxes. Should the
Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of Shares being redeemed, a
compensating cash payment to the Trust equal to the differential, plus the
applicable redemption fee and, if applicable, any transfer taxes will be
required to be arranged for by or on behalf of the redeeming shareholder. For
more details, see "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund may only be effected by or through
an Authorized Participant. An order to redeem must be placed for one or more
whole Creation Units and must be received by the transfer agent in proper form
no later than the close of regular trading on the AMEX (normally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) in order to receive that day's closing NAV per Share. In the case
of custom orders, as further described in the Statement of Additional
Information, the order must be received by the transfer agent no later than 3:00
p.m. Eastern time.
A fixed redemption transaction fee of $500 per transaction (assuming 100 or
fewer stocks in each Creation Unit; Creation Units that have 101-200 stocks are
subject to a fee of $1,000; Creation Units that have 201-300 stocks are subject
to a fee of $1,500) (the "Redemption Transaction Fee") is applicable to each
redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed in
the transaction. An additional charge of up to four times the Redemption
Transaction Fee may be charged to approximate additional expenses incurred by
the Trust with respect to redemptions effected outside of the Clearing Process
or to the extent that redemptions are for cash. The Funds reserve the right to
effect redemptions in cash. A shareholder may request a cash redemption in lieu
of securities, however, a Fund may, in its discretion, reject any such request.
See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
DISTRIBUTIONS
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS. Fund shareholders are entitled to their share of a
Fund's income and net realized gains on its investments. Each Fund pays out
substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as "distributions."
Each Fund typically earns income dividends from stocks and interest from debt
securities. These amounts, net of expenses, are passed along to Fund
shareholders as "income dividend distributions." Each Fund realizes capital
gains or losses whenever it sells securities. Net long-term capital gains are
distributed to shareholders as "capital gain distributions."
Income dividends, if any, are distributed to shareholders annually. Net capital
gains are distributed at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more
frequently to
74 |
improve Index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code. Some portion of each distribution may result in a return
of capital. Fund shareholders will be notified regarding the portion of the
distribution that represents a return of capital.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares
only if the broker through which the Shares were purchased makes such option
available.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SERVICE PLAN
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted a distribution and services plan
(the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as
amended (the "1940 Act). Under the Plan, each Fund is authorized to pay
distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its shares and
pay service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to
shareholders of each class and the maintenance of shareholder accounts in an
amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year.
No 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Funds, and there are no current plans to
impose these fees. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future,
because these fees are paid out of a Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, these
fees will increase the cost of your investment in the Fund. By purchasing shares
subject to distribution fees and service fees, you may pay more over time than
you would by purchasing shares with other types of sales charge arrangements.
Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charge permitted by the rules of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). The net income attributable to the Shares will
be reduced by the amount of distribution fees and service fees and other
expenses of the Funds.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
The Funds impose no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions.
The Board of Trustees evaluated the risks of market timing activities by the
Funds' shareholders when they considered that no restriction or policy was
necessary. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, each Fund
issues and redeems its shares at NAV for a basket of securities intended to
mirror the Fund's portfolio, plus a small amount of cash, and a Fund's Shares
may be purchased and sold on the exchange at prevailing market prices. Given
this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that (a) market timing
would be attempted by each Fund's shareholders or (b) any attempts to market
time a Fund by its shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or
its shareholders.
| 75
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Claymore Advisors, LLC is the administrator of the Funds.
The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY") is the custodian and fund accounting and
transfer agent for the Funds.
Clifford Chance US LLP serves as legal counsel to the Funds.
Ernst & Young LLP serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting
firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for
auditing the annual financial statements of the Funds.
INDEX PROVIDERS
Best Independent Research, LLC is the Index Provider for the Claymore/BIR
Leaders 50 ETF, Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF and Claymore/BIR Leaders
Small-Cap Core ETF. BIR is not affiliated with the Trust, the Investment Adviser
or the distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered into a license agreement
with BIR to use each Fund's Index. Each Fund is entitled to use its reward Index
pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Investment Adviser.
Great Companies, Inc. is the Index Provider for the Claymore/Great Companies
Large-Cap Growth Index ETF. Great Companies is not affiliated with the Trust,
the Investment Adviser or the distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered
into a license agreement with Great Companies to use the Index. The Fund is
entitled to use the Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the
Investment Adviser.
Ocean Tomo, LLC is the Index Provider for the Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF and
the Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF. Ocean Tomo is not affiliated with the
Trust, the Investment Adviser or the distributor. The Investment Adviser has
entered into a license agreement with Ocean Tomo to use each Fund's Index. Each
Fund is entitled to use its reward Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement
with the Investment Adviser.
Light Green Advisors is the Index Provider for the Claymore/LGA Green ETF. Light
Green Advisors is not affiliated with the Trust, the Investment Adviser or the
distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered into a license agreement with
Light Green Advisors to use the Index. The Fund is entitled to use the Index
pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Investment Adviser.
76 |
Zacks Investment Research, Inc. is the Index Provider for the Claymore/Zacks
Mid-Cap Core ETF. Zacks is not affiliated with the Trust, the Investment Adviser
or the distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered into a license agreement
with Zacks to use the Index. The Fund is entitled to use the Index pursuant to a
sub-licensing arrangement with the Investment Adviser.
Clear Indexes LLC is the Index Provider for the Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth
Index ETF. Clear is not affiliated with the Trust, the Investment Adviser or the
distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered into a license agreement with
Clear to use the Index. The Fund is entitled to use the Index pursuant to a
sub-licensing arrangement with the Investment Adviser.
IndexIQ, Inc. is the Index Provider for the Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value
ETF. IndexIQ is not affiliated with the Trust, the Investment Adviser or the
distributor. The Investment Adviser has entered into a license agreement with
IndexIQ to use the Index. The Fund is entitled to use the Index pursuant to a
sub-licensing arrangement with the Investment Adviser.
DISCLAIMERS
The "BIR Leaders 50 Index," "BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value Index," and "BIR Leaders
Small-Cap Core Index" are trademarks of BIR and have been licensed for use for
certain purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Funds are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by BIR and BIR makes no representation regarding the
advisability of investing in Shares of the Funds.
The "Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index" is a trademark of Great Companies
and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by the Investment Adviser.
The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Great Companies and
Great Companies makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing
in Shares of the Fund.
The "Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Index" and the "Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Growth
Index" are trademarks of Ocean Tomo and have been licensed for use for certain
purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold
or promoted by Ocean Tomo and Ocean Tomo makes no representation regarding the
advisability of investing in Shares of the Funds.
The "Light Green Eco*IndexTM" is a trademark of Light Green Advisors and has
been licensed for use for certain purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Fund
is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Light Green Advisors and Light
Green Advisors makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing
in Shares of the Fund.
| 77
The "Zacks Mid-Cap Core Index" is a trademark of Zacks and has been licensed for
use for certain purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Fund is not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by Zacks and Zacks makes no representation regarding
the advisability of investing in Shares of the Fund.
The "Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index" is a trademark of Clear and has been licensed
for use for certain purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Fund is not
sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Clear and Clear makes no representation
regarding the advisability of investing in Shares of the Fund.
The "IndexIQ Active Value Small Cap Index" is a trademark of IndexIQ and has
been licensed for use for certain purposes by the Investment Adviser. The Fund
is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by IndexIQ and IndexIQ makes no
representation regarding the advisability of investing in Shares of the Fund.
The Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF, Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF and
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF and their Shares are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by BIR or Mergent, Inc. BIR and Mergent make no
representation or warranty, express or implied, to the shareholders of the Funds
or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in
securities generally or in the Funds particularly or the ability of any data
supplied by BIR to track general stock market performance. BIR's only
relationship to the Investment Adviser is the licensing of certain trademarks
and trade names of BIR and of the data supplied by BIR, which is determined and
composed by BIR and calculated by its agent, Mergent, without regard to the
Investment Adviser, Funds or their Shares. BIR and Mergent have no obligation to
take the needs of the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of the Funds into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the data supplied by BIR.
BIR is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the
prices of the Shares of the Funds or the timing of the issuance or sale of such
Shares. BIR and Mergent have no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Funds or their Shares.
The Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF and its Shares are not
sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Great Companies. Great Companies makes
no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the shareholders of the
Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in
securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of any data
supplied by Great Companies to track general stock market performance. Great
Companies' only relationship to the Investment Adviser is the licensing of
certain trademarks and trade names of Great Companies and of the data supplied
by Great Companies, which is determined, composed and calculated by Great
Companies without regard to the Fund or its Shares. Great Companies has no
obligation to take the needs of the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of
the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the data
supplied by Great Companies. Great Companies is not
78 |
responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices of
the Shares of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of such Shares.
Great Companies has no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Fund or its Shares.
The Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF and Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF are
not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Ocean Tomo Capital, LLC or its
parent or affiliates (collectively "Ocean Tomo"). Ocean Tomo has not passed on
the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and
disclosures relating to, the Funds. Ocean Tomo make no representation or
warranty, express or implied to the owners of the Funds or any member of the
public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the
Funds particularly, or the ability of the Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Index or the
Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Growth Index (the "Indices") to track general stock
market performance. Ocean Tomo's only relationship to the Investment Adviser is
in the licensing of the certain trademarks and the use of the Indices which are
determined, composed and calculated by Ocean Tomo without regard to the
Investment Adviser or the Funds. Ocean Tomo has no obligation to take the needs
of the the Investment Adviser or the owners of the Funds into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the Indices. Ocean Tomo is not responsible
for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at,
or quantities of the Funds are be issued or in the determination or calculation
of the equation by which the Funds is to be converted into cash. Ocean Tomo has
no liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
Funds.
Ocean Tomo does not guarantee the accuracy and/or uninterrupted calculation of
the Indices or any data included therein. Ocean Tomo makes no warranty, express
or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Investment Adviser, owners of
the funds, or any other person or entity from the use of the Indices or any data
included therein. Ocean Tomo makes no express or implied warranties, and
expressly disclaims all warranties or merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use with respect to the Indices or any data included
therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall ocean tomo
have any liability for any lost profits or special, incidental, punitive,
indirect, or consequential damages, even if notified of the possibility of such
damages.
The Claymore/LGA Green ETF and its Shares are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or
promoted by Light Green Advisors. Light Green Advisors makes no representation
or warranty, express or implied, to the shareholders of the Fund or any member
of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or
in the Fund particularly or the ability of any data supplied by Light Green
Advisors to track general stock market performance. Light Green Advisors' only
relationship to the Investment Adviser is the licensing of certain trademarks
and trade names of Light Green Advisors and of the data supplied by Light Green
Advisors, which is determined, composed and calculated by Light
| 79
Green Advisors without regard to the Fund or its Shares. Light Green Advisors
has no obligation to take the needs of the Investment Adviser or the
shareholders of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or
calculating the data supplied by Light Green Advisors. Light Green Advisors is
not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices
of the Shares of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of such Shares.
Light Green Advisors has no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Fund or its Shares.
The Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF and its Shares are not sponsored, endorsed,
sold or promoted by Zacks. Zacks makes no representation or warranty, express or
implied, to the shareholders of the Fund or any member of the public regarding
the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund
particularly or the ability of any data supplied by Zacks to track general stock
market performance. Zacks's only relationship to the Investment Adviser is the
licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Zacks and of the data
supplied by Zacks, which is determined, composed and calculated by Zacks without
regard to the Fund or its Shares. Zacks has no obligation to take the needs of
the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of the Fund into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the data supplied by Zacks. Zacks is not
responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices of
the Shares of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of such Shares.
Zacks has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration,
marketing or trading of the Fund or its Shares.
The Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF and its Shares are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by Clear. Clear makes no representation or warranty,
express or implied, to the shareholders of the Fund or any member of the public
regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund
particularly or the ability of any data supplied by Clear to track general stock
market performance. Clear's only relationship to the Investment Adviser is the
licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Clear and of the data
supplied by Clear, which is determined, composed and calculated by Clear without
regard to the Fund or its Shares. Clear has no obligation to take the needs of
the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of the Fund into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the data supplied by Clear. Clear is not
responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices of
the Shares of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of such Shares.
Clear has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration,
marketing or trading of the Fund or their Shares.
The Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF and its Shares are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by IndexIQ. IndexIQ makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the shareholders of the Fund or any member of
the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in
the Fund particularly or the ability of any data supplied by IndexIQ to track
general stock
80 |
market performance. IndexIQ's only relationship to the Investment Adviser is the
licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of IndexIQ and of the data
supplied by IndexIQ, which is determined, composed and calculated by IndexIQ
without regard to the Fund or its Shares. IndexIQ has no obligation to take the
needs of the Investment Adviser or the shareholders of the Fund into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the data supplied by
IndexIQ. IndexIQ is not responsible for and has not participated in the
determination of the prices of the Shares of the Fund or the timing of the
issuance or sale of such Shares. IndexIQ has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund or its
Shares.
The Investment Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness
of any Index or any data included therein, and the Investment Adviser shall have
no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Investment
Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by
the Funds, owners of the Shares of the Funds or any other person or entity from
the use of the Index or any data included therein. The Investment Adviser makes
no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the
Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no
event shall the Investment Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive,
direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out
of matters relating to the use of the Index even if notified of the possibility
of such damages.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will
be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general
information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax
consequences of an investment in Shares.
Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or
tax-deferred retirement account, such as an IRA plan, you need to be aware of
the possible tax consequences when:
o Your Fund makes distributions,
o You sell your Shares listed on the AMEX, and
o You purchase or redeem Creation Units.
| 81
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually.
Each Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of the calendar year to
comply with federal tax requirements. In general, your distributions are subject
to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or
reinvest them in a Fund. Dividends paid out of a Fund's income and net
short-term gains, if any, are taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of net
long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the
Shares.
Long-term capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers are generally taxed at a
maximum rate of 15% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. In
addition, for these taxable years some ordinary dividends declared and paid by a
Fund to non-corporate shareholders may qualify for taxation at the lower reduced
tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that holding period
and other requirements are met by the Fund and the shareholder.
Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits
are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the
Shares, and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce a Fund's net
asset value per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital
gain even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute
a return of capital.
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, each Fund's
ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital
gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower
treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S.
trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment in the United
States. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of
a dividend as an "interest-related dividend." An interest-related dividend that
is received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity generally would be exempt
from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements are
met. The Fund may also, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion
of a dividend as a "short-term capital gain dividend" which if received by a
nonresident alien or foreign entity generally would be exempt from the 30% U.S.
withholding tax, unless the foreign person is a nonresident alien individual
present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or
more during the taxable year. The provisions contained in the legislation
relating to dividends to foreign persons would apply to dividends with respect
to taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2008. Prospective
investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the specific tax
consequences relating to the proposed legislation.
