SCHEDULE 14A
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. __)
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[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
USAA Mutual Fund, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
_________________________________________________________________
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS IN THE S&P 500 INDEX FUND
AUGUST 19, 1999
USAA EAGLE LOGO
USAA Mutual Fund, Inc.
9800 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, Texas 78288
This document contains your proxy statement and proxy card. This proxy card is,
in essence, a ballot to vote the shares you own in the listed mutual fund. When
you complete, sign, and mail your proxy card, it tells us how to vote on your
behalf on important issues relating to your fund, and we'll vote it exactly as
you tell us. If you simply sign the proxy, we'll vote it in accordance with the
Board of Directors' recommendations found on page 7.
If you prefer, instead of mailing the enclosed proxy card, you can cast your
vote through the Internet by going to www.proxyvote.com. You may also cast your
vote by calling 1-800-690-6903 or in person at the shareholder meeting. We
encourage you to vote by Internet or telephone, using the 12-digit "control
number" that appears on your proxy card. Voting by these methods minimizes the
Fund's costs of solicitation (no return-mail postage).
We urge you to spend some time reviewing this proxy statement. Please promptly
cast your vote, whether by mail, Internet, telephone, or attending the
shareholder meeting in person. When shareholders don't vote in sufficient
numbers, the fund must incur the additional expense of follow-up solicitation,
which hurts your fund's performance. If you have any questions on these
materials, please contact us at 1-800-563-4957.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Message from the President............................. 3
Notice of Meeting of Shareholders ....................... 5
Proxy Statement.......................................... 7
Board of Directors' Recommendations...................... 7
Further Information About Voting
and the Shareholder Meeting......................... 32
Further Information About Your Fund...................... 33
EXHIBIT A: Form of Investment Advisory Agreement......... 35
PROXY CARD ENCLOSED
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
I am writing to you to ask for your vote on important questions that affect
your investment in your fund. While you are, of course, welcome to join us at
your fund's meeting, most shareholders cast their vote by filling out and
signing the enclosed proxy card, by voting on the Internet at
www.proxyvote.com, or by calling our special toll-free number, 1-800-690-6903.
We are asking for your vote on the following matters:
I. Election of Board of Directors of USAA Mutual Fund, Inc. (Company);
II. Ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP by the
Board of Directors to serve as the independent accountants of the Fund;
and
III. Equity 500 Index Portfolio matters:
a. the approval of a new investment advisory agreement between the
Equity 500 Index Portfolio (Portfolio) and Bankers Trust Company;
b. the election of Trustees of the Portfolio; and
c. the ratification of the selection by the Board of Trustees of the
Portfolio of the independent accountants for the Portfolio.
Although we would like very much to have each shareholder attend the
shareholder meeting, we realize this is not always possible. Whether or not you
plan to be present, we need your vote. For your convenience you may also cast
your vote on the Internet, by calling a toll-free number, or by mailing the
completed and signed enclosed proxy card (a postage-paid envelope has been
enclosed for this purpose). However you choose to cast your vote, we urge you
to do so in a timely manner.
You may also receive a telephone call from either an IMCO member service
representative or a representative from D.F. King & Co., Inc. encouraging you
to return your proxy. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is a proxy solicitation firm that
has been retained to assist your fund in obtaining sufficient votes for a
quorum at the shareholder meeting by calling and encouraging those shareholders
who have not returned their proxies to do so.
Please do not set this proxy aside for another time. When shareholders don't
promptly cast their votes, the fund may have to incur the additional expense of
follow-up communications. All shareholders benefit from timely voting.
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Your vote is important to us. We appreciate the time and consideration that I'm
confident you will give this matter. If you have any comments or questions
about any of the proposals, please contact us at 1-800-563-4957.
Sincerely yours,
/S/ MICHAEL J. C. ROTH
-----------------------
Michael J. C. Roth, CFA
PRESIDENT AND
VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
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USAA USAA MUTUAL FUND, INC.
EAGLE
LOGO 9800 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, Texas 78288
Notice of Meeting of Shareholders
TO BE HELD OCTOBER 15, 1999
This is the formal agenda for the shareholder meeting (Shareholder Meeting) of
the S&P 500 Index Fund (Fund). USAA Mutual Fund, Inc. (Company) is an open-end
management investment company incorporated under the laws of the state of
Maryland that offers shares in thirteen no-load mutual funds, of which this
Fund is one.
This Notice of Meeting tells you what matters will be voted on and the time and
place of the Shareholder Meeting, if you plan to attend in person.
A Shareholder Meeting of the Company will be held on October 15, 1999, at 2
p.m., Central Standard Time, at the McDermott Auditorium in the USAA Building,
9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas 78288, to consider the following
matters:
I. Election of the Company's Board of Directors. See page 8.
II. Ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP by the
Board of Directors to serve as the independent accountants of the
Fund. See page 14.
III. Equity 500 Index Portfolio matters:
a. The approval of a new investment advisory agreement between the
Equity 500 Index Portfolio (Portfolio) and Bankers Trust Company.
See page 18.
b. The election of Trustees of the Portfolio. See page 26.
c. The ratification of the selection by the Board of Trustees of the
Portfolio of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent
accountants for the Portfolio. See page 30.
THE NEW INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT WITH BANKERS TRUST COMPANY
CONTAINS SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS, EXCEPT FOR
THE DATES OF EXECUTION, EFFECTIVENESS AND INITIAL TERM, AS THE
PRIOR INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO WHICH SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED TO THE PORTFOLIO. AS MORE FULLY DISCUSSED IN THE
FOLLOWING PROXY STATEMENT, APPROVAL OF THE NEW INVESTMENT ADVISORY
AGREEMENT, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE SAME SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY
THE BANKERS TRUST COMPANY AT THE
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SAME FEES, IS GENERALLY OCCASIONED BY THE MERGER OF CIRCLE
ACQUISITION CORPORATION, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF DEUTSCHE
BANK A.G., WITH AND INTO BANKERS TRUST CORPORATION, THE PARENT
COMPANY OF BANKERS TRUST COMPANY.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Michael D. Wagner
Secretary
San Antonio, Texas
August 19, 1999
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WE URGE YOU TO MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE, OR VOTE ON THE INTERNET AT www.proxyvote.com, OR
CALL OUR SPECIAL TOLL-FREE NUMBER, 1-800-690-6903, SO YOU WILL BE
REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING.
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PROXY STATEMENT
This document will give you the information you need to vote on the matters
listed on the previous page. Much of the information in this Proxy Statement is
required under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and, is, therefore, quite detailed. If there is anything you
don't understand, please contact us at 1-800-563-4957.
* WHO IS ASKING FOR MY VOTE?
THE ENCLOSED PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
ISSUING SHARES OF THE S&P 500 INDEX FUND (FUND). How you vote, whether by
mail, Internet, telephone, or in person, will be used at the Shareholder
Meeting, and if the Shareholder Meeting is adjourned, at any later
meetings, for the purposes stated in the Notice of Meeting (see previous
page).
* WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS I CAN CAST MY VOTE?
As a shareholder, you may vote in one of four ways. First, you may vote in
person by attending the Shareholder Meeting. Second, you may vote by
sending us a completed and executed proxy card. The proxy card has been
included with this Proxy Statement, along with a postage-paid envelope for
your convenience in mailing us your proxy card. Third, you may cast your
vote through the Internet at www.proxyvote.com. Finally, you may also cast
your vote by calling our special toll-free number, 1-800-690-6903. If you
do not anticipate attending the meeting in person, we encourage you to
vote by Internet or telephone to minimize the costs of solicitation.
* HOW DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE ON THESE
PROPOSALS?
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote:
I. FOR the election of all nominees for election to the Company's Board
of Directors;
II. FOR the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent
accountants of the Fund; and
III. Equity 500 Index Portfolio matters:
a. FOR the approval of a new investment advisory agreement between
the Equity 500 Index Portfolio (Portfolio) and Bankers Trust
Company;
b. FOR the election of Trustees of the Portfolio; and
c. FOR the ratification of the selection by the Board of Trustees
of the Portfolio of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
independent accountants for the Portfolio.
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* WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
All shareholders of the Fund as of the Record Date (close of business on
August 19, 1999) are entitled to vote on the proposals at the Shareholder
Meeting, or any adjournment thereof. Shareholders on the Record Date of
the other twelve funds offered by the Company (Aggressive Growth Fund,
First Start Growth Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Growth Fund, High-Yield
Opportunities Fund, Income Fund, Income Stock Fund, Intermediate-Term Bond
Fund, Money Market Fund, Science & Technology Fund, Short-Term Bond Fund,
and Small Cap Stock Fund) will also be entitled to participate in the
Shareholder Meeting with respect to Proposal I. As of August 4, 1999,
there were 135,884,393 shares of the S&P 500 Index Fund issued and
outstanding. The Notice of Meeting, the proxy card, and the Proxy
Statement have been mailed to shareholders of record on or about August
19, 1999. A separate proxy statement containing information on Proposal I
and on other matters to be acted upon separately by shareholders of the
above-listed funds, including ratification of the selection by the Board
of Directors of independent auditors of these twelve funds, is being sent
to shareholders of record of those funds on the same date.
Each share is entitled to one vote (with proportionate voting for
fractional shares). Shares represented by duly executed proxies will be
voted in accordance with shareholders' instructions. If you sign the
proxy, but don't fill in a vote, your shares will be voted "FOR" each of
the proposals. If any other business is brought before the Shareholder
Meeting, your shares will be voted as determined by the discretion of the
proxies.
