LONG-TERM
INVESTING
IN A
SHORT-TERM
WORLD(SM)
April 10, 2000
Prospectus
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KEMPER GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
Kemper International Research Fund
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not
approve or disapprove these shares or determine whether the information in this
prospectus is truthful or complete. It is a criminal offense for anyone to
inform you otherwise.
[LOGO] KEMPER FUNDS
<PAGE>
HOW THE INVESTING IN
FUND WORKS THE FUND
2 Kemper International 14 Choosing A Share
Research Fund Class
9 Other Policies And 19 How To Buy Shares
Risks
20 How To Exchange Or
Sell Shares
21 Policies You Should
Know About
27 Understanding
Distributions
And Taxes
<PAGE>
How The Fund Works
This fund invests primarily in foreign stocks.
Remember that mutual funds are investments, not bank deposits. They're not
guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other government agency. Their share
prices will go up and down, so be aware that you could lose money.
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KIRAX B) KIRBX C) KIRCX
Kemper International Research Fund
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FUND GOAL The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
2
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund normally invests at least 65% of total assets in common stocks of large
foreign companies (stocks that are listed on foreign exchanges and are issued by
foreign-based companies that have a market capitalization of $1 billion or
more). The fund expects that its regional investment allocations will remain
roughly similar to that of the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe,
Austral-Asia, Far East plus Emerging Markets Free Index (MSCI EAFE + EMF Index).
As of the date of this prospetus, most of the issuers included in this index are
located in developed markets.
The fund invests in securities based on the top research recommendations of the
investment advisor's industry research analysts and other investment
specialists. The portfolio managers use bottom-up research to identify stocks,
looking for individual companies that have strong balance sheets and effective
management, among other factors. These may be companies that appear to offer the
potential for sustainable above-average growth of earnings or revenues as well
as companies whose stock prices appear low in light of other measures of worth,
such as price-to-earnings ratios.
The managers also look for significant changes in the business environment, with
an eye toward identifying industries that may benefit from these changes.
The managers may favor securities from different countries and industries at
different times, while still maintaining variety in terms of the countries,
industries and companies represented.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it has reached its
fair value, other investments offer better opportunities or when adjusting its
exposure to a given industry or country.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
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While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may also
invest up to 35% of total assets in investment-grade debt securities.
3
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt fund performance, cause you to lose
money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is how foreign stock markets perform --
something that depends on a large number of factors, including economic,
political and demographic trends. When foreign stock prices fall, especially
prices of large company stocks, you should expect the value of your investment
to fall as well. To the extent that the fund emphasizes a given area, such as
Europe, or a given industry, factors affecting that market or industry will
affect performance.
Foreign stocks tend to be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts, for
reasons that include political and economic uncertainties, less liquid
securities markets and a higher risk that essential information may be
incomplete or wrong. In addition, changing currency rates could add to the
fund's investment losses or reduce its investment gains. Large company stocks at
times may not perform as well as stocks of smaller or mid-size companies.
Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by
poor management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may
affect single companies as well as groups of companies.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, industries, companies or other matters
o a bond could fall in credit quality, go into default or be paid off earlier
than expected, which could hurt the fund's performance
o at times, it could be hard to value some investments or to get an
attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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This fund may appeal to investors who want a diversified international fund
whose strategy focuses on the advisor's top research recommendations.
4
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows how the total returns for the fund's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't
reflect sales loads; if it did, returns would be lower. The table shows how the
fund's returns over different periods average out.
On 4/6/2000, the fund changed from Growth Fund Of Spain, an open-end equity fund
that sought long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the equity
securities of Spanish companies, to its current strategy. The fund's performance
prior to that date would have been different had the current strategy been in
effect.
The performance of Class A shares in the bar chart and performance table
reflects performance from when the fund was a closed-end fund known as The
Growth Fund Of Spain, Inc. (through 12/11/98). Because the fund had no daily
sales or redemptions when it was a closed-end fund, its performance then may
have been different than if it had operated as an open-end fund.
For comparison, the table has two broad-based market indices (which, unlike the
fund, have no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
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Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year Class A Shares
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THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
1991 15.82
1992 -23.48
1993 28.79
1994 2.26
1995 22.11
1996 31.12
1997 19.47
1998 49.85
1999 -5.24
Best quarter: 32.17%, Q1 1998 YTD return as of 3/31/00: 1.12%
Worst quarter: -21.84%, Q3 1992
5
<PAGE>
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Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
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Since12/31/98 Since 12/31/94 Since 2/14/90 Since 12/14/98
1 Year 5 Years Life of Class A* Life of Class B/C*
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Class A** -10.69% 20.66% 11.17% --
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Class B -8.11 -- -- -1.14%
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Class C -6.20 -- -- 0.82
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Index 1 18.35 30.40 19.64 18.35
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Index 2 30.33 12.46 8.53 30.33
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Index 1: IBEX 35 Index, a capitalization-weighted index of the 35 most liquid
Spanish stocks traded on the continuous markets.
Index 2: MSCI EAFE + EMF Index, a generally accepted benchmark for performance
of major overseas markets, plus emerging markets.***
The table includes the effects of maximum sales loads.
* Inception date for Class A shares is 2/14/90. Inception date for Class B
and C shares is 12/14/98. Index comparisons begin on 2/28/90 for Class A
shares and 12/31/98 for Class B and C shares.
** The information provided is for The Growth Fund of Spain, Inc. through
12/11/98 and for the fund's Class A shares thereafter, and assumes
deduction of the Class A sales charge.
** On 4/6/2000, the fund changed from a strategy of investing primarily in the
equity securities of Spanish companies to its current strategy. In light of
this change, the fund's investment advisor believes that it is more
appropriate to measure the fund's performance against the MSCI EAFE + EMF
Index than against the IBEX 35 Index.
6
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
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Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
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Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
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Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases 5.75% None None
(as % of offering price)
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Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as % of None* 4.00% 1.00%
redemption proceeds)
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Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
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Management Fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
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Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75
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Other Expenses** 1.22 1.36 1.31
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Total Annual Operating Expenses 1.97 2.86 2.81
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Expense Reimbursement 0.17 0.01 0.01
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Net Annual Operating Expenses*** 1.80 2.85 2.80
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* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large Order
NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About -- Policies
about transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
of 1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50% if redeemed
during the second year following purchase.
** "Other Expenses" are restated to reflect changes in certain administrative
and regulatory fees.
*** By contract, total operating expenses are capped at 1.80% for Class A
shares, 2.85% for Class B shares and 2.80% for Class C shares through
2/28/2001.
Based on the figures above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example is designed to help you compare the expenses of each share
class to those of other funds. The example assumes operating expenses remain the
same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns and reinvested all
dividends and distributions. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.
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Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
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Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
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Class A shares $747 $1,142 $1,562 $2,726
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Class B shares 688 1,185 1,708 2,780
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Class C shares 383 870 1,483 3,137
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Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
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Class A shares $747 $1,142 $1,562 $2,726
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Class B shares 288 885 1,508 2,780
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Class C shares 283 870 1,483 3,137
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7
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.75% of its average daily net assets.
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day
management:
Jennifer E. Bloomfield Vincent Houtteville
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager Co-Lead Portfolio Manager
o Began investment career o Began investment career
in 1992 in 1986
o Joined the advisor in 1995 o Joined the advisor in 1995
o Joined the fund team in o Joined the fund team in
2000 2000
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who work together to
develop the fund's investment strategies.
8
<PAGE>
Other Policies And Risks
While the previous pages describe the main points of the fund's strategy and
risks, there are a few other issues to know about:
o The fund's Board could change the fund's investment goal without seeking
shareholder approval.
o As a temporary defensive measure, the fund could shift up to 100% of assets
into investments such as money market securities. This could prevent
losses, but would mean that the fund would not be pursuing its goal.
o Scudder Kemper establishes a security's credit quality when it buys the
security, using independent ratings or, for unrated securities, its own
credit determination. When ratings don't agree, the fund may use the higher
rating. If a security's credit quality falls, the advisor will determine
whether selling it would be in the shareholders' best interests.
o The fund may trade securities more actively than many funds, which could
mean higher expenses (thus lowering return) and higher taxable
distributions.
o Although the fund is permitted to use various types of derivatives
(contracts whose value is based on, for example, indices, currencies or
securities), the managers don't intend to use them as principal
investments, and might not use them at all. With derivatives there is a
risk that they could produce disproportionate losses.
Keep in mind that there is no assurance that any mutual fund will achieve its
goal.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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This prospectus doesn't tell you about every policy or risk of investing in the
fund. For more information, request a copy of the Statement of Additional
Information (see back cover).
9
<PAGE>
Euro conversion
Funds that invest in foreign securities could be affected by accounting
differences, changes in tax treatment or other issues related to the conversion
of certain European currencies into the euro, which is already underway. Scudder
Kemper is working to address euro-related issues as they occur and understands
that other key service providers are taking similar steps. Still, there's some
risk that this problem could materially affect the fund's operation (including
its ability to calculate net asset value and to handle purchases and
redemptions), its investments or securities markets in general.
10
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
These tables are designed to help you understand the fund's financial
performance in recent years. The figures in the first part of each table are for
a single share. The total return figures represent the percentage that an
investor in the fund would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and
distributions were reinvested. This information has been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included
in the fund's annual report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover).
On 4/6/2000, the fund changed from Growth Fund Of Spain, an open-end equity fund
that sought long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the equity
securities of Spanish companies, to its current strategy. The fund's performance
prior to that date would have been different had the current strategy been in
effect.
Class A
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Years ended
November 30, 1999(a) (c)1998(d) 1997 1996 1995 1994
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Net asset value,
beginning of period $23.42 $19.06 $15.67 $13.33 $12.40 $10.67
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Income from investment operations:
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Net investment .05 .11 .24 .36 .37 .32
income
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Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss) (.75) 5.72 4.15 2.69 1.01 1.41
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Total from
investment operations (.70) 5.83 4.39 3.05 1.38 1.73
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Less dividends:
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Distribution from
net investment income .14 .11 .17 .42 .45 --
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Distribution from
net realized gain 1.72 1.36 .83 .29 -- --
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Total dividends 1.86 1.47 1.00 .71 .45 --
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Net asset value,
end of period $20.86 $23.42 $19.06 $15.67 $13.33 $12.40
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Total return
(not annualized)(%) (3.38) 32.90(b) 29.86(b) 24.12(b) 11.62(b) 16.21(b)
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Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
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Expenses,
before expense
reductions (%) 1.97 1.43 1.22 1.25 1.22 1.23
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Expenses, net (%) 1.96 1.43 1.22 1.25 1.22 1.23
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Net investment
income (%) .29 .58 1.29 2.46 2.89 2.57
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(a) Per share data was determined based on monthly average shares outstanding
during the period.
(b) The performance of Class A shares reflects performance of the fund in
closed-end form. The fund's performance may have been lower if it had
operated as an open-end fund during these periods.
(c) Year ended October 31.
(d) Eleven months ended October 31.
11
<PAGE>
Class B
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1999(a)
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Net asset value, beginning of period $22.98
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Income from investment operations:
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Net investment income (loss) (b) (.16)
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Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (2.15)
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Total from investment operations (2.31)
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Net asset value, end of period $20.67
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Total return (not annualized) (%) (10.05)
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Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
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Expenses, before expense reductions (%) 2.86
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Expenses, net (%) 2.84
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Net investment income (loss) (%) (.84)
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Class C
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1999(a)
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Net asset value, beginning of period $22.98
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Income from investment operations:
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Net investment income (loss) (b) (.14)
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Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (2.17)
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Total from investment operations (2.31)
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Net asset value, end of period $20.67
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Total return (not annualized) (%) (10.05)
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Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
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Expenses, before expense reductions (%) 2.81
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Expenses, net (%) 2.79
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Net investment income (loss) (%) (.79)
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Supplemental data for all classes
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Years ended
November 30, 1999(b) 1998(c) 1997 1996 1995 1994
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Net assets at end of
period (in thousands) $66,268 387,126 315,059 263,935 227,997 213,972
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Portfolio turnover rate
(annualized) (%) 76 10 29 45 69 85
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(a) For the period from December 14, 1998 (commencement of Class) to October
31, 1999.
(b) Year ended October 31.
(c) Eleven months ended October 31.
Note: Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.
12
<PAGE>
Investing In The Fund
[ICON] The following pages tell you about many of the services, choices and
benefits of being a Kemper Funds shareholder. You'll also find information on
how to check the status of your account using the method that's most convenient
for you.
You can find out more about the topics covered here by speaking with your
financial representative or a representative of your workplace retirement plan
or other investment provider.
<PAGE>
Choosing A Share Class
In this prospectus, there are three share classes for the fund. Each class has
its own fees and expenses, offering you a choice of cost structures.
Before you invest, take a moment to look over the characteristics of each share
class, so that you can be sure to choose the class that's right for you. You may
want to ask your financial representative to help you with this decision.
We describe each share class in detail on the following pages. But first, you
may want to look at the table below, which gives you a brief comparison of the
main features of each class.
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Classes and features Points to help you compare
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Class A
o Sales charges of up to 5.75%, o Some investors may be able to reduce
when you buy shares or eliminate their sales charges; see
page 15
o No distribution fee
o Total annual expenses are lower than
those for Class B or Class C
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Class B
o No charges when you buy shares o The deferred sales charge rate falls
to zero after six years
o Deferred sales charge declining
from 4.00%, charged when you sell o Shares automatically convert to Class
shares you bought within the last A six years after purchase, which
six years means lower annual expenses going
forward
o 0.75% distribution fee
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Class C
o No charges when you buy shares o The deferred sales charge rate is
lower, but your shares never convert
o Deferred sales charge of 1.00%, to Class A, so annual expenses remain
charged when you sell shares you higher
bought within the last year
o 0.75% distribution fee
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14
<PAGE>
Class A shares
Class A shares have a sales charge that varies with the amount you invest:
Your investment Sales charge Sales charge
as a % of as a % of your
offering price net investment
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Up to $50,000 5.75% 6.10%
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$50,000-$99,999 4.50 4.71
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$100,000-$249,999 3.50 3.63
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$250,000-$499,999 2.60 2.67
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$500,000-$999,999 2.00 2.04
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$1 million or more See below and next page
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The offering price includes the sales charge.
You may be able to lower your Class A sales charges if:
o you plan to invest at least $50,000 over the next 24 months ("letter of
intent")
o the amount of Kemper shares you already own (including shares in certain
other Kemper funds) plus the amount you're investing now is at least
$50,000 ("cumulative discount")
o you are investing a total of $50,000 or more in several Kemper funds at
once ("combined purchases")
The point of these three features is to let you count investments made at other
times for purposes of calculating your present sales charge. Any time you can
use the privileges to "move" your investment into a lower sales charge category
in the table above, it's generally beneficial for you to do so. You can take
advantage of these methods by filling in the appropriate sections of your
application or by speaking with your financial representative.
15
<PAGE>
You may be able to buy Class A shares without sales charges when you are:
o investing through certain workplace retirement plans
o participating in an investment advisory program under which you pay a fee
to an investment advisor or other firm for portfolio management services
o buying shares with reinvested dividends or distributions
There are a number of additional provisions that apply in order to be eligible
for a sales charge waiver. The fund may waive the sales charges for investors in
other situations as well. Your financial representative or Kemper can answer
your questions and help you determine if you are eligible.
If you're investing $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or through one of
the sales charge reduction features described on the previous page, you may be
eligible to buy Class A shares without sales charges. However, you may be
charged a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00% on any shares you
sell within the first year of owning them, and a similar charge of 0.50% on
shares you sell within the second year of owning them. This CDSC is waived under
certain circumstances (see "Policies You Should Know About"). Your financial
representative or Kemper can answer your questions and help you determine if
you're eligible.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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Class A shares may make sense for long-term investors, especially those who are
eligible for reduced or eliminated sales charges.
16
<PAGE>
Class B shares
With Class B shares, you pay no up-front sales charges to the fund. Class B
shares do have a 12b-1 plan, under which a distribution fee of 0.75% is deducted
from fund assets during each of the first six years. This means the annual
expenses for Class B shares are somewhat higher (and their performance
correspondingly lower) compared to Class A shares, which don't have a 12b-1 fee.
After six years, Class B shares automatically convert to Class A, which has the
net effect of lowering the annual expenses from the seventh year on.
Class B shares have a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). This charge
declines over the years you own shares, and disappears completely after six
years of ownership. But for any shares you sell within those six years, you may
be charged as follows:
Year after you bought shares CDSC on shares you sell
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First year 4.00%
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Second or third year 3.00
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Fourth or fifth year 2.00
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Sixth year 1.00
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Seventh year and later None (automatic conversion
to Class A)
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This CDSC is waived under certain circumstances (see "Policies You Should Know
About"). Your financial representative or Kemper can answer your questions and
help you determine if you're eligible.
While Class B shares don't have any front-end sales charges, their higher annual
expenses (due to 12b-1 fees) mean that over the years you could end up paying
more than the equivalent of the maximum allowable front-end sales charge.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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Class B shares are designed for long-term investors who prefer to see all of
their investment go to work right away, and can accept somewhat higher annual
expenses.
17
<PAGE>
Class C shares
Like Class B shares, Class C shares have no up-front sales charges and have a
12b-1 plan under which a distribution fee of 0.75% is deducted from fund assets
during each of the first six years. Because of this fee, the annual expenses for
Class C shares are similar to those of Class B shares, but higher than those for
Class A shares (and the performance of Class C shares is correspondingly lower
than that of Class A). However, unlike in Class A, your entire investment goes
to work right away.
Unlike Class B shares, Class C shares do NOT automatically convert to Class A
after six years, so they continue to have higher annual expenses.
Class C shares have a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), but only on
shares you sell within one year of buying them:
Year after you bought shares CDSC on shares you sell
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First year 1.00%
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Second year and later None
- ----------------------------------------------------------
This CDSC is waived under certain circumstances (see "Policies You Should Know
About"). Your financial representative or Kemper can answer your questions and
help you determine if you're eligible.
While Class C shares don't have any front-end sales charges, their higher annual
expenses (due to 12b-1 fees) mean that over the years you could end up paying
more than the equivalent of the maximum allowable front-end sales charge.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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Class C shares may appeal to investors who prefer to see all of their investment
go to work right away, plan to sell shares within six years of buying them, or
who aren't certain of their investment time horizon.
18
<PAGE>
How To Buy Shares
Once you've chosen a share class, use these instructions to make investments.
Make out any checks to "Kemper Funds."
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First investment Additional investments
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$1,000 or more for regular accounts $100 or more for regular accounts
$250 or more for IRAs $50 or more for IRAs
$50 or more with an Automatic
Investment Plan
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Through a financial representative
o Contact your representative using o Contact your representative using the
the method that's most convenient method that's most convenient for you
for you
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By mail or express mail (see below)
o Fill out and sign an application o Send a check and a Kemper investment
slip to us at the appropriate address
o Send it to us at the appropriate below
address, along with an investment
check o If you don't have an investment slip,
simply include a letter with your
name, account number, the full name of
the fund and the share class and your
investment instructions
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By wire
o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions
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By phone
- -- o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With an automatic investment plan
- -- o To set up regular investments, call
(800) 621-1048
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On the Internet
o Follow the instructions at o Follow the instructions at
www.kemper.com www.kemper.com
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Regular mail: Kemper Funds, PO Box 219415, Kansas City, MO 64121-9415
Express, registered or certified mail:
Kemper Service Company, 811 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-2005
Fax number: (800) 818-7526 (for exchanging and selling only)
19
<PAGE>
How To Exchange Or Sell Shares
Use these instructions to exchange or sell shares in your account.
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Exchanging into another fund Selling shares
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$1,000 or more to open a new account Some transactions, including most
for over $50,000, can only be
$100 or more for exchanges between ordered in writing with a signature
existing accounts guarantee; if you're in doubt, see
page 23
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Through a financial representative
o Contact your representative by the o Contact your representative by
method that's most convenient for the method that's most convenient
you for you
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By phone or wire
o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By mail, express mail or fax
(see previous page)
Write a letter that includes: Write a letter that includes:
o the fund, class and account number o the fund, class and account number
you're exchanging out of from which you want to sell shares
o the dollar amount or number of o the dollar amount or number of shares
shares you want to exchange you want to sell
o the name and class of the fund you o your name(s), signature(s) and
want to exchange into address, as they appear on your
account
o your name(s), signature(s) and
address, as they appear on your o a daytime telephone number
account
o a daytime telephone number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With a systematic exchange plan With a systematic withdrawal plan
o To set up regular exchanges from a o To set up regular cash payments from a
Kemper fund account, call Kemper fund account, call
(800)621-1048 (800) 621-1048
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the Internet
o Follow the instructions at o Follow the instructions at
www.kemper.com www.kemper.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20
<PAGE>
Policies You Should Know About
Along with the instructions on the previous pages, the policies below may affect
you as a shareholder.