82 |
Dividends and interest received by a Fund may give rise to withholding and other
taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries
and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The Funds are not
expected to receive significant amounts of interest.
By law, each Fund must withhold a percentage of your distributions and proceeds
if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security
number. The backup withholding rate for individuals is currently 28%.
TAXES ON EXCHANGE-LISTED SHARES SALES
Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally
treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more
than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been
held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
TAXES ON PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
An authorized purchaser who exchanges equity securities for Creation Units
generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the
difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the
exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and the Cash Component
paid. A person who exchanges Creation Units for equity securities will generally
recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis
in the Creation Units and the aggregate market value of the securities received
and the Cash Redemption Amount. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may
assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units
cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales" on the basis
that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons
exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to
whether the wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.
Under current federal tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon
redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or
loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term
capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less.
If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation
statement showing how many Shares and at what price you purchased and sold.
THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION SUMMARIZES SOME OF THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES UNDER
CURRENT FEDERAL TAX LAW OF AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND. IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
PERSONAL TAX ADVICE. YOU MAY ALSO BE SUBJECT TO STATE AND LOCAL TAXATION ON FUND
DISTRIBUTIONS, AND SALES OF FUND SHARES. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT YOUR
PERSONAL TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE POTENTIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN
FUND SHARES UNDER ALL APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
| 83
OTHER INFORMATION
For purposes of the 1940 Act each Fund is treated as a registered investment
company. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment
companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of
the Funds. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Funds
beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and
conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust, including
that such investment companies enter into an agreement with a Fund.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the
disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand each Fund's
financial performance since its inception. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment
in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This
information has been derived from the Funds' financial statements which have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the Funds' financial
statements, are included in the Funds' Annual Report, which is available upon
request.
84 |
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS 50 ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 2, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 24.90
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.35
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.33
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 25.23
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 24.57
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value 1.33%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 3,785
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 1.83%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* -0.22%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 1%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 7.57%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -5.97%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
| 85
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS MID-CAP VALUE ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 2, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 24.97
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) (0.00)(e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.68)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (0.68)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 24.29
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 24.03
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value -2.72%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 1,215
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 1.94%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* -0.03%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 1%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 7.81%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -5.90%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Amount is less than $0.01.
86 |
CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS SMALL-CAP CORE ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 2, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 24.93
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.57)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (0.59)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 24.34
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 24.32
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value -2.37%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 2,434
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 1.72%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* -0.20%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 5%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 6.64%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -5.12%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
| 87
CLAYMORE/GREAT COMPANIES LARGE-CAP GROWTH INDEX ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 2, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.02
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (0.01)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 25.01
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 25.02
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value -0.04%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 5,001
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 1.77%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* -0.06%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 2%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 7.01%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -5.30%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported either at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and
distributions are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return
does not reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period
of less than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
88 |
CLAYMORE/OCEAN TOMO PATENT ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 15, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.27
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) 0.17
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.48
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.65
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income (0.00)(e)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 27.92
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 27.66
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value 10.50%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 8,377
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.91%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 0.90%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 4%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.97%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -0.16%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Amount is less than $0.01.
| 89
CLAYMORE/OCEAN TOMO GROWTH INDEX ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 2, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.14
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) (0.05)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.35
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.30
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 27.44
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 27.45
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value 9.15%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 2,744
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 2.03%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* -0.46%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 1%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 8.48%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -6.91%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported either at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and
distributions are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return
does not reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period
of less than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
90 |
CLAYMORE/LGA GREEN ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 15, 2006**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.27
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) 0.21
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.42
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.63
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income (0.00)(e)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 25.90
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 25.95
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value 2.51%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 3,885
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 0.95%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 1.13%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 12%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 2.12%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -0.04%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Amount is less than $0.01.
| 91
CLAYMORE/ZACKS MID-CAP CORE ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 2, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.09
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.43
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.41
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 25.50
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 25.59
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value 1.64%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 5,100
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 1.81%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* -0.21%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 17%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 7.13%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -5.53%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported either at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and
distributions are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return
does not reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period
of less than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
92 |
CLAYMORE/CLEAR MID-CAP GROWTH INDEX ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 26, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 24.99
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) (0.13)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.39)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (0.52)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 24.47
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 24.50
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value -2.08%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 3,671
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 2.03%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* -1.51%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 48%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 9.30%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -8.78%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and distributions
are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return does not
reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less
than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
| 93
CLAYMORE/INDEXIQ SMALL-CAP VALUE ETF
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 26, 2007**
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE THROUGH
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD AUGUST 31, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 25.24
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)(a) 0.17
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (2.65)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (2.48)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM
Net investment income --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 22.76
===================================================================================================
MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 22.73
===================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*(b)
Net asset value -9.82%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (thousands) $ 2,276
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets* 2.17%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets* 1.99%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 3%(d)
* If certain expenses had not been waived or reimbursed by the Adviser,
total return would have been lower and the ratios would have been as
follows:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 10.19%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets -6.03%(c)
** Commencement of investment operations and initial listing date on the
American Stock Exchange.
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common
share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the
period reported either at net asset value ("NAV"). Dividends and
distributions are assumed to be reinvested at NAV. Total investment return
does not reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period
of less than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
94 |
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
The table that follows presents information about the differences between the
daily market price on secondary markets for Shares and the NAV of the
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF and Claymore/LGA Green ETF. Such information with
respect to the Shares and NAV of the other Funds will be presented once those
Funds' Shares have traded for a full twelve months. NAV is the price per share
at which each Fund issues and redeems Shares. It is calculated in accordance
with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The "Market Price" of
each Fund generally is determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and
the lowest offer on the exchange on which the Fund is listed for trading, as of
the time the Fund's NAV is calculated. Each Fund's Market Price may be at, above
or below its NAV. The NAV of each Fund will fluctuate with changes in the market
value of its portfolio holdings. The Market Price of each Fund will fluctuate in
accordance with changes in its NAV, as well as market supply and demand.
Premiums or discounts are the differences (generally expressed as a percentage)
between the NAV and Market Price of each Fund on a given day, generally at the
time NAV is calculated. A premium is the amount that each Fund is trading above
the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount is the amount
that each Fund is trading below the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of
the NAV.
The following information shows the frequency of distributions of premiums and
discounts for the Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF and Claymore/LGA Green ETF. The
information shown for the Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF and Claymore/LGA Green
ETF is for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007 and for each of the last four
quarters.
Each line in the table shows the number of trading days in which the Fund traded
within the premium/discount range indicated. The number of trading days in each
premium/discount range is also shown as a percentage of the total number of
trading days in the period covered by the table. All data presented here
represents past performance, which cannot be used to predict future results.
| 95
CLAYMORE/OCEAN TOMO PATENT ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0% and 0.5% 2/1.12% 2/1.02% -- -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5% and -0.5% 175/98.31% 194/98.48% 134/100% 71/100% 10/100%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -0.5% and -1.0% 0/0% 0/0% -- -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -1.0% and -1.5% 1/0.56% 1/0.51% -- -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 178/100.00% 197/100.00% 134/100.00% 71/100.00% 10/100.00%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Commenced operations on December 15, 2006.
CLAYMORE/LGA GREEN ETF*
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER
OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/ OF DAYS/
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL OF TOTAL
DAYS (FISCAL DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER DAYS (QUARTER
PREMIUM/ YEAR ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DISCOUNT RANGE 8/31/07) 9/30/07) 6/30/07) 3/31/07 12/31/06
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 1.0% and 0.5% 5/2.81% 5/2.54% 3/2.24% 3/4.23% 1/10%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 0.5% and -0.5% 167/93.82% 186/94.42% 126/94.03% 65/91.55% 8/80%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -0.5% and -1.0% 5/2.81% 5/2.54% 4/2.99% 2/2.82% 1/10%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between -1.0% and -1.5% 1/0.56% 1/0.51% 1/0.75% 1/1.41% --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 178/100.00% 197/100.00% 134/100.00% 71/100.00% 10/100.00%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Commenced operations on December 15, 2006.
96 |
TOTAL RETURN INFORMATION
The following table presents information about the total return of each Fund's
Index in comparison to the total return of that Fund. The information presented
for each Fund is for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.
"Cumulative total returns" represent the total change in value of an investment
over the period indicated. A Fund's per Share NAV is the value of one Share of a
Fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual
fund shares. The NAV return is based on the NAV of a Fund, and the market return
is based on the market price per Share of a Fund. The price used to calculate
market return ("Market Price") is determined by using the midpoint between the
highest bid and the lowest offer on the exchange on which a Fund is listed for
trading, as of the time that a Fund's NAV is calculated. Since a Fund's Shares
typically do not trade in the secondary market until several days after a Fund's
inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market
trading in Fund shares, the NAV of a Fund is used as a proxy for secondary
market trading price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume
that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested in a Fund at
Market Price and NAV, respectively. An index is a statistical composite that
tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike the Funds, an index does
not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the
expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses negatively impact the performance
of the Funds. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may
be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were
included, market returns would be lower. The returns shown in the table below do
not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Shares of each Fund. The investment
return and principal value of Shares of a Fund will vary with changes in market
conditions. Shares of a Fund may be worth more or less than their original cost
when they are redeemed or sold in the market. The Funds' past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
| 97
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
SINCE INCEPTION* THROUGH
FUND/INDEX NAME AUGUST 31, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF (At NAV) 1.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF (At Market) -1.32%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIR Leaders 50 Index 2.16%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF (At NAV) -2.72%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF (At Market) -3.76%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value Index -1.83%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF (At NAV) -2.37%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF (At Market) -2.45%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core Index -1.56%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF (At NAV) -0.04%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF (At Market) 0.00%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index 1.04%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF (At NAV) 10.50%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF (At Market) 9.47%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Index 11.31%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.62%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF (At NAV) 9.15%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF (At Market) 9.19%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ocean Tomo 300(R) Patent Growth Index 10.12%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF (At NAV) 2.51%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF (At Market) 2.70%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Light Green Eco* Index TM 3.40%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.62%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
98 |
|
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
SINCE INCEPTION* THROUGH
FUND/INDEX NAME AUGUST 31, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF (At NAV) 1.64%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF (At Market) 1.99%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zacks Mid-Cap Core Index 2.34%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index 4.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF (At NAV) -2.08%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF (At Market) -1.96%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index -1.31%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index -0.70%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF (At NAV) -9.82%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF (At Market) -9.94%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IndexIQ Active Value Small-Cap Index -9.12%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index -0.70%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
* Each of the Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF and Claymore/LGA Green ETF
commenced operations on December 15, 2006. Each of the Claymore/Clear
Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF and Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF
commenced operations on April 26, 2007. Each of the other Funds commenced
operations on April 2, 2007.
| 99
This page intentionally left blank.
100 |
This page intentionally left blank.
101 |
This page intentionally left blank.
102 |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS OR PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS
o Call your broker
o www.claymore.com
DEALERS
o www.claymore.com
o Distributor Telephone: (888) 949-3837
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Claymore Advisors, LLC
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
DISTRIBUTOR
Claymore Securities, Inc.
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York Mellon
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
LEGAL COUNSEL
Clifford Chance US LLP
31 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
TRANSFER AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
[LOGO]
CLAYMORE (R)
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 2007, which contains
more details about the Funds, is incorporated by reference in its entirety into
this Prospectus, which means that it is legally part of this Prospectus.
You will find additional information about each Fund in its annual and
semi-annual reports to shareholders, when available. The annual report will
explain the market conditions and investment strategies affecting each Fund's
performance during its last fiscal year.
You can ask questions or obtain a free copy of the Funds' shareholder reports or
the Statement of Additional Information by calling 1-888-949-3837. Free copies
of the Funds' shareholder reports and the Statement of Additional Information
are available from our website at www.claymore.com.
Information about each Fund, including its reports and the Statement of
Additional Information, has been filed with the SEC. It can be reviewed and
copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or on the EDGAR
database on the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Information on the
operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC
at (202) 551-8090. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment
of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's e-mail address
(publicinfo@sec.gov) or by writing the Public Reference section of the SEC, 100
F Street NE, Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549.
PROSPECTUS
DISTRIBUTOR
Claymore Securities, Inc.
2455 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
DECEMBER 31, 2007
Investment Company Act File No. 811-21906
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-21906
CLAYMORE EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED DECEMBER 31, 2007
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Prospectus dated December 31, 2007 for each of the
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF, Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF, Claymore/Sabrient Stealth
ETF, Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF, Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF,
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF, Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF, Claymore/LGA Green
ETF, Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF, Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF, Claymore/BIR
Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF, Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF,
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF, Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth
Index ETF, Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF, Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core
ETF, Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF and Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap
Value ETF, each a series of the Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (the
"Trust"), as it may be revised from time to time. Capitalized terms used herein
that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless
otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by
writing to the Trust's Distributor, Claymore Securities, Inc., or by calling
toll free 1-888-949-3837.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUNDS..........................1
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING............................................1
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS AND POLICIES....................................2
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS...........................................4
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS........................................7
MANAGEMENT..............................................................9
BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS.................................................17
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUST............................18
CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNIT AGGREGATIONS..................21
TAXES .................................................................31
FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF FUTURES AND OPTIONS CONTRACTS.................33
DETERMINATION OF NAV...................................................33
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS............................................33
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION..............................................34
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...................................................34
|
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUNDS
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on May 24, 2006 and
is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios. The Trust is an open-end
management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Trust currently consists of 25 investment
portfolios. This Statement of Additional Information relates to the following 18
investment portfolios: Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF, Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF,
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF, Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF,
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF, Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF, Claymore/Ocean Tomo
Patent ETF, Claymore/LGA Green ETF, Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF, Claymore/BIR
Leaders 50 ETF, Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF, Claymore/BIR Leaders
Small-Cap Core ETF, Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF,
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF, Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF,
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF, Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF and
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF (each a "Fund" and together, the "Funds").
Each of the Funds is "non-diversified" and, as such, such Funds' investments are
not required to meet certain diversification requirements under the 1940 Act.
The shares of the Funds are referred to herein as "Shares" or "Fund Shares."
The Funds are managed by Claymore Advisors, LLC ("Claymore Advisors" or the
"Investment Adviser").