PROPOSAL I
ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
* WHO ARE THE NOMINEES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
^ Robert G. Davis*
9800 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, Texas 78288
Mr. Davis, age 52, is President and Chief Operating Officer of United
Services Automobile Association (USAA) (6/99-present); Deputy Chief
Executive Officer for Capital Management of USAA (6/98-5/99); President,
Chief Executive Officer, Director, and Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors of USAA Capital Corporation and several of its subsidiaries and
affiliates (1/97-present); President, Chief Executive Officer, Director,
and Chairman of the Board of Directors of USAA Financial Planning Network,
Inc. (1/97-present); Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer,
Director, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of USAA Financial
Planning Network, Inc. (6/96-12-96); Special Assistant to Chairman, USAA
(6/96-12/96); President and Chief
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Executive Officer, Banc One Credit Corporation (12/95-6/96); and President
and Chief Executive Officer, Banc One Columbus (8/91-12/95). Mr. Davis
serves as a Director/Trustee and Chairman of the Boards of
Directors/Trustees of each of the remaining funds within the USAA Family
of Funds; Director and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of USAA
Investment Management Company (IMCO), USAA Shareholder Account Services,
USAA Federal Savings Bank, and USAA Real Estate Company.
^ Michael J. C. Roth*
9800 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, Texas 78288
Mr. Roth, age 57, is Chief Executive Officer, IMCO (10/93-present);
President, Director, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, IMCO
(1/90-present). Mr. Roth serves as President, Director/Trustee, and Vice
Chairman of the Boards of Directors/Trustees of each of the remaining
funds within the USAA Family of Funds and USAA Shareholder Account
Services; Director of USAA Life Insurance Company; Trustee and Vice
Chairman of USAA Life Investment Trust.
^ David G. Peebles*
9800 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, Texas 78288
Mr. Peebles, age 59, is Senior Vice President, Equity Investments, IMCO
(11/98-present); Vice President, Equity Investments, IMCO (2/88-11/98).
^ Barbara B. Dreeben
200 Patterson, #1008
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Mrs. Dreeben, age 54, is President, Postal Addvantage (7/92-present);
Consultant, Nancy Harkins Stationer (8/91-12/95). Mrs. Dreeben serves as a
Director/Trustee of each of the remaining funds within the USAA Family of
Funds.
^ Robert L. Mason, Ph.D.
12823 Queens Forest
San Antonio, Texas 78230
Dr. Mason, age 53, is Staff Analyst, Southwest Research Institute
(9/98-present); Manager, Statistical Analysis Section, Southwest Research
Institute (2/79-9/98). Dr. Mason serves as a Director/Trustee of each of
the remaining funds within the USAA Family of Funds.
^ Michael F. Reimherr
128 East Arrowhead
San Antonio, Texas 78228
Mr. Reimherr, age 53, is President of Reimherr Business Consulting
(5/95-present). Mr. Reimherr previously served as President of Twang Candy
Company (5/91-5/94).
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^ Richard A. Zucker
407 Arch Bluff
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Mr. Zucker, age 56, is Vice President, Beldon Roofing and Remodeling
(1985-present). Mr. Zucker serves as a Director/Trustee of each of the
remaining funds within the USAA Family of Funds.
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* indicates individual who is deemed to be an "interested person" of the
Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) because of
his affiliation with IMCO and its affiliates.
Except as indicated above, the principal occupations and business
experience of the nominees for the Board of Directors for the last five
years have been with the employers indicated, although in some cases they
have held different positions with those employers. Mr. Roth, Mrs.
Dreeben, and Mr. Zucker were elected by the shareholders in October 1995.
Dr. Mason and Mr. Davis and were appointed by the Company's Board of
Directors on September 6, 1996, and November 20, 1996, respectively.
Neither Mr. Peebles nor Mr. Reimherr are currently members of the Board of
Directors. Each director serves until his or her successor is elected and
qualified. Each of the nominees has agreed to serve on the Board of
Directors if elected. If any of the nominees is unavailable for election
at the time of the Shareholder Meeting, which is not anticipated, the
Board of Directors may vote for other nominees at their discretion.
* WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
The Board of Directors is responsible for the general oversight of the
Fund's business and for assuring that your Fund is managed in the best
interests of its shareholders. The Board of Directors periodically reviews
your Fund's investment performance as well as the quality of other
services provided to your Fund and its shareholders by the Fund's service
providers including, USAA Investment Management Company (IMCO) and its
affiliates. IMCO acts as the investment adviser to the Fund. IMCO's
address is 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas 78288. At least
annually, the Board of Directors reviews the fees paid by the Company for
these services and the overall level of your Fund's operating expenses.
* WHY ARE WE NOW ELECTING NEW MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
Under the 1940 Act, the Board of Directors may fill vacancies on the Board
of Directors or appoint new directors only if, immediately thereafter, at
least two-thirds of the directors will have been elected by shareholders.
Currently, two of the Company's seven directors have not previously been
elected by shareholders. Furthermore, Howard L. Freeman, Jr. and John W.
Saunders, Jr., each of whom has previously been elected by shareholders,
have announced their intention to resign as directors effective as of
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December 31, 1999. The Board of Directors believes that it would be in the
best interests of shareholders to fill both vacancies resulting from these
resignations and, therefore, has nominated Mr. Peebles and Mr. Reimherr
and to become directors effective as of January 1, 2000. In light of the
fact that only three of the Company's directors will have been elected by
shareholders as of such date, it follows that a meeting of shareholders
needs to be held to elect directors.
Under the 1940 Act, the Company is also required to call a meeting of
shareholders promptly to elect directors if at any time less than a
majority of the directors have been elected by shareholders. By holding a
meeting to elect directors at this time, the Company may be able to delay
the time at which another shareholder meeting is required for the election
of directors, which will result in a savings of the costs associated with
holding such a meeting.
* HOW LONG CAN DIRECTORS SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
Pursuant to a policy adopted by the Board of Directors, each duly elected
or appointed director will continue to serve as a director until the
director either reaches age 70 or has served ten years in such capacity. A
director of the Company may resign or be removed by a vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the funds at any time.
* DOES USAA OWN SHARES IN THE FUND?
As of June 30, 1999, USAA, a Texas reciprocal interinsurance exchange,
beneficially owned directly or indirectly through one or more of its
affiliates 50,799,283 shares (38%) of the Fund. It is anticipated that
shares owned by USAA and its affiliates, as well as any related employee
benefit plan(s), will be voted in favor of each of the proposals. The
address of USAA and its affiliates is 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San
Antonio, Texas 78288.
As far as is known to the Board of Directors, as of June 30, 1999, no
other person held of record or owned beneficially more than 5% of the
voting stock of the Fund.
* WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS IN WHICH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPRESENTS
SHAREHOLDER INTERESTS?
The Board of Directors seeks to represent shareholder interests by:
* reviewing your Fund's investment performance;
* reviewing the quality of the various other services provided to the
Fund and its shareholders by the Fund's service providers, including
IMCO and its affiliates;
* discussing with senior management of IMCO steps being taken to address
any performance deficiencies;
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* reviewing the fees paid to IMCO and its affiliates to ensure that
such fees remain reasonable and competitive with those of the other
mutual funds, while at the same time providing sufficient resources to
continue to provide high-quality services in the future;
* monitoring potential conflicts between the Fund and IMCO and its
affiliates to ensure that the Fund continues to be managed in the best
interests of its shareholders; and
* monitoring potential conflicts among funds in the USAA Family of Funds
to ensure that shareholders continue to realize the benefits of
participation in a large and diverse family of funds.
* HOW OFTEN DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEET?
The Board of Directors typically conducts regular meetings five or six
times a year to review the operations of your Fund and of the other funds
in the USAA Family of Funds. A portion of these meetings is devoted to
meetings of various committees of the Board of Directors, which focus on
particular matters. In addition, the Board of Directors may hold special
meetings by telephone or in person to discuss specific matters that may
require action prior to the next regular meeting.
Between the meetings of the Board of Directors and while the Board of
Directors is not in session, the Executive Committee of the Board of
Directors has all the powers and may exercise all the duties of the Board
of Directors in the management of the business of the Company that may be
delegated to it by the Board of Directors. The Pricing and Investment
Committee of the Board of Directors acts upon various investment-related
issues and other matters that have been delegated to it by the Board of
Directors. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the
financial statements and the auditors' reports and undertakes certain
studies and analyses as directed by the Board of Directors. The Corporate
Governance Committee of the Board of Directors maintains oversight of the
organization, performance, and effectiveness of the Board and independent
directors. SEE FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR FUND -- COMMITTEES OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Board of Directors met
six times, the Executive Committee did not meet, the Audit Committee met
five times, the Pricing and Investment Committee met three times, and the
Corporate Governance Committee met three times. Each director attended at
least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and
any committee on which he or she served.
* WHAT ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAID FOR THEIR SERVICES?
The Company pays each independent director a fee for his or her services.
Directors affiliated with IMCO and its affiliates are not compensated by
the Company for their service on the Board of Directors. Each independent
director also receives fees for
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serving as a director/trustee of the other funds in the USAA Family of
Funds. Directors and committee members are compensated on the basis of an
annual retainer of $5,250 for the Company plus reimbursement for
reasonable expenses incurred in attending any meetings of the Board of
Directors or a committee. The fee for attending a regular or special
meeting of the Board of Directors is $1,500. All funds in the USAA Family
of Funds meet on a combined basis for regular meetings, and one meeting
fee is allocated evenly among the total number of funds represented at the
meeting. The fee for serving on one or more committees is $500 per
committee. All compensation paid to directors is used to acquire shares of
one or more funds in the USAA Family of Funds under an automatic
investment program for directors. The directors periodically review their
fees to assure that such fees continue to be appropriate in light of their
responsibilities as well as in relation to fees paid to directors/trustees
of other mutual fund companies.