If you are investing through an investment provider, check the materials you
received from them. As a general rule, you should follow the information in
those materials wherever it contradicts the information given here. Please note
that an investment provider may charge its own fees.
Policies about transactions
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange is open. The
fund calculates its share price every business day, as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange (typically 3 p.m. Central time, but sometimes earlier,
as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions of
trading).
You can place an order to buy or sell shares at any time. Once your order is
received by Kemper Service Company, and they have determined that it is a "good
order," it will be processed at the next share price calculated.
Because orders placed through investment providers must be forwarded to Kemper
Service Company before they can be processed, you'll need to allow extra time. A
representative of your investment provider should be able to tell you when your
order will be processed.
KemperACCESS, the Kemper Automated Information Line, is available 24 hours a day
by calling (800) 972-3060. You can use Kemper ACCESS to get information on
Kemper funds generally and on accounts held directly at Kemper. You can also use
it to make exchanges and sell shares.
21
<PAGE>
EXPRESS-Transfer lets you set up a link between a Kemper account and a bank
account. Once this link is in place, you can move money between the two with a
phone call. You'll need to make sure your bank has Automated Clearing House
(ACH) services. Transactions take two to three days to be completed, and there
is a $100 minimum. To set up EXPRESS-Transfer on a new account, see the account
application; to add it to an existing account, call (800) 621-1048.
Share certificates are available on written request. However, we don't recommend
them unless you want them for a specific purpose, because they can only be sold
by mailing them in, and if they're ever lost they're difficult and expensive to
replace.
When you call us to sell shares, we may record the call, ask you for certain
information or take other steps designed to prevent fraudulent orders. It's
important to understand that, with respect to certain pre-authorized privileges,
as long as we take reasonable steps to ensure that an order appears genuine, we
are not responsible for any losses that may occur.
When you ask us to send or receive a wire, please note that while we don't
charge a fee to send or receive wires, it's possible that your bank may do so.
Wire transactions are normally completed within 24 hours. The fund can only send
or accept wires of $1,000 or more.
Exchanges among Kemper funds are an option for most shareholders. Exchanges are
a shareholder privilege, not a right: we may reject any exchange order,
particularly when there appears to be a pattern of "market timing" or other
frequent purchases and sales. We may also reject or limit purchase orders, for
these or other reasons.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Kemper Web site can be a valuable resource for shareholders with Internet
access. Go to www. kemper.com to get up-to date information, review balances or
even place orders for purchases, redemptions or exchanges.
22
<PAGE>
When you want to sell more than $50,000 worth of shares, or send the proceeds to
a third party or to a new address, you'll usually need to place your order in
writing and include a signature guarantee. The only exception is if you want
money wired to a bank account that is already on file with us; in that case, you
don't need a signature guarantee. Also, you don't need a signature guarantee for
an exchange, although we may require one in certain other circumstances.
A signature guarantee is simply a certification of your signature -- a valuable
safeguard against fraud. You can get a signature guarantee from most brokers,
banks, savings institutions and credit unions. Note that you can't get a
signature guarantee from a notary public.
When you sell shares that have a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), we
calculate the CDSC as a percentage of what you paid for the shares or what you
are selling them for -- whichever results in the lowest charge to you. In
processing orders to sell shares, we turn to the shares with the lowest CDSC
first. Exchanges from one Kemper fund into another don't affect CDSCs: for each
investment you make, the date you first bought Kemper shares is the date we use
to calculate a CDSC on that particular investment.
There are certain cases in which you may be exempt from a CDSC. These include:
o the death or disability of an account owner (including a joint owner)
o withdrawals made through a systematic withdrawal plan
o withdrawals related to certain retirement or benefit plans
o redemptions for certain loan advances, hardship provisions or returns of
excess contributions from retirement plans
o For Class A shares purchased through the Large Order NAV Purchase
Privilege, redemption of shares whose dealer of record at the time of the
investment notifies Kemper Distributors that the dealer is waiving the
applicable commission.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you ever have difficulty placing an order by phone or fax, you can always
send us your order in writing.
23
<PAGE>
In each of these cases, there are a number of additional provisions that apply
in order to be eligible for a CDSC waiver. Your financial representative or
Kemper can answer your questions and help you determine if you are eligible.
If you sell shares in a Kemper fund and then decide to invest with Kemper again
within six months, you can take advantage of the "reinstatement feature." With
this feature, you can put your money back into the same class of a Kemper fund
at its current NAV and for purposes of sales charges it will be treated as if it
had never left Kemper. You'll also be reimbursed (in the form of fund shares)
for any CDSC you paid when you sold your shares. Future CDSC calculations will
be based on your original investment date, rather than your reinstatement date.
There is also an option that lets investors who sold Class B shares buy Class A
shares with no sales charge, although they won't be reimbursed for any CDSC they
paid. You can only use the reinstatement feature once for any given group of
shares. To take advantage of this feature, contact Kemper or your financial
representative.
Money from shares you sell is normally sent out within one business day of when
your order is processed, although it could be delayed for up to seven days.
There are also two circumstances when it could be longer: when you are selling
shares you bought recently by check and that check hasn't cleared yet (maximum
delay: 10 days) or when unusual circumstances prompt the SEC to allow further
delays. Certain expedited redemption processes may also be delayed when you are
selling recently purchased shares.
24
<PAGE>
How the fund calculates share price
The price at which you buy shares is as follows:
Class A shares -- net asset value per share, or NAV, adjusted to allow for any
applicable sales charges (see "Choosing A Share Class")
Class B and Class C shares -- net asset value per share, or NAV
To calculate NAV, each share class uses the following equation:
TOTAL ASSETS - TOTAL LIABILITIES
---------------------------------- = NAV
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
For each share class, the price at which you sell shares is also the NAV,
although for Class B and Class C investors a contingent deferred sales charge
may be taken out of the proceeds (see "Choosing A Share Class").
We typically use market prices to value securities. However, when a market price
isn't available, or when we have reason to believe it doesn't represent market
realities, we may use fair value methods approved by the fund's Board. In such a
case, the fund's value for a security is likely to be different from quoted
market prices.
Because the fund invests in securities that are traded primarily in foreign
markets, the value of its holdings could change at a time when you aren't able
to buy or sell fund shares. This is because some foreign markets are open on
days when the fund doesn't price its shares.
25
<PAGE>
Other rights we reserve
You should be aware that we may do any of the following:
o withhold 31% of your distributions as federal income tax if we have been
notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding, or if you
fail to provide us with a correct taxpayer ID number or certification that
you are exempt from backup withholding
o reject a new account application if you don't provide a correct Social
Security or other tax ID number; if the account has already been opened, we
may give you 30 days' notice to provide the correct number
o charge you $9 each calendar quarter if your account balance is below $1,000
for the entire quarter; this policy doesn't apply to most retirement
accounts or if you have an automatic investment plan
o pay you for shares you sell by "redeeming in kind," that is, by giving you
marketable securities (which typically will involve brokerage costs for you
to liquidate) rather than cash
o change, add or withdraw various services, fees and account policies (for
example, we may change or terminate the exchange privilege at any time)
26
<PAGE>
Understanding Distributions And Taxes
By law, a mutual fund is required to pass through to its shareholders virtually
all of its net earnings. The fund can earn money in two ways: by receiving
interest, dividends or other income from securities it holds, and by selling
securities for more than it paid for them. (The fund's earnings are separate
from any gains or losses stemming from your own purchase of shares.) The fund
may not always pay a distribution for a given period.
The fund intends to pay dividends and distributions to its shareholders in
November or December, and if necessary may do so at other times as well.
You can choose how to receive your dividends and distributions. You can have
them all automatically reinvested in fund shares (at NAV), all sent to you by
check, have one type reinvested and the other sent to you by check or have them
invested in a different fund. Tell us your preference on your application. If
you don't indicate a preference, your dividends and distributions will all be
reinvested without sales charges. For retirement plans, reinvestment is the only
option.
Buying and selling fund shares will usually have tax consequences for you
(except in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account). Your sales of shares may
result in a capital gain or loss for you; whether long-term or short-term
depends on how long you owned the shares. For tax purposes, an exchange is the
same as a sale.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Because each shareholder's tax situation is unique, ask your tax professional
about the tax consequences of your investments, including any state and local
tax consequences.
27
<PAGE>
The tax status of the fund earnings you receive, and your own fund transactions,
generally depends on their type:
Generally taxed at ordinary income rates
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o income dividends you receive from the fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains distributions received from the fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Generally taxed at capital gains rates
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains distributions received from the fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may be able to claim a tax credit or deduction for your share of any foreign
taxes the fund pays.
The fund will send you detailed tax information every January. These statements
tell you the amount and the tax category of any dividends or distributions you
received. They also have certain details on your purchases and sales of shares.
The tax status of dividends and distributions is the same whether you reinvest
them or not. Dividends or distributions declared in the last quarter of a given
year are taxed in that year, even though you may not receive the money until the
following January.
If you invest right before the fund pays a dividend, you'll be getting some of
your investment back as a taxable dividend. You can avoid this, if you want, by
investing after the fund declares a dividend. In tax-advantaged retirement
accounts you don't need to worry about this.
28
<PAGE>
Notes
29
<PAGE>
To Get More Information
Shareholder reports -- These include commentary from the fund's management team
about recent market conditions and the effects of the fund's strategies on its
performance. They also have detailed performance figures, a list of everything
the fund owns, and the fund's financial statements. Shareholders get the reports
automatically. To reduce costs, we mail one copy per household. For more copies,
call (800) 621-1048.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) -- This tells you more about the
fund's features and policies, including additional risk information. The SAI is
incorporated by reference into this document (meaning that it's legally part of
this prospectus).
If you'd like to ask for copies of these documents, or if you're a shareholder
and have questions, please contact Kemper or the SEC (see below). Materials you
get from Kemper are free; those from the SEC involve a copying fee. If you like,
you can look over these materials at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC or request them electronically at [email protected]
SEC
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549-0102
www.sec.gov
Tel (202) 942-8090
Kemper Funds
222 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-5808
www.kemper.com
Tel (800)621-1048
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEC File Number
Kemper International Research Fund 811-08395
Principal Underwriter
Kemper Distributors, Inc.
222 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-5808
www.kemper.com E-mail [email protected]
Tel (800) 621-1048
[LOGO] KEMPER FUNDS
Long-term investing in a short-term world
<PAGE>
KEMPER INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH FUND
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
April 10, 2000
Kemper Global/International Series, Inc.
222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606
1-800-621-1048
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It is the
Statement of Additional Information for Kemper International Research Fund (the
"Fund"), a series of Kemper Global/International Series, Inc. (the
"Corporation"), an open-end management investment company. It should be read in
conjunction with the prospectus of the Fund dated April 10, 2000. A prospectus
may be obtained without charge from the Fund and is also available, along with
other related materials, at the SEC's Internet web site (http://www.sec.gov).
---------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.........................................2
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES..............................3
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS.........................................18
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND UNDERWRITER.............................19
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION OR REPURCHASE OF SHARES...................26
NET ASSET VALUE................................................38
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES.............................39
PERFORMANCE....................................................45
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.........................................49
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS.............................................49
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...........................................50
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.........................................50
APPENDIX A -- RATINGS OF FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS..............52
The financial statements appearing in the Fund's 1999 Annual Report to
Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report for the
Fund accompanies this document. Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser")
serves as the Fund's investment manager.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions which
cannot be changed without approval of a majority of its outstanding voting
shares, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"). This means the lesser of the vote of (a) 67% of the shares of the Fund
present at a meeting where more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present
in person or by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund.
The Fund has elected to be classified as a diversified series of an
open-end management investment company.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will not:
(a) make loans except to the extent that the purchase of portfolio
securities consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
policies or the acquisition of securities subject to
repurchase agreements may be deemed to be loans;
(b) borrow money or issue senior securities, except as permitted
under the 1940 Act and as interpreted or modified by
regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
(c) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its
assets, except to secure permitted borrowings or in connection
with hedging and risk management strategies as described under
"Investment Policies and Techniques" herein;
(d) invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
participation in management;
(e) make short sales of securities or maintain a short position in
any security except as described under "Investment Policies
and Techniques" herein;
(f) (i) purchase or sell real estate, except that it may purchase
and sell securities of companies which deal in real estate or
interests therein, (ii) purchase or sell commodities or
commodity contracts except that the Fund may enter into
foreign currency and stock index futures contracts and options
thereon and may buy or sell forward currency contracts and
options on foreign currencies, (iii) invest in interests in
oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development
programs, except that it may purchase and sell securities of
companies which deal in oil, gas or other mineral exploration
or development programs, (iv) purchase securities on margin,
except for such short-term credits as may be necessary for the
clearance of transactions as described under the heading
"Investment Policies and Techniques" herein, and (v) act as an
underwriter of securities, except that the Fund may acquire
securities in private placements in circumstances in which, if
such securities were sold, the Fund might be deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended; and
(g) invest in securities of other investment companies, except as
part of a merger, consolidation or other acquisition, if more
than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any such investment
company would be held by the Fund, if more than 5% of the
total assets of the Fund would be invested in any such
investment company, or if the Fund would own, in the
aggregate, securities of investment companies representing
more than 10% of its total assets.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a
later increase or decrease in percentage beyond that specified limit resulting
from a change in values or net assets will not be considered a violation.
As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund will not:
(1) borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets,
except (i) for temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) by
engaging in reverse repurchase agreements or other investments
or transactions described in the Fund's registration statement
which may be deemed to be borrowings;
(2) enter into either of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar
rolls in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets;
2
<PAGE>
(3) purchase securities on margin, except (i) for margin deposits
in connection with futures contracts, options or other
permitted investments, and (ii) that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of
securities transactions;
(4) purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all
such options held by the Fund at any time do not exceed 20% of
its total assets; or sell put options, if as a result, the
aggregate value of the obligations underlying such put options
would exceed 50% of its total assets;
(5) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon
unless immediately after the purchase, the value of the
aggregate initial margin with respect to such futures
contracts entered into on behalf of the Fund and the premiums
paid for such options on futures contracts does not exceed 5%
of the fair market value of the Fund's total assets; provided
that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time
of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in
computing the 5% limit; and
(6) purchase warrants if as a result, such securities, taken at
the lower of cost or market value, would represent more than
5% of the value of the Fund's total assets (for this purpose,
warrants acquired in units or attached to securities will be
deemed to have no value).
MASTER/FEEDER FUND STRUCTURE. The Board of Directors may determine, without
further shareholder approval, in the future that the objectives of the Fund
would be achieved more effectively by investing in a master fund in a
master/feeder fund structure. A master/feeder fund structure is one in which a
fund (a "feeder fund"), instead of investing directly in a portfolio of
securities, invests all of its investment assets in a separate registered
investment company (the "master fund") with substantially the same investment
objective and policies as the feeder fund. Such a structure permits the pooling
of assets of two or more feeder funds in the master fund in an effort to achieve
possible economies of scale and efficiencies in portfolio management, while
preserving separate identities or distribution channels at the feeder fund
level. An existing investment company is able to convert to a feeder fund by
selling all of its investments, which involves brokerage and other transaction
costs and the realization of taxable gain or loss, or by contributing its assets
to the master fund and possibly avoiding transaction costs and, in certain
circumstances, the realization of taxable gain or loss.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
General. Kemper International Research Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation
by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of securities issued by large
foreign companies. The Fund will invest in those foreign securities that the
investment advisor, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Advisor" or "Scudder
Kemper") believes are its top research recommendations. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in common
stocks of large foreign companies (stocks that are listed on foreign exchanges
and are issued by foreign-based companies that have a market capitalization of
$1 billion or more).
The Fund will invest in securities based on the top research
recommendations of Scudder Kemper's research analysts and other investment
specialists. These recommendations will represent securities across various
sectors and investment disciplines (such as growth stocks and value stocks). The
Fund expects that its regional investment allocations will remain roughly
similar to that of the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe,
Austral-Asia, Far East plus Emerging Markets Free Index (MSCI EAFE + EMF Index).
As of April 10, 2000, most of the issuers included in this index are located in
developed markets. In choosing securities to be purchased by the Fund, Scudder
Kemper will focus on bottom-up research, looking for individual companies that
have sound financial strength, good business prospects and strong competitive
positioning and above-average earnings growth, among other factors. Scudder
Kemper will also look for significant changes in the business environment, with
an eye toward identifying industries that may benefit from these changes. The
Fund would be managed to seek long-term capital appreciation primarily through
appreciation of its common stock holdings and, to a lesser extent, through
dividend and interest income.
The Fund may invest in debt securities that can be converted into
common stocks, also known as convertibles, and in debt securities, preferred
stocks, bonds, notes and other debt securities of companies. The Fund may also
use other investments and investment techniques that may impact fund
performance, including, but not limited to, options, futures
3
<PAGE>
contracts and other derivatives (financial instruments that derive their value
from other securities or commodities, or that are based on indices).
Descriptions in this Statement of Additional Information of a
particular investment practice or technique in which the Fund may engage (such
as short selling, hedging, etc.) or a financial instrument which the Fund may
purchase (such as options, forward foreign currency contracts, etc.) are meant
to describe the spectrum of investments that the Adviser, in its discretion,
might, but is not required to, use in managing the Fund's portfolio assets. The
Adviser may, in its discretion, at any time, employ such practice, technique or
instrument for one or more funds but not for all funds advised by it.
Furthermore, it is possible that certain types of financial instruments or
investment techniques described herein may not be available, permissible,
economically feasible or effective for their intended purposes in all markets.
Certain practices, techniques, or instruments may not be principal activities of
the Fund but, to the extent employed, could, from time to time, have a material
impact on the Fund's performance.
Temporary Defensive Position. From time to time, the Fund may invest a portion
of its assets in high-grade debt securities, cash and cash equivalents for
temporary defensive purposes. Defensive investments may serve to lessen
volatility in an adverse stock market, although they also generate lower returns
than stocks in most markets. Because this defensive policy differs from the
Fund's investment objective, the Fund may not achieve its goals during a
defensive period.
Common Stocks. The Fund may invest in common stocks. Common stock is issued by
companies to raise cash for business purposes and represents a proportionate
interest in the issuing companies. Therefore, the Fund participates in the
success or failure of any company in which it holds stock. The market values of
common stock can fluctuate significantly, reflecting the business performance of
the issuing company, investor perception and general economic or financial
market movements. Smaller companies are especially sensitive to these factors.
An investment in common stock entails greater risk of becoming valueless than
does an investment in fixed-income securities. Despite the risk of price
volatility, however, common stock also offers a greater potential for long-term
gain on investment, compared to other classes of financial assets such as bonds
or cash equivalents.
Foreign Securities, in General. The Fund is designed for investors who can
accept currency and other forms of international investment risk. The Adviser
believes that diversification of assets on an international basis may decrease
the degree to which events in any one country, including the U.S., will affect
an investor's entire investment holdings. In certain periods since World War II,
many leading foreign economies and foreign stock market indices have grown more
rapidly than the U.S. economy and leading U.S. stock market indices, although
there can be no assurance that this will be true in the future.
Investors should recognize that investing in foreign securities
involves certain special considerations, including those set forth below, which
are not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities and which may
favorably or unfavorably affect the Fund's performance. As foreign companies are
not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company than about a domestic company. Many foreign securities markets, while
growing in volume of trading activity, have substantially less volume than the
U.S. market, and securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of domestic issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in
most foreign bond markets is less than in the U.S. and, at times, volatility of
price can be greater than in the U.S. Further, foreign markets have different
clearance and settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times
when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. Payment for securities without delivery may be
required in certain foreign markets. Fixed commissions on some foreign
securities exchanges and bid-to-asked spreads in foreign bond markets are
generally higher than commissions or bid-to-asked spreads on U.S. markets,
although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on its
portfolio transactions. Further, the Fund may encounter difficulties or be
unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. There is
generally less governmental supervision and regulation of securities exchanges,
brokers and listed companies in most foreign countries than in the U.S. It may
be more difficult for the Fund's agents to keep currently informed about
corporate actions in foreign countries
4
<PAGE>
which may affect the prices of portfolio securities. Communications between the
U.S. and foreign countries may be less reliable than within the U.S., thus
increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of
certificates for portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to certain
foreign countries, there is the possibility of nationalization, expropriation,
the imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, political, social, or
economic instability, or diplomatic developments which could affect United
States investments in those countries. Investments in foreign securities may
also entail certain risks, such as possible currency blockages or transfer
restrictions, and the difficulty of enforcing rights in other countries.
Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of
payments position.