The Funds offer and issue Shares at net asset value ("NAV") only in
aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each a "Creation Unit" or a
"Creation Unit Aggregation"), generally in exchange for a basket of equity
securities included in the relevant Underlying Indices (the "Deposit
Securities"), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the "Cash
Component"). The Funds' Shares are listed and traded on the American Stock
Exchange, LLC (the "AMEX"). Fund Shares will trade on the AMEX at market prices
that may be below, at or above NAV. Shares are redeemable only in Creation Unit
Aggregations and, generally, in exchange for portfolio securities and a
specified cash payment. Creation Units are aggregations of 50,000 Shares. In
the event of the liquidation of a Fund, the Trust may lower the number of Shares
in a Creation Unit.
The Trust reserves the right to offer a "cash" option for creations and
redemptions of Fund Shares. Fund Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of
Deposit Securities subject to various conditions including a requirement to
maintain on deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to 115% of the market
value of the missing Deposit Securities. See the "Creation and Redemption of
Creation Unit Aggregations" section. In each instance of such cash creations or
redemptions, transaction fees may be imposed that will be higher than the
transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. In all cases,
such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") applicable to management investment
companies offering redeemable securities.
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING
There can be no assurance that the requirements of the AMEX necessary
to maintain the listing of Shares of each Fund will continue to be met. The AMEX
may, but is not required to, remove the Shares of a Fund from listing if (i)
following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading
of a Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the Shares of the Fund
for 30 or more consecutive trading days; (ii) the value of the Underlying
Indices is no longer calculated or available; or (iii) such other event shall
occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the AMEX, makes further
dealings on the AMEX inadvisable. The AMEX will remove the Shares of a Fund from
listing and trading upon termination of such Fund.
As in the case of other stocks traded on the AMEX, broker's commissions on
transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.
The Trust reserves the right to adjust the price levels of the Shares in
the future to help maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any
adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits,
which would have no effect on the net assets of each Fund.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS AND POLICIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The investment objective of the Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF is to provide
investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the
Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called "The Bank of New York Mellon
BRIC Select ADR Index" (the "BNY BRIC Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF is to provide
investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the
Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Sabrient Insider
Sentiment Index" (the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF is to provide
investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the
Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Sabrient Stealth Index"
(the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF is to
provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before
the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Zacks Sector
Rotation Index" (the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF is to provide
investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the
Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Zacks Yield Hog Index"
(the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF is to provide
investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the
Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called "Clear Spin-off Index" (the
"Spin-off Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF is to
provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before
the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Ocean Tomo 300(R)
Patent Index" (the "Patent Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/LGA Green ETF is to provide
investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the
Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Light Green
Eco*Index(TM)" (the "Eco Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF is to
provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before
the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Sabrient Defensive
Equity Index" (the "Defensive Equity Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF is to provide
investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the
Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "BIR-Leaders 50 Index"
(the "BIR-50 Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF is
to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "BIR Leaders
Mid-Cap Value Index" (the "BIR Mid-Cap Value Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF is
to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "BIR Leaders
Small-Cap Core Index" (the "BIR Small-Cap Core Index" or the "Underlying
Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth
Index ETF is to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
performance, before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the
"Great Companies, Great Investments Large-Cap Growth Index" (the "Large-Cap
Growth Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF is to
provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before
the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Ocean Tomo 300(R)
Patent Growth Index" (the "Ocean Tomo Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF is
to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance,
before the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Zacks
Growth & Income Index" (the "Zacks Growth & Income Index" or the "Underlying
Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF is to
provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before
the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Zacks Mid-Cap Core
Index" (the "Zacks Mid-Cap Core Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth ETF is to
provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before
the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "Clear Mid-Cap
Growth Index" (the "Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index" or the "Underlying Index").
The investment objective of the Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF is to
provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before
the Fund's fees and expenses, of an equity index called the "IndexIQ Active
Value Small-Cap Index" (the "Active Value Index" or the "Underlying Index").
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board" or the "Trustees") has
adopted as fundamental policies the Funds' respective investment restrictions,
numbered (1) through (7) below. Each Fund, as a fundamental policy, may not:
(1) Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers in any one industry or group of industries, except to the extent that
the Underlying Index that the Fund replicates concentrates in an industry or
group of industries. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
(2) Borrow money, except that the Fund may (i) borrow money from banks for
temporary or emergency purposes (but not for leverage or the purchase of
investments) up to 10% of its total assets and (ii) make other investments or
engage in other transactions permissible under the 1940 Act that may involve a
borrowing, provided that the combination of (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33
1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed),
less the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).
2
(3) Act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except to the
extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities.
(4) Make loans to other persons, except through (i) the purchase of debt
securities permissible under the Fund's investment policies, (ii) repurchase
agreements or (iii) the lending of portfolio securities, provided that no such
loan of portfolio securities may be made by the Fund if, as a result, the
aggregate of such loans would exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total
assets.
(5) Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the
Fund (i) from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts or other
derivative instruments, or (ii) from investing in securities or other
instruments backed by physical commodities).
(6) Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prohibit the Fund from
purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
of issuers engaged in real estate activities).
(7) Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.
Except for restriction (2), if a percentage restriction is adhered to at
the time of investment, a later increase in percentage resulting from a change
in market value of the investment or the total assets, or the sale of a security
out of the portfolio, will not constitute a violation of that restriction.
The foregoing fundamental investment policies cannot be changed as to a
Fund without approval by holders of a "majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
shares." As defined in the 1940 Act, this means the vote of (i) 67% or more of
the Fund's shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the
Fund's shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the
Fund's shares, whichever is less.
In addition to the foregoing fundamental investment policies, each Fund is
also subject to the following non-fundamental restrictions and policies, which
may be changed by the Board of Trustees. Each Fund may not:
(1) Sell securities short, unless the Fund owns or has the right to
obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short at
no added cost, and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts,
options on futures contracts or other derivative instruments are not deemed to
constitute selling securities short.
(2) Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions; and
provided that margin deposits in connection with futures contracts, options on
futures contracts or other derivative instruments shall not constitute
purchasing securities on margin.
(3) Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies
except in compliance with the 1940 Act.
(4) Invest in direct interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration
programs or leases; however, the Fund may invest in the securities of issuers
that engage in these activities.
3
(5) Invest in illiquid securities if, as a result of such investment, more
than 15% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
The investment objective of each Fund is a non-fundamental policy that can
be changed by the Board of Trustees without approval by shareholders.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
Loans of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund may lend its investment securities
to approved borrowers. Any gain or loss on the market price of the securities
loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of
the Fund. These loans cannot exceed 33 1/3% of each Fund's total assets.
Approved borrowers are brokers, dealers, domestic and foreign banks, or
other financial institutions that meet credit or other requirements as
established by, and subject to the review of, the Trust's Board, so long as the
terms, the structure and the aggregate amount of such loans are not inconsistent
with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder or interpretations of
the SEC, which require that (a) the borrowers pledge and maintain with the Fund
collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank,
or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government having a value at all
times of not less than 102% of the value of the securities loaned (on a
"mark-to-market" basis); (b) the loan be made subject to termination by the Fund
at any time; and (c) the Fund receives reasonable interest on the loan. From
time to time, a Fund may return a part of the interest earned from the
investment of collateral received from securities loaned to the borrower and/or
a third party that is unaffiliated with the Fund and that is acting as a finder.
Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements,
which are agreements pursuant to which securities are acquired by the Fund from
a third party with the understanding that they will be repurchased by the seller
at a fixed price on an agreed date. These agreements may be made with respect to
any of the portfolio securities in which the Fund is authorized to invest.
Repurchase agreements may be characterized as loans secured by the underlying
securities. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with (i) member banks
of the Federal Reserve System having total assets in excess of $500 million and
(ii) securities dealers ("Qualified Institutions"). The Investment Adviser will
monitor the continued creditworthiness of Qualified Institutions.
The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if
the seller of securities under a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation
to repurchase the underlying securities, as a result of its bankruptcy or
otherwise, the Fund will seek to dispose of such securities, which action could
involve costs or delays. If the seller becomes insolvent and subject to
liquidation or reorganization under applicable bankruptcy or other laws, the
Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities may be restricted.
Finally, it is possible that the Fund may not be able to substantiate its
interest in the underlying securities. To minimize this risk, the securities
underlying the repurchase agreement will be held by the custodian at all times
in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price, including accrued interest.
If the seller fails to repurchase the securities, the Fund may suffer a loss to
the extent proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities are less than the
repurchase price.
The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed upon market
rate of interest. The collateral is marked to market daily.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into reverse repurchase
agreements, which involve the sale of securities with an agreement to repurchase
the securities at an agreed-upon
4
price, date and interest payment and have the characteristics of borrowing. 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 transactions 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 the
Fund is able to keep some of the interest income associated with those
securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the Fund has an
opportunity to earn a greater rate of return on the cash derived from these
transactions than the interest cost of obtaining the same amount of 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
Investment Adviser 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 custodian bank will maintain a separate
account for the Fund with securities having a value equal to or greater than
such commitments. Under the 1940 Act, reverse repurchase agreements are
considered loans.
Money Market Instruments. Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in
high-quality money market instruments on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity.
The instruments in which each Fund may invest include: (i) short-term
obligations issued by the U.S. Government; (ii) negotiable certificates of
deposit ("CDs"), fixed time deposits and bankers' acceptances of U.S. and
foreign banks and similar institutions; (iii) commercial paper rated at the date
of purchase "Prime-1" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or "A-1+" or "A-1" by
Standard & Poor's or, if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the
Investment Adviser; (iv) repurchase agreements; and (v) money market mutual
funds. CDs are short-term negotiable obligations of commercial banks. Time
deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for
specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Banker's acceptances are
time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with
international transactions.
Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in the securities of other
investment companies (including money market funds). Under the 1940 Act, each
Fund's investment in investment companies is limited to, subject to certain
exceptions, (i) 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment
company, (ii) 5% of the Fund's total assets with respect to any one investment
company and (iii) 10% of the Fund's total assets of investment companies in the
aggregate.
Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). Each Fund may invest in the
securities of real estate investment trusts to the extent allowed by law, which
pool investors' funds for investments primarily in commercial real estate
properties. Investment in REITs may be the most practical available means for
the Fund to invest in the real estate industry. As a shareholder in a REIT, the
Fund would bear its ratable share of the REIT's expenses, including its advisory
and administration fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its
own investment advisory fees and other expenses, as a result of which the Fund
and its shareholders in effect will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with
respect to investments in REITs.
Illiquid Securities. Each Fund may invest up to an aggregate amount of 15%
of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities include securities
subject to contractual or other restrictions on resale and other instruments
that lack readily available markets.
Futures and Options. Each Fund may utilize exchange-traded futures and
options contracts and swap agreements.
Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by one party and
purchase by another party of a specified commodity at a specified future time
and at a specified price. Stock index futures contracts are settled daily with a
payment by one party to the other of a cash amount based on the difference
5
between the level of the stock index specified in the contract from one day to
the next. Futures contracts are standardized as to maturity date and underlying
instrument and are traded on futures exchanges.
Futures traders are required to make a good faith margin deposit in
cash or U.S. government securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and
maintain open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to
assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying
commodity or payment of the cash settlement amount) if it is not terminated
prior to the specified delivery date. Brokers may establish deposit requirements
which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily
purchased and sold on margin deposits which may range upward from less than 5%
of the value of the contract being traded.
After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract
is marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent
that the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of
additional "variation" margin will be required. Conversely, change in the
contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of
excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and
from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. In such case,
a Fund would expect to earn interest income on its margin deposits. Closing out
an open futures position is done by taking an opposite position ("buying" a
contract which has previously been "sold," or "selling" a contract previously
"purchased") in an identical contract to terminate the position. Brokerage
commissions are incurred when a futures contract position is opened or closed.
Each Fund may use exchange-traded futures and options, together with
positions in cash and money market instruments, to simulate full investment in
its Underlying Index. Under such circumstances, the Investment Adviser may seek
to utilize other instruments that it believes to be correlated to the underlying
index components or a subset of the components.
An option on a futures contract, as contrasted with the direct
investment in such a contract, gives the purchaser the right, in return for the
premium paid, to assume a position in the underlying futures contract at a
specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option.
Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer
of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account that represents the
amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds (in the case of
a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option
on the futures contract. The potential for loss related to the purchase of an
option on a futures contract is limited to the premium paid for the option plus
transaction costs. Because the value of the option is fixed at the point of
purchase, there are no daily cash payments by the purchaser to reflect changes
in the value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option
changes daily and that change would be reflected in the NAV of each Fund. The
potential for loss related to writing call options on equity securities or
indices is unlimited. The potential for loss related to writing put options is
limited only by the aggregate strike price of the put option less the premium
received.
Each Fund may purchase and write put and call options on futures
contracts that are traded on a U.S. exchange as a hedge against changes in value
of its portfolio securities, or in anticipation of the purchase of securities,
and may enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to
terminate existing positions. There is no guarantee that such closing
transactions can be effected.
Restrictions on the Use of Futures Contracts and Options on Futures
Contracts. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has eliminated limitations
on futures trading by certain regulated entities, including registered
investment companies, and consequently registered investment companies may
engage in unlimited futures transactions and options thereon provided that the
investment adviser to the
6
company claims an exclusion from regulation as a commodity pool operator. In
connection with its management of the Trust, the Investment Adviser has claimed
such an exclusion from registration as a commodity pool operator under the
Commodity Exchange Act (the "CEA"). Therefore, it is not subject to the
registration and regulatory requirements of the CEA. Therefore, there are no
limitations on the extent to which each Fund may engage in non-hedging
transactions involving futures and options thereon, except as set forth in the
Funds' Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information.
Swap Agreements. Swap agreements are contracts between parties in which
one party agrees to make periodic payments to the other party (the
"Counterparty") based on the change in market value or level of a specified
rate, index or asset. In return, the Counterparty agrees to make periodic
payments to the first party based on the return of a different specified rate,
index or asset. Swap agreements will usually be done on a net basis, each Fund
receiving or paying only the net amount of the two payments. The net amount of
the excess, if any, of each Fund's obligations over its entitlements with
respect to each swap is accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or highly
liquid securities having an aggregate value at least equal to the accrued excess
is maintained in an account at the Trust's custodian bank.
The use of interest-rate and index swaps is a highly specialized
activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those
associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. These transactions
generally do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets
or principal.
The use of swap agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the
Counterparty under a swap agreement defaults on its obligation to make payments
due from it, as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, each Fund may lose such
payments altogether, or collect only a portion thereof, which collection could
involve costs or delays.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
A discussion of the risks associated with an investment in the Funds is
contained in the Prospectus in the "Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds"
and "Additional Risks" sections. The discussion below supplements, and should be
read in conjunction with, these sections of the Prospectus.