The fees paid to each director by the Company and by all the funds in the
USAA Family of Funds for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, are
shown below:
COMPENSATION TABLE
PENSION OR AGGREGATE ESTIMATED TOTAL ANNUAL
RETIREMENT BENEFIT ANNUAL ANNUAL COMPENSATION
NAME OF ACCRUED AS PART COMPENSATION BENEFITS FROM THE USAA
THE DIRECTOR OF FUND EXPENSES FROM THE FUNDS RETIREMENT FAMILY OF FUNDS(C)
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Robert G. Davis None (a) None (b) None (b) None (b)
Michael J. C. Roth None (a) None (b) None (b) None (b)
John W. Saunders, Jr. None (a) None (b) None (b) None (b)
Barbara B. Dreeben None (a) $9,536 None $36,500
Howard L. Freeman, Jr. None (a) $9,536 None $36,500
Robert L. Mason, Ph.D. None (a) $9,536 None $36,500
Richard A. Zucker None (a) $9,536 None $36,500
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(a) No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of fund expenses.
(b) Robert G. Davis, Michael J. C. Roth, and John W. Saunders, Jr. are
affiliated with the Company's investment adviser, IMCO, and, accordingly,
receive no remuneration from the Company or any other fund in the USAA
Family of Funds.
(c) At December 31, 1998, the USAA Family of Funds consisted of four
registered investment companies offering 35 individual mutual funds. Each
director presently serves as a director or trustee of each investment
company in the USAA Family of Funds. In addition, Michael J. C. Roth
presently serves as a trustee of USAA Life Investment Trust, a registered
investment company advised by IMCO, consisting of seven funds available to
the public only through the purchase of certain variable annuity contracts
and variable life insurance policies offered by USAA Life Insurance
Company. Mr. Roth receives no compensation as trustee of USAA Life
Investment Trust.
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No compensation is paid by any fund to any director/trustee who is a
director, officer, or employee of IMCO or its affiliates. As of June 30,
1999, the directors and their families as a group owned beneficially or of
record less than 1% of the outstanding shares of all funds within the USAA
Family of Funds.
* HOW DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND I VOTE ON THIS PROPOSAL?
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE
ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
COMPANY.
* WHAT PERCENTAGE OF SHAREHOLDERS' VOTES ARE REQUIRED TO ELECT THE NOMINEES
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
The nominees for directors of the Company receiving the vote of a
plurality of the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present
shall be elected. Shareholders of the other twelve funds offered by the
Company, together with the Fund, will vote as a single class on the
election of directors.
PROPOSAL II
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS OF THE FUND
* WHY HAS PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP BEEN SELECTED AS THE INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS?
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants (PWC), has been
selected by the Board of Directors as the auditors of the Fund. PWC was
selected primarily on the basis of its expertise as auditors of investment
companies, the quality of its audit services, and the competitiveness of
the fees charged for these services. PWC also was selected because it
serves as independent accountants to the Equity 500 Index Portfolio
(Portfolio), the mutual fund into which the Fund invests its investable
assets. By retaining PWC to audit the Fund, the Fund reaps the benefit of
cost efficiencies resulting from the Fund using the same auditors as the
Portfolio.
* HOW DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND I VOTE ON THIS PROPOSAL?
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE
SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF
THE FUND.
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* WHAT PERCENTAGE OF SHAREHOLDERS' VOTES ARE REQUIRED TO RATIFY THE
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE FUND?
A majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present is
needed to ratify the selection of the auditors. All shares of the Fund
will be voted as a single class of shares.
* WILL A REPRESENTATIVE FROM PWC BE AVAILABLE AT THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING FOR
QUESTIONS?
Yes. A representative of PWC is expected to be present at the Shareholder
Meeting and will be available to make statements and respond to
appropriate questions presented by shareholders.
INTRODUCTION TO PROPOSALS III(a)-(c)
While we encourage you to read the full text of this Proxy Statement, here's a
brief overview of the three matters affecting the Fund and the Portfolio that
require your vote.
* HOW IS THE FUND DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FUNDS IN THE USAA FAMILY OF FUNDS?
The Fund is different from any other fund in the USAA Family of Funds in
that it operates as a "feeder fund" in a master-feeder fund arrangement in
which the "master fund" is the Equity 500 Index Portfolio (Portfolio). The
Portfolio is an open-end management investment company advised by Bankers
Trust. All of the Fund's assets are invested in the Portfolio, which
operates with the same investment objectives and policies as the Fund. The
Fund is one of six shareholders in the Portfolio, just as you are one of
many shareholders in the Fund.
* WHY AM I, AS A SHAREHOLDER OF THE FUND, BEING ASKED TO VOTE ON MATTERS
HAVING TO DO WITH THE PORTFOLIO?
As a shareholder of the Portfolio, the Fund has been asked to vote its
shares in the Portfolio on each of the matters identified in Proposals III
(a)-(c) at a meeting of shareholders of the Portfolio to be held October
15, 1999. Pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act applicable to
master-feeder fund arrangements, the Fund must vote its Portfolio shares
in accordance with the directions received from the Fund's own
shareholders. Consequently, we need your vote on this matter for direction
as to how the Fund should vote its Portfolio shares.
15
<PAGE>
* HOW WILL THE FUND VOTE ITS PORTFOLIO SHARES?
When you, as a shareholder of the Fund, cast your vote on this matter, you
are instructing the Fund how it should vote its Portfolio shares. The Fund
will vote its Portfolio shares in proportion to how all shareholders of
the Fund vote. Therefore, it is very important that you vote on these
matters and tell the Fund how you would like it to vote.
* WHAT ARE THE THREE PORTFOLIO MATTERS ON WHICH I AM BEING ASKED TO VOTE?
First, you are being asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement
between Bankers Trust Company and the Portfolio. Second, you are being
asked to elect the members of the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio
(Portfolio Board). Finally, you are being asked to ratify the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent accountants for the
Portfolio.
Keep in mind, however, that as of May 31, 1999, the Fund only owned
approximately 41% of the Portfolio. Therefore, other funds that are
shareholders of the Portfolio could approve any or all of these three
proposals, regardless of the Fund's vote.
* WHAT HAS HAPPENED THAT HAS BROUGHT ABOUT THE NEED TO VOTE ON SOME OF THESE
MATTERS?
On June 4, 1999, Bankers Trust Company (Bankers Trust or Adviser) became
an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, A.G. (Deutsche
Bank). Deutsche Bank, a banking company organized under the laws of the
Federal Republic of Germany, provides, along with its various
subsidiaries, a comprehensive range of global banking and financial
services both domestically and abroad.
As stated before, Bankers Trust currently serves as investment adviser to
the Portfolio. As a result of the transaction discussed above (Merger),
and applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the investment advisory
agreement between the Portfolio and Bankers Trust could be considered to
have automatically terminated on June 4, 1999.
To ensure that Bankers Trust may continue to serve as investment adviser
to the Portfolio, it is necessary for shareholders of the Portfolio to
approve a new investment advisory agreement with Bankers Trust (New
Advisory Agreement). The following pages give you additional information
on the Merger, Bankers Trust, the New Advisory Agreement, and certain
other matters.
* WHY AM I BEING ASKED TO VOTE ON THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT?
The 1940 Act, which regulates investment companies in the United States
such as the Fund and the Portfolio, requires a shareholder vote to approve
a new advisory
16
<PAGE>
agreement following certain types of business combinations. The Merger
could be viewed as requiring shareholder approval of a new investment
advisory agreement with respect to management of the Portfolio. The New
Advisory Agreement became effective immediately upon consummation of the
Merger and will continue in effect only upon approval of the Portfolio's
shareholders (one of which is the Fund).
* HOW DID THE MERGER AFFECT ME AS AN FUND SHAREHOLDER?
The Fund and the Portfolio, as well as their investment objectives, have
not changed as a result of the Merger. You still own the same shares in
the Fund as you did prior to the Merger. The New Advisory Agreement
contains substantially the same terms and conditions as the agreement in
effect prior to the Merger, except for the dates of execution,
effectiveness, and initial term. If the New Advisory Agreement is approved
by you the shareholders, the agreement will continue in effect as
described above.
* DO THE FEES PAID TO BANKERS TRUST INCREASE UNDER THE NEW ADVISORY
AGREEMENT?
No, the advisory fees paid to Bankers Trust remain the same under the New
Advisory Agreement.
* WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE MERGER?
There are several potential, positive aspects of the Merger you may be
interested in. Most notably, the combined institution will be one of the
largest financial institutions in the world, as well as a leader in a
number of important categories, such as asset management, custody,
securities lending, and related businesses. The financial strength of the
combined institution coupled with the increased breadth and depth of its
resources and capabilities are advantages the acquisition brings. Further,
as a truly global institution, the combined entity will be in a unique
position to provide coverage, services, and products that other
institutions might not be able to offer.
* HOW DOES THE FUND'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND I VOTE ON PROPOSALS
III(A)-(C)?
AFTER GIVING CONSIDERATION TO THE PORTFOLIO BOARD'S RECOMMENDATIONS, THE
FUND'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND
VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT, "FOR" THE ELECTION
OF THE TRUSTEE NOMINEES, AND "FOR" THE SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF THE PORTFOLIO, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
PROPOSALS III(A)-(C).
17
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL III(a)
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT WITH BANKERS TRUST WILL CONTAIN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS, EXCEPT FOR THE DATES OF EXECUTION, EFFECTIVENESS,
AND INITIAL TERM, AS THE PRIOR INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO WHICH
SERVICES WERE PROVIDED TO THE PORTFOLIO. AS MORE FULLY DISCUSSED BELOW,
APPROVAL OF THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE SAME SERVICES TO
BE PROVIDED BY THE ADVISER AT THE SAME FEES, IS GENERALLY OCCASIONED BY THE
MERGER PURSUANT TO WHICH BANKERS TRUST BECAME AN INDIRECT SUBSIDIARY OF
DEUTSCHE BANK.
* WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PORTFOLIO AND BANKERS TRUST?
Prior to June 4, 1999, Bankers Trust served as investment adviser to the
Portfolio pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (Prior Advisory
Agreement) between Bankers Trust and the Portfolio. The Prior Advisory
Agreement was initially approved by the Portfolio Board, including a
majority of its trustees who are not "interested persons" (Independent
Trustees) of the Portfolio or the Fund, respectively (as defined under the
1940 Act).
The following table lists: (i) the date of the Prior Advisory Agreement;
(ii) the most recent date on which the Prior Advisory Agreement was
approved by the Portfolio Board, including a majority of its Independent
Trustees and shareholders; and(iii) the amount paid by the Portfolio to
Bankers Trust for services rendered pursuant to the Prior Advisory
Agreement (for the Portfolio's last fiscal year):
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATE LAST APPROVED BY
PORTFOLIO'S
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATE OF PRIOR
ADVISORY
AGREEMENT TRUSTEES SHAREHOLDERS FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/8/92 3/8/99 4/8/92 0.075
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* WHAT ARE THE DETAILS OF THE MERGER?
On November 30, 1998, BT Corporation, Deutsche Bank, and Circle
Acquisition Corporation entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
(Merger Agreement). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Circle
Acquisition Corporation, a
18
<PAGE>
wholly owned New York subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, merged with and into
Bankers Trust Corporation (BT Corporation) on June 4, 1999, with BT
Corporation continuing as the surviving entity (Merger). Under the terms
of the Merger, each outstanding share of BT Corporation common stock was
converted into the right to receive $93 in cash, without interest. Since
the Merger, BT Corporation, along with its affiliates, has continued to
offer the range of financial products and services, including investment
advisory services, that it offered prior to the Merger.
As a result of the Merger, BT Corporation became a wholly owned subsidiary
of Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank is a banking company with limited
liability organized under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Deutsche Bank is the parent company of a group consisting of banks,
capital markets companies, fund management companies, mortgage banks and a
property finance company, installment financing and leasing companies,
insurance companies, research and consultancy companies, and other
domestic and foreign companies (Deutsche Bank Group). At March 31, 1999,
the Deutsche Bank Group had total assets of US $727 billion. The Deutsche
Bank Group's capital and reserves at March 31, 1999, were US $19.6
billion.
* HOW AND WHY DOES THE MERGER IMPACT THE PRIOR ADVISORY AGREEMENT?
Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act provides, in pertinent part, that "[i]t
shall be unlawful for any person to serve or act as investment adviser of
a registered investment company, except pursuant to a written contract,
which contract, whether with such registered company or with an investment
adviser of such registered company, has been approved by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of such registered
company...." Section 15(a)(4) of the 1940 Act further requires that such
written contract provide for automatic termination in the event of its
assignment. Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act defines "assignment" to
include any direct or indirect transfer of a contract by the assignor.
While it may be argued otherwise, consummation of the Merger may have
resulted in an "assignment" of the Prior Advisory Agreement within the
meaning of the Act, terminating the agreement according to its terms and
the 1940 Act as of June 4, 1999. Specifically, as Bankers Trust is a
wholly owned subsidiary of BT Corporation, the merger of Circle
Corporation with and into BT Corporation could be deemed to have resulted
in an "assignment" of the Prior Advisory Agreement with Bankers Trust.
On May 25, 1999, the Adviser was granted an exemptive order (Exemptive
Order) by the SEC permitting implementation, without obtaining prior
shareholder approval, of the New Advisory Agreement during an interim
period commencing on the date of the closing of the Merger and continuing,
for a period of up to 150 days, through the date on which the New Advisory
Agreement is approved or disapproved by the shareholders of the Portfolio
(Interim Period). Under the terms of the Exemptive Order, the Adviser was
allowed to receive advisory fees during the Interim Period pursuant to the
New Advisory Agreement, provided that these fees would be held in escrow
pending
19
<PAGE>
shareholder approval of the New Advisory Agreement. In accordance with the
Exemptive Order, the advisory fees charged to the Portfolio and paid to
the Adviser under the New Advisory Agreement have been held in an
interest-bearing escrow account and the Portfolio expects to continue to
deposit these fees in such account until approval of the New Advisory
Agreement by the shareholders of the Portfolio has been obtained. If the
New Advisory Agreement is not approved by the shareholders by the
expiration of the Interim Period, the fees held in escrow will be remitted
to the Portfolio. As of June 30, 1999, the amount in escrow totaled
$477,425.
* ARE WE BEING ASKED TO APPROVE THE MERGER OR THE MERGER AGREEMENT?
No. The Fund, as a shareholder of the Portfolio, is not being asked to
approve or disapprove the Merger or the Merger Agreement; rather, the
shareholders of the Fund are being asked to approve and continue the New
Advisory Agreement for the Portfolio.
* IS THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT SUBSTANTIVELY THE SAME AS THE PRIOR ADVISORY
AGREEMENT?
YES. OTHER THAN THE DATES OF EXECUTION, EFFECTIVENESS, AND INITIAL TERM OF
THE AGREEMENT, THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT, WHICH HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE
JUNE 4, 1999, CONTAINS SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS THE
PRIOR ADVISORY AGREEMENT. The advisory fee rate charged to the Portfolio
under the Prior Advisory Agreement has continued to apply under the New
Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Adviser has advised the Portfolio
that they can expect to continue to receive the same level and quality of
services under the New Advisory Agreement as it received under the Prior
Advisory Agreement. The Adviser has represented to the Portfolio Board
that in the event of any material change in the investment management
personnel of the Adviser responsible for providing services to the Fund,
the Adviser will apprise and consult with the Portfolio Board to ensure
that the Portfolio Board, including a majority of its Independent
Trustees, is satisfied that the services provided by the Adviser will not
be diminished in scope and quality.
* GENERALLY, WHAT DOES THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT PROVIDE?
The New Advisory Agreement, the form of which is attached to this Proxy
Statement as EXHIBIT A, became effective as of June 4, 1999, the date of
the consummation of the Merger. If shareholders of the Fund approve the
New Advisory Agreement, the agreement will remain in effect for an initial
term of two years from its effective date, and may be renewed annually
thereafter by specific approval of the Portfolio Board, provided that it
is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees. The terms and
conditions of the New Advisory Agreement, other than its date of
execution, effectiveness, and initial term, are substantially the same as
the Prior Advisory Agreement.
20
<PAGE>
Under the terms of the New Advisory Agreement, as under the Prior Advisory
Agreement, Bankers Trust agrees to furnish the Portfolio with investment
advisory and other services in connection with a continuous investment
program for the Portfolio, including investment research and management
with respect to all securities, investments, cash, and cash equivalents in
the Portfolio. Subject to the supervision and control of the Portfolio
Board, Bankers Trust agrees (a) to conform to all applicable rules and
regulations of the SEC, including all applicable provisions of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act), the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended (Advisers Act), and will conduct its activities under the New
Advisory Agreement in accordance with applicable regulations of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System pertaining to the investment
advisory activities of bank holding companies and their subsidiaries; (b)
provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Portfolio's
investment objectives and policies as stated in prospectuses and
statements of additional information of the Fund, as from time to time in
effect, and the Portfolio's then-current registration statement on Form
N-1A as filed with the SEC, and the then-current offering Memorandum if
the Portfolio is not registered under the 1933 Act; (c) place orders
pursuant to its investment determinations for each Portfolio either
directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer selected by it; (d)
determine from time to time what securities or other investments will be
purchased, sold, or retained by each Portfolio; and (e) maintain books and
records with respect to the securities transactions of each Portfolio and
render to the Portfolio Board such periodic and special reports as they
may request.
* WILL THE ADVISORY FEES REMAIN THE SAME UNDER THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT?
YES. THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE RATE CHARGED TO THE PORTFOLIO UNDER THE
NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT IS THE SAME AS THE ADVISORY FEE RATE CHARGED UNDER
THE PRIOR ADVISORY AGREEMENT. Bankers Trust is paid a fee under the New
Advisory Agreement for its services, calculated daily and paid monthly,
equal, on an annual basis, to 0.075% of the average daily net assets of
the Portfolio.
* FOR HOW LONG WILL THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT REMAIN IN EFFECT?
If approved, the New Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for an
initial term of two years from its effective date (unless sooner
terminated), and shall remain in effect from year to year thereafter if
approved annually (a) by the Portfolio Board or by the holders of a
majority of the Portfolio's respective outstanding voting securities
(i.e., certain mutual funds of which the Fund is one), and (b) by a
majority of the Independent Trustees who are not parties to such contract
or agreement, or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any
such party. Like the Prior Advisory Agreement, the New Advisory Agreement
will terminate upon assignment by any party and is terminable, without
penalty, on 60 days' written notice by the Portfolio Board or by a
"majority" vote of the shareholders of the Portfolio (as defined in the
1940 Act) or upon 60 days' written notice by the Adviser.
21
<PAGE>
* IS THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT EXCLUSIVe?
No. The services of the Adviser are not deemed to be exclusive and nothing
in the New Advisory Agreement prevents it or its affiliates from providing
similar services to other investment companies and other clients (whether
or not their investment objectives and policies are similar to those of
the Portfolio) or from engaging in other activities.
* WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING EXPENSES INCURRED UNDER THE NEW ADVISORY
AGREEMENT?
The Adviser is obligated to pay expenses associated with providing the
services contemplated by the New Advisory Agreement. The Portfolio bears
certain other expenses including the fees of the Portfolio Board. The
Portfolio also pays any extraordinary expenses incurred.