Trading in securities on European securities exchanges is normally
completed before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(the "Exchange"). Trading on these foreign exchanges may not take place on a day
on which there is regular trading on the Exchange, or may take place on days on
which there is no regular trading on the Exchange. Events materially affecting
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities may occur between the time when
these foreign exchanges close and the time when the Fund's net asset value is
calculated.
Foreign Currencies. The Fund has foreign currency exposure. Because investments
in foreign securities usually will involve currencies of foreign countries, and
because the Fund may hold funds in bank deposits in foreign currencies during
the completion of investment programs and may purchase foreign currency, foreign
currency futures contracts, and options on foreign currencies and foreign
currency futures contracts, the value of the assets of the Fund as measured in
U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign
currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and the Fund may incur
costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Although the
Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to
convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis.
It will do so from time to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of
currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for
conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the "spread")
between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate,
while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange
transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in
the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into options or
forward or futures contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.
Because the Fund normally will be invested in foreign securities
markets, changes in the Fund's share price may have a low correlation with
movements in the U.S. markets. The Fund's share price will reflect the movements
of both the different stock and bond markets in which it is invested and of the
currencies in which the investments are denominated; the strength or weakness of
the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies may account for part of the Fund's
investment performance. U.S. and foreign securities markets do not always move
in step with each other, and the total returns from different markets may vary
significantly.
Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest directly in securities of foreign
issuers through sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"),
Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs")
and other types of Depositary Receipts (which, together with ADRs, GDRs and IDRs
are hereinafter referred to as "Depositary Receipts"). Depositary Receipts may
not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities
into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock of
unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material
information in the United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation
between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. ADRs
are Depositary Receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation.
GDRs, IDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts are typically issued by
foreign banks or trust companies, although they also may be issued by United
States banks or trust companies, and evidence ownership of underlying securities
issued by either a foreign or a United States corporation. Generally, Depositary
Receipts in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities
markets and Depositary Receipts in bearer form are designed for use in
securities markets outside the United States. For purposes of the Fund's
investment policies, the Fund's investments in ADRs, GDRs and other types of
Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying
securities. Depositary Receipts may be subject to foreign currency exchange rate
risk. Certain Depositary Receipts may not be listed on an exchange and therefore
may be illiquid securities.
Debt Securities. The Fund may purchase "investment-grade" bonds, which are those
rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or AAA,
AA, A or BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or, if unrated, judged
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to be of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser. Bonds rated Baa or BBB
may have speculative elements as well as investment-grade characteristics. (See
"Appendix A.")
Investment in debt securities involves both interest rate and credit
risk. Generally, the value of debt instruments rises and falls inversely with
fluctuations in interest rates. As interest rates decline, the value of debt
securities generally increases. Conversely, rising interest rates tend to cause
the value of debt securities to decrease. Bonds with longer maturities generally
are more volatile than bonds with shorter maturities. The market value of debt
securities also varies according to the relative financial condition of the
issuer.
Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in convertible securities; that is,
bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks and other securities, including
fixed-income and zero coupon debt securities, which are convertible into common
stock. Investments in convertible securities can provide an opportunity for
capital appreciation and/or income through interest and dividend payments by
virtue of their conversion or exchange features.
The convertible securities in which the Fund may invest include fixed
income or zero coupon debt securities which may be converted or exchanged at a
stated or determinable exchange ratio into underlying shares of common stock.
The exchange ratio for any particular convertible security may be adjusted from
time to time due to stock splits, dividends, spin-offs, other corporate
distributions or scheduled changes in the exchange ratio. Convertible debt
securities and convertible preferred stocks, until converted, have general
characteristics similar to both debt and equity securities. Although to a lesser
extent than with debt securities generally, the market value of convertible
securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to
increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion or
exchange feature, the market value of convertible securities typically changes
as the market value of the underlying common stocks changes, and, therefore,
also tends to follow movements in the general market for equity securities. A
unique feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the
underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade
increasingly on a yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines
to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the
underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend
to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock, although
typically not as much as the underlying common stock. While no securities
investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally
entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
As debt securities, convertible securities are investments which
provide for a stream of income (or in the case of zero coupon securities,
accretion of income) with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course,
like all debt securities, there can be no assurance of income or principal
payments because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their
obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower yields than
non-convertible securities of similar quality because of their conversion or
exchange features.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but
non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as
corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity
securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock, of the
same issuer. However, because of the subordination feature, convertible bonds
and convertible preferred stock typically have lower ratings than similar
non-convertible securities.
Convertible securities may be issued as fixed income obligations that
pay current income or as zero coupon notes and bonds, including Liquid Yield
Option Notes ("LYONs(TM)"). Zero coupon securities pay no cash income and are
sold at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When held to
maturity, their entire income, which consists of accretion of discount, comes
from the difference between the issue price and their value at maturity. Zero
coupon convertible securities offer the opportunity for capital appreciation as
increases (or decreases) in market value of such securities closely follow the
movements in the market value of the underlying common stock. Zero coupon
convertible securities generally are expected to be less volatile than the
underlying common stocks as they usually are issued with shorter maturities (15
years or less) and are issued with options and/or redemption features
exercisable by the holder of the obligation entitling the holder to redeem the
obligation and receive a defined cash payment.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may acquire securities of other
investment companies to the extent consistent with its investment objective and
subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act. The Fund will indirectly bear its
proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other
investment companies.
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For example, the Fund may invest in a variety of investment companies
which seek to track the composition and performance of specific indexes or a
specific portion of an index. These index-based investments hold substantially
all of their assets in securities representing their specific index.
Accordingly, the main risk of investing in index-based investments is the same
as investing in a portfolio of equity securities comprising the index. The
market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with both
changes in the market value of their underlying portfolio securities and due to
supply and demand for the instruments on the exchanges on which they are traded
(which may result in their trading at a discount or premium to their NAVs).
Index-based investments may not replicate exactly the performance of their
specified index because of transaction costs and because of the temporary
unavailability of certain component securities of the index.
Examples of index-based investments include:
SPDRs(R): SPDRs, an acronym for "Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts," are
based on the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index. They are issued by the SPDR
Trust, a unit investment trust that holds shares of substantially all the
companies in the S&P 500 in substantially the same weighting and seeks to
closely track the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
MidCap SPDRs(R): MidCap SPDRs are based on the S&P MidCap 400 Index. They are
issued by the MidCap SPDR Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
of securities consisting of substantially all of the common stocks in the S&P
MidCap 400 Index in substantially the same weighting and seeks to closely track
the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
Select Sector SPDRs(R): Select Sector SPDRs are based on a particular sector or
group of industries that are represented by a specified Select Sector Index
within the Standard & Poor's Composite Stock Price Index. They are issued by The
Select Sector SPDR Trust, an open-end management investment company with nine
portfolios that each seeks to closely track the price performance and dividend
yield of a particular Select Sector Index.
DIAMONDSSM: DIAMONDS are based on the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM. They are
issued by the DIAMONDS Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio of
all the component common stocks of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and seeks to
closely track the price performance and dividend yield of the Dow.
Nasdaq-100 Shares: Nasdaq-100 Shares are based on the Nasdaq 100 Index. They are
issued by the Nasdaq-100 Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
consisting of substantially all of the securities, in substantially the same
weighting, as the component stocks of the Nasdaq-100 Index and seeks to closely
track the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
WEBsSM: WEBs, an acronym for "World Equity Benchmark Shares," are based on 17
country-specific Morgan Stanley Capital International Indexes. They are issued
by the WEBs Index Fund, Inc., an open-end management investment company that
seeks to generally correspond to the price and yield performance of a specific
Morgan Stanley Capital International Index.
Zero Coupon Securities. The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which pay
no cash income and are sold at substantial discounts from their value at
maturity. When held to maturity, their entire income, which consists of
accretion of discount, comes from the difference between the issue price and
their value at maturity. Zero coupon securities are subject to greater market
value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of
comparable maturities which make current distributions of interest (cash). Zero
coupon securities which are convertible into common stock offer the opportunity
for capital appreciation as increases (or decreases) in market value of such
securities closely follow the movements in the market value of the underlying
common stock. Zero coupon convertible securities generally are expected to be
less volatile than the underlying common stocks, as they usually are issued with
maturities of 15 years or less and are issued with options and/or redemption
features exercisable by the holder of the obligation entitling the holder to
redeem the obligation and receive a defined cash payment.
Zero coupon securities include securities issued directly by the U.S.
Treasury, and U.S. Treasury bonds or notes and their unmatured interest coupons
and receipts for their underlying principal ("coupons") which have been
separated by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage
firm. A holder will separate the interest coupons from the underlying principal
(the "corpus") of the U.S. Treasury security. A number of securities firms and
banks have stripped the interest coupons and
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receipts and then resold them in custodial receipt programs with a number of
different names, including "Treasury Income Growth Receipts" ("TIGRS(TM)") and
Certificate of Accrual on Treasuries ("CATS(TM)"). The underlying U.S. Treasury
bonds and notes themselves are held in book-entry form at the Federal Reserve
Bank or, in the case of bearer securities (i.e., unregistered securities which
are owned ostensibly by the bearer or holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the
owners thereof. Counsel to the underwriters of these certificates or other
evidences of ownership of the U.S. Treasury securities have stated that, for
federal tax and securities purposes, in their opinion purchasers of such
certificates, such as the Fund, most likely will be deemed the beneficial holder
of the underlying U.S. Government securities.
The U.S. Treasury has facilitated transfers of ownership of zero coupon
securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of particular
interest coupon and corpus payments on Treasury securities through the Federal
Reserve book-entry record keeping system. The Federal Reserve program as
established by the Treasury Department is known as "STRIPS" or "Separate Trading
of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities." Under the STRIPS program,
the Fund will be able to have its beneficial ownership of zero coupon securities
recorded directly in the book-entry record-keeping system in lieu of having to
hold certificates or other evidences of ownership of the underlying U.S.
Treasury securities.
When U.S. Treasury obligations have been stripped of their unmatured
interest coupons by the holder, the principal or corpus is sold at a deep
discount because the buyer receives only the right to receive a future fixed
payment on the security and does not receive any rights to periodic interest
(cash) payments. Once stripped or separated, the corpus and coupons may be sold
separately. Typically, the coupons are sold separately or grouped with other
coupons with like maturity dates and sold bundled in such form. Purchasers of
stripped obligations acquire, in effect, discount obligations that are
economically identical to the zero coupon securities that the Treasury sells
itself (see "TAXES").
Sovereign Debt. Investment in sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk.
The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be
able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance
with the terms of such debt. A governmental entity's willingness or ability to
repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among
other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the
availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the
relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the
governmental entity's policy toward the International Monetary Fund, and the
political constraints to which a governmental entity may be subject.
Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from
foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal
and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these
governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned
on a governmental entity's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic
performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to
implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay
principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third
parties' commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further
impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts in a timely
manner. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt.
Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of
such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities. There is no
bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities
have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
When-Issued Securities. The Fund may, from time to time, purchase securities on
a "when-issued" or "forward delivery" basis for payment and delivery at a later
date. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is
fixed at the time the commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment
for the when-issued or forward delivery securities takes place at a later date.
During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the
Fund to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Fund. To the extent that
assets of the Fund are held in cash pending the settlement of a purchase of
securities, the Fund would earn no income; however, it is the Fund's intention
to be fully invested to the extent practicable and subject to the policies
stated above. While when-issued or forward delivery securities may be sold prior
to the settlement date, the Fund intends to purchase such securities with the
purpose of actually acquiring them unless a sale appears desirable for
investment reasons. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase a
security on a when-issued or forward delivery basis, it will record the
transaction and reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset
value. At the time of settlement, the market value of the when-issued or forward
delivery securities may be more or less than the purchase price. The Fund does
not believe that its net asset value or income will be adversely affected by its
purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward delivery basis.
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Warrants. Subject to nonfundamental investment policy (6), the Fund may invest
in warrants, which are securities permitting, but not obligating, their holders
to subscribe for other securities or commodities. The Fund may invest in
warrants for debt securities or warrants for equity securities that are acquired
as units with debt instruments. Warrants do not carry with them the right to
dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle
their holder to purchase and they do not represent any rights in the assets of
the issuer. As a result, an investment in warrants may be considered to be more
speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a
warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities
or commodities and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior
to its expiration date. Consistent with the Fund's investment policies as
described above, the Fund may retain in its portfolio any securities received
upon the exercise of a warrant and may also retain in its portfolio any warrant
acquired as a unit with a debt instrument if the warrant begins to trade
separately from the related debt instrument.
Borrowing. The Fund may borrow to the maximum extent permitted under the 1940
Act; however, as a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund will not borrow in
an amount exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund except for
temporary or emergency purposes and by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements
or other investments or transactions which may be deemed to be borrowings. Such
borrowings may be subject to the asset coverage restrictions set forth below.
The 1940 Act requires the Fund to maintain "asset coverage" of not less than
300% of its "senior securities representing indebtedness" as those terms are
defined and used in the 1940 Act. In addition, the Fund may not pay any cash
dividends or make any cash distributions to shareholders if, after the
distribution, there would be less than 300% asset coverage of a senior security
representing indebtedness for borrowing (excluding for this purpose certain
evidences of indebtedness made by a bank or other entity and privately arranged,
and not intended to be publicly distributed). If, as a result of the foregoing
restriction or otherwise, the Fund was unable to distribute at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income in any year, it would lose its status as a
regulated investment company for such year and become liable at the corporate
level for U.S. federal income taxes on its income for such year.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with member
banks of the Federal Reserve System, any foreign bank or with any domestic
broker/dealer which is recognized as a reporting government securities dealer,
if the creditworthiness of the bank or broker/dealer has been determined by the
Adviser to be at least as high as that of other obligations the Fund may
purchase.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for the Fund to earn income on
funds for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a debt security ("Obligation") and the
seller agrees, at the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified
time and price. Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a
segregated account and the value of such securities is kept at least equal to
the repurchase price on a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than
the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and
repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the
Fund, together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the
income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation itself.
Obligations will be physically held by the Fund's custodian or in the Federal
Reserve Book Entry system.
It is not clear whether a court would consider the Obligation purchased
by the Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by the Fund or as
being collateral for the loan by the Fund to the seller. In the event of the
commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller
of the Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase
agreement, the Fund may encounter delays and incur costs before being able to
sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or decline in price of
the Obligation. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and the
Fund has not perfected a security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be
required to return the Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an
unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at
risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved in the
transaction. As with any unsecured debt instrument purchased for the Fund, the
Adviser seeks to minimize the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by
analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the
Obligation, in which case the Fund may incur a loss if the proceeds to the Fund
of the sale to a third party are less than the repurchase price. Apart from the
risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the
seller may fail to repurchase the security. However, if the market value of the
Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase
price (including interest), the Fund will direct the seller of the Obligation to
deliver additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject
to the repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price. It is
possible that the Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking to enforce the seller's
contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.
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Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into "reverse repurchase
agreements," which are repurchase agreements in which a Fund, as the seller of
the securities, agrees to repurchase them at an agreed time and price. The Fund
maintains a segregated account in connection with outstanding reverse repurchase
agreements. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only when the
Adviser believes that the interest income to be earned from the investment of
the proceeds of the transaction will be greater than the interest expense of the
transaction.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may occasionally purchase securities other than in
the open market. While such purchases may often offer attractive opportunities
for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so
purchased are often "restricted securities," "not readily marketable," or
"illiquid" restricted securities, i.e., which cannot be sold to the public
without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act"), or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144
or 144A) or because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or
restrictions on resale.
The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a
market value for illiquid securities. Disposing of illiquid securities may
involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it may be difficult
or impossible for the Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. The
Fund may have to bear the extra expense of registering such securities for
resale and the risk of substantial delay in effecting such registration. Also
market quotations are less readily available. The judgment of the Adviser may at
times play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of
illiquid securities.
Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold in the U.S. only
to qualified institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a
limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held
for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an
exemption from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration
statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. The Fund may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" for purposes of the 1933 Act when selling restricted securities to
the public, and in such event the Fund may be liable to purchasers of such
securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the
prospectus forming a part of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading.
Investing in Small Companies. The Fund may invest in the securities of small
companies. There is typically less publicly available information concerning
foreign and smaller companies than for domestic and larger, more established
companies. Some small companies have limited product lines, distribution
channels and financial and managerial resources. Also, because smaller companies
normally have fewer shares outstanding than larger companies and trade less
frequently, it may be more difficult for the Fund to buy and sell significant
amounts of such shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing market
prices. Some of the companies in which the Fund may invest may distribute, sell
or produce products which have recently been brought to market and may be
dependent on key personnel with varying degrees of experience.
Indexed Securities. The Fund may invest in indexed securities, the value of
which is linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other
financial indicators ("reference instruments"). Most indexed securities have
maturities of three years or less.
Indexed securities differ from other types of debt securities in which
the Fund may invest in several respects. First, the interest rate or, unlike
other debt securities, the principal amount payable at maturity of an indexed
security may vary based on changes in one or more specified reference
instruments, such as an interest rate compared with a fixed interest rate or the
currency exchange rates between two currencies (neither of which need be the
currency in which the instrument is denominated). The reference instrument need
not be related to the terms of the indexed security. For example, the principal
amount of a U.S. dollar-denominated indexed security may vary based on the
exchange rate of two foreign currencies. An indexed security may be positively
or negatively indexed; that is, its value may increase or decrease if the value
of the reference instrument increases. Further, the change in the principal
amount payable or the interest rate of an indexed security may be a multiple of
the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying
reference instrument(s).
Investment in indexed securities involves certain risks. In addition to
the credit risk of the security's issuer and the normal risks of price changes
in response to changes in interest rates, the principal amount of indexed
securities may decrease as a result of changes in the value of reference
instruments. Further, in the case of certain indexed securities in which the
interest rate is linked to a reference instrument, the interest rate may be
reduced to zero, and any further declines in the value of the security may then
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reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Finally, indexed securities may
be more volatile than the reference instruments underlying indexed securities.
Short Sales. The Fund may make short sales of securities. A short sale is a
transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation
that the market price of that security will decline. The Fund expects to make
short sales both as a form of hedging to offset potential declines in long
positions in similar securities and in order to maintain portfolio flexibility.
When the Fund makes a short sale, it must borrow the security sold
short and deliver it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale
as collateral for its obligation to deliver the security upon conclusion of the
sale. The Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is
often obligated to pay over any payments received on such borrowed securities.
The Fund's obligation to replace the borrowed security will be secured
by collateral deposited with the broker-dealer, usually cash, U.S. Government
securities or other liquid securities, equivalent in value to the borrowed
securities. The Fund will also be required to deposit similar collateral with
its custodian to the extent necessary so that the value of both collateral
deposits in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current
market value of the security sold short (see "Use of Segregated and Other
Special Accounts"). Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from
which it borrowed the security regarding any payments received by the Fund on
such security, the Fund may not receive any payments (including interest and
dividends) on its collateral deposited with such broker-dealer.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of
the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund
will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a
capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the
transaction costs described above. Although the Fund's gain is limited to the
price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically
unlimited.
The Fund will not make a short sale if, after giving effect to such
sale, the market value of all securities sold short exceeds 25% of the value of
its total assets. The Fund may also make short sales "against the box" without
respect to such limitation. In this type of short sale, at the time of the sale,
the Fund owns or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no
additional cost the identical security.
Synthetic Investments. In certain circumstances, the Fund may wish to obtain the
price performance of a security without actually purchasing the security in
circumstances where, for example, the security is illiquid, or is unavailable
for direct investment or available only on less attractive terms. In such
circumstances, the Fund may invest in synthetic or derivative alternative
investments ("Synthetic Investments") that are based upon or otherwise relate to
the economic performance of the underlying securities. Synthetic Investments may
include swap transactions, notes or units with variable redemption amounts, and
other similar instruments and contracts. Synthetic Investments typically do not
represent beneficial ownership of the underlying security, usually are not
collateralized or otherwise secured by the counterparty and may or may not have
any credit enhancements attached to them. Accordingly, Synthetic Investments
involve exposure not only to the creditworthiness of the issuer of the
underlying security, changes in exchange rates and future governmental actions
taken by the jurisdiction in which the underlying security is issued, but also
to the creditworthiness and legal standing of the counterparties involved. In
addition, Synthetic Investments typically are illiquid.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. The Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below for a variety of
purposes, such as hedging various market risks, managing the effective maturity
or duration of fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or enhancing
potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative
contracts.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may
purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and
sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various transactions such
as swaps, caps, floors, collars, currency forward contracts, currency futures
contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies, or currency futures and
various other currency transactions (collectively, all the above are called
"Strategic Transactions"). In addition, strategic transactions may also include
new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory
changes occur. Strategic Transactions may be used without limit (subject to
certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act) to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency
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exchange rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value
of its portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for
investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of
fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in
the derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance potential
gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed to
Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions will not be used
to alter fundamental investment purposes and characteristics of the Fund, and
the Fund will segregate assets (or as provided by applicable regulations, enter
into certain offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under options,
futures and swaps to limit leveraging of the Fund.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks
associated with them including possible default by the other party to the
transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain
market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic
Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use
of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale or
purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than
(in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current
market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its
investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The
use of currency transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses as a result
of a number of factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension
of settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets,
the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of Fund assets in special accounts, as described
below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price.