An investment in a Fund should be made with an understanding that the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with
changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities,
the value of common stocks in general and other factors that affect the market.
An investment in a Fund should also be made with an understanding of
the risks inherent in an investment in equity securities, including the risk
that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general
condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a
decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of Fund
Shares). Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and
to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and
perceptions of their issuers' change. These investor perceptions are based on
various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government,
economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic
expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking
crises.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred
stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the
issuer, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in
comparison with the rights of creditors, or holders of debt obligations or
preferred stocks. Further, unlike debt securities which typically have a stated
principal amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, is subject to market
fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stocks, which
7
typically have a liquidation preference and which may have stated optional or
mandatory redemption provisions, common stocks have neither a fixed principal
amount nor a maturity.
The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may
depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no
assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will
be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of
a Fund's Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Fund's
portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
Risks of Futures and Options Transactions. There are several risks
accompanying the utilization of futures contracts and options on futures
contracts. First, while each Fund plans to utilize futures contracts only if an
active market exists for such contracts, there is no guarantee that a liquid
market will exist for the contract at a specified time.
Furthermore, because, by definition, futures contracts project price
levels in the future and not current levels of valuation, market circumstances
may result in a discrepancy between the price of the stock index future and the
movement in the Underlying Index. In the event of adverse price movements, each
Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its
required margin. In such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may
have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time
when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, each Fund may be required
to deliver the instruments underlying futures contracts it has sold.
The risk of loss in trading futures contracts or uncovered call options
in some strategies (e.g., selling uncovered stock index futures contracts) is
potentially unlimited. Each Fund does not plan to use futures and options
contracts in this way. The risk of a futures position may still be large as
traditionally measured due to the low margin deposits required. In many cases, a
relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate
and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required
margin deposit. Each Fund, however, intends to utilize futures and options
contracts in a manner designed to limit their risk exposure to levels comparable
to direct investment in stocks.
Utilization of futures and options on futures by the Funds involves the
risk of imperfect or even negative correlation to the Underlying Index if the
index underlying the futures contract differs from the Underlying Index. There
is also the risk of loss by a Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy
of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in the futures contract or
option; however, this risk is substantially minimized because (a) of the
regulatory requirement that the broker has to "segregate" customer funds from
its corporate funds, and (b) in the case of regulated exchanges in the United
States, the clearing corporation stands behind the broker to make good losses in
such a situation. The purchase of put or call options could be based upon
predictions by the Investment Adviser as to anticipated trends, which
predictions could prove to be incorrect and a part or all of the premium paid
therefore could be lost.
Because the futures market imposes less burdensome margin requirements
than the securities market, an increased amount of participation by speculators
in the futures market could result in price fluctuations. Certain financial
futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract
prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum
amount by which the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from
the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the
daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, no trades may be
made on 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 the Fund to substantial losses. In the event of adverse
price movements, the Fund would be required to make daily cash payments of
variation margin.
8
Although each Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only if
there is an active market for such contracts, there is no assurance that an
active market will exist for the contracts at any particular time.
Risks of Swap Agreements. The risk of loss with respect to swaps
generally is limited to the net amount of payments that each Fund is
contractually obligated to make. Swap agreements are also subject to the risk
that the swap counterparty will default on its obligations. If such a default
were to occur, each Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the
agreements related to the transaction. However, such remedies may be subject to
bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund's rights as a
creditor -- (e.g., the Fund may not receive the net amount of payments that it
contractually is entitled to receive). Each Fund, however, intends to utilize
swaps in a manner designed to limit its risk exposure to levels comparable to
direct investments in stocks.
MANAGEMENT
Trustees and Officers
The general supervision of the duties performed by the Investment
Adviser for the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the
responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees.
Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Investment
Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other
securities issued by the Investment Adviser. These are the "non-interested" or
"independent" Trustees ("Independent Trustees"). The other Trustee (the
"Management Trustee") is affiliated with the Investment Adviser. During the
Funds' fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, the Trustees met six times.
The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length
of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years,
the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex (defined below) overseen by each
Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are
shown below. The Fund Complex includes all open and closed-end funds (including
all of their portfolios) advised by the Investment Adviser and any funds that
have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the Investment
Adviser. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund Complex consists of the Trust's 25
portfolios, 11 separate portfolios of the Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust
2 and 16 closed-end management investment companies.
9
NAME, ADDRESS AND TERM OF OFFICE NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS
AGE OF MANAGEMENT POSITION(S) HELD AND LENGTH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) IN FUND COMPLEX OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
TRUSTEES* WITH TRUST OF TIME SERVED** DURING PAST 5 YEARS OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEES HELD BY TRUSTEES
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Randall C. Barnes Trustee Since 2006 Formerly, Senior Vice President, 47 None.
Year of Birth: 1951 Treasurer (1993-1997), President,
Pizza Hut International
(1991-1993) and Senior Vice
President, Strategic Planning and
New Business Development
(1987-1990) of PepsiCo, Inc.
(1987-1997).
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. Trustee Since 2006 Formerly, Vice President, Manager 47 None.
Year of Birth: 1958 and Portfolio Manager of Nuveen
Asset Management (1993-1999), Vice
President of Nuveen Investment
Advisory Corporation (1993-1999),
Vice President and Manager of
Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts
(1991-1999), and Assistant Vice
President and Portfolio Manager of
Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts
(1988-1999), each of John Nuveen &
Company, Inc. (1982-1999).
Ronald A. Nyberg Trustee Since 2006 Principal of Nyberg & Cassioppi, 50 None.
Year of Birth: 1953 LLC, a law firm specializing
in Corporate Law, Estate Planning
and Business Transactions (2000-
present). Formerly, Executive
Vice President, General Counsel,
and Corporate Secretary of Van
Kampen Investments (1982-1999).
|
* The business address of each Trustee is c/o Claymore Advisors, LLC, 2455
Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
** This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each
Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
The Trustee who is affiliated with the Investment Adviser or affiliates
of the Investment Adviser and executive officers of the Trust, their term of
office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during
the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by
each Management Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the
Trustee, are shown below.
10
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
NAME, ADDRESS TERM OF OFFICE FUND COMPLEX
AND AGE OF MANAGEMENT POSITION(S) HELD AND LENGTH PRINCIPAL OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
TRUSTEES* WITH TRUST OF TIME SERVED** OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEES HELD BY TRUSTEES
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nicholas Dalmaso*** Trustee; and Trustee since Senior Managing Director and 50 None.
Year of birth: 1965 Chief Legal and 2006 Chief Administrative Officer
Executive Officer (2007-present), General Counsel
of Claymore Advisors, LLC and
Claymore Securities, Inc. from
2001-present. Chief Legal and
Executive Officer of certain Funds
in the Fund Complex. Formerly,
Assistant General Counsel, John
Nuveen and Company Inc.
(1999-2001); Vice President and
Associate General Counsel of Van
Kampen Investments (1992-1999).
|
* The business address of each Trustee is c/o Claymore Advisors, LLC, 2455
Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
** This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each
Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
*** Mr. Dalmaso is an interested person of the Trust because of his position as
an officer of the Investment Adviser and certain of its affiliates.
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE OF POSITION(S) HELD LENGTH OF
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WITH TRUST TIME SERVED* PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS
Steven M. Hill Chief Financial Since 2006 Senior Managing Director (2005-present), Managing
Year of birth: 1964 Officer, Chief Director (2003-2005) of Claymore Advisors, LLC and
Accounting Officer Claymore Securities, Inc. Chief Financial Officer,
and Treasurer Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of certain
funds in the Fund Complex. Formerly, Treasurer of Henderson
Global Funds and Operations Manager for Henderson Global
Investors (NA) Inc. (2002-2003); Managing Director,
FrontPoint Partners LLC (2001-2002); Vice President, Nuveen
Investments (1999-2001); Chief Financial Officer, Skyline
Asset Management LP, (1999); Vice President, Van Kampen
Investments and Assistant Treasurer, Van Kampen mutual
funds (1989-1999).
Bruce Saxon Chief Compliance Since 2006 Vice President - Fund Compliance Officer of Claymore
Year of birth: 1957 Officer Securities, Inc. (2006-present). Chief Compliance Officer of
certain funds in the Fund Complex. Formerly, Chief Compliance
Officer/Assistant Secretary of Harris Investment Management,
Inc. (2003-2006). Director-Compliance of Harrisdirect LLC
(1999-2003).
Melissa J. Nguyen Secretary Since 2006 Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Claymore
Year of birth: 1978 Securities, Inc. (2005-present). Secretary of certain funds
in the Fund Complex. Formerly, Associate, Vedder, Price,
Kaufman & Kammholz, P.C. (2003-2005).
William H. Belden III Vice President Since 2006 Managing Director of Claymore Securities, Inc.
Year of birth: 1965 (2005-present). Formerly, Vice President of Product
Management at Northern Trust Global Investments (1999-2005);
Vice President of Product Development at Stein Roe & Farnham
(1995-1999).
James Howley Assistant Treasurer Since 2006 Vice President, Fund Administration of Claymore Securities,
Year of birth: 1972 Inc. (2004-present). Assistant Treasurer of certain funds in
the Fund Complex. Formerly, Manager, Mutual Fund
Administration of Van Kampen Investments.
11
|
Chuck Craig Vice President Since 2006 Managing Director (2006-present), Vice President (2003-2006)
Year of birth: 1967 of Claymore Securities, Inc. Formerly, Assistant Vice
President, First Trust Portfolios, L.P. (1999-2003).
Matt Patterson Assistant Secretary Since 2006 Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Claymore
Year of birth: 1971 Securities, Inc. (2006-present). Secretary of certain funds
in the Fund Complex. Previously, Securities Counsel, Caterpillar
Inc. (2004-2006); Associate, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom LLP (2002-2004).
|
* The business address of each Trustee is c/o Claymore Advisors, LLC, 2455
Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
** This is the period for which the Trustee/Officer began serving the Trust.
Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is
elected.
For each Trustee, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially
owned by the Trustee in the Trust and in all registered investment companies
overseen by the Trustee is shown below.
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY
SECURITIES SECURITIES SECURITIES
IN THE IN THE IN THE
CLAYMORE/ CLAYMORE/ CLAYMORE/
BNY SABRIENT SABRIENT
BRIC ETF INSIDER ETF STEALTH ETF
(AS OF (AS OF (AS OF
NAME OF TRUSTEE DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Randall C. Barnes None None None
Ronald A. Nyberg None None None
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. None None None
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Nicholas Dalmaso None None None
|
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY
SECURITIES SECURITIES SECURITIES
IN THE IN THE IN THE
CLAYMORE/ZACKS CLAYMORE/ CLAYMORE/
SECTOR ZACKS YIELD CLEAR
ROTATION ETF HOG ETF SPIN-OFF ETF
(AS OF (AS OF (AS OF
NAME OF TRUSTEE DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Randall C. Barnes None None $10,001-50,000
Ronald A. Nyberg None None None
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. None None None
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Nicholas Dalmaso None None None
|
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY
SECURITIES SECURITIES SECURITIES
IN THE IN THE IN THE
CLAYMORE/OCEAN CLAYMORE/ CLAYMORE/
TOMO PATENT LGA GREEN SABRIENT
ETF ETF DEFENDER ETF
(AS OF (AS OF (AS OF
NAME OF TRUSTEE DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Randall C. Barnes None None None
Ronald A. Nyberg None None None
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. None None None
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Nicholas Dalmaso None None None
|
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY
SECURITIES SECURITIES SECURITIES
IN THE IN THE IN THE
CLAYMORE/ CLAYMORE/BIR CLAYMORE/BIR LEADERS
BIR LEADERS 50 LEADERS MID-CAP SMALL-CAP
ETF VALUE ETF CORE ETF
(AS OF (AS OF (AS OF
NAME OF TRUSTEE DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Randall C. Barnes None None None
Ronald A. Nyberg None None None
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. None None None
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Nicholas Dalmaso None None None
|
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY
SECURITIES SECURITIES SECURITIES
IN THE IN THE IN THE
CLAYMORE/GREAT CLAYMORE/OCEAN CLAYMORE/ZACKS
COMPANIES LARGE-CAP TOMO GROWTH GROWTH & INCOME
GROWTH INDEX ETF INDEX ETF INDEX ETF
(AS OF (AS OF (AS OF
NAME OF TRUSTEE DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Randall C. Barnes None None None
Ronald A. Nyberg None None None
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. None None None
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Nicholas Dalmaso None None None
|
AGGREGATE DOLLAR
RANGE OF EQUITY
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL
SECURITIES SECURITIES SECURITIES REGISTERED INVESTMENT
IN THE IN THE IN THE COMPANIES OVERSEEN
CLAYMORE/ZACKS CLAYMORE/CLEAR CLAYMORE/INDEXIQ BY TRUSTEE IN
MID-CAP CORE MID-CAP GROWTH SMALL-CAP FAMILY OF
ETF INDEX ETF VALUE ETF INVESTMENT COMPANIES
(AS OF (AS OF (AS OF (AS OF
NAME OF TRUSTEE DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007) DECEMBER 31, 2007)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Randall C. Barnes None None None over $100,000
Ronald A. Nyberg None None None over $100,000
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. None None None None
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Nicholas Dalmaso None None None None
|
As to each Independent Trustee and his immediate family members, no
person owned beneficially or of record securities in an investment adviser or
principal underwriter of a Fund, or a person (other than a registered investment
company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common
control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of a Fund.
Messrs. Barnes, Nyberg and Toupin, who are not "interested persons" of
the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, serve on the Trust's Nominating and
Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for
recommending qualified candidates to the Board in the event that a position is
vacated or created. The Nominating and Governance Committee would consider
recommendations by shareholders if a vacancy were to exist. Such recommendations
should be forwarded to the Secretary of the Trust. The Trust does not have a
standing compensation committee. During the Funds' fiscal year ended August 31,
2007, the Trust's Nominating and Governance Committee met once.
Messrs. Barnes, Nyberg and Toupin who are not "interested persons" of
the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, serve on the Trust's Audit Committee. The
Audit Committee is generally responsible for reviewing and evaluating issues
related to the accounting and financial reporting policies and internal controls
of the Trust and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service
providers, overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Trust's financial
statements and the audit thereof and acting as a liaison between the Board of
Trustees and the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm. During
the Funds' fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, the Trust's Audit Committee met
twice.