* WHAT ARE SOME OTHER TERMS OF THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT?
Under the New Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will exercise its best
judgment in rendering its advisory services. The Adviser shall not be
liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss
suffered by the Portfolio in connection with the matters to which the New
Advisory Agreement relate, provided that nothing therein shall be deemed
to protect or purport to protect the Adviser against any liability to the
Portfolio or to its shareholders to which the Adviser could otherwise be
subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence
on its part in the performance of its duties or by reason of the Adviser's
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the New Advisory
Agreement.
* WHO IS BANKERS TRUST?
Bankers Trust is the principal banking subsidiary of BT Corporation.
Bankers Trust is a bank and, therefore, not required to register as an
investment adviser under the Advisers Act. Bankers Trust provides a broad
range of commercial banking and financial services, including originating
loans and other forms of credit, accepting deposits, and arranging
financings. Bankers Trust also engages in trading currencies, securities,
derivatives, and commodities. In addition to providing investment advisory
services to the Portfolio, Bankers Trust serves as investment adviser or
sub-investment adviser to 64 other investment companies. As of March 31,
1999, Bankers Trust had over $313 billion of assets under management,
including $6.3 billion of assets in the Portfolio.
22
<PAGE>
The names, business addresses, and principal occupations of the current
directors and chief executive officer of Bankers Trust are set forth
below.
NAME AND ADDRESS
- ----------------
Josef Ackermann Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Deutsche Bank A.G. Officer and President, Bankers Trust;
Taunusanlage 12 Member, Board of Managing Directors,
D-60262 Frankfurt am Main Deutsche Bank A.G.
Federal Republic of Germany
Hans Angermueller Shearman & Sterling, of counsel
Shearman & Sterling
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
George B. Beitzel Director, Computer Task Group, Inc.;
29 King Street Director, Phillips Petroleum Company;
Chappaqua, NY 10514-3432 Director, TIG Holdings Inc.
William R. Howell Chairman Emeritus, J.C. Penney Company,
J.C. Penney Company, Inc. Inc.; Director, Exxon Corporation;
P.O. Box 10001 Director, Halliburton Company; Director,
Dallas, TX 75301-1109 National Organization on Disability;
Director, National Retail Federation;
Director and Chairman, Southern
Methodist University Board of Trustees;
Director, Warner-Lambert Company;
Director, The Williams Companies, Inc.
Hermann-Josef Lamberti Member, Board of Managing Directors,
Deutsche Bank A.G. Deutsche Bank A.G.
Taunusanlange 12
D-60262 Frankfurt am Main
Federal Republic of Germany
John A. Ross Regional Chief Executive Officer
Deutsche Bank Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corp.
31 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
Ronaldo H. Schmitz Member, Board of Managing Directors,
Deutsche Bank A.G. Deutsche Bank A.G.
Taunusanlange 12
D-60262 Frankfurt am Main
Federal Republic of Germany
23
<PAGE>
In addition to serving as investment adviser to the Portfolio, Bankers
Trust also serves as administrator, transfer agent, and custodian of the
Portfolio.
Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act provides that when a change of control of an
investment adviser to an investment company occurs, the investment adviser
or any of its affiliated persons may receive an amount or benefit in
connection therewith as long as two conditions are satisfied.
First, no "unfair burden" may be imposed on the investment company as a
result of the transaction relating to the change of control, or any
express or implied terms, conditions or understandings applicable thereto.
As defined in the 1940 Act, the term "unfair burden" includes any
arrangement during the two (2) year period after the change in control
whereby the investment adviser (or predecessor or successor adviser), or
any "interested person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such adviser,
receives or is entitled to receive any compensation, directly or
indirectly, from the investment company or its security holders (other
than fees for bona fide investment advisory or other services). The
Portfolio Board has not been advised by the Adviser of any circumstances
arising from the Merger that might result in an unfair burden being
imposed on the Portfolio.
The second condition is that, during the three (3) year period immediately
following the Merger, at least 75% of the members of the Portfolio Board
must not be "interested persons" of the Adviser within the meaning of the
1940 Act. All current members of the Portfolio Board are not, and have
continued not to be since the Merger, "interested persons" of the Adviser.
* ARE THERE ANY MATTERS WHICH COULD AFFECT BANKERS TRUST'S ABILITY TO MANAGE
THE PORTFOLIO?
On March 11, 1999, Bankers Trust announced that it had reached an
agreement with the United States Attorney's Office in the Southern
District of New York to resolve an investigation concerning inappropriate
transfers of unclaimed funds and related record-keeping problems that
occurred between 1994 and 1996. Pursuant to its agreement with the U.S.
Attorney's Office, Bankers Trust pleaded guilty to misstating entries in
the bank's books and records and agreed to pay $63.5 million in fines to
state and federal authorities. On July 26, 1999, the federal criminal
proceedings were concluded with Bankers Trust's formal sentencing. The
events leading up to the guilty pleas did not arise out of the investment
advisory or mutual fund management activities of Bankers Trust or its
affiliates.
As a result of the plea, absent an order from the SEC, Bankers Trust would
not be able to continue to provide investment advisory services to the
Portfolio or the Fund. The SEC has granted Bankers Trust a temporary order
under Section 9(c) of the Act to permit Bankers Trust and its affiliates
to continue to provide investment advisory services to registered
investment companies, and Bankers Trust, pursuant to Section 9(c) of the
24
<PAGE>
Act, has filed an application for a permanent order. If the SEC refuses to
grant a permanent order, shareholders will receive supplemental proxy
materials requesting approval to release any amounts held in escrow up to
the time of the refusal and such other action as deemed appropriate by the
Portfolio Boards.
* HOW DOES THE PORTFOLIO BOARD RECOMMEND I VOTE ON THIS PROPOSAL?
At a meeting of the Portfolio Board held on March 8, 1999, called for the
purpose of, among other things, voting on approval of the New Advisory
Agreement, the Portfolio Board unanimously approved the New Advisory
Agreement. In reaching this conclusion, the Portfolio Board obtained from
BT Corporation, Deutsche Bank, and the Adviser such information as they
deemed reasonably necessary to approve the Adviser as investment adviser
to the Portfolio and considered a number of factors, including, among
other things, the continuity of the management of the Portfolio after the
Merger; the nature, scope, and quality of services that the Adviser would
likely provide to the Portfolio; the quality of the personnel of the
Adviser; the Adviser's commitment to continue to provide these services in
the future; the maintenance of the identical advisory fee rates; and the
fact that the New Advisory Agreement contains substantially the same terms
and conditions as the Prior Advisory Agreement. Based on the factors
discussed above and others, the Portfolio Board determined that the New
Advisory Agreement is fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the
Portfolio and its shareholders (i.e., the Fund).
In addition, at meetings held on March 24, 1999, and April 21, 1999, the
Portfolio Board, including the disinterested directors, also were apprised
of the guilty pleas discussed above and the exemptive relief sought by
Bankers Trust.
THEREFORE, AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE PORTFOLIO BOARD, INCLUDING ITS
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE
APPROVAL OF THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT AS SET FORTH IN THIS PROPOSAL.
* WHAT PERCENTAGE OF SHAREHOLDERS' VOTES ARE REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE NEW
ADVISORY AGREEMENT?
Approval of the New Advisory Agreement will require the "yes" vote of a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Portfolio, as
provided in the 1940 Act. For this purpose, this means the "yes" vote of
the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Portfolio, or (2) 67% or more of the shares present at the meeting, if
more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy. Because abstentions and broker non-votes are treated
as shares present but not voting, any abstentions and broker non-votes
will have the effect of votes against Proposal III(a), which requires the
approval of a specified percentage of the outstanding shares of Portfolio.
25
<PAGE>
* WHAT HAPPENS IF THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT IS APPROVED OR NOT APPROVED?
If the New Advisory Agreement is approved by you the shareholders, the New
Advisory Agreement will continue in effect as described above. If a New
Advisory Agreement is not approved by the shareholders of the Portfolio,
the advisory fees held in escrow with respect to the agreement will be
paid over to the Portfolio. In such event, the Portfolio Board will
consider what other action is appropriate based upon the interests of the
shareholders.
Keep in mind, however, that the Fund only owns approximately 41% of the
Portfolio. Therefore, other funds that are shareholders of the Portfolio
could approve the New Advisory Agreement, regardless of the Fund's vote.
PROPOSAL III(b)
ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE PORTFOLIO
* WHAT ARE SOME DETAILS OF THE ELECTION OF THE TRUSTEES?
Trustees (the Trustee Nominees), constituting the entire Portfolio Board,
are to be elected at a special meeting (Special Meeting) of the Portfolio
to serve until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or
until their earlier resignation or removal. The Trustee Nominees were
recently selected by the Independent Trustees of the Portfolio Board and
nominated by the Portfolio Board at a meeting held on July 27, 1999. The
names and ages of the Trustee Nominees, their principal occupations during
the past five years, and certain of their other affiliations are provided
below. Of the Trustee Nominees, Mr. Dill and Mr. Saunders are currently
Trustees of the Portfolio. No Trustee or Trustee Nominee of the Portfolio
serves or will serve as an officer of the Portfolio. Each of the Trustee
Nominees has agreed to serve if elected at the Special Meeting. It is the
intention of the persons designated as proxies in the proxy, unless
otherwise directed therein, to vote at the Special Meeting for the
election of the Trustee Nominees named below as the entire Portfolio
Board. If any Trustee Nominee is unable or unavailable to serve, the
persons named in the proxies will vote the proxies for such other person
as the Portfolio Board may recommend.
* WHO ARE THE TRUSTEE NOMINEES?