For instance, the Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be
designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some
cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value
by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise
price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the
option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying
instrument at the exercise price. The Fund's purchase of a call option on a
security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be
intended to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying
instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at
which it may purchase such instrument. An American style put or call option may
be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or
call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior
thereto. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and
over-the-counter options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by
a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which
guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options.
The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
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With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency,
although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the
option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument
exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.
Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument
through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by
entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller
of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a
liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the
OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to
handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease
to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours
during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that
the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial
instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange listed options, which
generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an
OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price,
premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. The
Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options) that are
subject to a buy-back provision permitting the Fund to require the Counterparty
to sell the option back to the Fund at a formula price within seven days. The
Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although it is not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or
guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to
make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying
an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash
settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund
will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit
of the transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of
each such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the
Counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC
option will be satisfied. The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only
with U.S. government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York as "primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or
other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligation of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or
P-1 from Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized
statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or, in the case of OTC currency
transactions, are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by
the Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount of the Fund's
obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus
the in-the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to the Fund's
limitation on investing no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
securities.
If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve
as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in
the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase the Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign
sovereign debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including
convertible securities) and Eurodollar instruments that are traded on U.S. and
foreign securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets, and on
securities indices, currencies and futures contracts. All calls sold by the Fund
must be "covered" (i.e., the Fund must own the
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securities or futures contract subject to the call) or must meet the asset
segregation requirements described below as long as the call is outstanding.
Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against
loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option to
possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the
underlying security or instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or
instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
The Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign
debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including convertible
securities) and Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the above
securities in its portfolio), and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts other than futures on individual corporate debt and individual equity
securities. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of
the Fund's total assets would be required to be segregated to cover its
potential obligations under such put options other than those with respect to
futures and options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that the
Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price
above the market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. The Fund may enter into futures contracts or
purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge against
anticipated interest rate, currency or equity market changes, and for duration
management, risk management and return enhancement purposes. Futures are
generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a
futures contract creates a firm obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver to
the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract
at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index
futures and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). Options on futures
contracts are similar to options on securities except that an option on a
futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to
assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver such
position.
The Fund's use of futures and options thereon will in all cases be
consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular the rules
and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will be entered
into for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management) or
other portfolio and return enhancement management purposes. Typically,
maintaining a futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund to
deposit with a financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount
of cash or other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically
1% to 10% of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some
circumstances). Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to
be deposited thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the
contract fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial futures involves
payment of a premium for the option without any further obligation on the part
of the Fund. If the Fund exercises an option on a futures contract it will be
obligated to post initial margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for
the resulting futures position just as it would for any position. Futures
contracts and options thereon are generally settled by entering into an
offsetting transaction but there can be no assurance that the position can be
offset prior to settlement at an advantageous price, nor that delivery will
occur.
The Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option
(except for closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the
amount of its initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options
thereon would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value);
however, in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of the
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%
limitation. The segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and
options thereon are described below.
Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. The Fund also may
purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial
indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve
through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other
instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are
similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than
settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash
settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive,
upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index
upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case
of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal
to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the
option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the
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instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or other composite on
which the underlying index is based, rather than price movements in individual
securities, as is the case with respect to options on securities.
Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties primarily in order to hedge, or manage the risk of the value of
portfolio holdings denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in
relative value. Currency transactions include forward currency contracts,
exchange listed currency futures, exchange listed and OTC options on currencies,
and currency swaps. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated
obligation to purchase or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific
currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date
of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the
contract. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the
notional difference among two or more currencies and operates similarly to an
interest rate swap, which is described below. The Fund may enter into currency
transactions with Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligations which have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or
Moody's, respectively, or that have an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or (except
for OTC currency options) are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
the Adviser.
The Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps generally
will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions except as described below. Transaction hedging is entering into a
currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Fund,
which will generally arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its
portfolio securities or the receipt of income therefrom. Position hedging is
entering into a currency transaction with respect to portfolio security
positions denominated or generally quoted in that currency.
The Fund generally will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency
exposure to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or
partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the
time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such
currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging or cross hedging as described
below.
The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions
to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects
to have portfolio exposure.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing
or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund's
portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy
hedging entails entering into a commitment or option to sell a currency whose
changes in value are generally considered to be correlated to a currency or
currencies in which some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities are or are
expected to be denominated, in exchange for U.S. dollars. The amount of the
commitment or option would not exceed the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in correlated currencies. For example, if the Adviser considers that
the Austrian schilling is correlated to the German deutschemark (the "D-mark"),
the Fund holds securities denominated in schillings and the Adviser believes
that the value of schillings will decline against the U.S. dollar, the Adviser
may enter into a commitment or option to sell D-marks and buy dollars. Currency
hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions
with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund
if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction
that is not anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived
correlation between various currencies may not be present or may not be present
during the particular time that the Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. If the
Fund enters into a currency hedging transaction, the Fund will comply with the
asset segregation requirements described below.
Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are subject to risks
different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control
is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic
planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can
be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and
manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result
in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in
settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be
rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring
transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the
same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a
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currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a
bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is
relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such
options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not always be
available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to
that country's economy.
Combined Transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency
transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate
transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate
transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single Strategic
Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined
transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of
its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered
into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce
risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management
goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or
hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which the
Fund may enter are interest rate, currency, index and other swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter
into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not own
securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be
obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with
another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g.,
an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a
notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash
flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value
differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on
a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The
purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values. The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e.,
the two payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date
or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the
case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as the Fund will
segregate assets (or enter into offsetting positions) to cover its obligations
under swaps, the Adviser and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute
senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as
being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The Fund will not enter into any
swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such
transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the Counterparty, combined with any
credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or has an equivalent
rating from a NRSRO or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the
Adviser. If there is a default by the Counterparty, the Fund may have
contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The
swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks
and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing
standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become
relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for
which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and,
accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments.
Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options
thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"),
although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to
time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for
the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund
might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against
changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments
are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of
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such positions also could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign
political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S.
of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability
to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business
hours in the U.S., (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement
terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower
trading volume and liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash or liquid
assets with its custodian to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise
"covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or
currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to
pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the
securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject to any
regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid assets at least equal to
the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian. The
segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are
substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For
example, a call option written by the Fund will require the Fund to hold the
securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into the needed
securities without additional consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid
assets sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is
exercised. A call option sold by the Fund on an index will require the Fund to
own portfolio securities which correlate with the index or to segregate cash or
liquid assets equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price on
a current basis. A put option written by the Fund requires the Fund to segregate
cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise price.
Except when the Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no
segregation, a currency contract which obligates the Fund to buy or sell
currency will generally require the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or
liquid assets denominated in that currency equal to the Fund's obligations or to
segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of the Fund's obligation.
OTC options entered into by the Fund, including those on securities,
currency, financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed
index options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the
Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of cash or liquid
assets equal to its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for
payment or delivery of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will
equal 100% of the exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same
as an OCC guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or the in-the-money amount
plus any sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In
addition, when the Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the
in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will segregate, until
the option expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to
such excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by the Fund other than
those above generally settle with physical delivery, or with an election of
either physical delivery or cash settlement and the Fund will segregate an
amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC
options settling with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical
delivery or cash settlement will be treated the same as other options settling
with physical delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the Fund must
deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to
segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase
or provide securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration
of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash
equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, the Fund will accrue the net amount of the
excess, if any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each
swap on a daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets
having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require
segregation of assets with a value equal to the Fund's net obligation, if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with
applicable regulatory policies. The Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, the Fund could purchase a put option if the strike
price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option
sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating cash or liquid assets if the
Fund held a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the
same futures or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the
price of the contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offset in
combinations. If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after
the primary
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transaction no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior to such time,
cash or liquid assets equal to any remaining obligation would need to be
segregated
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program. The Fund has received exemptive relief
from the SEC which permits the Fund to participate in an interfund lending
program among certain investment companies advised by the Adviser. The interfund
lending program allows the participating funds to borrow money from and loan
money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject
to a number of conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all
participating funds, including the following: (1) no fund may borrow money
through the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than a
rate approximating the lowest interest rate at which bank loans would be
available to any of the participating funds under a loan agreement; and (2) no
fund may lend money through the program unless it receives a more favorable
return than that available from an investment in repurchase agreements and, to
the extent applicable, money market cash sweep arrangements. In addition, a fund
may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation
is consistent with the fund's investment objectives and policies (for instance,
money market funds would normally participate only as lenders and tax exempt
funds only as borrowers). Interfund loans and borrowings may extend overnight,
but could have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one
day's notice. A fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if
an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending
fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional costs. The
program is subject to the oversight and periodic review of the Boards of the
participating funds. To the extent the Fund is actually engaged in borrowing
through the interfund lending program, the Fund, as a matter of non-fundamental
policy, may not borrow for other than temporary or emergency purposes (and not
for leveraging), except that the Fund may engage in reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar rolls for any purpose.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTION
Brokerage Commissions
Allocation of brokerage is supervised by the Adviser.
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for the Fund is to obtain the most favorable net results,
taking into account such factors as price, commission where applicable, size of
order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the executing
broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through the familiarity of
Scudder Investor Services ("SIS") with commissions charged on comparable
transactions, as well as by comparing commissions paid by the Fund to reported
commissions paid by others. The Adviser routinely reviews commission rates,
execution and settlement services performed and makes internal and external
comparisons.
The Fund's purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally
placed by the Adviser with primary market makers for these securities on a net
basis, without any brokerage commission being paid by the Fund. Trading does,
however, involve transaction costs. Transactions with dealers serving as primary
market makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of
underwritten issues may be made, which will include an underwriting fee paid to
the underwriter.
When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most
favorable net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
broker/dealers who supply brokerage and research services to the Adviser or the
Fund. The term "research services" includes advice as to the value of
securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities;
the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; and
analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts. The
Adviser is authorized when placing portfolio transactions, if applicable, for
the Fund to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker
might charge for executing the same transaction on account of execution services
and the receipt of research services. The Adviser has negotiated arrangements,
which are not applicable to most fixed-income transactions, with certain
broker/dealers pursuant to which a broker/dealer will provide research services,
to the Adviser or the Fund in exchange for the direction by the Adviser of
brokerage transactions to the broker/dealer. These arrangements regarding
receipt of research services generally apply to equity security transactions.
The Adviser may place orders with a broker/dealer on the basis that the
broker/dealer has or has not sold shares of the Fund. In effecting transactions
in over-the-counter securities,
18
<PAGE>
orders are placed with the principal market makers for the security being traded
unless, after exercising care, it appears that more favorable results are
available elsewhere.
To the maximum extent feasible, it is expected that the Adviser will
place orders for portfolio transactions through SIS, which is a corporation
registered as a broker-dealer and a subsidiary of the Adviser; SIS will place
orders on behalf of the Fund with issuers, underwriters or other brokers and
dealers. SIS will not receive any commission, fee or other remuneration from the
Fund for this service.
Although certain research services from broker/dealers may be useful to
the Fund and to the Adviser, it is the opinion of the Adviser that such
information only supplements that Adviser's own research effort since the
information must still be analyzed, weighed and reviewed by the Adviser's staff.
Such information may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to clients
other than a Fund, and not all such information is used by the Adviser in
connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided to the Adviser
by broker/dealers through whom other clients of the Adviser effect securities
transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to the Fund.
The table below shows total brokerage commissions paid by Fund's
predecessors, The Growth Fund of Spain, Inc. (1998) and Growth Fund of Spain
(1999) each Fund for the most recent fiscal period and the percentage thereof
that was allocated to firms based upon research information provided.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Brokerage
Commissions Total Amount of
Total Brokerage Paid to Firms Based on Commissions Paid to Percentage Allocated to Firms
Fiscal Year Commissions Paid Research Affiliates Based on Research
- --------------------- ------------------ ------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998 $259,000 n/a $35,000 n/a
1999 $729,511 $610,302 $0 83.66%
</TABLE>
The Fund's average portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the lesser
of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio securities
owned during the year, excluding all securities with maturities or expiration
dates at the time of acquisition of one year or less. A higher rate involves
greater brokerage transaction expenses to the Fund and may result in the
realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to shareholders when
distributed. Purchases and sales are made for the Fund's portfolio whenever
necessary, in management's opinion, to meet the Fund's objective. Under normal
investment conditions, it is anticipated that the Fund's portfolio turnover rate
will not exceed 100%.
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND UNDERWRITER
Investment Manager. Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), an
investment counsel firm, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York, is the Fund's
investment manager. This organization is one of the most experienced investment
management firms in the United States. It was established as a partnership in
1919 and pioneered the practice of providing investment counsel to individual
clients on a fee basis. The predecessor firm reorganized from a partnership to a
corporation on June 28, 1985. On June 26, 1997, Adviser's predecessor entered
into an agreement with Zurich Insurance Company ("Zurich") pursuant to which the
predecessor and Zurich agreed to form an alliance. On December 31, 1997, Zurich
acquired a majority interest in Scudder, and Zurich made its subsidiary Zurich
Kemper Investments, Inc., a part of the predecessor organization. The
predecessor's name has been changed to Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Founded in 1872, Zurich is a multinational, public corporation
organized under the laws of Switzerland. Its home office is located at
Mythenquai 2, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland. Historically, Zurich's earnings have
resulted from its operations as an insurer as well as from its ownership of its
subsidiaries and affiliated companies (the "Zurich Insurance Group").
On September 7, 1998, the financial services business of Zurich
(including Zurich's 70% interest in the Adviser) and the financial services
businesses of B.A.T Industries p.l.c. ("B.A.T") formed a new global insurance
and financial services group known as Zurich Financial Services. By way of a
dual holding company structure, current Zurich Shareholders own approximately
57% of the new organization, with the balance owned by B.A.T's shareholders.
19
<PAGE>
Upon consummation of this transaction, the Fund's existing investment
management agreement with Scudder Kemper was deemed to have been assigned and,
therefore, terminated. The Board approved a new investment management agreement
with Scudder Kemper, which is substantially identical to the then current
investment management agreement, except for the date of execution and
termination. This agreement became effective upon the termination of the then
current investment management agreement and was approved by shareholders at a
special meeting which concluded in December 1998.
Pursuant to the investment management agreement, the Adviser acts as
the Fund's investment adviser, manages its investments, administers its business
affairs, furnishes office facilities and equipment, provides clerical,
bookkeeping and administrative services and permits any of its officers or
employees to serve without compensation as directors or officers of the Fund if
elected to such positions. The investment management agreement provides that the
Fund shall pay the charges and expenses of its operations, including the fees
and expenses of the directors (except those who are affiliates of the Adviser),
independent auditors, counsel, custodian and transfer agent and the cost of
share certificates, reports and notices to shareholders, brokerage commissions
or transaction costs, costs of calculating net asset value, taxes and membership
dues. The Fund bears the expenses of registration of its shares with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and, effective January 1, 2000, the cost of
qualifying and maintaining the qualification of the Fund's shares for sale under
the securities laws of the various states ("Blue Sky Expense"). Prior to January
1, 2000, Kemper Distributors, Inc. ("KDI"), 222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago,
Illinois, 60606, as principal underwriter, paid the Blue Sky Expense.
The Adviser maintains a large research department, which conducts
ongoing studies of the factors that affect the position of various industries,
companies and individual securities. In this work, the Adviser utilizes certain
reports and statistics from a wide variety of sources, including brokers and
dealers who may execute portfolio transactions for the Fund and for clients of
the Adviser, but conclusions are based primarily on investigations and critical
analyses by its own research specialists.
Certain investments may be appropriate for the Fund and also for other
clients advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and other
clients are made with a view toward achieving their respective investment
objectives and after consideration of such factors as their current holdings,
availability of cash for investment and the size of their investments generally.
Frequently, a particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or
in different amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all
clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients
when one or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases
or sales of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same
date. In such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a
manner believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this
procedure could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities
purchased or sold by the Fund. Purchase and sale orders for the Fund may be
combined with those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving
the most favorable net results to the Fund.
The Investment Management Agreement (the "Agreement") between the
Corporation, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser continues from year to year
only if its continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of those
Directors who are not parties to such Agreement or interested persons of the
Adviser or the Fund, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval, and by a majority vote either of the Fund's Directors
or of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Agreement may be
terminated at any time without payment of penalty by either party on sixty days'
written notice, and automatically terminates in the event of its assignment.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with continuing
investment management for the Fund's portfolio consistent with the Fund's
investment objective, policies and restrictions and determines what securities
shall be purchased for the portfolio of the Fund, what portfolio securities
shall be held or sold by the Fund and what portion of the Fund's assets shall be
held uninvested, subject always to the provisions of the Fund's Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws, the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), and to the Fund's investment objective, policies and
restrictions and subject, further, to such policies and instructions as the
Directors of the Corporation may from time to time establish. The Adviser also
advises and assists the officers of the Corporation in taking such steps as are
necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of its Directors and the
appropriate committees of the Directors regarding the conduct of the business of
the Fund.
The Adviser also renders significant administrative services (not
otherwise provided by third parties) necessary for the Fund's operations as an
open-end investment company including, but not limited to, preparing reports and
notices to the Directors and shareholders; supervising, negotiating contractual
arrangements with, and monitoring various third-party service providers to
20
<PAGE>
the Fund (such as the Fund's transfer agent, pricing agents, custodian,
accountants and others); preparing and making filings with the SEC and other
regulatory agencies; assisting in the preparation and filing of the Fund's
federal, state and local tax returns; preparing and filing the Fund's federal
excise tax returns; assisting with investor and public relations matters;
monitoring the valuation of securities and the calculation of net asset value;
monitoring the registration of shares of the Fund under applicable federal and
state securities laws; maintaining the Fund's books and records to the extent
not otherwise maintained by a third party; assisting in establishing accounting
policies of the Fund; assisting in the resolution of accounting and legal
issues; establishing and monitoring the Fund's operating budget; processing the
payment of the Fund's bills; assisting the Fund in, and otherwise arranging for,
the payment of distributions and dividends; and otherwise assisting the Fund in
the conduct of its business, subject to the direction and control of the
Directors.
The Adviser pays the compensation and expenses of all Directors,
officers and executive employees of the Corporation affiliated with the Adviser
and makes available, without expense to the Corporation, the services of such
Directors, officers and employees of the Adviser as may duly be elected officers
or Directors of the Corporation, subject to their individual consent to serve
and to any limitations imposed by law, and provides the Corporation's office
space and facilities.
Under the Agreement the Fund is responsible for all of its other
expenses including organizational costs, fees and expenses incurred in
connection with membership in investment company organizations; brokers'
commissions; legal, auditing and accounting expenses; the calculation of net
asset value; taxes and governmental fees; the fees and expenses of the transfer
agent; the cost of preparing stock certificates and any other expenses including
clerical expenses of issue, redemption or repurchase of shares; the expenses of
and the fees for registering or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and
expenses of Directors, officers and employees of the Corporation who are not
affiliated with the Adviser; the cost of printing and distributing reports and
notices to shareholders; and the fees and disbursements of custodians. The Fund
may arrange to have third parties assume all or part of the expenses of sale,
underwriting and distribution of shares of the Fund. The Fund is also
responsible for its expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings
and claims and the legal obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and
Directors with respect thereto.
The Agreement expressly provides that the Adviser shall not be required
to pay a pricing agent of the Fund for portfolio pricing services, if any.
In reviewing the terms of the Agreement and in discussions with the
Adviser concerning such Agreement, the Directors of the Corporation who are not
"interested persons" of the Corporation have been represented by Vedder, Price,
Kaufman & Kammholz, as independent counsel at the Fund's expense.
The Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in
connection with matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting
from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the
Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.
Officers and employees of the Adviser from time to time may have
transactions with various banks, including the Fund's custodian bank. It is the
Adviser's opinion that the terms and conditions of those transactions which have
occurred were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other Fund
relationships.