12
Remuneration of Trustees and Officers
The Trust, together with Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust 2, pays
each Independent Trustee an anuual fee of $25,000 per year and a fee of $1,000
per Board or committee meeting participated in together with each Trustee's
actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Officers
who are employed by the Investment Adviser receive no compensation or expense
reimbursements from the Trust.
The table below shows the compensation that was paid to the Trustees
for the Fund's fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM PENSION OR RETIREMENT BENEFITS ACCRUED TOTAL COMPENSATION PAID FROM FUND
NAME OF TRUSTEE TRUST AS PART OF FUND EXPENSES COMPLEX
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Randall C. Barnes $ 36,785 N/A $ 257,750
Ronald A. Nyberg $ 36,785 N/A $ 368,125
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. $ 36,785 N/A $ 310,750
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Nicholas Dalmaso N/A N/A N/A
|
The officers and Trustees of the Trust, in the aggregate, own less than
1% of the shares of each Fund.
Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser manages the investment and
reinvestment of each Fund's assets and administers the affairs of each Fund to
the extent requested by the Board of Trustees.
Portfolio Manager. Chuck Craig, Managing Director, Portfolio Management
and Supervision, of Claymore, serves as portfolio manager for each Fund and is
responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio.
Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Manager. As of November 30,
2007, Mr. Craig managed three registered investment companies with a total of
approximately $1.85 billion in assets; no pooled investment vehicles other than
registered investment companies; and no other accounts.
Although the Funds in the Trust that are managed by Mr. Craig may have
different investment strategies, each has a portfolio objective of replicating
its underlying index. The Investment Adviser does not believe that management of
the different Funds of the Trust presents a material conflict of interest for
the portfolio manager or the Investment Adviser.
Portfolio Manager Compensation. The portfolio manager's compensation
consists of the following elements:
Base salary: The portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary by the
Investment Adviser which is set at a level determined to be appropriate based
upon the individual's experience and responsibilities.
The portfolio manager is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus.
There is no policy regarding, or agreement with, the portfolio manager to
receive bonuses or any other compensation in connection with the performance of
any of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager. The portfolio manager
13
also participates in benefit plans and programs generally available to all
employees of the Investment Adviser.
Securities Ownership of the Portfolio Manager. As of November 30, 2007,
Mr. Craig owned between $1-$10,000 of Shares in the Claymore/Sabrient Defender
ETF and between $10,001-$50,000 of Shares in the Claymore/Zacks Sector
Rotation ETF.
Investment Advisory Agreement. Pursuant to an Investment Advisory
Agreement between the Investment Adviser and the Trust, each Fund has agreed to
pay an annual management fee equal to a percentage of its average daily net
assets set forth in the chart below.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
FUND FEE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF 0.50% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
|
Each Fund is responsible for all its expenses, including the investment
advisory fees, costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal,
audit and other services, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other
expenses connected with executions of portfolio transactions, any distribution
fees or expenses and extraordinary expenses. The Fund's Investment Adviser has
contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent
necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each Fund (excluding interest
expenses, all or a portion of the Fund's licensing fees, offering costs,
brokerage commissions, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and
other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) from
exceeding the percentage of its average net assets set forth in the chart below.
The offering costs excluded from the expense cap are: (a) legal fees pertaining
to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and
(c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange. The Trust and the Investment
Adviser have entered into the Expense Reimbursement Agreement in which the
Investment Adviser has agreed to waive its management fees and/or pay certain
other operating expenses of each Fund in order to maintain the expense ratio of
each Fund at or below the expense cap listed below (the "Expense Cap"). For a
period of five years subsequent to the Funds' commencement of operations, the
Investment Adviser may recover from the Fund fees and expenses waived or
reimbursed during the prior three years if the Fund's expense ratio, including
the recovered expenses, falls below the Expense Cap.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
FUND FEE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF 0.60% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
|
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
FUND MANAGEMENT FEES PAID FOR THE NET MANAGEMENT FEES DATE OF FUND'S
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, WAIVED FOR THE FISCAL COMMENCEMENT OF
2007 YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2007 OPERATIONS
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF $ 809,122 $ 65,050 September 21, 2006
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF $ 36,199 $ 117,082 September 21, 2006
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF $ 0 $ 93,112 September 21, 2006
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector $ 122,965 $ 127,939 September 21, 2006
Rotation ETF
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF $ 216,703 $ 143,284 September 21, 2006
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF $ 37,747 $ 100,797 December 15, 2006
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF $ 0 $ 49,993 December 15, 2006
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF $ 0 $ 44,402 December 15, 2006
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF $ 0 $ 93,097 December 15, 2006
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF $ 0 $ 6,550 April 2, 2007
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap $ 0 $ 5,982 April 2, 2007
Value ETF
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders $ 0 $ 7,169 April 2, 2007
Small-Cap Core ETF
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies $ 0 $ 6,871 April 2, 2007
Large-Cap Growth Index ETF
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth $ 0 $ 5,563 April 2, 2007
Index ETF
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & $ 0 $ 5,409 April 2, 2007
Income Index ETF
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF $ 0 $ 6,627 April 2, 2007
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth $ 0 $ 4,703 April 26, 2007
Index ETF
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap $ 0 $ 4,259 April 26, 2007
Value ETF
------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
|
14
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser will
not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss
suffered by a Fund in connection with the performance of the Investment Advisory
Agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser in the performance of its
duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder. The
Investment Advisory Agreement continues until August 16, 2008, and thereafter
only if approved annually by the Board, including a majority of the Independent
Trustees. The Agreement terminates automatically upon assignment and is
terminable at any time without penalty as to a Fund by the Board, including a
majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of
that Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 day written notice to the
Investment Adviser, or by the Investment Adviser on 60 day written notice to the
Fund.
Claymore Advisors is located at 2455 Corporate West Drive, Lisle,
Illinois 60532.
Administrator. Claymore Advisors also serves as the Trust's
administrator. Pursuant to an administration agreement, Claymore Advisors
provides certain administrative, bookkeeping and accounting services to the
Trust. For the services, the Trust pays Claymore Advisors a fee, accrued daily
and paid monthly, at the annualized rate of the Trust's average daily net assets
as follows:
First $200,000,000 0.0275%
Next $300,000,000 0.0200%
Next $500,000,000 0.0150%
Over $1 billion 0.0100%
|
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, the Trust paid to Claymore
Advisors a total of $95,207 in fees pursuant to the administration agreement.
Custodian and Transfer Agent. The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY"),
located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, also serves as
custodian for the Funds pursuant to a Custodian Agreement. As custodian, BNY
holds the Funds' assets, calculates the net asset value of Shares and calculates
net income and realized capital gains or losses. BNY also serves as transfer
agent of the Funds pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement. BNY may be
reimbursed by the Funds for its out-of-pocket expenses.
Pursuant to the Custodian Agreement and the Transfer Agency Agreement,
each between BNY and the Trust, the Trust has agreed to pay an annual fee for
custodial and transfer agency services at the annualized rate of the Trust's
average daily net assets as follows:
First $2 billion 0.0375%
Over $2 billion 0.0275%
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, the Trust paid to BNY a
total of $457,924 in fees pursuant to the Custodian Agreement and Transfer
Agency Agreement.
Distributor. Claymore Securities, Inc. ("Claymore") is the distributor
of the Funds' Shares (in such capacity, the "Distributor"). Its principal
address is 2455 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532. The Distributor has
entered into a Distribution Agreement with the Trust pursuant to which it
distributes Fund Shares. Shares are continuously offered for sale by each Fund
through the Distributor only in Creation Unit Aggregations, as described in the
Prospectus and below under the heading "Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
12b-1 Plan. The Trust has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan") pursuant to which each
Fund may reimburse the Distributor up to a maximum annual rate of the percentage
of its average daily net assets as set forth in the chart below.
15
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
FUND FEE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF 0.25% of average daily net assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
|
Under the Plan and as required by Rule 12b-1, the Trustees will receive
and review after the end of each calendar quarter a written report provided by
the Distributor of the amounts expended under the Plan and the purpose for which
such expenditures were made.
The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of each
Fund's method of distribution. However, no such fee is currently charged to the
Funds, and there are no plans in place to impose such a fee. No such fees were
paid by any Fund during its fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.
Aggregations. Fund Shares in less than Creation Unit Aggregations are
not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver the Prospectus
and, upon request, this SAI to persons purchasing Creation Unit Aggregations and
will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of
acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").
The Distribution Agreement for the Funds provides that it may be
terminated as to a Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on at
least 60 days written notice by the Trust to the Distributor (i) by vote of a
majority of the Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The
Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers
("Soliciting Dealers") who will solicit purchases of Creation Unit Aggregations
of Fund Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Participating Parties (as
defined in "Procedures for Creation of Creation Unit Aggregations" below) and
Morningstar DTC Participants (as defined in "DTC Acts as Securities Depository"
below).
Index Providers. Set forth below is a list of each Fund the Underlying
Index upon which it is based and the entity that compiles each Underlying Index.
16
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
FUND UNDERLYING INDEX INDEX PROVIDER
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF BNY BRIC Index BNY
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF Sabrient Insider Sentiment Index Sabrient Systems, LLC ("Sabrient")
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF Sabrient Stealth Index Sabrient
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF Zacks Sector Rotation Index Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
("Zacks")
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF Zacks Yield Hog Index Zacks
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF Spin-off Index Clear Indexes LLC ("Clear")
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF Patent Index Ocean Tomo, LLC ("Ocean Tomo")
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF Eco Index Light Green Advisors ("LGA")
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF Defensive Equity Index Sabrient
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF BIR-50 Index Best Independent Research, LLC ("BIR")
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value Index BIR
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core Index BIR
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Large-Cap Growth Index Great Companies, Inc. ("GC")
Growth Index ETF
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF Ocean Tomo Index Ocean Tomo
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF Zacks Growth & Income Index Zacks
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF Zacks Mid-Cap Core Index Zacks
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index Clear
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF Active Value Index IndexIQ, Inc. ("IndexIQ")
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
|
No Index Provider is affiliated with the Funds or each Index
Provider Adviser. Each Fund is entitled to use its respective Underlying Index
pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Investment Adviser, which in
turn has a licensing agreement with the applicable Index Provider. The Funds
reimburse the Investment Adviser for the licensing fee payable to the Index
Provider.
The only relationship that each Index Provider has with the Investment
Adviser or Distributor of the Funds in connection with the Funds are that each
Index Provider has licensed certain of its intellectual property, including the
determination of the component stocks of the Underlying Indices and the names of
the Underlying Indices. The Underlying Indices are selected and calculated
without regard to the Investment Adviser, Distributor or owners of the Funds.
Each Index Provider has no obligation to take the specific needs of the
Investment Adviser, Distributor or owners of the Funds into consideration in the
determination and calculation of the Underlying Indices. Each Index Provider is
not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of pricing or
the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of the Funds or in the
determination or calculation of the net asset value of the Funds. Each Index
Provider has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration,
marketing or trading of the Funds.
EACH INDEX PROVIDER SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS,
OR INTERRUPTIONS RELATED TO THE FUNDS OR UNDERLYING INDICES. EACH INDEX PROVIDER
MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE
INVESTMENT ADVISER, DISTRIBUTOR OR OWNERS OF THE FUNDS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDICES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN.
EACH INDEX PROVIDER MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OR USE, WITH RESPECT TO THE FUNDS OR TO UNDERLYING INDICES OR TO ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL EACH
INDEX PROVIDER HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) IN CONNECTION WITH THE FUNDS, THE
UNDERLYING INDICES, EVEN IF EACH INDEX PROVIDER IS NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES.
BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS
The policy of the Trust regarding purchases and sales of securities is
that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most favorable prices
and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this policy, when
securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the Trust's policy is
to pay commissions that are considered fair and reasonable without necessarily
determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in all circumstances.
In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any
transaction, the Investment Adviser relies upon its experience and knowledge
regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers. The sale of Fund
Shares by a broker-dealer is not a factor in the selection of broker-dealers.
17
In seeking to implement the Trust's policies, the Investment Adviser
effects transactions with those brokers and dealers that the Investment Adviser
believes provide the most favorable prices and are capable of providing
efficient executions. The Investment Adviser and its affiliates do not currently
participate in soft dollar transactions.
The Investment Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders
on behalf of the Funds for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. If
purchases or sales of portfolio securities by the Funds and one or more other
investment companies or clients supervised by the Investment Adviser are
considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are
allocated among the Funds, the several investment companies and clients in a
manner deemed equitable to all by the Investment Adviser. In some cases, this
procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security
as far as the Funds are concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that
the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower
brokerage commissions will be beneficial to the Funds. The primary consideration
is prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net price.
The aggregate brokerage commissions paid by each Fund since the commencement of
operations of that Fund until the end of the Fund's fiscal year ended August 31,
2007 (as each Fund was in operation for less than a full fiscal year) are set
forth in the table below:
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
FUND BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS PAID DATE OF FUND'S
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED COMMENCEMENT OF
AUGUST 31, 2007 OPERATIONS
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF $ 2,278 September 21, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF $ 2,169 September 21, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF $ 8,166 September 21, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF $ 4,682 September 21, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF $ 7,146 September 21, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF $ 2,942 December 15, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF $ 135 December 15, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF $ 290 December 15, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF $ 1,188 December 15, 2006
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF $ 6 April 2, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF $ 3 April 2, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF $ 33 April 2, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF $ 20 April 2, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF $ 6 April 2, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF $ 373 April 2, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF $ 136 April 2, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF $ 368 April 26, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF $ 30 April 26, 2007
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUST
The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under
the 1940 Act. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on May 24,
2006.
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares in one
or more series or "funds." The Trust currently is comprised of 25 funds. The
Board of Trustees of the Trust has the right to establish additional series in
the future, to determine the preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges
thereof and to modify such preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges
without shareholder approval.
Each Share issued by a Fund has a pro rata interest in the assets of
the Fund. Fund Shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion
rights and are freely transferable. Each Share is entitled to participate
equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to the
Fund, and in the net distributable assets of the Fund on liquidation.
Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a
shareholder vote is required consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act
and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all funds, including the Funds,
of the Trust vote together as a single class except as otherwise required by the
1940 Act, or if the matter being voted on affects only a particular fund, and,
if a matter affects a particular fund differently from other funds, the shares
of that fund will vote separately on such matter.
The Declaration of Trust may, except in limited circumstances, be
amended or supplemented by the Trustees without shareholder vote. The holders of
Fund shares are required to disclose information on direct or indirect ownership
of Fund shares as may be required to comply with various laws applicable to the
Fund, and ownership of Fund shares may be disclosed by the Fund if so required
by law or regulation.