The following table sets forth the names, ages, position with the
Portfolio, and principal occupation of each Trustee Nominee:
26
<PAGE>
TRUSTEE NOMINEES
MEMBERSHIPS ON THE
BOARD OF OTHER
REGISTERED INVESTMENT
POSITION WITH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS COMPANIES AND OTHER
NAME AND AGE THE PORTFOLIO DURING LAST FIVE YEARS HELD COMPANIES PUBLICLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles P. Biggar Trustee of Retired; formerly Vice None
Age: 68 Portfolio President of International
Since Business Machines and
Inception President of the National
(1991) Services and the Field
Engineering Divisions of IBM
S. Leland Dill Trustee of Retired; formerly Partner Director, Coutts
Age: 69 Portfolio of KPMG Peat Marwick; (U.S.A.),
Since General Partner of Pemco International;
Inception (an investment company Director, Phoenix-
(1991) registered under the Act) Zweig Trust and
Phoenix - Euclid
Market Neutral
Fund; Director,
Vintners
International
Company Inc.;
Director, Coutts
Trust Holdings Ltd;
Director, Coutts
Group
Martin J. Gruber Nomura Professor of Finance, Trustee, TIAA;
Age: 62 Leonard L. Stern School of Trustee, Cowen
Business, New York University Mutual Funds;
(since 1964) Trustee, Japan
Equity Fund;
Trustee, Taiwan
Equity Fund
Richard Hale* Managing Director Director, Flag
Age: 54 Duetsche Assets Investors Funds
Management (Americas) (registered
investment
companies);
Director and
President,
Investment Company
Capital Corp.
(registered
investment adviser)
27
<PAGE>
Richard J. Herring Jacob Safra Professor of None
Age: 53 International Banking,
Professor of Finance, Finance
Department, and Vice Dean,
The Wharton School,
University of Pennsylvania
(since 1972)
Bruce E. Langton Retired; Member, Investment Trustee, Allmerica
Age: 68 Committee, Unilever U.S. Financial Mutual
Corporation Pension and Funds; Director,
Thrift Plans (TWA Directed
1989 to present) Account/401(k)
Plan (1988 to
present)
Philip Saunders, Trustee Principal, Philip Saunders None
Jr. of the Associates (Economic and
Age:63 Portfolio Financial Analysis); President,
Since 1992 John Hancock Home Mortgage
Corporation; and Senior Vice
President of Treasury and
Financial Services, John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company, Inc.
Harry Van Benschoten Retired (since 1987); None
Age: 71 Director, Canada Life
Insurance Corporation
of New York
- -------------
* "Interested Person" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Act.
Mr. Hale is a Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management
(Americas).
+ Member of the Audit Committee of the Portfolio Board.
* DOES THE PORTFOLIO BOARD HAVE ANY COMMITTEES, AND IF SO, HOW OFTEN DO
THEY MEET?
The Portfolio Board has established an Audit Committee that meets with the
Portfolio's independent accountants to review the financial statements of
the Portfolio, the adequacy of internal controls, and the accounting
procedures and policies of the Portfolio, and reports on these matters to
the Portfolio Board. The Independent Trustees, who constitute 100% of the
membership of the current Board, select and nominate the new Trustee
Nominees who are not "interested persons" as defined under the Act of the
Trust. The Portfolio Board does not have a nominating committee. During
1998, the Portfolio Board held eight meetings and the Audit Committee held
two meetings. No Trustee attended less than 75% of the applicable
meetings.
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The following table sets forth the compensation received by the Trustee
Nominees for their services to the Portfolio during the calendar year
ended December 31, 1998. In addition to the fees listed below, the
Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred during
the execution of their duties for the Portfolio.
AGGREGATE PENSION OR
COMPENSATION RETIREMENT ESTIMATED ANNUAL TOTAL
FROM THE BENEFITS ACCRUED BENEFITS UPON COMPENSATION
NAME OF TRUSTEE PORTFOLIO AS PART OF TRUST RETIREMENT PAID TO TRUSTEES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles P. Biggar $1,148 n/a n/a $36,250
S. Leland Dill $ 971 n/a n/a $36,250
Martin J. Gruber n/a n/a n/a n/a
Richard Hale n/a n/a n/a n/a
Richard J. Herring n/a n/a n/a n/a
Kelvin J. Lancaster n/a n/a n/a n/a
Bruce E. Langton n/a n/a n/a n/a
Philip Saunders, Jr. $ 977 n/a n/a $36,250
Harry Van Benschoten n/a n/a n/a n/a
The following table sets forth the names, ages, position with the Trust
and length of service in such position, and principal occupations during
the past five years.
NAME AND AGE POSITION WITH TRUST AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- ------------ ------------------------------------------------
John A. Keffer President and Chief Executive Officer since
Age: 57 December 1998; President, Forum Financial
Group L.L.C.; President, ICC Distributors, Inc.*
Daniel O. Hirsch Secretary since December 1998; Director, Deutsche
Age: 45 Asset Management (Americas) since July 1998;
Associate General Counsel, Office of General
Counsel, United States Securities and
Exchange Commission, 1993-1998.
Charles Rizzo Treasurer since July 1999; Vice President and
Age: 42 Department Head, Deutsche Asset Management
since April 1998; Senior Manager,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from October 1993 to
April 1998.
- -----------
* Principal underwriter of the Portfolio.
* HOW DOES THE PORTFOLIO BOARD RECOMMEND I VOTE ON THIS PROPOSAL?
AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE PORTFOLIO BOARD, INCLUDING ITS
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE
ELECTION OF THE TRUSTEE NOMINEES AS SET FORTH IN THIS PROPOSAL.
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At a meeting of the Portfolio Board held on July 27, 1999, the Portfolio
Board, based on a recommendation of the incumbent Independent Trustees,
unanimously approved the nomination of the Trustee Nominees. In reaching
this conclusion, the Portfolio Board obtained from the Trustee Nominees
such information as they deemed reasonably necessary to approve the
Trustee Nominees and considered a number of factors, including, among
other things: the nature, scope, and quality of services that the Trustee
Nominees would likely provide to the Portfolio; and the desirability of
maintaining compliance with Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act. Based on the
factors discussed above and others, the Portfolio Board determined that
the election of the Trustee Nominees is in the best interest of the
Portfolio and its shareholders.
* WHAT PERCENTAGE OF SHAREHOLDERS' VOTES ARE REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE
ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES?
Approval of Proposal III(b) requires the affirmative vote of a plurality
of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the special meetings of
shareholders of all the Portfolio's feeder funds (of which the Fund is
one) voting collectively. Because abstentions and broker non-votes are not
treated as shares voted, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no
impact on this proposal.
* WHAT HAPPENS IF A TRUSTEE NOMINEE IS OR IS NOT ELECTED?
If the Trustee Nominees are elected by the shareholders, each Trustee
Nominee will serve until his successor is duly elected and qualified or
until his earlier resignation or removal. If the Trustee Nominees are not
elected, the Portfolio Board will consider what action is appropriate
based upon the interests of the Portfolio's shareholders.
PROPOSAL III(c)
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION
OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
AS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
OF THE PORTFOLIO
* WHY HAS PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP BEEN SELECTED AS THE INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS?
The Portfolio Board, including a majority of its Independent Trustees, has
approved the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC) to serve as
independent accountants for the Portfolio for the current fiscal year. PWC
has served as independent accountants of the Portfolio since the
Portfolio's inception.
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* HOW DOES THE PORTFOLIO BOARD RECOMMEND I VOTE ON THIS PROPOSAL?
THE PORTFOLIO BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE
SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF
THE PORTFOLIO.
* WHAT PERCENTAGE OF SHAREHOLDERS' VOTES ARE REQUIRED TO RATIFY THE
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE PORTFOLIO?
Approval of this Proposal III(c) requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the special meetings
of shareholders of all the Portfolio's various feeder funds (of which the
Fund is one) voting collectively. Because abstentions and broker non-votes
are not treated as shares voted, abstentions and broker non-votes will
have no impact on this proposal.
* WILL A REPRESENTATIVE FROM PWC BE AVAILABLE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING FOR
QUESTIONS?
Representatives of PWC are not expected to be present at the Special
Meeting and, thus, are not expected to make a statement; however, one or
more representatives will be available by telephone to respond to
appropriate questions posed by shareholders or management.
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Further Information About Voting and the Shareholder Meeting
QUORUM AND METHODS OF TABULATION. With respect to Proposals I and II, a
majority of the shares of the Company entitled to vote, represented in person
or by proxy, is required to constitute a quorum at the Shareholder Meeting.
Under Maryland law, abstentions do not constitute a vote "for" or "against" a
matter but will be included in determining the number of shares outstanding and
the number of shares present for purposes of the proposals described herein.
Proposals I and II require a vote based on the total votes cast. As a result,
abstentions will assist the Company in obtaining a quorum, but will have no
effect on the outcome of Proposals I and II. Broker "non-votes" (i.e., proxies
from brokers or nominees indicating that such persons have not received
instructions from the beneficial owner or other person entitled to vote shares
on a particular matter with respect to which the brokers or nominees do not
have discretionary power) will be treated the same as abstentions.
In the event a quorum is not present at the Shareholder Meeting or in the event
a quorum is present at the Shareholder Meeting but sufficient votes to approve
the proposals are not received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or
more adjournments of the Shareholder Meeting to permit further solicitation of
proxies, provided that such persons determine such an adjournment and
additional solicitation is reasonable and in the interest of shareholders after
consideration of all relevant factors, including the nature of the relevant
proposals, the percentage of votes then cast, the percentage of negative votes
then cast, the nature of the proposed solicitation activities, and the nature
of the reasons for such further solicitation. One or more of the proposals in
this proxy statement may be voted on prior to any adjournment if sufficient
votes have been received for a proposal and such vote is otherwise appropriate.