None of the officers or Directors of the Corporation may have dealings
with the Corporation as principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except
as individual subscribers or holders of shares of the Corporation.
The Fund, Adviser, and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics.
Access persons (as defined in the Codes)_ are permitted to make personal
securities transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set forth in
such Codes of Ethics. The Codes of Ethics contains provisions and requirements
designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest between personal
investment activities and the interests of investment advisory clients such as
those of the Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics, which generally
complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company Institute's
Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibit certain types of transactions
absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal transactions
may not be made in certain securities, and requires the submission of duplicate
broker confirmations and monthly reporting of securities transactions.
Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders, research analysts
and others
21
<PAGE>
involved in the investment advisory process. Exceptions to these and other
provisions of the Codes of Ethics may be granted in particular circumstances
after review by appropriate personnel.
For its services, the Fund pays the Adviser a fee, payable monthly,
equal to an annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's first $250 million of average
daily net assets, 0.72% of the next $750 million of such net assets, 0.70% of
the next $1.5 billion of such net assets, 0.68% of the next $2.5 billion of such
net assets, 0.65% of the next $2.5 billion of such net assets, 0.64% of the next
$2.5 billion of such net assets, 0.63% of the next $2.5 billion of such net
assets, and 0.62% on such net assets in excess of $12.5 billion.For the fiscal
years ended October 31, 1999 and 1998, the investment management fee payable to
the Adviser for its services under the investment management agreement with the
Fund amounted to $1,200,000 and $3,341,000, respectively. During those periods,
the Adviser paidBSN Gestion de Patrimonios, S.A., S.G.C. ("BSN Gestion") a
monthly fee of 0.35% of the Fund's average weekly net assets for investment
management services pursuant to a now terminated sub-advisory agreement between
the Adviser and BSN Gestion. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1999 and
November 30 1998, the sub-advisory fee payable to BSN Gestion for its services
under the sub-advisory agreement was $441,000 and $1,169,000, respectively. The
sub-advisory arrangements with BSN Gestion were discontinued in connection with
the reorganization of the Fund's predecessor entity as a series of the
Corporation. See "Shareholder Rights" below.
Fund Accounting Agent. Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation ("SFAC"), Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103, a subsidiary of Scudder
Kemper, is responsible for determining the daily net asset value per share of
the Fund and maintaining all accounting records related thereto. The Fund pays
SFAC an annual fee of 0.065% on the first $150 million, 0.04% on the next $850
million, and 0.02% over $1 billion, plus holding charges and transaction fees
for this service. The Fund is subject to a monthly minimum fee of $4,167. In
addition, there is a 33% multiclass surcharge imposed on the annual fee for the
Fund. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, Growth Fund of Spain incurred
a fee of $90,000, of which $8,000 is unpaid at October 31, 1999.
The Adviser may serve as adviser to other funds with similar investment
objectives and policies to those of the Fund that may have different
distribution arrangements or expenses, which may affect performance.
Principal Underwriter. Pursuant to an underwriting and distribution services
agreement ("distribution agreement"), Kemper Distributors, Inc., 222 South
Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, 60606, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the
principal underwriter and distributor for the shares of the Fund and acts as
agent of the Fund in the continuous offering of its shares. KDI bears all of its
expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement, including
the payment of any commissions. The Fund pays the cost for the prospectus and
shareholder reports to be set in type and printed for existing shareholders, and
KDI pays for the printing and distribution of copies thereof used in connection
with the offering of shares to prospective investors. KDI also pays for
supplementary sales literature and advertising costs.
The distribution agreement continues in effect from year to year so
long as such continuance is approved for each class at least annually by a vote
of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including the Directors who are not
interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the agreement. The distribution agreement automatically terminates
in the event of its assignment and may be terminated for a class at any time
without penalty by the Fund or by KDI upon 60 days' notice. Termination by the
Fund with respect to a class may be by vote of a majority of the Board of
Directors, and a majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of the
Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the distribution
agreement, the Fund's Rule 12b-1 distribution plans, or any other agreement
related to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 distribution plans, or a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of the class of the Fund, as defined under the
1940 Act.
Class A Shares. KDI receives no compensation from the Fund as principal
underwriter for Class A shares and pays all expenses of distribution of the
Fund's Class A shares under the distribution agreement not otherwise paid by
dealers or other financial services firms. As indicated under "Purchase of
Shares," KDI retains the sales charge upon the purchase of shares and pays out a
portion of this sales charge or allows concessions or discounts to firms for the
sale of the Fund's Class A shares.
The following information concerns the underwriting commissions paid in
connection with Growth Fund of Spain's Class A shares for the fiscal period
ended October 31, 1999:
22
<PAGE>
Commissions
Commissions Allowed by KDI Commissions
Retained by KDI to Firms Paid to KDI Affiliated Firms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000 $0 $0
Rule 12b-1 Plans. The Corporation has adopted on behalf of the Fund, in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, separate Rule 12b-1 distribution
plans pertaining to the Fund's Class B and Class C shares (each a "Plan"). Under
each Plan, the Fund pays KDI a distribution fee, payable monthly, at the annual
rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to its Class B or
Class C shares. Under each Plan, KDI may compensate various financial services
firms ("Firms") for sales of Fund shares and may pay other commissions, fees and
concessions to such Firms. The distribution fee compensates KDI for expenses
incurred in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale
of the Fund's Class B or Class C shares, including the printing of prospectuses
and reports for persons other than existing shareholders and the preparation,
printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials.
Among other things, each Plan provides that KDI will prepare reports
for the Board on a quarterly basis for each class showing amounts paid to the
various Firms and such other information as the Board may reasonably request.
Each Plan will continue in effect indefinitely, provided that such continuance
is approved at least annually by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors,
and a majority of the Directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest
in the operation of the Plan ("Qualified Board Members"), cast at an in-person
meeting called for such purpose, or by vote of at least a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the applicable class. Any material amendment to
a Plan must be approved by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, and of
the Qualified Board Members. An amendment to a Plan to increase materially the
amount to be paid to KDI by the Fund for distribution services with respect to
the applicable class must be approved by a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of that class. While each Plan is in effect, the selection and
nomination of Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Corporation
shall be committed to the discretion of the Directors who are not themselves
"interested persons" of the Corporation. If a Plan is terminated (or not
renewed) with respect to either class, the Plan with respect to the other class
may continue in effect unless it also has been terminated (or not renewed).
Class B Shares. For its services under the Class B Plan, KDI receives a fee from
the Fund, payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net
assets of the Fund attributable to its Class B shares. This fee is accrued daily
as an expense of Class B shares. KDI also receives any contingent deferred sales
charges. See "Purchase, Redemption and Repurchase of Shares - Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares." KDI currently compensates firms for
sales of Class B shares at a commission rate of 3.75%.
Class C Shares. For its services under the Class C Plan, KDI receives a fee from
the Fund, payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net
assets of the Fund attributable to its Class C shares. This fee is accrued daily
as an expense of Class C shares. KDI currently advances to firms the first year
distribution fee at a rate of 0.75% of the purchase price of Class C shares. For
periods after the first year, KDI currently pays firms for sales of Class C
shares a distribution fee, payable quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of net
assets attributable to Class C shares maintained and serviced by the firm and
the fee continues until terminated by KDI or the Fund. KDI also receives any
contingent deferred sales charges. See "Purchase, Redemption and Repurchase of
Shares -Contingent Deferred Sales Charges - Class C Shares."
Expenses of the Fund and of KDI, in connection with the Rule 12b-1 Plans for
Growth Fund of Spain's Class B and Class C shares for the period ended October
31, 1999 are set forth below. A portion of the marketing, sales and operating
expenses shown below could be considered overhead expenses.
23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Distribution Contingent Commissions Distribution
Fees Paid by Deferred Sales Paid by Fees Paid by
Fund to Charges Paid to Underwriter to Underwriter to
Fiscal Year Underwriter** Underwriter Firms Affiliated Firms
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $775 $42,906 $1,182 $0
</TABLE>
Other Distribution Expenses Paid by Underwriter
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Advertising Misc.
and Prospectus Marketing and Operating Interest
Fiscal Year Literature Printing Sales Expenses Expenses Expense
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $379 $37 $1,090 $4,009 $1,136
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Distribution Contingent Commissions Distribution
Fees Paid by Deferred Sales Paid by Fees Paid by
Fund to Charges Paid to Underwriter to Underwriter to
Fiscal Year Underwriter** Underwriter Firms Affiliated Firms
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $677 $3,899 $822 $0
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Advertising Misc.
and Prospectus Marketing and Operating Interest
Fiscal Year Literature Printing Sales Expenses Expenses Expense
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $324 $29 $812 $3,980 $178
</TABLE>
** Amounts shown reflect fee waiver in effect
24
<PAGE>
Administrative Services. Administrative services are provided to the Fund under
an administrative services agreement ("administrative agreement") with KDI. KDI
bears all its expenses of providing services pursuant to the administrative
agreement between KDI and the Fund, including the payment of service fees. For
the services under the administrative agreement, the Fund pays KDI an
administrative services fee, payable monthly, at an annual rate of up to 0.25%
of average daily net assets of Class A, B and C shares of the Fund.
KDI enters into related arrangements with various broker-dealer firms
and other service or administrative firms ("firms") that provide services and
facilities for their customers or clients who are investors in the Fund. The
firms provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities and
personnel as is necessary or beneficial for providing information and services
to their clients. Such services and assistance may include, but are not limited
to, establishing and maintaining accounts and records, processing purchase and
redemption transactions, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund,
assistance to clients in changing dividend and investment options, account
designations and addresses and such other administrative services as may be
agreed upon from time to time and permitted by applicable statute, rule or
regulation. KDI pays these firms based on assets of Fund accounts the firms
service. With respect to Class A shares, KDI pays each firm a service fee,
payable quarterly, at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the net assets in Fund
accounts that it maintains and services attributable to Class A shares,
commencing with the month after investment. With respect to Class B and Class C
shares, KDI currently advances to firms the first-year service fee at a rate of
up to 0.25% of the purchase price of such shares. For periods after the first
year, KDI currently intends to pay firms a service fee at a rate of up to 0.25%
(calculated monthly and paid quarterly) of the net assets attributable to Class
B and Class C shares maintained and serviced by the firm and the fee continues
until terminated by KDI or the Fund. In addition, KDI may, from time to time,
from its own resources, pay certain firms additional amounts for ongoing
administrative services and assistance provided to their customers and clients
who are shareholders of the Fund. Firms to which service fees may be paid
include affiliates of KDI.
KDI also may provide some of the above services and may retain any
portion of the fee under the administrative agreement not paid to firms to
compensate itself for administrative functions performed for the Fund.
Currently, the administrative services fee payable to KDI is payable at an
annual rate of 0.25% based upon Fund assets in accounts for which a firm
provides administrative services and, effective January 1, 2000, at the annual
rate of 0.15% based upon Fund assets in accounts for which there is no firm of
record (other than KDI) listed on the Fund's records. The effective
administrative services fee rate to be charged against all assets of a Fund
while this procedure is in effect will depend upon the proportion of Fund assets
that is in accounts for which there is a firm of record. The Board of Directors
of the Fund, in its discretion, may approve basing the fee to KDI at the annual
rate of 0.25% on all Fund assets in the future.
Certain directors or officers of the Corporation are also directors or
officers of the Adviser or KDI, as indicated under "Officers and Directors."
During the period ended October 31, 1999, KDI paid fees to various
firms in the following amounts: $86,490 for Class A shares, $250 for Class B
shares and $144 for Class C shares.
Custodian, Transfer Agent and Shareholder Service Agent. The Chase Manhattan
Bank ("Chase"), Chase Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, New York 11245, as custodian,
has custody of all securities and cash of the Fund. Chase attends to the
collection of principal and income, and payment for and collection of proceeds
of securities bought and sold by the Fund.
Pursuant to a services agreement between the Fund and Kemper Service Company
("KSvC"), 811 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, an affiliate of Scudder
Kemper, KSvC serves as "Shareholder Service Agent" of the Fund and, as such,
performs all of the duties of transfer agent and dividend paying agent. KSvC
receives as transfer agent as follows: annual account fees of $10.00 ($18.00 for
retirement accounts) plus set up charges, annual fees associated with the
contingent deferred sales charge (Class B Shares only), an asset-based fee of
0.08% and out-of-pocket reimbursement. For the fiscal year ended October 31,
1999, Growth Fund of Spain incurred fees of $294,000, of which $131,000 was
unpaid at October 31, 1999.
Independent Auditors and Reports To Shareholders. The Fund's independent
auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60606,
audit and report on the Fund's annual financial statements, review certain
regulatory reports and the Fund's federal income tax return, and perform other
professional accounting, auditing, tax and advisory
25
<PAGE>
services when engaged to do so by the Fund. Shareholders will receive annual
audited financial statements and semi-annual unaudited financial statements.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES
Purchase of Shares
Alternative Purchase Arrangements. Class A shares of the Fund are sold to
investors subject to an initial sales charge. Class B shares are sold without an
initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A
shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions.
Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares six years after issuance.
Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to
higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares, are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within the first year
following purchase, and do not convert into another class. When placing purchase
orders, investors must specify whether the order is for Class A, Class B or
Class C shares.
The primary distinctions among the classes of the Fund's shares lie in
their initial and contingent deferred sales charge structures and in their
ongoing expenses, including asset-based sales charges in the form of Rule 12b-1
distribution fees. These differences are summarized in the table below. Each
class has distinct advantages and disadvantages for different investors, and
investors may choose the class that best suits their circumstances and
objectives.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual 12b-1 Fees
(as a % of average daily
Sales Charge net assets) Other Information
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% of None Initial sales charge waived or
the public offering price reduced for certain purchases(1)
Class B Maximum contingent deferred sales charge 0.75% Shares convert to Class A shares
of 4% of redemption proceeds; declines to six years after issuance
zero after six years
Class C Contingent deferred sales charge of 1% of 0.75% No conversion feature
redemption proceeds for redemptions made
during first year after purchase
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) Class A shares purchased at net asset value under the "Large Order NAV
Purchase Privilege" may be subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge
if redeemed within one year of purchase and a 0.50% contingent deferred
sales charge if redeemed during the second year of purchase.
The minimum initial investment for each class of the Fund is $1,000 and
the minimum subsequent investment is $100. The minimum initial investment for an
Individual Retirement Account is $250 and the minimum subsequent investment is
$50. Under an automatic investment plan, such as Bank Direct Deposit, Payroll
Direct Deposit or Government Direct Deposit, the minimum initial and subsequent
investment is $50. These minimum amounts may be changed at any time in
management's discretion.
Share certificates will not be issued unless requested in writing and
may not be available for certain types of account registrations. It is
recommended that investors not request share certificates unless needed for a
specific purpose. You cannot redeem shares by telephone or wire transfer or use
the telephone exchange privilege if share certificates have been issued. A lost
or destroyed certificate is difficult to replace and can be expensive to the
shareholder (a bond value of 2% or more of the certificate value is normally
required).
26
<PAGE>
Initial Sales Charge Alternative -- Class A Shares. The public offering price of
Class A shares for purchasers choosing the initial sales charge alternative is
the net asset value plus a sales charge, as set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Charge
as a Allowed to
As a Percentage of Dealers as a
Percentage of Net Amount Percentage of
Amount of Purchase Offering Price Invested* Offering Price
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.20%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000 2.60 2.67 2.25
$500,000 but less than $1 million 2.00 2.04 1.75
$1 million and over 0.00** 0.00** ***
</TABLE>
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** Redemption of shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge as discussed below.
*** Commission is payable by KDI as discussed below.
The Fund receives the entire net asset value of all its shares sold.
KDI, the Fund's principal underwriter, retains the sales charge on sales of
Class A shares from which it allows discounts from the applicable public
offering price to investment dealers, which discounts are uniform for all
dealers in the United States and its territories. The normal discount allowed to
dealers is set forth in the above table. Upon notice to all dealers with whom it
has sales agreements, KDI may re-allow up to the full applicable sales charge,
as shown in the above table, during periods and for transactions specified in
such notice and such reallowances may be based upon attainment of minimum sales
levels. During periods when 90% or more of the sales charge is reallowed, such
dealers may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value by: (a)
any purchaser provided that the amount invested in the Fund or other Kemper
Funds listed under "Special Features - Class A Shares - Combined Purchases"
totals at least $1,000,000 (the "Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege") including
purchases of Class A shares pursuant to the "Combined Purchases," "Letter of
Intent" and "Cumulative Discount" features described under "Special Features";
or (b) a participant-directed qualified retirement plan described in Code
Section 401(a), a participant-directed non-qualified deferred compensation plan
described in Code Section 457 or a participant-directed qualified retirement
plan described in Code Section 403(b)(7) which is not sponsored by a K-12 school
district, provided in each case that such plan has not less than 200 eligible
employees. Redemption within two years of shares purchased under the Large Order
NAV Purchase Privilege may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. See
"Redemption or Repurchase of Shares-contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Large
Order NAV Purchase Privilege."
KDI may at its discretion compensate investment dealers or other
financial services firms in connection with the sale of Class A shares of the
Fund at net asset value in accordance with the Large Order NAV Purchase
Privilege up to the following amounts: 1.00% of the net asset value of shares
sold on amounts up to $5 million, 0.50% on the next $45 million and 0.25% on
amounts over $50 million. The commission schedule will be reset on a calendar
year basis for sales of shares pursuant to the Large Order NAV Purchase
Privilege to employer sponsored employee benefit plans using the subaccount
record keeping system made available through Kemper Service Company. For
purposes of determining the appropriate commission percentage to be applied to a
particular sale, KDI will consider the cumulative amount invested by the
purchaser in the Fund and other Kemper Funds listed under "Special Features
Class A Shares -Combined Purchases," including purchases pursuant to the
"Combined Purchases," "Letter of Intent" and "Cumulative Discount" features
referred to above and including purchases of Class R shares of certain Scudder
Funds. The privilege of purchasing Class A shares of the Fund at net asset value
under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege is not available if another net
asset value purchase privilege is also applicable.
As of February 1, 1996, Class A shares of the Fund or any other Kemper
Fund listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases" may
be purchased at net asset value in any amount by members of the plaintiff class
in the proceeding known as Howard and Audrey Tabankin, et al. v. Kemper
Short-Term Global Income Fund, et al., Case No. 93 C 5231 (N.D. IL). This
privilege is generally non-transferable and continues for the lifetime of
individual class members and for a ten year period for non-individual class
members. To make a purchase at net asset value under this privilege, the
investor must, at the time of purchase, submit a written request that the
purchase be processed at net asset value pursuant to this privilege specifically
27
<PAGE>
identifying the purchaser as a member of the "Tabankin Class." Shares purchased
under this privilege will be maintained in a separate account that includes only
shares purchased under this privilege. For more details concerning this
privilege, class members should refer to the Notice of (1) Proposed Settlement
with Defendants; and (2) Hearing to Determine Fairness of Proposed Settlement,
dated August 31, 1995, issued in connection with the aforementioned court
proceeding. For sales of Fund shares at net asset value pursuant to this
privilege, KDI may in its discretion pay investment dealers and other financial
services firms a concession, payable quarterly, at an annual rate of up to 0.25%
of net assets attributable to such shares maintained and serviced by the firm. A
firm becomes eligible for the concession based upon assets in accounts
attributable to shares purchased under this privilege in the month after the
month of purchase and the concession continues until terminated by KDI. The
privilege of purchasing Class A shares of the Fund at net asset value under this
privilege is not available if another net asset value purchase privilege also
applies.
Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value in any
amount by certain professionals who assist in the promotion of Kemper Funds
pursuant to personal services contracts with KDI, for themselves or members of
their families. KDI in its discretion may compensate financial services firms
for sales of Class A shares under this privilege at a commission rate of 0.50%
of the amount of Class A shares purchased.
Class A shares may be sold at net asset value in any amount to: (a)
officers, trustees, directors, employees (including retirees) and sales
representatives of the Fund, its investment manager, its principal underwriter
or certain affiliated companies, for themselves or members of their families;
(b) registered representatives and employees of broker-dealers having selling
group agreements with KDI and officers, directors and employees of service
agents of the Fund, for themselves or their spouses or dependent children; (c)
shareholders who owned shares of Kemper Value Series, Inc. ("KVS") on September
8, 1995, and have continuously owned shares of KVS (or a Kemper Fund acquired by
exchange of KVS shares) since that date, for themselves or members of their
families; (d) any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for only
such persons; (e) persons who purchase such shares through bank trust
departments that process such trades through an automated, integrated mutual
fund clearing program provided by a third party clearing firm; and (f) persons
who purchase shares of the Fund through KDI as part of an automated billing and
wage deduction program administered by RewardsPlus of America for the benefit of
employees of participating employer groups. Class A shares may be sold at net
asset value in any amount to selected employees (including their spouses and
dependent children) of banks and other financial services firms that provide
administrative services related to order placement and payment to facilitate
transactions in shares of the Fund for their clients pursuant to an agreement
with KDI or one of its affiliates. Only those employees of such banks and other
firms who as part of their usual duties provide services related to transactions
in Fund shares may purchase Fund Class A shares at net asset value hereunder.