The Trust is not required and does not intend to hold annual meetings
of shareholders. Shareholders owning more than 51% of the outstanding shares of
the Trust have the right to call a special meeting to remove one or more
Trustees or for any other purpose.
The Trust does not have information concerning the beneficial ownership
of Shares held by DTC Participants (as defined below).
Shareholders may make inquiries by writing to the Trust, c/o the
Distributor, 2455 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
18
5% Holders. As of November 30, 2007, the following persons owned 5% or
more of a Fund's voting securities:
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 16.29%
TD Ameritrade 4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127 12.62%
Charles Schwab 120 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 11.70%
Pershing LLC One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 5.17%
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 17.15%
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 10.50%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 8.80%
Citigroup Inc. 39 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10043 6.72%
Pershing LLC One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 6.28%
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 5.54%
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 19.02%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 8.83%
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 8.47%
TD Ameritrade 4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127 7.39%
Charles Schwab 120 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 7.36%
First Clearing, LLC 10700 Wheat First Drive, MC WS1024, Glen Allen, VA 07302 5.63%
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 12.98%
Wells Fargo 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 9.39%
Pershing LLC One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 8.41%
Linsco/Private Ledger Corp 1 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 8.38%
Charles Schwab 120 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 7.48%
First Clearing, LLC 10700 Wheat First Drive, MC WS1024, Glen Allen, VA 07302 5.98%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 5.66%
Raymond James Financial Services 880 Carillon Parkway, St Petersburg, FL 33702 5.39%
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 12.49%
Charles Schwab 120 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 9.43%
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 7.26%
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 6.99%
Citigroup Inc. 39 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10043 6.46%
First Clearing, LLC 10700 Wheat First Drive, MC WS1024, Glen Allen, VA 07302 6.09%
Ameriprise Financial, Inc 59 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474 5.23%
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
First Clearing, LLC 10700 Wheat First Drive, MC WS1024, Glen Allen, VA 07302 11.43%
Pershing LLC One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 9.26%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 8.65%
Citigroup Inc. 39 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10043 8.20%
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 6.77%
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 6.28%
Charles Schwab 120 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 5.92%
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 22.35%
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 10.16%
UBS AG Bahnhofstrasse 45, 8098 Zurich, Switzerland 10.13%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 9.61%
Charles Schwab 120 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 6.54%
Ameriprise Financial Inc 59 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474 5.35%
TD Ameritrade 4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127 5.00%
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 21.71%
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 21.71%
RBC Dain Rauscher Inc 60 S Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402 11.73%
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 11.44%
Morgan Stanley 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 10.12%
First Clearing, LLC 10700 Wheat First Drive, MC WS1024, Glen Allen, VA 07302 5.16%
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 73.93%
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 15.21%
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 47.04%
First Clearing, LLC 10700 Wheat First Drive, MC WS1024, Glen Allen, VA 07302 15.50%
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 13.18%
UBS AG Bahnhofstrasse 45, 8098 Zurich, Switzerland 9.81%
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 72.34%
Bear Stearns 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10171 6.07%
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 5.33%
Claymore/LGA Green ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 19.64%
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 13.41%
TD Ameritrade 4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127 11.00%
Citigroup Inc. 39 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10043 10.28%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 9.05%
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 7.17%
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap Growth Index ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 21.48%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 16.24%
Morgan Stanley 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 12.16%
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 8.57%
Ameriprise Financial Inc 59 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474 7.94%
Charles Schwab 120 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 6.13%
Pershing LLC One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 5.58%
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 41.10%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 33.37%
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 10.44%
TD Ameritrade 4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127 5.00%
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 57.47%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 28.63%
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 61.34%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 19.59%
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 5.74%
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 72.34%
First Clearing, LLC 10700 Wheat First Drive, MC WS1024, Glen Allen, VA 07302 8.28%
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF
NAME ADDRESS % OWNED
Merrill Lynch 250 Vasey Street, New York, NY 10080 14.39%
Timber Hill LLC 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604 10.89%
Foliofn, Inc Foliofn, Inc 10.56%
National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 9.27%
Wells Fargo 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 7.39%
Goldman Sachs 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 6.79%
Ameriprise Financial Inc 59 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474 6.26%
|
Book Entry Only System. The following information supplements and
should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Book
Entry."
DTC Acts as Securities Depository for Fund Shares. Shares of the Funds
are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and
deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of
its participants (the "DTC Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of
whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by
a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"),
the AMEX and the FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others
such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or
indirectly (the "Indirect Participants").
Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect
Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect
Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such
beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on,
and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by
DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants
(with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC
Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC
Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase and sale of
Shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to
Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement
between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon
request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares of the
Funds held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC
Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or
indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC
Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in
such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably
request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be
transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial
Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and
reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such
transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Fund distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as
the registered holder of all Fund Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of
any such distributions, shall immediately credit DTC Participants' accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in
Shares of the Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by
DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held
through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the
responsibility of such DTC Participants.
The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account
of beneficial ownership interests in such Shares, or for
19
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and
the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the
Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC
Participants.
DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to
Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its
responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such
circumstances, the Trust shall take action to find a replacement for DTC to
perform its functions at a comparable cost.
Proxy Voting. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated
responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by each
Fund to the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser engages a third-party
proxy service, such as Institutional Shareholder Services or a similar service,
to vote all proxies on behalf of the Funds. The Investment Adviser periodically
reviews the proxy voting results to ensure that proxies are voted in accordance
with the service's guidelines and that proxies are voted in a timely fashion. To
avoid any conflicts of interest, the Investment Adviser does not have authority
to override the recommendations of the third party service provider, except upon
the written authorization of the client directing the Investment Adviser to vote
in a specific manner. All overrides shall be approved by the Chief Compliance
Officer.
To the extent that the third party service provider seeks the
Investment Adviser's direction on how to vote on any particular matter, the
Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer shall determine whether any
potential conflict of interest is present. If a potential conflict of interest
is present, the Investment Adviser shall seek instructions from clients on how
to vote that particular item.
The Trust is required to disclose annually the Funds' complete proxy
voting record on Form N-PX covering the period July 1 through June 30 and file
it with the SEC no later than August 31. Form N-PX for the Funds also will be
available at no charge upon request by calling 1-888-949-3837 or by writing to
Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust at 2455 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, IL
60532. The Funds' Form N-PX will also be available on the SEC's website at
www.sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule. The Trust is required to disclose, after
its first and third fiscal quarters, the complete schedule of each Fund's
portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q. The Trust will also disclose a
complete schedule of each Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-CSR
after its second and fourth quarters. Form N-Q and Form N-CSR for the Funds will
be available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds' Form N-Q and
Form N-CSR may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room
may be obtained by calling 1-202-551-8090. The Funds' Form N-Q and Form N-CSR
will be available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-949-3837 or by
writing to Claymore Exchange-Traded Fund Trust at 2455 Corporate West Drive,
Lisle, IL 60532.
Portfolio Holdings Policy. The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the
disclosure of information about the Trust's portfolio holdings. The Funds and
their service providers may not receive compensation or any other consideration
(which includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Funds or in other
investment companies or accounts managed by the Investment Adviser or any
affiliated person of the Investment Adviser) in connection with the disclosure
of portfolio holdings information of the Funds. The Trust's Policy is
implemented and overseen by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds, subject
to the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Periodic reports regarding these
procedures will be provided to the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The Board of
Trustees of the Trust must approve all material amendments to this policy. The
Funds' complete portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day the Funds
are open for business through financial reporting and news services, including
20
publicly accessible Internet websites. In addition, a basket composition file,
which includes the security names and share quantities to deliver in exchange
for Fund shares, together with estimates and actual cash components, is publicly
disseminated daily prior to the opening of the AMEX via the National Securities
Clearing Corporation (NSCC). The basket represents one Creation Unit of each
Fund. The Trust, the Investment Adviser and Claymore will not disseminate
non-public information concerning the Trust.
Codes of Ethics. Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the Board
of Trustees has adopted a Code of Ethics for the Trust and approved Codes of
Ethics adopted by the Investment Adviser and the Distributor (collectively the
"Codes"). The Codes are intended to ensure that the interests of shareholders
and other clients are placed ahead of any personal interest, that no undue
personal benefit is obtained from the person's employment activities and that
actual and potential conflicts of interest are avoided.
The Codes apply to the personal investing activities of Trustees and
officers of the Trust, the Investment Adviser and the Distributor ("Access
Persons"). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes are designed to prevent unlawful practices
in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by Access Persons. Under
the Codes, Access Persons are permitted to engage in personal securities
transactions, but are required to report their personal securities transactions
for monitoring purposes. The Codes permit personnel subject to the Codes to
invest in securities subject to certain limitations, including securities that
may be purchased or held by a Fund. In addition, Access Persons are required to
obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings or private
placements. The Codes are on file with the SEC, and are available to the public.
CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNIT AGGREGATIONS
Creation. The Trust issues and sells Shares of each Fund only in
Creation Unit Aggregations on a continuous basis through the Distributor,
without a sales load, at their NAVs next determined after receipt, on any
Business Day (as defined below), of an order in proper form.
A "Business Day" is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As
of the date of this SAI, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year's
Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Deposit of Securities and Deposit or Delivery of Cash. The
consideration for purchase of Creation Unit Aggregations of a Fund generally
consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of equity securities
-- the "Deposit Securities" -- per each Creation Unit Aggregation constituting a
substantial replication of the stocks included in the Underlying Index ("Fund
Securities") and an amount of cash -- the "Cash Component" -- computed as
described below. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component
constitute the "Fund Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and
subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit Aggregation of a Fund.
The Cash Component is sometimes also referred to as the Balancing
Amount. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any
differences between the NAV per Creation Unit Aggregation and the Deposit Amount
(as defined below). The Cash Component is an amount equal to the difference
between the NAV of the Fund Shares (per Creation Unit Aggregation) and the
"Deposit Amount" -- an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit
Securities. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the NAV per
Creation Unit Aggregation exceeds the Deposit Amount), the creator will deliver
the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the NAV
per
21
Creation Unit Aggregation is less than the Deposit Amount), the creator will
receive the Cash Component.
The Custodian, through the National Securities Clearing Corporation
("NSCC") (discussed below), makes available on each Business Day, prior to the
opening of business on the AMEX (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of
the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security to be
included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the
previous Business Day) for each Fund.
Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as
described below, in order to effect creations of Creation Unit Aggregations of
the Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit
Securities is made available.
The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities required
for a Fund Deposit for a Fund changes as rebalancing adjustments and corporate
action events are reflected within the Fund from time to time by the Investment
Adviser with a view to the investment objective of the Fund. The composition of
the Deposit Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the
weighting or composition of the Component Stocks of the Underlying Index. In
addition, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of
an amount of cash -- i.e., a "cash in lieu" amount -- to be added to the Cash
Component to replace any Deposit Security that may not be available in
sufficient quantity for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer
through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process (discussed below), or which
might not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined
below) or the investor for which it is acting or other relevant reason.
Brokerage commissions incurred in connection with the acquisition of Deposit
Securities not eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC and hence not
eligible for transfer through the Clearing Process (discussed below) will be at
the expense of the Fund and will affect the value of all Shares; but the
Investment Adviser, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, may adjust
the transaction fee within the parameters described above to protect ongoing
shareholders. The adjustments described above will reflect changes known to the
Investment Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of
delivery of the Fund Deposit, in the composition of the Underlying Index or
resulting from certain corporate actions.
In addition to the list of names and numbers of securities constituting
the current Deposit Securities of a Fund Deposit, the Custodian, through the
NSCC, also makes available on each Business Day, the estimated Cash Component,
effective through and including the previous Business Day, per outstanding
Creation Unit Aggregation of the Fund.
Procedures for Creation of Creation Unit Aggregations. To be eligible
to place orders with the Distributor and to create a Creation Unit Aggregation
of a Fund, an entity must be (i) a "Participating Party," i.e., a broker-dealer
or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net
Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process"), a clearing agency that
is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see the "Book Entry Only
System" section), and, in each case, must have executed an agreement with the
Distributor, with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Unit
Aggregations ("Participant Agreement") (discussed below). A Participating Party
and DTC Participant are collectively referred to as an "Authorized Participant."
Investors should contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized
Participants that have signed a Participant Agreement. All Fund Shares, however
created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the
account of a DTC Participant.
All orders to create Creation Unit Aggregations, whether through the
Clearing Process (through a Participating Party) or outside the Clearing Process
(through a DTC Participant), must be received by the Distributor no later than
the closing time of the regular trading session on the AMEX ("Closing
22
Time") (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) in each case on the date such order
is placed in order for creation of Creation Unit Aggregations to be effected
based on the NAV of Shares of a Fund as next determined on such date after
receipt of the order in proper form. In the case of custom orders, the order
must be received by the Distributor no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on the
trade date. A custom order may be placed by an Authorized Participant in the
event that the Trust permits or requires the substitution of an amount of cash
to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security which may not
be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or which may not be eligible
for trading by such Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is
acting or other relevant reason. The date on which an order to create Creation
Unit Aggregations (or an order to redeem Creation Unit Aggregations, as
discussed below) is placed is referred to as the "Transmittal Date." Orders must
be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission
method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the
Participant Agreement, as described below (see the "Placement of Creation Orders
Using Clearing Process" and the "Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing
Process" sections). Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or
telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the
Distributor or an Authorized Participant.
All orders from investors who are not Authorized Participants to create
Creation Unit Aggregations shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, as
applicable, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition,
the Authorized Participant may request the investor to make certain
representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order, e.g., to
provide for payments of cash, when required. Investors should be aware that
their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that,
therefore, orders to create Creation Unit Aggregations of a Fund have to be
placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant that has
executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges
to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of
broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement. Those placing orders
for Creation Unit Aggregations through the Clearing Process should afford
sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor
prior to the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date. Orders for Creation Unit
Aggregations that are effected outside the Clearing Process are likely to
require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than
orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside
the Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the
Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the
broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of Deposit
Securities and Cash Component.
Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process. The Clearing
Process is the process of creating or redeeming Creation Unit Aggregations
through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. Fund Deposits made
through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party
that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Participant Agreement authorizes
the Distributor to transmit through the Custodian to NSCC, on behalf of the
Participating Party, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the
Participating Party's creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions to
NSCC, the Participating Party agrees to deliver the requisite Deposit Securities
and the Cash Component to the Trust, together with such additional information
as may be required by the Distributor. An order to create Creation Unit
Aggregations through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor
on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not
later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date and (ii) all other
procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.
Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process. Fund Deposits
made outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant
that has executed a Participant Agreement pre-approved by the Investment Adviser
and the Distributor. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order creating
Creation Unit Aggregations to be effected outside the Clearing Process does not
need to be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC
Participant is not using the Clearing Process
23
and that the creation of Creation Unit Aggregations will instead be effected
through a transfer of securities and cash directly through DTC. The Fund Deposit
transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a
timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit
Securities through DTC to the account of a Fund by no later than 11:00 a.m.,
Eastern time, of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal
Date.
All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered,
and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the
deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose
determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash equal to the Cash
Component must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal
Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the
Custodian no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the next Business Day
immediately following such Transmittal Date. An order to create Creation Unit
Aggregations outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor
on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not
later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other
procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.
However, if the Custodian does not receive both the required Deposit Securities
and the Cash Component by 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively, on the next
Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date, such order will be
canceled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be
resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted
to reflect the then current Deposit Securities and Cash Component. The delivery
of Creation Unit Aggregations so created will occur no later than the third
(3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed
received by the Distributor.
Additional transaction fees may be imposed with respect to transactions
effected outside the Clearing Process (through a DTC participant) and in the
limited circumstances in which any cash can be used in lieu of Deposit
Securities to create Creation Units. (See Creation Transaction Fee section
below).
Creation Unit Aggregations may be created in advance of receipt by the
Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described
below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater
than the NAV of the Fund Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form
since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an
amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) 115% of the market
value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the "Additional Cash Deposit"). The
order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is
placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern time, on such date, and federal funds in the appropriate amount are
deposited with the Custodian by 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, the following Business
Day. If the order is not placed in proper form by 4:00 p.m. or federal funds in
the appropriate amount are not received by 11:00 a.m. the next Business Day,
then the order may be deemed to be canceled and the Authorized Participant shall
be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional
amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending
delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain
the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to 115%
of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. To the
extent that missing Deposit Securities are not received by 1:00 p.m., Eastern
time, on the third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is
deemed received by the Distributor or in the event a marked-to-market payment is
not made within one Business Day following notification by the Distributor that
such a payment is required, the Trust may use the cash on deposit to purchase
the missing Deposit Securities. Authorized Participants will be liable to the
Trust and the Fund for the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any
such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the
actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such
Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the
Distributor plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with
such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash
Deposit once all of the missing Deposit
24
Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the
Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a transaction fee, as listed
below, will be charged in all cases. The delivery of Creation Unit Aggregations
so created will occur no later than the third Business Day following the day on
which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor.
Acceptance of Orders for Creation Unit Aggregations. The Trust reserves
the absolute right to reject a creation order transmitted to it by the
Distributor in respect of a Fund if: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii)
the investor(s), upon obtaining the Fund Shares ordered, would own 80% or more
of the currently outstanding shares of any Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities
delivered are not as disseminated for that date by the Custodian, as described
above; (iv) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax
consequences to the Fund; (v) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the
opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (vi) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would
otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the Investment Adviser, have an
adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners; or (vii) in the
event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the
Distributor and the Investment Adviser make it for all practical purposes
impossible to process creation orders. Examples of such circumstances include
acts of God; public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme
weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and
computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts;
systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the
Trust, the Investment Adviser, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Custodian or
sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process, and similar
extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify a prospective creator of a
Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such
prospective creator of its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the
Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to
give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund
Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any
such notification.
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the
Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility, and acceptance for
deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and
the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.
Creation Transaction Fee. Investors will be required to pay a fixed
creation transaction fee, described below, payable to Claymore regardless of the
number of creations made each day. An additional charge of up to four times the
fixed transaction fee (expressed as a percentage of the value of the Deposit
Securities) may be imposed for (i) creations effected outside the Clearing
Process; and (ii) cash creations (to offset the Trust's brokerage and other
transaction costs associated with using cash to purchase the requisite Deposit
Securities). Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the
securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust.
The standard and maximum Creation/Redemption Transaction Fee for each
Fund is set forth in the table below:
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
FUND STANDARD CREATION/REDEMPTION MAXIMUM CREATION/REDEMPTION
TRANSACTION FEE TRANSACTION FEE
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Insider ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Stealth ETF $1,000 $4,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Sector Rotation ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF $1,000 $4,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Spin-Off ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Patent ETF $1,500 $6,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/LGA Green ETF $1,500 $6,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Sabrient Defender ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders 50 ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Mid-Cap Value ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/BIR Leaders Small-Cap Core ETF $1,000 $4,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Great Companies Large-Cap $500 $2,000
Growth Index ETF
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Ocean Tomo Growth Index ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Growth & Income Index ETF $1,500 $6,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Zacks Mid-Cap Core ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/Clear Mid-Cap Growth Index ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Claymore/IndexIQ Small-Cap Value ETF $500 $2,000
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
|
Redemption of Fund Shares in Creation Units Aggregations. Fund Shares
may be redeemed only in Creation Unit Aggregations at their NAV next determined
after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by a Fund through the
Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. A Fund will not redeem Shares in
amounts less than Creation Unit Aggregations. Beneficial owners must accumulate
enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit Aggregation
in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance,
however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at
any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit Aggregation. Investors should
25
expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a
sufficient number of Fund Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit
Aggregation.
With respect to a Fund, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes
available prior to the opening of business on the AMEX (currently 9:30 a.m.,
Eastern time) on each Business Day, the identity of the Fund Securities that
will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption
requests received in proper form (as described below) on that day. Fund
Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities
that are applicable to creations of Creation Unit Aggregations.
Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for a Fund, the
redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit Aggregation generally consist of Fund
Securities -- as announced on the Business Day of the request for redemption
received in proper form -- plus or minus cash in an amount equal to the
difference between the NAV of the Fund Shares being redeemed, as next determined
after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund
Securities (the "Cash Redemption Amount"), less a redemption transaction fee as
listed below. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than
the NAV of the Fund Shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the difference
is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming
shareholder.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment
postponed (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than
customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which
trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during
which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the
Fund or determination of a Fund's NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in
such other circumstances as is permitted by the SEC.
Redemption Transaction Fee. A redemption transaction fee is imposed to
offset transfer and other transaction costs that may be incurred by a Fund. An
additional variable charge for cash redemptions (when cash redemptions are
available or specified) for a Fund may be imposed. Investors will also bear the
costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Trust to their account or on
their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such
intermediary in addition to an Authorized Participant to effect a redemption of
a Creation Unit Aggregation may be charged an additional fee of up to four times
the fixed transaction fee for such services. The redemption transaction fees for
a Fund are the same as the creation fees set forth above.
Placement of Redemption Orders Using Clearing Process. Orders to redeem
Creation Unit Aggregations through the Clearing Process must be delivered
through a Participating Party that has executed the Participant Agreement. An
order to redeem Creation Unit Aggregations using the Clearing Process is deemed
received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by
the Transfer Agent not later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on such Transmittal
Date, and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are
properly followed; such order will be effected based on the NAV of the relevant
Fund as next determined. An order to redeem Creation Unit Aggregations using the
Clearing Process made in proper form but received by the Trust after 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern time, will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately
following the Transmittal Date and will be effected at the NAV next determined
on such next Business Day. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption
Amount will be transferred by the third NSCC Business Day following the date on
which such request for redemption is deemed received.
Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process. Orders to
redeem Creation Unit Aggregations outside the Clearing Process must be delivered
through a DTC Participant that has executed the Participant Agreement. A DTC
Participant who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Unit
Aggregations to be effected outside the Clearing Process does not need to be a
Participating Party,
26
but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing
Process and that redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations will instead be
effected through transfer of Fund Shares directly through DTC. An order to
redeem Creation Unit Aggregations outside the Clearing Process is deemed
received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by
the Transfer Agent not later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on such Transmittal
Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite number of
Shares of the Fund, which delivery must be made through DTC to the Custodian no
later than 11:00 a.m., Eastern time (for the Fund Shares), on the next Business
Day immediately following such Transmittal Date (the "DTC Cut-Off-Time") and
2:00 p.m., Eastern Time for any Cash Component, if any owed to a Fund; and (iii)
all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly
followed. After the Trust has deemed an order for redemption outside the
Clearing Process received, the Trust will initiate procedures to transfer the
requisite Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered within three
Business Days and the Cash Redemption Amount, if any owed to the redeeming
Beneficial Owner to the Authorized Participant on behalf of the redeeming
Beneficial Owner by the third Business Day following the Transmittal Date on
which such redemption order is deemed received by the Trust.
The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash
Redemption Amount to be delivered/received upon redemption will be made by the
Custodian according to the procedures set forth under Determination of NAV
computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by
the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to the
Transfer Agent by a DTC Participant not later than Closing Time on the
Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of Shares of the Fund are delivered
to the Custodian prior to the DTC Cut-Off-Time, then the value of the Fund
Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered/received will be
determined by the Custodian on such Transmittal Date. If, however, either (i)
the requisite number of Shares of the relevant Fund are not delivered by the DTC
Cut-Off-Time, as described above, or (ii) the redemption order is not submitted
in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the
Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash
Redemption Amount to be delivered/received will be computed on the Business Day
following the Transmittal Date provided that the Fund Shares of the relevant
Fund are delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 11:00 a.m. Eastern time the
following Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.
If it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities, the
Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such Fund Shares in
cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its
redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption
in cash that a Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the
investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its Fund Shares based
on the NAV of Shares of the relevant Fund next determined after the redemption
request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and
additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the
Fund's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of
Fund Securities). A Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a
shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from
the exact composition of the Fund Securities, or cash in lieu of some securities
added to the Cash Component, but in no event will the total value of the
securities delivered and the cash transmitted differ from the NAV. Redemptions
of Fund Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable
federal and state securities laws and the Fund (whether or not it otherwise
permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Unit
Aggregations for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver
specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first
registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an
investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a
particular stock included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of
a Creation Unit Aggregation may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The
Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the Fund
Shares to complete
27
an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as
compensating cash payment, beneficial ownership of shares or delivery
instructions.
The chart below describes in further detail the placement of redemption
orders outside the clearing process.
28
TRANSMITTAL DATE NEXT BUSINESS DAY (T+1) SECOND BUSINESS THIRD BUSINESS DAY (T+3)
(T) DAY (T+2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREATION THROUGH NSCC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD ORDERS 4:00 p.m. (ET) No action. No action. Creation Unit Aggregations
will be delivered.
Order must be received
by the Distributor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOM ORDERS 3:00 p.m. (ET) No action. No action. Creation Unit Aggregations
will be delivered.
Order must be received
by the Distributor.
Orders received after
3:00 p.m. (ET) will be
treated as standard orders.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREATION OUTSIDE NSCC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD ORDERS 4:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. Creation Unit Aggregations
will be delivered.
Order in proper form must be Deposit Securities must be
received by the Distributor. received by the Fund's account
through DTC.
2:00 p.m. (ET)
Cash Component must be received
by the Custodian.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD ORDERS CREATED 4:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. 1:00 p.m. (ET)
IN ADVANCE OF RECEIPT
BY THE TRUST OF ALL OR Order in proper form must be Available Deposit Securities. Missing Deposit Securities
A PORTION OF THE received by the Distributor. are due to the Trust or the
DEPOSIT SECURITIES Cash in an amount equal to the Trust may use cash on
sum of (i) the Cash Component, deposit to purchase missing
plus (ii) 115% of the market Deposit Securities.
value of the undelivered
Deposit Securities. Creation Unit Aggregations
will be delivered.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOM ORDERS 3:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. Creation Unit Aggregations
will be delivered.
Order in proper form must be Deposit Securities must be
received by the Distributor. received by the Fund's account
through DTC.
Orders received after
3:00 p.m. (ET) will be 2:00 p.m. (ET)
treated as standard orders.
Cash Component must be
received by the Orders
Custodian.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29
|
TRANSMITTAL DATE NEXT BUSINESS DAY (T+1) SECOND BUSINESS THIRD BUSINESS DAY (T+3)
(T) DAY (T+2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDEMPTION THROUGH NSCC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD ORDERS 4:00 p.m. (ET) No action. No action. Fund Securities and Cash
Redemption Amount will be
Order must be received by the transferred.
Transfer Agent.
Orders received after
4:00 p.m. (ET) will be deemed
received on the next business
day (T+1).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOM ORDERS 3:00 p.m. (ET) No action. No action. Fund Securities and Cash
Redemption Amount will be
Order must be received by the transferred.
Transfer Agent.
Orders received after
3:00 p.m. (ET) will be
treated as standard orders.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDEMPTION OUTSIDE OF NSCC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD ORDERS 4:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. Fund Securities and Cash
Redemption Amount is
Order must be received by Fund Shares must be delivered delivered to the redeeming
the Transfer Agent. through DTC to the Custodian. beneficial owner.
Orders received after 2:00 p.m. (ET)
4:00 p.m.(ET) will be deemed
received on the next business Cash Component, if any, is due.
day (T+1).
*If the order is not in
proper form or the Fund
Shares are not delivered,
then the order will not be
deemed received as of T.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOM ORDERS 3:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. Fund Securities and Cash
Redemption Amount is
Order must be received by the Fund Shares must be delivered delivered to the redeeming
Transfer Agent. through DTC to the Custodian. beneficial owner.
Orders received after 2:00 p.m. (ET)
3:00 p.m. (ET) will be
treated as standard orders. Cash Component, if any, is due.
*If the order is not in
proper form or the Fund
Shares are not delivered,
then the order will not be
deemed received as of T.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
30
TAXES
Each Fund intends to qualify for and to elect to be treated as a
separate regulated investment company (a "RIC") under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). To qualify for treatment as a RIC, a company
must annually distribute at least 90% of its net investment company taxable
income (which includes dividends, interest and net capital gains) and meet
several other requirements relating to the nature of its income and the
diversification of its assets.
Each Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax
purposes. Each Fund therefore is considered to be a separate entity in
determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein and in the
Prospectus. Losses in one fund do not offset gains in another fund and the
requirements (other than certain organizational requirements) to qualify for RIC
status are determined at the Fund level rather than at the Trust level.
Each Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed
income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year at
least 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98% of its net
capital gains for twelve months ended October 31 of such year. Each Fund intends
to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the
times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.
As a result of tax requirements, the Trust on behalf of each Fund has
the right to reject an order to purchase Shares if the purchaser (or group of
purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the
outstanding Shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Code, the
Fund would have a basis in the Deposit Securities different from the market
value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to
require information necessary to determine beneficial Share ownership for
purposes of the 80% determination.