With respect to each matter, any such adjournment will require the affirmative
vote of a majority of those shares of the Company present at the Shareholder
Meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon.
With respect to Proposals III(a)-(c), the Company is seeking directions from
you, the shareholders of the Fund, as to how the Fund, as a shareholder of the
Portfolio, should vote its Portfolio shares. The Company intends to vote all of
the Fund's shares in the Portfolio proportionately in accordance with the
directions received from the Fund's shareholders, regardless of the percentage
of shareholders of the Fund that provide directions on these Proposals.
Accordingly, a failure by a shareholder to vote or provide directions on these
Proposals will not affect the manner in which the Company votes the Fund's
Portfolio shares.
OTHER BUSINESS. The Board of Directors knows of no other business to be brought
before the Shareholder Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come
before the Shareholder Meeting, it is their intention that proxies that do not
contain specific restrictions to the contrary will be voted on such matters in
accordance with the judgment of the persons named as proxies on the enclosed
proxy card.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, employees
of IMCO and/or an outside proxy solicitation service may solicit proxies by
telephone. Your Fund may also arrange to have votes recorded by telephone. The
telephone voting procedure is designed to
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<PAGE>
authenticate shareholders' identities, to allow shareholders to authorize the
voting of their shares in accordance with their instructions, and to confirm
that their instructions have been properly recorded. Shareholders would be
called at the phone number IMCO has in its records for their accounts, and
would be asked for their social security number or other identifying
information. The shareholders would then be given an opportunity to authorize
proxies to vote their shares at the meeting in accordance with their
instructions. To ensure that the shareholders' instructions have been recorded
correctly, they will also receive a confirmation of their instructions in the
mail. A special toll-free number will be available in case the information
contained in the confirmation is incorrect.
The Board of Directors has adopted a general policy of maintaining
confidentiality in the voting of proxies. Consistent with this policy, your
Fund may solicit proxies from shareholders who have not voted their shares or
who have abstained from voting.
REVOCATION OF PROXIES. Proxies, including proxies given on our web site or by
telephone, may be revoked at any time before they are voted by a written
revocation received by your Fund, by properly executing a later-dated proxy, or
by attending the Shareholder Meeting and voting in person.
DATE FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDERS' PROPOSALS FOR SUBSEQUENT SHAREHOLDER
MEETINGS. Under the provisions of the Bylaws of the Company, no annual meeting
of shareholders is required, and your Fund does not currently intend to hold
such a meeting. Ordinarily, there will be no shareholder meeting unless
required by the 1940 Act or otherwise. Shareholder proposals for inclusion in
the proxy statement for any subsequent meeting must be received by your Fund
within a reasonable period of time prior to any such shareholder meeting.
Shareholders collectively holding at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the
Company may request a shareholder meeting at any time for the purpose of voting
to remove one or more of the directors. The Company will assist in
communicating to other shareholders about such meeting.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION. YOUR FUND WILL FURNISH, WITHOUT CHARGE, TO YOU UPON
REQUEST A COPY OF THE FUND'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR ITS MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR, AND
A COPY OF ITS SEMIANNUAL REPORT FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT SEMIANNUAL PERIOD. SUCH
REQUEST MAY BE DIRECTED TO USAA MUTUAL FUND, INC., 9800 FREDERICKSBURG ROAD,
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78288 OR 1-800-531-8181.
Further Information About Your Fund
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Board of Directors has four
committees: an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, a Pricing and
Investment Committee, and a Corporate Governance Committee. Between the
meetings of the Board of Directors and while it is not in session, the
Executive Committee may exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors in
the management of the business of the Company, which may be delegated to it by
the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee consists of four directors,
currently Messrs. Davis, Roth, Saunders, and Freeman.
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<PAGE>
The Audit Committee consists of four directors, currently Messrs. Freeman,
Mason, and Zucker, and Mrs. Dreeben, none of whom is an "interested person" of
the Company. The Audit Committee (a) selects an external auditor; (b) reviews
and approves and annual audit plan; (c) reviews summaries of financial results;
(d) reviews the reports of the auditors; and (e) undertakes such studies and
analyses of various matters as shall from time to time be deemed necessary by
the Board of Directors, and makes appropriate recommendations to the Board of
Directors on such matters.
The Pricing and Investment Committee consists of five directors, currently
Messrs. Saunders, Freeman, Mason, and Zucker, and Mrs. Dreeben. The Pricing and
Investment Committee (a) acts upon and deals with certain questions, issues,
and matters that may arise under Rule 2a-7 and the "Procedures to Stabilize Net
Asset Value" adopted by the Company as it impacts money market funds; and (b)
considers and acts upon such investment issues and matters as may be presented
relevant to the Fund.
The Corporate Governance Committee consists of all the directors who are not
"interested persons" of the Company, which presently consists of Messrs.
Freeman, Mason, and Zucker, and Mrs. Dreeben. Its purpose is to maintain
oversight of the organization and performance of the Board of Directors; to
evaluate the effectiveness of the Board of Directors, and to ensure that the
Board of Directors conducts itself ethically and in accordance with applicable
laws; to establish a policy on its tenure and term limitations for independent
directors; to recommend candidates to fill vacancies for independent
directorship positions of the Board of Directors; and to consider and act upon
such other issues as may be presented to it by the Board of Directors.
OFFICERS AND OTHER INFORMATION. In addition to officers that are directors, the
officers of the Company are as follows:
YEAR FIRST
NAME AND AGE OFFICE ELECTED TO OFFICE
- ------------ ------ -----------------
Michael D. Wagner (51) Secretary 1983
Alex M. Ciccone (49) Assistant Secretary 1995
Mark S. Howard (35) Assistant Secretary 1997
Sherron A. Kirk (54) Treasurer 1992
Caryl Swann (51) Assistant Treasurer 1998
Due to their affiliation with the Company's investment adviser, IMCO, the
Company's officers receive no compensation from the Company for their services.
In addition to the previously listed directors and/or officers of the Company
who also serve as directors and/or officers of IMCO, the following individuals
are directors and/or executive officers of IMCO: Carl W. Shirley, Senior Vice
President, Insurance Company Portfolios; and John J. Dallahan, Senior Vice
President, Investment Services. There are no family relationships among the
directors, officers, and managerial level employees of the Company or IMCO.
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of [_________________] by and between [Trust Name], a
(state of organization) (herein called the "Trust") and [________________]
(herein called the "Investment Adviser").
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Investment Adviser to render
investment advisory and other services to the Trust with respect to certain of
its series of shares of beneficial interests as may currently exist or be
created in the future (each, a "Fund") as listed on Exhibit A hereto, and the
Investment Adviser is willing to so render such services on the terms
hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, this Agreement
W I T N E S S E T H:
In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it
is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT. The [Trust] [Investment Adviser] hereby appoints the
Investment Adviser to act as investment adviser to each Fund for the period and
on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Investment Adviser accepts such
appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth for the
compensation herein provided.
2. MANAGEMENT. Subject to the supervision of the [Board of Trustees of the
Trust] [Investment Adviser], the Investment Adviser will provide a continuous
investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management
with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents in the
Fund. The Investment Adviser will determine from time to time what securities
and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold by each Fund. The
Investment Adviser will provide the services rendered by it hereunder in
accordance with the investment objective(s) and policies of each Fund as stated
in the Fund's then-current prospectus and statement of additional information
(or the Fund's then current registration statement on Form N-1A as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the then-current
offering memorandum if the Fund is not registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended ("1933 Act"). The Investment Adviser further agrees that:
(a) it will conform with all applicable rules and regulations of the
SEC (herein called the "Rules") and with all applicable provisions of the 1933
Act; as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934
Act"), the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended
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<PAGE>
(the "Advisers Act"), and will, in addition, conduct its activities under this
Agreement in accordance with applicable regulations of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System pertaining to the investment advisory activities
of bank holding companies and their subsidiaries;
(b) it will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for
each Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer selected
by it. In placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Investment Adviser will
use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the best net price and the most
favorable execution of its orders, after taking into account all factors it
deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price
of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker
or dealer, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, both for the
specific transaction and on a continuing basis. Consistent with this
obligation, the Investment Adviser may, to the extent permitted by law,
purchase and sell portfolio securities to and from brokers and dealers who
provide brokerage and research services (within the meaning of Section 28(e) of
the 1934 Act) to or for the benefit of any fund and/or other accounts over
which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates exercises investment
discretion. Subject to the review of the [Trust's Board of Trustees]
[Investment Adviser] from time to time with respect to the extent and
continuation of the policy, the Investment Adviser is authorized to pay to a
broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission
for effecting a securities transaction which is in excess of the amount of
commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that
transaction if the Investment Adviser determines in good faith that such
commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and
research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either
that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Investment
Adviser with respect to the accounts as to which it exercises investment
discretion; and
(c) it will maintain books and records with respect to the securities
transactions of each Fund and will render to the [Trust's Board of Trustees]
[Investment Adviser] such periodic and special reports as the Board may
request.
3. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE. The investment advisory services rendered by
the Investment Adviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the
Investment Adviser shall be free to render similar services to others so long
as its services under this Agreement are not impaired thereby.
4. BOOKS AND RECORDS. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 of
the Rules under the 1940 Act, the Investment Adviser hereby agrees that all
records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust and
further agrees to surrender promptly to the [Trust] [Investment Adviser] any of
such records upon request of the [Trust] [Investment Adviser]. The Investment
Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2
under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under
the 1940 Act and to comply in full with the requirements of Rule 204-2 under
the Advisers Act pertaining to the maintenance of books and records.