Class A shares may be sold at net asset value in any amount to unit investment
trusts sponsored by Ranson & Associates, Inc. In addition, unitholders of unit
investment trusts sponsored by Ranson & Associates, Inc. or its predecessors may
purchase the Fund's Class A shares at net asset value through reinvestment
programs described in the prospectuses of such trusts that have such programs.
Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value through certain
investment advisers registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and
other financial services firms, acting solely as agent for their clients, that
adhere to certain standards established by KDI, including a requirement that
such shares be purchased for the benefit of their clients participating in an
investment advisory program or agency commission program under which such
clients pay a fee to the investment adviser or other firm for portfolio
management or agency brokerage services. Such shares are sold for investment
purposes and on the condition that they will not be resold except through
redemption or repurchase by the Fund. The Fund may also issue Class A shares at
net asset value in connection with the acquisition of the assets of or merger or
consolidation with another investment company, or to shareholders in connection
with the investment or reinvestment of income and capital gain dividends.
The sales charge scale is applicable to purchases made at one time by
any "purchaser" which includes: an individual; or an individual, his or her
spouse and children under the age of 21; or a trustee or other fiduciary of a
single trust estate or single fiduciary account; or an organization exempt from
federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) or (13) of the Code; or a pension,
profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan whether or not qualified under
Section 401 of the Code; or other organized group of persons whether
incorporated or not, provided the organization has been in existence for at
least six months and has some purpose other than the purchase of redeemable
securities of a registered investment company at a discount. In order to qualify
for a lower sales charge, all orders from an organized group will have to be
placed through a single investment dealer or other firm and identified as
originating from a qualifying purchaser.
28
<PAGE>
Deferred Sales Charge Alternative -- Class B Shares. Investors choosing the
deferred sales charge alternative may purchase Class B shares at net asset value
per share without any sales charge at the time of purchase. Since Class B shares
are being sold without an initial sales charge, the full amount of the
investor's purchase payment will be invested in Class B shares for his or her
account. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemption of
Class B shares. See "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares -- Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge -- Class B Shares."
KDI compensates firms for sales of Class B shares at the time of sale at a
commission rate of up to 3.75% of the amount of Class B shares purchased. KDI is
compensated by the Fund for services as distributor and principal underwriter
for Class B shares. See "Investment Manager and Underwriter."
Class B shares of the Fund will automatically convert to Class A shares of the
Fund six years after issuance on the basis of the relative net asset value per
share of the Class B shares. The purpose of the conversion feature is to relieve
holders of Class B shares from the distribution services fee when the shares
have been outstanding long enough for KDI to have been compensated for
distribution related expenses. For purposes of conversion to Class A shares,
shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions
paid with respect to Class B shares in a shareholder's Fund account will be
converted to Class A shares on a pro rata basis.
Purchase of Class C Shares. The public offering price of the Class C shares of
the Fund is the next determined net asset value. No initial sales charge is
imposed. Since Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge, the full
amount of the investor's purchase payment will be invested in Class C shares for
his or her account. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon the
redemption of Class C shares if they are redeemed within one year of purchase.
See "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge --
Class C Shares." KDI currently advances to firms the first year distribution fee
at a rate of 0.75% of the purchase price of such shares. For periods after the
first year, KDI currently intends to pay firms for sales of Class C shares a
distribution fee, payable quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of net assets
attributable to Class C shares maintained and serviced by the firm. KDI is
compensated by the Fund for services as distributor and principal underwriter
for Class C shares. See "Investment Manager and Underwriter."
Which Arrangement is Better for You? The decision as to which class of shares
provides a more suitable investment for an investor depends on a number of
factors, including the amount and intended length of the investment. Investors
making investments that qualify for reduced sales charges might consider Class A
shares. Investors who prefer not to pay an initial sales charge and who plan to
hold their investment for more than six years might consider Class B shares.
Investors who prefer not to pay an initial sales charge but who plan to redeem
their shares within six years might consider Class C shares. Orders for Class B
shares or Class C shares for $500,000 or more will be declined. Orders for Class
B shares or Class C shares by employer sponsored employee benefit plans using
the subaccount record keeping system made available through the Shareholder
Service Agent will be invested instead in Class A shares at net asset value
where the combined subaccount value in a Fund or other Kemper Mutual Funds
listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases" is in
excess of $5 million including purchases pursuant to the "Combined Purchases,"
"Letter of Intent" and "Cumulative Discount" features described under "Special
Features." For more information about the three sales arrangements, consult your
financial representative or the Shareholder Service Agent. Financial services
firms may receive different compensation depending upon which class of shares
they sell.
General. Banks and other financial services firms may provide administrative
services related to order placement and payment to facilitate transactions in
shares of a Fund for their clients, and KDI may pay them a transaction fee up to
the level of the discount or commission allowable or payable to dealers, as
described above. Banks or other financial services firms may be subject to
various federal and state laws regarding the services described above and may be
required to register as dealers pursuant to state law. If banking firms were
prohibited from acting in any capacity or providing any of the described
services, management would consider what action, if any, would be appropriate.
KDI does not believe that termination of a relationship with a bank would result
in any material adverse consequences to a Fund.
KDI may, from time to time, pay or allow to firms a 1% commission on the amount
of shares of the Fund sold under the following conditions: (i) the purchased
shares are held in a Kemper IRA account, (ii) the shares are purchased as a
direct "roll over" of a distribution from a qualified retirement plan account
maintained on a participant subaccount record keeping system provided by KSvC,
(iii) the registered representative placing the trade is a member of ProStar, a
group of persons designated by KDI in acknowledgment of their dedication to the
employee benefit plan area; and (iv) the purchase is not otherwise subject to a
commission.
29
<PAGE>
In addition to the discounts or commissions described above, KDI will, from time
to time, pay or allow additional discounts, commissions or promotional
incentives, in the form of cash, to firms that sell shares of the Funds. In some
instances, such discounts, commissions or other incentives will be offered only
to certain firms that sell or are expected to sell during specified time periods
certain minimum amounts of shares of the Funds, or other funds underwritten by
KDI.
Orders for the purchase of shares of a Fund will be confirmed at a price based
on the net asset value of that Fund next determined after receipt by KDI of the
order accompanied by payment. However, orders received by dealers or other
financial services firms prior to the determination of net asset value (see "Net
Asset Value") and received by KDI prior to the close of its business day will be
confirmed at a price based on the net asset value effective on that day ("trade
date"). The Funds reserve the right to determine the net asset value more
frequently than once a day if deemed desirable. Dealers and other financial
services firms are obligated to transmit orders promptly. Collection may take
significantly longer for a check drawn on a foreign bank than for a check drawn
on a domestic bank. Therefore, if an order is accompanied by a check drawn on a
foreign bank, funds must normally be collected before shares will be purchased.
Investment dealers and other firms provide varying arrangements for their
clients to purchase and redeem the Funds' shares. Some may establish higher
minimum investment requirements than set forth above. Firms may arrange with
their clients for other investment or administrative services. Such firms may
independently establish and charge additional amounts to their clients for such
services, which charges would reduce the clients' return. Firms also may hold
the Funds' shares in nominee or street name as agent for and on behalf of their
customers. In such instances, the Funds' transfer agent will have no information
with respect to or control over the accounts of specific shareholders. Such
shareholders may obtain access to their accounts and information about their
accounts only from their firm. Certain of these firms may receive compensation
from the Funds through the Shareholder Service Agent for recordkeeping and other
expenses relating to these nominee accounts. In addition, certain privileges
with respect to the purchase and redemption of shares or the reinvestment of
dividends may not be available through such firms. Some firms may participate in
a program allowing them access to their clients' accounts for servicing
including, without limitation, transfers of registration and dividend payee
changes; and may perform functions such as generation of confirmation statements
and disbursement of cash dividends. Such firms, including affiliates of KDI, may
receive compensation from the Funds through the Shareholder Service Agent for
these services. This statement of additional information should be read in
connection with such firms' material regarding their fees and services.
The Funds reserve the right to withdraw all or any part of the offering made by
this statement of additional information and to reject purchase orders. Also,
from time to time, each Fund may temporarily suspend the offering of any class
of its shares to new investors. During the period of such suspension, persons
who are already shareholders of such class of such Fund normally are permitted
to continue to purchase additional shares of such class and to have dividends
reinvested.
Shareholders should direct their inquiries to KSvC, 811 Main Street, Kansas
City, Missouri 64105-2005 or to the firm from which they received this statement
of additional information.
As described herein, shares of a Fund are sold at their public offering price,
which is the net asset value per share of the Fund next determined after an
order is received in proper form plus, with respect to Class A shares, an
initial sales charge. The minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum
subsequent investment is $100 but such minimum amounts may be changed at any
time. An order for the purchase of shares that is accompanied by a check drawn
on a foreign bank (other than a check drawn on a Canadian bank in U.S. Dollars)
will not be considered in proper form and will not be processed unless and until
the Fund determines that it has received payment of the proceeds of the check.
The time required for such a determination will vary and cannot be determined in
advance. The amount received by a shareholder upon redemption or repurchase may
be more or less than the amount paid for such shares depending on the market
value of the Fund's portfolio securities at the time.
Upon receipt by the Shareholder Service Agent of a request for redemption,
shares of a Fund will be redeemed by the Fund at the applicable net asset value
per share of such Fund as described herein.
Scheduled variations in or the elimination of the initial sales charge for
purchases of Class A shares or the contingent deferred sales charge for
redemptions of Class B or Class C shares, by certain classes of persons or
through certain types of transactions, are provided because of anticipated
economies in sales and sales related efforts.
A Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment more than seven days
(a) during any period when the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is
closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or during any period in
which trading on the Exchange is restricted, (b) during any period when an
emergency exists as a result of which (i) disposal of
30
<PAGE>
a Fund's investments is not reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund to determine the value of its net assets, or (c) for
such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of a Fund's
shareholders.
The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares may be subject to the
continuing availability of an opinion of counsel, ruling by the Internal Revenue
Service or other assurance acceptable to each Fund to the effect that (a) the
assessment of the distribution services fee with respect to Class B shares and
not Class A shares does not result in the Fund's dividends constituting
"preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code, and (b) that the
conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares does not constitute a taxable
event under the Internal Revenue Code. The conversion of Class B shares to Class
A shares may be suspended if such assurance is not available. In that event, no
further conversions of Class B shares would occur, and shares might continue to
be subject to the distribution services fee for an indefinite period that may
extend beyond the proposed conversion date as described herein.
The Funds have authorized certain members of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), other than Kemper Distributors, Inc. ("KDI")
to accept purchase and redemption orders for the Fund's shares. Those brokers
may also designate other parties to accept purchase and redemption orders on the
Fund's behalf. Orders for purchase or redemption will be deemed to have been
received by the Fund when such brokers or their authorized designees accept the
orders. Subject to the terms of the contract between the Fund and the broker,
ordinarily orders will be priced as the Fund's net asset value next computed
after acceptance by such brokers or their authorized designees. Further, if
purchases or redemptions of the Fund's shares are arranged and settlement is
made at an investor's election through any other authorized NASD member, that
member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service. The Board of
Trustees or Directors as the case may be ("Board") of the Fund and KDI each has
the right to limit the amount of purchases by, and to refuse to sell to, any
person. The Board and KDI may suspend or terminate the offering of shares of the
Fund at any time for any reason.
REDEMPTION OR REPURCHASE OF SHARES
As described in the prospectus, Fund shares are sold at their public
offering price, which is the net asset value next determined after an order is
received in proper form plus, with respect to Class A shares, an initial sales
charge. The minimum initial investment for each class of the Fund is $1,000 and
the minimum subsequent investment is $100 but such minimum amounts may be
changed at any time. The Fund may waive the minimum for purchases by directors,
officers or employees of the Fund or the Adviser and its affiliates. An order
for the purchase of shares that is accompanied by a check drawn on a foreign
bank (other than a check drawn on a Canadian bank in U.S. Dollars) will not be
considered in proper form and will not be processed unless and until the Fund
determines that it has received payment of the proceeds of the check. The time
required for such a determination will vary and cannot be determined in advance.
Upon receipt by the Shareholder Service Agent of a request for
redemption, shares of the Fund will be redeemed by the Fund at the applicable
net asset value per share of the particular class of the Fund as described in
the Fund's prospectus.
Scheduled variations in or the elimination of the initial sales charge
for purchases of Class A shares or the contingent deferred sales charge for
redemptions of Class B or Class C shares by certain classes of persons or
through certain types of transactions are provided because of anticipated
economies of scale in sales and sales-related efforts.
The Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment more than
seven days (a) during any period when the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange")
is closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or during any period
in which trading on the Exchange is restricted, (b) during any period when an
emergency exists as a result of which (i) disposal of the Fund's investments is
not reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the
Fund to determine the value of its net assets, or (c) for such other periods as
the SEC may by order permit for the protection of the Fund's shareholders.
General. Any shareholder may request that the Fund redeem his or her shares.
When shares are held for the account of a shareholder by the Fund's transfer
agent, the shareholder may redeem such shares by sending a written request with
signatures guaranteed to Kemper Funds, Attention: Redemption Department, P.O.
Box 419557, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6557. When certificates for shares have
been issued, they must be mailed to or deposited with the Shareholder Service
Agent, along with a duly endorsed stock power and accompanied by a written
request for redemption. Redemption requests and a stock power must be endorsed
by the account holder with signatures guaranteed by a commercial bank, trust
company, savings and loan association, federal savings bank, member firm of a
national securities exchange or other eligible financial institution. The
redemption request and stock power must be signed exactly as the account is
registered including any special capacity of the registered owner.
31
<PAGE>
Additional documentation may be requested, and a signature guarantee is normally
required, from institutional and fiduciary account holders, such as
corporations, custodians (e.g., under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act),
executors, administrators, trustees or guardians.
The redemption price for shares of a class of the Fund will be the net
asset value per share of that class of the Fund next determined following
receipt by the Shareholder Service Agent of a properly executed request with any
required documents as described above. Payment for shares redeemed will be made
in cash as promptly as practicable but in no event later than seven days after
receipt of a properly executed request accompanied by any outstanding share
certificates in proper form for transfer. When the Fund is asked to redeem
shares for which it may not have yet received good payment (i.e., purchases by
check, EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit), it may delay transmittal of
redemption proceeds until it has determined that collected funds have been
received for the purchase of such shares, which will be up to 10 days from
receipt by the Fund of the purchase amount. The redemption within two years of
Class A shares purchased at net asset value under the Large Order NAV Purchase
Privilege may also be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (see
"Purchase of Shares-Initial Sales Charge Alternative-Class A Shares"), the
redemption of Class B shares within six years may be subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge-Class B Shares"),
and the redemption of Class C shares within the first year following purchase
may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (see "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge-Class C Shares").
Because of the high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Fund may
assess a quarterly fee of $9 on any account with a balance below $1,000 for the
quarter. The fee will not apply to accounts enrolled in an automatic investment
program, Individual Retirement Accounts or employer sponsored employee benefit
plans using the subaccount record-keeping system made available through the
Shareholder Service Agent.
Shareholders can request the following telephone privileges: expedited
wire transfer redemptions and EXPRESS-Transfer transactions (see "Special
Features") and exchange transactions for individual and institutional accounts
and pre-authorized telephone redemption transactions for certain institutional
accounts. Shareholders may choose these privileges on the account application or
by contacting the Shareholder Service Agent for appropriate instructions. Please
note that the telephone exchange privilege is automatic unless the shareholder
refuses it on the account application. The Fund or its agents may be liable for
any losses, expenses or costs arising out of fraudulent or unauthorized
telephone requests pursuant to these privileges unless the Fund or its agents
reasonably believe, based upon reasonable verification procedures, that the
telephonic instructions are genuine. The shareholder will bear the risk of loss,
including loss resulting from fraudulent or unauthorized transactions, so long
as reasonable verification procedures are followed. Verification procedures
include recording instructions, requiring certain identifying information before
acting upon instructions and sending written confirmations.
Telephone Redemptions. If the proceeds of the redemption (prior to the
imposition of any contingent deferred sales charge) are $50,000 or less and the
proceeds are payable to the shareholder of record at the address of record,
normally a telephone request or a written request by any one account holder
without a signature guarantee is sufficient for redemptions by individual or
joint account holders, and trust, executor, guardian and custodian account
holders, provided the trustee, executor, guardian or custodian is named in the
account registration. Other institutional account holders may exercise this
special privilege of redeeming shares by telephone request or written request
without signature guarantee subject to the same conditions as individual account
holders and subject to the limitations on liability described under "General"
above, provided that this privilege has been pre-authorized by the institutional
account holder account holder by written instruction to the Shareholder Service
Agent with signatures guaranteed. Telephone requests may be made by calling
1-800-621-1048. Shares purchased by check or through EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank
Direct Deposit may not be redeemed under this privilege of redeeming shares by
telephone request until such shares have been owned for at least 10 days. This
privilege of redeeming shares by telephone request or by written request without
a signature guarantee may not be used to redeem shares held in certificated form
and may not be used if the shareholder's account has had an address change
within 30 days of the redemption request. During periods when it is difficult to
contact the Shareholder Service Agent by telephone, it may be difficult to use
the telephone redemption privilege, although investors can still redeem by mail.
The Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify this privilege at any time.
Repurchases (Confirmed Redemptions). A request for repurchase may be
communicated by a shareholder through a securities dealer or other financial
services firm to KDI, which the Fund has authorized to act as its agent. There
is no charge by KDI with respect to repurchases; however, dealers or other firms
may charge customary commissions for their services. Dealers and other financial
services firms are obligated to transmit orders promptly. The repurchase price
will be the net asset value of the Fund next determined after receipt of a
request by KDI. However, requests for repurchases received by dealers or other
firms prior to the
32
<PAGE>
determination of net asset value (see "Net Asset Value") and received by KDI
prior to the close of KDI's business day will be confirmed at the net asset
value effective on that day. The offer to repurchase may be suspended at any
time. Requirements as to stock powers, certificates, payments and delay of
payments are the same as for redemptions.
Expedited Wire Transfer Redemptions. If the account holder has given
authorization for expedited wire redemption to the account holder's brokerage or
bank account, shares of the Fund can be redeemed and proceeds sent by federal
wire transfer to a single previously designated account. Requests received by
the Shareholder Service Agent prior to the determination of net asset value will
result in shares being redeemed that day at the net asset value of a class of
the Fund effective on that day and normally the proceeds will be sent to the
designated account the following business day, subject to the Fund's redemption
policy set forth below under "Redemption in-Kind." Once authorization is on
file, the Shareholder Service Agent will honor requests by telephone at
1-800-621-1048 or in writing, subject to the limitations on liability described
under "General" above. The Fund is not responsible for the efficiency of the
federal wire system or the account holder's financial services firm or bank. The
Fund currently does not charge the account holder for wire transfers. The
account holder is responsible for any charges imposed by the account holder's
firm or bank. There is a $1,000 wire redemption minimum (including any
contingent deferred sales charge). To change the designated account to receive
wire redemption proceeds, send a written request to the Shareholder Service
Agent with signatures guaranteed as described above or contact the firm through
which shares of the Fund were purchased. Shares purchased by check or through
EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit may not be redeemed by wire transfer
until such shares have been owned for at least 10 days. Account holders may not
use this privilege to redeem shares held in certificated form. During periods
when it is difficult to contact the Shareholder Service Agent by telephone, it
may be difficult to use the expedited wire transfer redemption privilege. The
Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify this privilege at any time.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge -- Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege. A
contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemption of Class A
shares that are purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege as
follows: 1% if they are redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50% if they
are redeemed during the second year after purchase. The charge will not be
imposed upon redemption of reinvested dividends or share appreciation. The
charge is applied to the value of the shares redeemed excluding amounts not
subject to the charge. The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived in
the event of: (a) redemptions by a participant-directed qualified retirement
plan described in Code Section 401(a), a participant-directed non-qualified
deferred compensation plan described in Code Section 457 or a
participant-directed qualified retirement plan described in Code Section
403(b)(7) which is not sponsored by a K-12 school district; (b) redemptions by
employer sponsored employee benefit plans using the subaccount record keeping
system made available through the Shareholder Service Agent; (c) redemption of
shares of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner) who has died; (d)
redemption of shares of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner) who
after purchase of the shares being redeemed becomes totally disabled (as
evidenced by a determination by the federal Social Security Administration); (e)
redemptions under the Fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan at a maximum of 10% per
year of the net asset value of the account; and (f) redemptions of shares whose
dealer of record at the time of the investment notifies KDI that the dealer
waives the discretionary commission applicable to such Large Order NAV Purchase.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge -- Class B Shares. A contingent deferred sales
charge may be imposed upon redemption of Class B shares. There is no such charge
upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends on Class B
shares. The charge is computed at the following rates applied to the value of
the shares redeemed, excluding amounts not subject to the charge.