The Funds may make investments that are subject to special federal
income tax rules, such as investments in repurchase agreements, money market
instruments, convertible securities, structured notes, forward foreign currency
exchange contracts, and non-U.S. corporations classified as "passive foreign
investment companies." Those special tax rules can, among other things, affect
the timing of income or gain, the treatment of income as capital or ordinary and
the treatment of capital gain or loss as long-term or short-term. The
application of these special rules would therefore also affect the character of
distributions made by the Fund. The Fund may need to borrow money or dispose of
some of its investments earlier than anticipated in order to meet its
distribution requirements.
Distributions from the Fund's net investment income, including any net
short-term capital gains, if any, and distributions of income from securities
lending, are taxable as ordinary income. Distributions reinvested in additional
Shares of the Fund through the means of a dividend reinvestment service will be
taxable dividends to Shareholders acquiring such additional Shares to the same
extent as if such dividends had been received in cash. Distributions of net
long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long shareholders have
held the Shares.
Long-term capital gains tax of non-corporate taxpayers are generally
taxed at a maximum rate of 15% for taxable years beginning before January 1,
2011. Thereafter, without further Congressional acton, that rate will return to
20%. In addition, some ordinary dividends declared and paid by a Fund to
non-corporate shareholders may qualify for taxation at the lower reduced tax
rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that the holding period
and other requirements are met by the Fund and the shareholder. Each Fund will
report to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends received from ordinary
income, the amount of distributions received from capital gains and the portion
of dividends which may qualify for the dividends received deduction. In
addition, each Fund will report the amount of dividends to individual
shareholders eligible for taxation at the lower reduced tax rates applicable to
long-term capital gains.
If more than 50% of a Fund's total assets at the end of its taxable
year consist of foreign stock or securities, the Fund intends to elect to "pass
through" to its investors certain foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, with
the result that each investor will (i) include in gross income, as an additional
dividend, even though not actually received, the investor's pro rata share of
the Fund's foreign income taxes, and (ii) either deduct (in calculating U.S.
taxable income) or credit (in calculating U.S. federal income), subject to
certain limitations, the investor's pro rate share of the Fund's foreign income
taxes.
If, for any calendar year, the total distributions made exceed the
Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profit, the excess will, for federal
income tax purposes, be treated as a tax free return of capital to each
shareholder up to the amount of the shareholder's basis in his or her shares,
and thereafter as gain from the sale of shares. The amount treated as a tax free
return of capital will reduce the shareholder's adjusted basis in his or her
shares, thereby increasing his or her potential gain or reducing his or her
potential loss on the subsequent sale of his or her shares.
The sale, exchange or redemption of Shares may give rise to a gain or
loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Shares
will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held
for more than one year. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition
of Shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. A loss realized on
a sale or exchange of Shares of a Fund may be disallowed if other substantially
identical Shares are acquired (whether through the automatic reinvestment of
dividends or otherwise) within a sixty-one (61) day period beginning thirty (30)
days before and ending thirty (30) days after the date on which the Shares are
disposed. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired must be adjusted to
reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Shares held
for six (6) months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of
any capital gain dividends received by the shareholders (including undistributed
capital gain included in income). Distribution of ordinary income and capital
gains may also be subject to state and local taxes.
31
Distributions of ordinary income paid to shareholders who are
nonresident aliens or foreign entities that are not effectively connected to the
conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. will generally be subject to a
30% U.S. withholding tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding
exemption is provided under applicable treaty law. However, shareholders who are
nonresident aliens or foreign entities will generally not be subject to U.S.
withholding or income tax on gains realized on the sale of Shares or on
dividends from capital gains unless (i) such gain or capital gain dividend is
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United
States, or (ii) in the case of an individual shareholder, the shareholder is
present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 day or more during
the year of the sale or capital gain dividend and certain other conditions are
met. Gains on the sale of Shares and dividends that are effectively connected
with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. will generally be
subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates.
Dividends paid by a Fund to shareholders who are nonresident aliens or foreign
entities that are derived from short-term capital gains and qualifying net
interest income (including income from original issue discount and market
discount), and that are properly designated by a Fund as "interest-related
dividends" or "short-term capital gain dividends," will generally not be subject
to U.S. withholding tax, provided that the income would not be subject to
federal income tax if earned directly by the foreign shareholder. The provisions
discussed above relating to an exemption from withholding on distributions to
shareholders who are nonresident aliens or foreign entities generally would
apply to distributions with respect to taxable years of a Fund beginning before
January 1, 2008. In addition, capital gains distributions attributable to gains
from U.S. real property interests (including certain U.S. real property holding
corporations, which may include certain REITs and capital gains distributions
from REITs, will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax and will give rise
to an obligation on the part of the foreign shareholder to file a U.S. federal
income tax return. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their own tax
advisors concerning the applicability of the U.S. withholding tax.
Some shareholders may be subject to a withholding tax on distributions
of ordinary income, capital gains and any cash received on redemption of
Creation Units ("backup withholding"). Generally, shareholders subject to backup
withholding will be those for whom no certified taxpayer identification number
is on file with a Fund or who, to the Fund's knowledge, have furnished an
incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor must certify under
penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such investor is not
otherwise subject to backup withholding.
Dividends and interest received by a Fund may give rise to withholding
and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
The foregoing discussion is a summary only and is not intended as a
substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of Shares should consult their
own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in such Shares,
including under federal, state, local and other tax laws. Finally, the foregoing
discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Code, regulations, judicial
authority and administrative interpretations in effect on the date hereof.
Changes in applicable authority could materially affect the conclusions
discussed above, and such changes often occur.
32
FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF FUTURES AND OPTIONS CONTRACTS
Each Fund is required for federal income tax purposes to mark to market
and recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and
losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the year as well as those
actually realized during the year. Gain or loss from futures and options
contracts on broad-based indices required to be marked to market will be 60%
long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may
alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. Each Fund may
be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts, options
contracts and swaps to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting
positions held by the Fund.
In order for a Fund to continue to qualify for federal income tax
treatment as a RIC, at least 90% of its gross income for a taxable year must be
derived from qualifying income, i.e., dividends, interest, income derived from
loans or securities, gains from the sale of securities or of foreign currencies
or other income derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in
securities (including net income derived from an interest in certain "qualified
publicly traded partnerships"). It is anticipated that any net gain realized
from the closing out of futures or options contracts will be considered gain
from the sale of securities or derived with respect to each Fund's business of
investing in securities and therefore will be qualifying income for purposes of
the 90% gross income requirement.
Each Fund distributes to shareholders at least annually any net capital
gains which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes, including
unrealized gains at the end of the Fund's fiscal year on futures or options
transactions. Such distributions are combined with distributions of capital
gains realized on a Fund's other investments and shareholders are advised on the
nature of the distributions.
DETERMINATION OF NAV
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Net Asset Value."
The NAV per Share of each Fund is computed by dividing the value of the
net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total
liabilities) by the total number of Shares of the Fund outstanding, rounded to
the nearest cent. Expenses and fees, including, without limitation, the
management and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for
purposes of determining NAV. The NAV per Share is calculated by the Custodian
and determined as of the close of the regular trading session on the NYSE
(ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day that such exchange is open.
In computing each Fund's NAV, the Fund's securities holdings traded on
a national securities exchange are valued based on their last sale price. Price
information on listed securities is taken from the exchange where the security
is primarily traded. Securities regularly traded in an over-the-counter market
are valued at the latest quoted sale price in such market or in the case of the
NASDAQ, at the NASDAQ official closing price. Other portfolio securities and
assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued based on
fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by
the Board.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes."
33
General Policies. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are
declared and paid annually, except for the Claymore/Zacks Yield Hog ETF, which
are declared and paid quarterly. Distributions of net realized securities gains,
if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make
distributions on a more frequent basis. The Trust reserves the right to declare
special distributions if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary
or advisable to preserve the status of each Fund as a RIC or to avoid imposition
of income or excise taxes on undistributed income.
Dividends and other distributions on Fund Shares are distributed, as
described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares.
Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from a Fund.
Dividend Reinvestment Service. No reinvestment service is provided by
the Trust. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend
Reinvestment Service for use by Beneficial Owners of the Fund for reinvestment
of their dividend distributions. Beneficial Owners should contact their broker
to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of
participation therein. Brokers may require Beneficial Owners to adhere to
specific procedures and timetables.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Counsel. Clifford Chance US LLP, 31 West 52nd Street, New York, NY
10019, is counsel to the Trust.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Ernst & Young LLP, 233
South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606 serves as the Funds' independent
registered public accounting firm. They audit the Funds' financial statements
and perform other related audit services.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Funds' audited financial statements, including the financial
highlights appearing in the Trust's Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 2007 and filed electronically with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference and made part of this SAI.
You may request a copy of the Trust's Annual Report at no charge by calling
1-888-949-3837 during normal business hours.
34
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS:
(a)(1) Certificate of Trust.*
(a)(2) Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust.**
(b) Bylaws of the Trust.**
(c) Not applicable.
(d)(1) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Claymore Advisors,
LLC.**
(d)(2) Expense Reimbursement Agreement between the Trust and Claymore Advisors,
LLC.****
(e)(1) Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Claymore Securities, Inc.**
(e)(2) Form of Participant Agreement.**
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Form of Custody Agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New York.**
(h)(1) Administration Agreement between the Trust and Claymore Advisors, LLC.**
(h)(2) Form of Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Trust and The Bank
of New York.**
(h)(3) Form of Fund Accounting Agreement between the Trust and the Bank of New
York.***
(h)(4) Form of Sub-License Agreement between the Trust and Claymore Advisors,
LLC.***
(i) Opinion and consent of Clifford Chance US LLP.**
(j) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting
firm.****
(k) Not applicable.
(l) Not applicable.
(m) Distribution and Service Plan.****
(n) Not applicable.
(o) Not applicable
(p) Code of Ethics of the Trust and the Adviser.**
(q) Powers of attorney.*****
* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Trust's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-134551; 811-21906), filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on May 26, 2006.
** Previously filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (file Nos. 333-134551;
811-21906), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September
15, 2006.
*** Previously filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (file Nos. 333-134551;
811-21906), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December
12, 2006.
**** Filed herewith.
***** Previously filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (file Nos. 333-134551;
811-21906), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September
11, 2006.
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
See the Statement of Additional Information
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Pursuant to Article VI of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of
Trust, the Trust has agreed to indemnify each person who at any time serves as a
Trustee or officer of the Trust (each such person being an "indemnitee") against
any liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of
judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and reasonable counsel fees
reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or
disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
before any court or administrative or investigative body in which he may be or
may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which he may be or may
have been threatened, while acting in any capacity set forth therein by reason
of his having acted in any such capacity, except with respect to any matter as
to which he shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his
action was in the best interest of the Trust or, in the case of any criminal
proceeding, as to which he shall have had reasonable cause to believe that the
conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that no indemnitee shall be indemnified
hereunder against any liability to any person or any expense of such indemnitee
arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross
negligence, or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his position (the conduct referred to in such clauses (i) through (iv) being
sometimes referred to herein as "disabling conduct"). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily
prosecuted by any indemnitee as plaintiff, indemnification shall be mandatory
only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such
indemnitee (1) was authorized by a majority of the Trustees or (2) was
instituted by the indemnitee to enforce his or her rights to indemnification
hereunder in a case in which the indemnitee is found to be entitled to such
indemnification. The rights to indemnification set forth in the Declaration of
Trust shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Trustee or officer of
the Trust and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and
personal and legal representatives. No amendment or restatement of the
Declaration of Trust or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate
any of the benefits provided to any person who at any time is or was a Trustee
or officer of the Trust or otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder in
respect of any act or omission that occurred prior to such amendment,
restatement or repeal.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be made
hereunder unless there has been a determination (i) by a final decision on the
merits by a court or other body of competent jurisdiction before whom the issue
of entitlement to indemnification hereunder was brought that such indemnitee is
entitled to indemnification hereunder or, (ii) in the absence of such a
decision, by (1) a majority vote of a quorum of those Trustees who are neither
"interested persons" of the Trust (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940
Act) nor parties to the proceeding ("Disinterested Non-Party Trustees"), that
the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, or (2) if such quorum
is not obtainable or even if obtainable, if such majority so directs,
independent legal counsel in a written opinion concludes that the indemnitee
should be entitled to indemnification hereunder.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT MANAGER
See "Management" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Information as to the directors and officers of the Adviser is included in its
Form ADV filed with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Claymore Securities, Inc, is the Trust's principal underwriter.
(b) The following is a list of the executive officers, directors and
partners of Claymore Securities, Inc.:
NAME AND PRINCIPAL
BUSINESS ADDRESS(1) POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER
---------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
David C. Hooten Chief Executive Officer
Nicholas Dalmaso Senior Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer
Michael J. Rigert President
Kevin M. Robinson Senior Managing Director, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Anthony J. DiLeonardi Senior Managing Director, Distribution
Bruce Albelda Senior Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer
Anne S. Kochevar Senior Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer
Steven M. Hill Senior Managing Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
(1) The principal business address for all listed persons is 2455 Corporate
West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
The accounts, books and other documents of the Registrant required to
be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder, are maintained in part at the
office of Claymore Advisors, LLC at 2455 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois
60532, and in part at the offices of the Transfer Agent at 101 Barclay Street,
New York, New York 10286.
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of the Registration Statement pursuant to
Rule 485(b) under the Security Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Lisle and State of Illinois on the 31st day of
December, 2007.
CLAYMORE EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND TRUST
By: /s/ Nicholas Dalmaso
-----------------------
Nicholas Dalmaso
Chief Executive Officer
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
* Trustee December 31, 2007
---------------------
Randall C. Barnes
* Trustee December 31, 2007
---------------------
Ronald A. Nyberg
* Trustee December 31, 2007
---------------------
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.
/s/ Nicholas Dalmaso Trustee and December 31, 2007
--------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Nicholas Dalmaso
/s/ Steven M. Hill Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer December 31, 2007
--------------------- and Chief Accounting Officer
Steven M. Hill
*/s/ Nicholas Dalmaso December 31, 2007
---------------------
Nicholas Dalmaso
Attorney-In-Fact, pursuant to power of attorney
|
Claymore/Bir Leaders Small-Cap Core Etf (AMEX:BES)
Gráfico Histórico do Ativo
De Nov 2024 até Dez 2024
Claymore/Bir Leaders Small-Cap Core Etf (AMEX:BES)
Gráfico Histórico do Ativo
De Dez 2023 até Dez 2024