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<PAGE>
5. EXPENSES. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser
will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under
this Agreement other than the cost of purchasing securities (including
brokerage commissions, if any) for the Fund.
6. COMPENSATION. For the services provided and the expenses assumed
pursuant to this Agreement, [_________] will pay the Investment Adviser, and
the Investment Adviser will accept as full compensation therefor, fees,
computed daily and payable monthly, on an annual basis equal to the percentage
set forth on Exhibit A hereto of that Fund's average daily net assets.
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER INDEMNIFICATIOn.
(a) The Investment Adviser shall not be liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Fund in connection
with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from
a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for
services or 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 by it of its obligations and duties under
this Agreement;
(b) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in Section
7(c) below:
(i) the Investment Adviser (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered
Person") shall be indemnified by the respective Fund to the fullest extent
permitted by law, against liability and against all expenses reasonably
incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or
proceeding in which he becomes involved, as a party or otherwise, by virtue of
his being or having been the Investment Adviser of the Fund, and against
amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof;
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall
apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or other,
including appeals), actual or threatened while in office or thereafter, and the
words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys'
fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other
liabilities.
(c) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered
Person:
(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before
which the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the [Trust] [Investment
Adviser] or to one or more Funds' investors by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office, or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable
belief that his action was in the best interest of a Fund; or
(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a
determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office;
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<PAGE>
(A) by the court or other body approving the settlement; or
(B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither
Interested Persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter based upon a
review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or
(C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based
upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type
inquiry); provided, however, that any investor in a Fund may, by appropriate
legal proceedings, challenge any such determination by the Trustees or by
independent counsel.
(d) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured
against by policies maintained by the [Trust] [Investment Adviser], shall be
severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any
Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to be a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of such person. Nothing contained herein shall affect
any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel and any other persons,
other than a Covered Person, may be entitled by contract or otherwise under
law.
(e) Expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a
defense to any claim, suit or proceeding of the character described in
subsection (b) of this Section 7 may be paid by the [Trust] [Investment
Adviser] on behalf of the respective Fund from time to time prior to final
disposition thereto upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such
Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him to the [Trust]
[Investment Adviser] on behalf of the respective Fund if it is ultimately
determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 7;
provided, however, that either (i) such Covered Person shall have provided
appropriate security for such undertaking or (ii) the [Trust] [Investment
Adviser] shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advance
payments, or (iii) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither Interested
Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in
a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily
available facts as opposed to a trial-type inquiry or full investigation, that
there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will be entitled to
indemnification under this Section 7.
8. DURATION AND TERMINATION. This Agreement shall be effective as to a
Fund as of the date the Fund commences investment operations after this
Agreement shall have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust with
respect to that Fund and the Investor(s) in the Fund in the manner contemplated
by Section 15 of the 1940 Act and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein,
shall continue until the second anniversary of such date. Thereafter, if not
terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect as to such Fund for
successive periods of 12 months each, provided such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually (a) by the vote of a majority of those members of
the Board of Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or
Interested Persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval, or (b) by Vote of a Majority of the
Outstanding Voting Securities of the Trust; provided, however, that this
Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of
any penalty, by
38
<PAGE>
the Board of Trustees of the Trust, by Vote of a Majority of the Outstanding
Voting Securities of the Trust on 60 days' written notice to the Investment
Adviser, or by the Investment Adviser as to the [Trust] [Investment Adviser] at
any time, without payment of any penalty, on 90 days' written notice to the
[Trust] [Investment Adviser]. This Agreement will immediately terminate in the
event of its assignment (as used in this Agreement, the terms "Vote of a
Majority of the Outstanding Voting Securities," "Interested Person" and
"Assignment" shall have the same meanings as such terms have in the 1940 Act
and the rules and regulatory constructions thereunder.)
9. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. No material term of this Agreement may be
changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in
writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver,
discharge or termination is sought, and no amendment of a material term of this
Agreement shall be effective with respect to a Fund, until approved by Vote of
a Majority of the Outstanding Voting Securities of that Fund.
10. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Investment Adviser hereby
represents and warrants as follows:
(a) [The Investment Adviser is exempt from registration under the 1940
Act:]
(b) The Investment Adviser has all requisite authority to enter into,
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement;
(c) This Agreement is legal, valid and binding, and enforceable in
accordance with its terms; and
(d) The performance by the Investment Adviser of its obligations under
this Agreement does not conflict with any law to which it is subject.
11. COVENANTS. The Investment Adviser hereby covenants and agrees that, so
long as this Agreement shall remain in effect:
(a) The Investment Adviser shall remain either exempt from, or
registered under, the registration provisions of the Advisers Act; and
(b) The performance by the Investment Adviser of its obligations under
this Agreement shall not conflict with any law to which it is then subject.
12. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given pursuant to this Agreement
shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage
prepaid, (a) to the Investment Adviser, Mutual Funds Services, 130 Liberty
Street (One Bankers Trust Plaza), New York, New York 10006, and (b) to the
Trust, c/o BT Alex. Brown, Incorporated, One South Street, Baltimore, Maryland
21202.
13. WAIVER. With full knowledge of the circumstances and the effect of its
action, the Investment Adviser hereby waives any and all rights which it may
acquire in the future against the property of any investor in a Fund, other
than shares in that Fund, which arise out of any action or inaction of the
[Trust] [Investment Adviser] under this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
14. MISCELLANEOUS. The captions in this Agreement are included for
convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the
provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any
provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision,
statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be
affected thereby.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and shall be governed by the
laws of the _____________ ________, without reference to principles of
conflicts of law. The Trust is organized under the laws of
_________________________________ pursuant to a ____________ _____________
dated ______________. No Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust shall be
personally bound by or liable hereunder, nor shall resort be had to their
private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be
executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above
written.
[SIGNATORIES]
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EXHIBIT A
TO
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
MADE AS OF ____________________
BETWEEN
[Trust Name] AND [_______________]
FUND INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE
---- -----------------------
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34415-0899
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USAA USAA
EAGLE INVESTMENT
LOGO MANAGEMENT
COMPANY
PROXY SERVICES
P.O. BOX 9162
FARMINGDALE, NY 11735-9858
[SHAREHOLDERS ADDRESS APPEARS HERE]
USAA MUTUAL FUND, INC.
S&P 500 INDEX FUND
9800 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, Texas 78288
PROXY FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING
2:00p.m., Central Standard Time, on October 15, 1999
The undersigned hereby appoints Michael J.C. Roth, John W. Saunders, Jr., and
Howard L. Freeman, Jr., and each of them, with full power of substitution, as
proxies of the undersigned to vote all shares that the undersigned is entitled
in any capacity to vote at the above-stated shareholder meeting, and at any and
all adjournments or postponements thereof (the "Shareholder Meeting"), on the
matters set forth on this Proxy Card, and, in their discretion, upon all matters
incident to the conduct of the Shareholder Meeting and upon such other matters
as may properly be brought before the Shareholder Meeting. This proxy revokes
all prior proxies given by the undersigned.
In lieu of completing, signing, and mailing this proxy card, you may cast your
votes by calling toll-free 1-800-690-6903 or accessing the web site at
www.proxyvote.com.
All properly executed proxies will be voted as directed. If no instructions are
indicated on a properly executed proxy, the proxy will be voted FOR approval of
Proposals I, II, and III (a)-(c). ABSTAIN votes for Proposals I and II will
be counted only in determining the existence of a quorum at the Shareholder
Meeting.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS WITH RESPECT TO THE FUNDS.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
PROPOSALS I and II AND III(a)-(c).
CONTROL NUMBER [ ]
ACCOUNT NUMBER [ ]
To vote by Telephone
1) Read the Proxy Statement and have the Proxy card below at hand.
2) Call 1-800-690-6903
3) Enter the 12-digit control number set for the on the Proxy card and follow
the simple instructions.
To vote by Internet
1) Read the Proxy Statement and have the Proxy card below at hand.
2) Go to web site www.proxyvote.com
3) Enter the 12-digit control number set forth on the Proxy card and follow
the simple instructions.
The appointed proxies will vote on any other business as may properly come
before the Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Receipt of the Notice of Meeting and the Proxy Statement, dated August 19, 1999,
is hereby acknowledged.
(Joint owners should EACH sign. Please sign EXACTLY as your names appears on
this card. When signing as attorney, trustee, executor, administrator, guardian
or corporation officer, please give your FULL title.)
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE KEEP THIS PORTION
OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS. USAAMU FOR YOUR RECORDS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN
THIS PORTION ONLY
_______________________________________________________________________________
USAA MUTUAL FUND, INC. - S&P INDEX FUND
Vote On Directors FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL
ALL ALL EXCEPT
I. Election of Messrs. 01)Davis,
02)Roth, 03)Peebles, 04)Reimherr, [ ] [ ] [ ]
05)Zucker, 06)Dr. Mason, 07)Mrs.
Dreeben to the Board of Directors
of USAA Mutual Fund, Inc.
To withhold authority to vote, mark "For All
Except" and write the nominee's number on the
line below.
_____________________________________________
Vote On Proposals
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
II. Ratification of the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as [ ] [ ] [ ]
the independent accountants
of the S&P 500 Index Fund.
III. Equity 500 Index Portfolio matters:
a. The approval of a new investment advisory [ ] [ ] [ ]
agreement between the Equity 500 Index
Portfolio (Portfolio) and Bankers Trust
Company.
b. The election of Trustees of the [ ] [ ] [ ]
Portfolio.
c. The ratification of the selection of [ ] [ ] [ ]
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
independent accountants for the Portfolio.
______________________________________ _____________________________
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|______________________________________| |_____________________________|
Signature(PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX) DATE Signature(Joint Owners) DATE
_______________________________________________________________________________