Contingent
Deferred
Year of Redemption After Purchase Sales Charge
- --------------------------------- ------------
First .......................................................4%
Second .......................................................3%
Third .......................................................3%
Fourth .......................................................2%
Fifth .......................................................2%
Sixth .......................................................1%
The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived: (a) in the event
of the total disability (as evidenced by a determination by the federal Social
Security Administration) of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
occurring after the purchase of the shares being redeemed, (b) in the event of
the death of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (c) for
redemptions made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see "Special
Features-Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below), (d) for redemptions made pursuant
to any IRA systematic withdrawal based on the shareholder's life expectancy
including, but not
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limited to, substantially equal periodic payments described in Code Section
72(t)(2)(A)(iv) prior to age 59 1/2 and (e) for redemptions to satisfy required
minimum distributions after age 70 1/2 from an IRA account (with the maximum
amount subject to this waiver being based only upon the shareholder's Kemper IRA
accounts). The contingent deferred sales charge will also be waived in
connection with the following redemptions of shares held by employer sponsored
employee benefit plans maintained on the subaccount record keeping system made
available by the Shareholder Service Agent: (a) redemptions to satisfy
participant loan advances (note that loan repayments constitute new purchases
for purposes of the contingent deferred sales charge and the conversion
privilege), (b) redemptions in connection with retirement distributions (limited
at any one time to 10% of the total value of plan assets invested the Fund), (c)
redemptions in connection with distributions qualifying under the hardship
provisions of the Code and (d) redemptions representing returns of excess
contributions to such plans.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge -- Class C Shares. A contingent deferred sales
charge of 1% may be imposed upon redemption of Class C shares if they are
redeemed within one year of purchase. The charge will not be imposed upon
redemption of reinvested dividends or share appreciation. The charge is applied
to the value of the shares redeemed excluding amounts not subject to the charge.
The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived: (a) in the event of the
total disability (as evidenced by a determination by the federal Social Security
Administration) of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
occurring after the purchase of the shares being redeemed, (b) in the event of
the death of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (c) for
redemptions made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (limited to 10% of the
net asset value of the account during the first year, see "Special
Features-Systematic Withdrawal Plan"), (d) for redemptions made pursuant to any
IRA systematic withdrawal based on the shareholder's life expectancy including,
but not limited to, substantially equal periodic payments described in Code
Section 72(t)(2)(A)(iv) prior to age 59 1/2, (e) for redemptions to satisfy
required minimum distributions after age 70 1/2 from an IRA account (with the
maximum amount subject to this waiver being based only upon the shareholder's
Kemper IRA accounts), (f) for any participant-directed redemption of shares held
by employer sponsored employee benefit plans maintained on the subaccount record
keeping system made available by the Shareholder Service Agent, and (g) for
redemption of shares by an employer sponsored employee benefit plan that (i)
offers funds in addition to Kemper Funds (i.e., "multi-manager"), and (ii) whose
dealer of record has waived the advance of the first year administrative service
and distribution fees applicable to such shares and agrees to receive such fees
quarterly.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge -- General. The following example will
illustrate the operation of the contingent deferred sales charge. Assume that an
investor makes a single purchase of $10,000 of a Fund's Class B shares and that
16 months later the value of the shares has grown by $1,000 through reinvested
dividends and by an additional $1,000 in appreciation to a total of $12,000. If
the investor were then to redeem the entire $12,000 in share value, the
contingent deferred sales charge would be payable only with respect to $10,000
because neither the $1,000 of reinvested dividends nor the $1,000 of share
appreciation is subject to the charge. The charge would be at the rate of 3%
($300) because it was in the second year after the purchase was made.
The rate of the contingent deferred sales charge is determined by the length of
the period of ownership. Investments are tracked on a monthly basis. The period
of ownership for this purpose begins the first day of the month in which the
order for the investment is received. For example, an investment made in
December 1999 will be eligible for the second year's charge if redeemed on or
after December 1, 2000. In the event no specific order is requested, the
redemption will be made first from shares representing reinvested dividends and
then from the earliest purchase of shares. KDI receives any contingent deferred
sales charge directly.
Reinvestment Privilege. A shareholder who has redeemed Class A shares of the
Fund or any other Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares
- -- Combined Purchases" (other than shares of the Kemper Cash Reserves Fund
purchased directly at net asset value) may reinvest up to the full amount
redeemed at net asset value at the time of the reinvestment in Class A shares of
the Fund or of the other listed Kemper Funds. A shareholder of the Fund or other
Kemper Fund who redeems Class A shares purchased under the Large Order NAV
Purchase Privilege (see "Purchase of Shares-Initial Sales Charge
Alternative-Class A Shares") or Class B shares or Class C shares and incurs a
contingent deferred sales charge may reinvest up to the full amount redeemed at
net asset value at the time of the reinvestment, in the same class of shares as
the case may be, of the Fund or of other Kemper Funds. The amount of any
contingent deferred sales charge also will be reinvested, but the amount of any
redemption fee will not be reinvested. These reinvested shares will retain their
original cost and purchase date for purposes of the contingent deferred sales
charge schedule. Also, a holder of Class B shares who has redeemed shares may
reinvest up to the full amount redeemed, less any applicable contingent deferred
sales charge that may have been imposed upon the redemption of such shares, at
net asset value in Class A shares of the Fund or of the other Kemper Funds
listed under "Special Features-Class A
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Shares-Combined Purchases." Purchases through the reinvestment privilege are
subject to the minimum investment requirements applicable to the shares being
purchased and may only be made for Kemper Funds available for sale in the
shareholder's state of residence as listed under "Special Features-Exchange
Privilege." The reinvestment privilege can be used only once as to any specific
shares and reinvestment must be effected within six months of the redemption. If
a loss is realized on the redemption of shares of the Fund, the reinvestment in
shares of the Fund may be subject to the "wash sale" rules if made within 30
days of the redemption, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such
loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, upon a reinvestment, the
shareholder may not be permitted to take into account sales charges incurred on
the original purchase of shares in computing their taxable gain or loss. The
reinvestment privilege may be terminated or modified at any time.
Redemption in Kind. Although it is the Fund's present policy to redeem in cash,
if the Board of Directors determines that a material adverse effect would be
experienced by the remaining shareholders if payment were made wholly in cash,
the Fund will satisfy the redemption request in whole or in part by a
distribution of portfolio securities in lieu of cash, in conformity with the
applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, taking such
securities at the same value used to determine net asset value, and selecting
the securities in such manner as the Board of Directors may deem fair and
equitable. If such a distribution occurred, shareholders receiving securities
and selling them could receive less than the redemption value of such securities
and in addition would incur certain transaction costs. Such a redemption would
not be as liquid as a redemption entirely in cash.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases. The Fund's Class A shares (or the
equivalent) may be purchased at the rate applicable to the discount bracket
attained by combining concurrent investments in Class A shares of any of the
following funds: Kemper Technology Fund, Kemper Total Return Fund, Kemper Growth
Fund, Kemper Small Capitalization Equity Fund, Kemper Income and Capital
Preservation Fund, Kemper Municipal Bond Fund, Kemper Strategic Income Fund,
Kemper High Yield Series, Kemper U.S. Government Securities Fund, Kemper
International Fund, Kemper State Tax-Free Income Series, Kemper Blue Chip Fund,
Kemper Global Income Fund, Kemper Target Equity Fund (series are subject to a
limited offering period), Kemper Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Kemper Cash
Reserves Fund, Kemper U.S. Mortgage Fund, Kemper Short-Intermediate Government
Fund, Kemper Value Plus Growth Fund, Kemper Value Series, Inc., Kemper Horizon
Fund, Kemper New Europe Fund, Inc., Kemper Asian Growth Fund, Kemper Aggressive
Growth Fund, Kemper Global/International Series, Inc., Kemper U.S. Growth and
Income Fund, Kemper Small Cap Relative Value Fund, Kemper-Dreman Financial
Services Fund, Kemper Value Fund, Kemper Global Discovery Fund, Kemper Classic
Growth Fund, Kemper High Yield Fund II, Kemper Equity Trust, Kemper Income
Trust, Kemper Funds Trust and Kemper Securities Trust ("Kemper Funds"). Except
as noted below, there is no combined purchase credit for direct purchases of
shares of Zurich Money Funds, Zurich YieldWise Funds, Cash Equivalent Fund,
Tax-Exempt California Money Market Fund, Cash Account Trust, Investors Municipal
Cash Fund or Investors Cash Trust ("Money Market Funds"), which are not
considered "Kemper Funds" for purposes hereof. For purposes of the Combined
Purchases feature described above as well as for the Letter of Intent and
Cumulative Discount features described below, employer sponsored employee
benefit plans using the subaccount record keeping system made available through
the Shareholder Service Agent may include: (a) Money Market Funds as "Kemper
Funds", (b) all classes of shares of any Kemper Fund and (c) the value of any
other plan investment, such as guaranteed investment contracts and employer
stock, maintained on such subaccount record keeping system.
Class A Shares -- Letter of Intent. The same reduced sales charges for Class A
shares, as shown in the applicable prospectus, also apply to the aggregate
amount of purchases of such Kemper Funds listed above made by any purchaser
within a 24-month period under a written Letter of Intent ("Letter") provided by
KDI. The Letter, which imposes no obligation to purchase or sell additional
Class A shares, provides for a price adjustment depending upon the actual amount
purchased within such period. The Letter provides that the first purchase
following execution of the Letter must be at least 5% of the amount of the
intended purchase, and that 5% of the amount of the intended purchase normally
will be held in escrow in the form of shares pending completion of the intended
purchase. If the total investments under the Letter are less than the intended
amount and thereby qualify only for a higher sales charge than actually paid,
the appropriate number of escrowed shares are redeemed and the proceeds used
toward satisfaction of the obligation to pay the increased sales charge. The
Letter for an employer sponsored employee benefit plan maintained on the
subaccount record keeping system available through the Shareholder Service Agent
may have special provisions regarding payment of any increased sales charge
resulting from a failure to complete the intended purchase under the Letter. A
shareholder may include the value (at the maximum offering price) of all shares
of such Kemper Funds held of record as of the initial purchase date under the
Letter as an "accumulation credit" toward the completion of the Letter, but no
price adjustment will be made on such shares. Only investments in Class A shares
are included in this privilege.
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Class A Shares -- Cumulative Discount. Class A shares of the Fund may also be
purchased at the rate applicable to the discount bracket attained by adding to
the cost of shares of the Fund being purchased, the value of all Class A shares
of the above mentioned Kemper Funds (computed at the maximum offering price at
the time of the purchase for which the discount is applicable) already owned by
the investor.
Class A Shares -- Availability of Quantity Discounts. An investor or the
investor's dealer or other financial services firm must notify the Shareholder
Service Agent or KDI whenever a quantity discount or reduced sales charge is
applicable to a purchase. Upon such notification, the investor will receive the
lowest applicable sales charge. Quantity discounts described above may be
modified or terminated at any time.
Exchange Privilege. Shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares may
exchange their shares for shares of the corresponding class of other Kemper
Funds in accordance with the provisions below. Redemptions with respect to any
one shareholder during any 90-day period in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or
1% of the net asset value of the Fund at the beginning of the period are not
eligible for the exchange privilege, and will be effected pursuant to the Fund's
redemption policies described above under "Redemption in-Kind."
Class A Shares. Class A shares of the Kemper Funds and shares of the Money
Market Funds listed under "Special Features-Class A Shares-Combined Purchases"
above may be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values,
subject to the redemption fee, if applicable. Shares of Money Market Funds and
the Kemper Cash Reserves Fund that were acquired by purchase (not including
shares acquired by dividend reinvestment) are subject to the applicable sales
charge on exchange. Series of Kemper Target Equity Fund are available on
exchange only during the Offering Period for such series as described in the
applicable prospectus. Cash Equivalent Fund, Tax-Exempt California Money Market
Fund, Cash Account Trust, Investor's Municipal Cash Fund and Investors Cash
Trust are available on exchange but only through a financial services firm
having a services agreement with KDI.
Class A shares of the Fund purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase
Privilege may be exchanged for Class A shares of another Kemper Fund or a Money
Market Fund under the exchange privilege described above without paying any
contingent deferred sales charge at the time of exchange. If the Class A shares
received on exchange are redeemed thereafter, a contingent deferred sales charge
may be imposed in accordance with the foregoing requirements provided that the
shares redeemed will retain their original cost and purchase date for purposes
of calculating the contingent deferred sales charge.
Class B Shares. Class B shares of the Fund and Class B shares of any other
Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features-Class A Shares-Combined Purchases"
may be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values, subject to
the redemption fee, if applicable. Class B shares may be exchanged without a
contingent deferred sales charge being imposed at the time of exchange. For
purposes of calculating the contingent deferred sales charge that may be imposed
upon the redemption of the Class B shares received on exchange, amounts
exchanged retain their original cost and purchase date.
Class C Shares. Class C shares of the Fund and Class C shares of any other
Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features-Class A Shares-Combined Purchases"
may be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values, subject to
the redemption fee, if applicable. Class C shares may be exchanged without a
contingent deferred sales charge being imposed at the time of exchange. For
determining whether there is a contingent deferred sales charge that may be
imposed upon the redemption of the Class C shares received by exchange, they
retain the cost and purchase date of the shares that were originally purchased
and exchanged.
General. Shares of a Kemper Fund with a value in excess of $1,000,000 (except
Kemper Cash Reserves Fund) acquired by exchange through another Kemper Fund, or
from a Money Market Fund, may not be exchanged thereafter until they have been
owned for 15 days (the "15-Day Hold Policy"). In addition, each fund reserves
the right to invoke the 15-Day Hold Policy for accounts of $1,000,000 or less
if, in the investment manager's judgement, the exchange activity may have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincides
with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to the Fund and, therefore,
may be subject to the 15-Day Hold Policy.
For purposes of determining whether the 15-Day Hold Policy applies to a
particular exchange, the value of the shares to be exchanged shall be computed
by aggregating the value of shares being exchanged for all accounts under common
control, discretion or advice, including without limitation accounts
administered by a financial services firm offering market timing, asset
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<PAGE>
allocation or similar services. The total value of shares being exchanged must
at least equal the minimum investment requirement of the Kemper Fund into which
they are being exchanged. Exchanges are made based on relative dollar values of
the shares involved in the exchange. There is no service fee for an exchange;
however, dealers or other firms may charge for their services in effecting
exchange transactions. Exchanges will be effected by redemption of shares of the
fund held and purchase of shares of the other fund. For federal income tax
purposes, any such exchange constitutes a sale upon which a gain or loss may be
realized, depending upon whether the value of the shares being exchanged is more
or less than the shareholder's adjusted cost basis of such shares. Shareholders
interested in exercising the exchange privilege may obtain prospectuses of the
other funds from dealers, other firms or KDI. Exchanges may be accomplished by a
written request to Kemper Service Company, Attention: Exchange Department, P.O.
Box 419557, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6557, or by telephone if the shareholder
has given authorization. Once the authorization is on file, the Shareholder
Service Agent will honor requests by telephone at 1-800-621-1048, subject to the
limitations on liability under "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares -- General."
Any share certificates must be deposited prior to any exchange of such shares.
During periods when it is difficult to contact the Shareholder Service Agent by
telephone, it may be difficult to use the telephone exchange privilege. The
exchange privilege is not a right and may be suspended, terminated or modified
at any time. Exchanges may only be made for funds that are available for sale in
the shareholder's state of residence. Currently, Tax-Exempt California Money
Market Fund is available for sale only in California and Investors Municipal
Cash Fund is available for sale only in certain states. Except as otherwise
permitted by applicable regulations, 60 days' prior written notice of any
termination or material change will be provided.
Systematic Exchange Privilege. The owner of $1,000 or more of any class of the
shares of a Kemper Fund or Money Market Fund may authorize the automatic
exchange of a specified amount ($100 minimum) of such shares for shares of the
same class of another such Kemper Fund, subject to the redemption fee, if
applicable. If selected, exchanges will be made automatically until the
privilege is terminated by the shareholder or the Kemper Fund. Exchanges are
subject to the terms and conditions described above under "Exchange Privilege,"
except that the $1,000 minimum investment requirement for the Kemper Fund
acquired on exchange is not applicable. This privilege may not be used for the
exchange of shares held in certificated form.
EXPRESS-Transfer. EXPRESS-Transfer permits the transfer of money via the
Automated Clearing House System (minimum $100 and maximum $50,000) from a
shareholder's bank, savings and loan, or credit union account to purchase shares
in the Fund. Shareholders can also redeem shares (minimum $100 and maximum
$50,000) from their Fund account and transfer the proceeds to their bank,
savings and loan, or credit union checking account. Shares purchased by check or
through EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit may not be redeemed under this
privilege until such shares have been owned for at least 10 days. By enrolling
in EXPRESS-Transfer, the shareholder authorizes the Shareholder Service Agent to
rely upon telephone instructions from any person to transfer the specified
amounts between the shareholder's Fund account and the predesignated bank,
savings and loan or credit union account, subject to the limitations on
liability under "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares -- General." Once enrolled
in EXPRESS-Transfer, a shareholder can initiate a transaction by calling Kemper
Shareholder Services toll free at 1-800-621-1048, Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Chicago time. Shareholders may terminate this privilege by
sending written notice to Kemper Service Company, P.O. Box 419415, Kansas City,
Missouri 64141-6415. Termination will become effective as soon as the
Shareholder Service Agent has had a reasonable amount of time to act upon the
request. EXPRESS-Transfer cannot be used with passbook savings accounts or for
tax-deferred plans such as Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs").
Bank Direct Deposit. A shareholder may purchase additional shares of the Fund
through an automatic investment program. With the Bank Direct Deposit Purchase
Plan, investments are made automatically (maximum $50,000) from the
shareholder's account at a bank, savings and loan or credit union into the
shareholder's Fund account. By enrolling in Bank Direct Deposit, the shareholder
authorizes the Fund and its agents to either draw checks or initiate Automated
Clearing House debits against the designated account at a bank or other
financial institution. This privilege may be selected by completing the
appropriate section on the Account Application or by contacting the Shareholder
Service Agent for appropriate forms. A shareholder may terminate his or her Plan
by sending written notice to Kemper Service Company, P.O. Box 419415, Kansas
City, Missouri 64141-6415. Termination by a shareholder will become effective
within thirty days after the Shareholder Service Agent has received the request.
The Fund may immediately terminate a shareholder's Plan in the event that any
item is unpaid by the shareholder's financial institution. The Fund may
terminate or modify this privilege at any time.
Payroll Direct Deposit and Government Direct Deposit. A shareholder may invest
in the Fund through Payroll Direct Deposit or Government Direct Deposit. Under
these programs, all or a portion of a shareholder's net pay or government check
is automatically invested in the Fund account each payment period. A shareholder
may terminate participation in these programs by giving written notice to the
shareholder's employer or government agency, as appropriate. (A reasonable time
to act is required.)
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The Fund is not responsible for the efficiency of the employer or government
agency making the payment or any financial institutions transmitting payments.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The owner of $5,000 or more of a class of the Fund's
shares at the offering price (net asset value plus, in the case of Class A
shares, the initial sales charge) may provide for the payment from the owner's
account of any requested dollar amount to be paid to the owner or a designated
payee monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually. The $5,000 minimum account
size is not applicable to IRAs. The minimum periodic payment is $100. The
maximum annual rate at which Class B shares may be redeemed (and Class A shares
purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege and Class C shares in
their first year following the purchase) under a systematic withdrawal plan is
10% of the net asset value of the account. Shares are redeemed so that the payee
will receive payment approximately the first of the month. Any income and
capital gain dividends will be automatically reinvested at net asset value. A
sufficient number of full and fractional shares will be redeemed to make the
designated payment. Depending upon the size of the payments requested and
fluctuations in the net asset value of the shares redeemed, redemptions for the
purpose of making such payments may reduce or even exhaust the account.
The purchase of Class A shares while participating in a systematic withdrawal
plan will ordinarily be disadvantageous to the investor because the investor
will be paying a sales charge on the purchase of shares at the same time that
the investor is redeeming shares upon which a sales charge may have already been
paid. Therefore, the Fund will not knowingly permit additional investments of
less than $2,000 if the investor is at the same time making systematic
withdrawals. KDI will waive the contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions
of Class A shares purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege, Class
B shares and Class C shares made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan. The
right is reserved to amend the systematic withdrawal plan on 30 days' notice.
The plan may be terminated at any time by the investor or the Fund.
Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans. The Shareholder Service Agent provides
retirement plan services and documents and KDI can establish investor accounts
in any of the following types of retirement plans:
o Traditional, Roth and Education Individual Retirement Accounts
("IRAs"). This includes Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP") IRA
accounts and prototype documents.
o 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts. This type of plan is available to
employees of most non-profit organizations.
o Prototype money purchase pension and profit-sharing plans may be
adopted by employers. The maximum annual contribution per participant
is the lesser of 25% of compensation or $30,000.
Brochures describing the above plans as well as model defined benefit
plans, target benefit plans, 457 plans, 401(k) plans and materials for
establishing them are available from the Shareholder Service Agent upon request.
Investors should consult with their own tax advisers before establishing a
retirement plan.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of the Fund is the value of one share and
is determined separately for each class by dividing the value of the Fund's net
assets attributable to that class by the number of shares of that class
outstanding. The per share net asset value of the Class B and Class C shares of
the Fund will generally be lower than that of the Class A shares of the Fund
because of the higher expenses borne by the Class B and Class C shares. The net
asset value of shares of the Fund is computed as of the close of regular trading
on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is
scheduled to be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther
King Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available
are generally valued at market value as of the value time in the manner
described below. All other securities may be valued at fair value as determined
in good faith by or under the direction of the Board.
With respect to the Funds with securities listed primarily on foreign
exchanges, such securities may trade on days when the Fund's net asset value is
not computed; and therefore, the net asset value of a Fund may be significantly
affected on days when the investor has no access to the Fund.
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An exchange-traded equity security is valued at its most recent sale
price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the calculated mean between
the most recent bid quotation and the most recent asked quotation (the
"Calculated Mean"). Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the
most recent bid quotation. An equity security which is traded on The Nasdaq
Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq") is valued at its most recent sale price. Lacking
any sales, the security is valued at the most recent bid quotation. The value of
an equity security not quoted on Nasdaq, but traded in another over-the-counter
market, is its most recent sale price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued
at the Calculated Mean. Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the
most recent bid quotation.
Debt securities are valued at prices supplied by the Fund's pricing
agent(s) which reflect broker/dealer supplied valuations and electronic data
processing techniques. Money market instruments purchased with an original
maturity of sixty days or less, maturing at par, shall be valued at amortized
cost, which the Board believes approximates market value. If it is not possible
to value a particular debt security pursuant to these valuation methods, the
value of such security is the most recent bid quotation supplied by a bona fide
marketmaker. If it is not possible to value a particular debt security pursuant
to the above methods, the Adviser may calculate the price of that debt security,
subject to limitations established by the Board.
An exchange-traded options contract on securities, currencies, futures
and other financial instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such
exchange. Lacking any sales, the options contract is valued at the Calculated
Mean. Lacking any Calculated Mean, the options contract is valued at the most
recent bid quotation in the case of a purchased options contract, or the most
recent asked quotation in the case of a written options contract. An options
contract on securities, currencies and other financial instruments traded
over-the-counter is valued at the most recent bid quotation in the case of a
purchased options contract and at the most recent asked quotation in the case of
a written options contract. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent
settlement price. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are valued at the
value of the underlying currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
If a security is traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more
exchanges and in the over-the-counter market, quotations are taken from the
market in which the security is traded most extensively.
If, in the opinion of the Valuation Committee of the Corporation's
Board of Directors, the value of a portfolio asset as determined in accordance
with these procedures does not represent the fair market value of the portfolio
asset, the value of the portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the
opinion of the Valuation Committee, represents fair market value on the basis of
all available information. The value of other portfolio holdings owned by the
Fund is determined in a manner which, in the discretion of the Valuation
Committee, most fairly reflects fair market value of the property on the
valuation date.
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolio assets in
terms of the currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local
Currency"), the value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is
calculated by converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends. The Fund intends to follow the practice of distributing substantially
all of its investment company taxable income which includes any excess of net
realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term capital losses.
The Fund may follow the practice of distributing the entire excess of net
realized long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses.
However, the Fund may retain all or part of such gain for reinvestment, after
paying the related federal taxes for which shareholders may then be able to
claim a credit against their federal tax liability. If the Fund does not
distribute the amount of capital gain and/or net investment income required to
be distributed by an excise tax provision of the Code, the Fund may be subject
to that excise tax. In certain circumstances, the Fund may determine that it is
in the interest of shareholders to distribute less than the required amount.
(See "TAXES.")
The Fund normally distributes annual dividends of net investment
income. Any net realized short-term and long-term capital gains for the Fund are
distributed at least annually. Income and capital gain dividends of the Fund are
automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, without a sales
charge, unless the investor makes an election otherwise. Distributions of net
capital gains realized during each fiscal year will be made at least annually
before the end of the Fund's fiscal year on
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October 31. Additional distributions, including distributions of net short-term
capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, may be made, if
necessary.
The level of income dividends per share (as a percentage of net asset
value) will be lower for Class B and Class C shares than for Class A shares
primarily as a result of the distribution services fee applicable to Class B and
Class C shares.
Distributions of capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same proportion for
each class.
Dividends will be reinvested in shares of the Fund unless shareholders
indicate in writing that they wish to receive them in cash or in shares of other
Kemper Funds as provided in the prospectus.
Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code and, if so qualified, generally will not be
liable for federal income taxes to the extent its earnings are distributed. To
so qualify, the Fund must satisfy certain income and asset diversification
requirements, and must distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (including net short-term capital gain).
If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify for the special federal
income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable
income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without
any deduction for distributions to its shareholders). In such event, dividend
distributions would be taxable to shareholders to the extent of a Fund's
earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
in the case of corporate shareholders.
The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on amounts
required to be but not distributed under a prescribed formula. The formula
requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions
representing at least 98% of the Fund's ordinary income for each calendar year,
at least 98% of the excess of its capital gains over capital losses (adjusted
for certain ordinary losses) realized during the one-year period ending October
31 during such year, and all ordinary income and capital gains for prior years
that were not previously distributed.
Investment company taxable income includes dividends, interest and net
short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, less
expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal year are computed by taking
into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized
short-term capital losses are retained by the Fund for reinvestment, requiring
federal income taxes to be paid thereon by the Fund, the Fund intends to elect
to treat such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a
result, each shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital
gains, will be able to claim a relative share of federal income taxes paid by
the Fund on such gains as a credit against personal federal income tax
liability, and will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis on Fund
shares by the difference between such reported gains and the individual tax
credit.
Distributions of investment company taxable income are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income.
Properly designated distributions of the excess of net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund
have been held by such shareholders. Such distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction.
Distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or
in cash. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of
additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each
share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment
date.
If shares are held in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement
plan, income and gain will not be taxable each year. Instead, the taxable
portion of amounts held in a tax-deferred account generally will be subject to
tax as ordinary income only when distributed from that account.
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All distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each
shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends and capital gains
distributions declared in October, November or December and payable to
shareholders of record in such a month will be deemed to have been received by
shareholders on December 31 if paid during January of the following year.
Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of another Kemper fund,
may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also
subject to these reporting requirements.
Distributions by the Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value
of the Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis such distribution would nevertheless be taxable to the
shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above even though,
from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will then receive a partial return of capital upon the
distribution, which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
Dividend and interest income received by the Fund from sources outside
the U.S. may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such foreign
jurisdictions. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce
or eliminate these foreign taxes, however, and foreign countries generally do
not impose taxes on capital gains respecting investments by foreign investors.
The Fund may qualify for and make the election permitted under Section 853 of
the Code so that shareholders may (subject to limitations) be able to claim a
credit or deduction on their federal income tax return form, and may be required
to treat as part of the amounts distributed to them, their pro rata portion of
qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries (which taxes related
primarily to investment income). The Fund may make an election under Section 853
of the Code, provided that more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the
Fund at the close of the taxable year consists of securities as foreign
corporations. The foreign tax credit available to shareholders is subject to
certain limitations imposed by the Code, except in the case of certain electing
individual taxpayers who have limited creditable foreign taxes and no foreign
source income other than passive investment-type income. Furthermore, the
foreign tax credit is eliminated with respect to foreign taxes withheld on
dividends if the dividend-paying shares or the shares of the Fund are held by
the Fund or the shareholders, as the case may be, for less than 16 days (46 days
in the case of preferred shares) during the 30-day period (90-day period for
preferred shares) beginning 15 days (45 days for preferred shares) before the
shares become ex-dividend. In addition, if the Fund fails to satisfy these
holding period requirements, it cannot elect under Section 853 to pass through
to shareholders the ability to claim a deduction for the related foreign taxes.
The Fund may invest in shares of certain foreign corporations which may
be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs").
If the Fund receives a so-called "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC
stock, the Fund itself may be subject to a tax on a portion of the excess
distribution. Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gains from the sale
of the PFIC shares are treated as "excess distributions." In general, under the
PFIC rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably
over the period during which the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund will be
subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is
allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest factor will be added to
the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Excess
distributions allocated to the current taxable year are characterized as
ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain
excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.
The Fund may make an election to mark to market its shares of these
foreign investment companies in lieu of being subject to U.S. federal income
taxation. At the end of each taxable year to which the election applies, the
Fund would report as ordinary income the amount by which the fair market value
of the foreign company's stock exceeds the Fund's adjusted basis in these
shares; any mark to market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of
shares would be deductible as ordinary loss to the extent of any net mark to
market gains included in income in prior years. The effect of the election would
be to treat excess distributions and gain on dispositions as ordinary income
which is not subject to the Fund level tax when distributed to shareholders as a
dividend. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to include as income and gain its
share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of certain foreign
investment companies in lieu of being taxed in the manner described above.
Equity options (including covered call options on portfolio stock)
written or purchased by the Fund will be subject to tax under Section 1234 of
the Code. In general, no loss is recognized by the Fund upon payment of a
premium in connection with the purchase of a put or call option. The character
of any gain or loss recognized (i.e., long-term or short-term) will generally
depend,
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in the case of a lapse or sale of the option, on the Fund's holding period for
the option and, in the case of an exercise of the option, on the Fund's holding
period for the underlying security. The purchase of a put option may constitute
a short sale for federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the
holding period of the underlying security or substantially identical security in
the Fund's portfolio. If the Fund writes a call option, no gain is recognized
upon its receipt of a premium. If the option lapses or is closed out, any gain
or loss is treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option is
exercised, any resulting gain or loss is short-term or long-term capital gain or
loss depending on the holding period of the underlying security. The exercise of
a put option written by the Fund is not a taxable transaction for the Fund.
Many futures and forward contracts entered into by the Fund and all
listed nonequity options written or purchased by the Fund (including covered
call options written on debt securities and options purchased or written on
futures contracts) will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a tax
election to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise or
closing out of any such position will be treated as 60% long-term and 40%
short-term, and on the last trading day of the Fund's fiscal year (and
generally, on October 31 for purposes of the 4% excise tax), all outstanding
Section 1256 positions will be marked-to-market (i.e., treated as if such
positions were closed out at their closing price on such day), with any
resulting gain or loss recognized as 60% long-term and 40% short-term. Under
Section 988 of the Code, discussed below, foreign currency gain or loss from
foreign currency-related forward contracts, certain futures and options and
similar financial instruments entered into or acquired by the Fund will be
treated as ordinary income or loss. Under certain circumstances, entry into a
futures contract to sell a security may constitute a short sale for federal
income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding period of the
underlying security or a substantially identical security in the Fund's
portfolio.
Positions of the Fund consisting of at least one stock and at least one
stock option or other position with respect to a related security which
substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such stock
could be treated as a "straddle" which is governed by Section 1092 of the Code,
the operation of which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding
periods of stock or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into
long-term capital losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for any
"qualified covered call options" on stock written by the Fund.
Positions of the Fund consisting of at least one position not governed
by Section 1256 and at least one future, forward, or nonequity option contract
which is governed by Section 1256 which substantially diminishes the Fund's risk
of loss with respect to such other position will be treated as a "mixed
straddle." Although mixed straddles are subject to the straddle rules of Section
1092 of the Code, certain tax elections exist for them which reduce or eliminate
the operation of these rules. The Fund will monitor its transactions in options
and futures and may make certain tax elections in connection with these
investments.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, Section 1259 of the Code may
require the Fund to recognize gain (but not loss) from a constructive sale of
certain "appreciated financial positions" if the Fund enters into a short sale,
offsetting notional principal contract, futures or forward contract transaction
with respect to the appreciated position or substantially identical property.
Appreciated financial positions subject to this constructive sale treatment are
interests (including options, futures and forward contracts and short sales) in
stock, partnership interests, certain actively traded trust instruments and
certain debt instruments. Constructive sale treatment of appreciated financial
positions does not apply to certain transactions closed in the 90-day period
ending with the 30th day after the close of the Fund's taxable year, if certain
conditions are met.
Similarly, under Section 1233(h) of the Code, if the Fund enters into a
short sale of property that becomes substantially worthless, the Fund will be
required to recognize gain at that time as though it had closed the short sale.
Future regulations may apply similar treatment to other strategic transactions
with respect to property that becomes substantially worthless.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues receivables or
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually
collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as
ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities
denominated in a foreign currency, and on disposition of certain futures,
forward or options contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or
contracts and the date of disposition are also treated as ordinary gain or loss.
These gains or losses, referred to under the Code as "Section 988" gains or
losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company
taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.
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If the Fund holds zero coupon securities or other securities which are
issued at a discount a portion of the difference between the issue price and the
face value of such securities ("original issue discount") will be treated as
income to the Fund each year, even though the Fund will not receive cash
interest payments from these securities. This original issue discount (imputed
income) will comprise a part of the investment company taxable income of the
Fund which must be distributed to shareholders in order to maintain the
qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company and to avoid federal
income tax at the Fund level. In addition, if the Fund invests in certain high
yield original issue discount obligations issued by corporations, a portion of
the original issue discount accruing on the obligation may be eligible for the
deduction for dividends received by corporations. In such an event, properly
designated dividends of investment company taxable income received from the Fund
by its corporate shareholders, to the extent attributable to such portion of the
accrued original issue discount, may be eligible for the deduction received by
corporations.
The Fund will be required to report to the IRS all distributions of
taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption
or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders.
Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code,
distributions of taxable income and capital gains and proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be
subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of
non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their
taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their
status under the federal income tax law. Withholding may also be required if a
shareholder or the Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that the taxpayer
identification number furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the
shareholder has previously failed to report interest or dividend income. If the
withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds,
whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the
amounts required to be withheld.
A shareholder who redeems shares of the Fund (including any in-kind
redemption) will recognize capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes
measured by the difference between the value of the shares redeemed and the
adjusted cost basis of the shares. Any loss recognized on the redemption of Fund
shares held six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the
extent that the shareholder has received any long-term capital gain dividends on
such shares. A shareholder who has redeemed shares of the Fund or any other
Kemper Mutual Fund listed under "Special Features-Class A Shares-Combined
Purchases" (other than shares of Kemper Cash Reserves Fund not acquired by
exchange from another Kemper Mutual Fund) may reinvest the amount redeemed at
net asset value at the time of the reinvestment in shares of the Fund or in
shares of the other Kemper Mutual Funds within six months of the redemption as
described under "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares-Reinvestment Privilege." If
redeemed shares were held less than 91 days, then the lesser of (a) the sales
charge waived on the reinvested shares, or (b) the sales charge incurred on the
redeemed shares, is included in the basis of the reinvested shares and is not
included in the basis of the redeemed shares. If a shareholder realizes a loss
on the redemption or exchange of the Fund's shares and reinvests in shares of
the Fund within 30 days before or after the redemption or exchange, the
transactions may be subject to the wash sale rules resulting in a postponement
of the recognition of such loss for federal income tax purposes. An exchange of
the Fund's shares for shares of another fund is treated as a redemption and
reinvestment for federal income tax purposes upon which gain or loss may be
recognized.
Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on
distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund's shares.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each
shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely
to the application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and
residents and U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each
shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax
consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that
such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or
at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting
ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income
from U.S. sources under the Code.
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Retirement Plans. Shares of the Fund may be purchased as an investment in a
number of kinds of retirement plans, including qualified pension, profit
sharing, money purchase pension, and 401(k) plans, Code Section 403(b) custodial
accounts, and individual retirement accounts.
Individual Retirement Accounts. One of the tax-deferred retirement plan accounts
that may hold Fund shares is an individual retirement account ("IRA"). There are
three kinds of IRAs that an individual may establish: traditional IRAs, Roth
IRAs and education IRAs. With a traditional IRA, an individual may to make a
contribution of up to $2,000 or, if less, the amount of the individual's earned
income for any taxable year prior to the year the individual reaches age 70 1/2.
The contribution will be fully deductible if neither the individual nor his or
her spouse is an active participant in an employer's retirement plan. If an
individual is (or has a spouse who is) an active participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan , the amount, if any, of IRA contributions
that are deductible by such an individual is determined by the individual's (or,
if married filing jointly, the couple's) adjusted gross income for the year.
Even if an individual's contributions to an IRA for a taxable year are not
deductible, the individual nonetheless may make nondeductible contributions up
to $2,000, or 100% of earned income if less, for that year. A higher-earning
spouse also may contribute up to $2,000 per year to the lower-earning spouse's
own IRA, whether or not the lower-earning spouse has earned income of less than
$2,000, as long as the spouses' joint earned income is at least equal to the
combined amount of the spouses' IRA contributions for the year. There are
special rules for determining how withdrawals are to be taxed if an IRA contains
both deductible and nondeductible amounts. In general, a proportionate amount of
each withdrawal will be deemed to be made from nondeductible contributions;
amounts treated as a return of nondeductible contributions will not be taxable.
Lump sum distributions from another qualified retirement plan, may be rolled
over into a traditional IRA, also.
With a Roth IRA, an individual may make only nondeductible
contributions; contributions can be made of up to $2,000 or, if less, the amount
of the individual's earned income for any taxable year, but only if the
individual's adjusted gross income for the year is less than $95,000 or, if
married filing jointly, the couple's adjust gross income is less than $150,000
The maximum contribution amount phases out and falls to zero between $95,000 and
$110,000 for single persons and between $150,000 and $160,000 for married
persons. Contributions to a Roth IRA may be made even after the individual
attains age 70 1/2. Distributions from a Roth IRA that satisfy certain
requirements will not be taxable when taken; other distributions of earnings
will be taxable. An individual with adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less
generally may elect to roll over amounts from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
The full taxable amount held in the traditional IRA that is rolled over to a
Roth IRA will be taxable in the year of the rollover, except rollovers made for
1998, which may be included in taxable income over a four year period.
An education IRA provides a method for saving for the higher education
expenses of a child; it is not designed for retirement savings. Generally,
amounts held in an education IRA may be used to pay for qualified higher
education expenses at an eligible (postsecondary) educational institution. An
individual may contribute to an education IRA for the benefit of a child under
18 years old if the individual's income does not exceed certain limits. The
maximum contribution for the benefit of any one child is $500 per year.
Contributions are not deductible, but earnings accumulate tax-free until
withdrawal, and withdrawals used to pay qualified higher education expenses of
the beneficiary (or transferred to an education IRA of a qualified family
member) will not be taxable. Other withdrawals will be subject to tax.
In addition, there are special IRA programs available for employers
under which an employer may establish IRA accounts for its employees in lieu of
establishing more complicated retirement plans, such as qualified profit sharing
or 401(k) plans. Known as SEP-IRAs (Simplified Employee Pension-IRA) and SIMPLE
IRAs, they permit employers to maintain a retirement program for their employees
without being subject to a number of the recordkeeping and testing requirements
applicable to qualified plans.
Qualified Retirement Plans. Fund shares also may be held in profit
sharing, money purchase pension, and 401(k) plan accounts. An employer, whether
a corporation, partnership or other kind of business entity, generally may
maintain one or more qualified retirement plans for its employees. These plans,
which are qualified plans under Code Section 401(a), are subject to numerous
rules relating to such matters as the maximum contribution that can be allocated
to participant's accounts, nondiscrimination, and distributions from the plan,
as well as being subject in many cases to the fiduciary duty and other
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974, as amended.
Businesses considering adopting a qualified retirement plan are encouraged to
seek competent professional advice before adopting one of these plans.
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403(b) Plan Accounts. Fund shares also may be purchased as an
investment for Code Section 403(b)(7) custodial accounts. In general, employees
of tax-exempt organizations described in Code Section 501(c)(3) and of public
school systems are eligible to participate in 403(b) accounts. These
arrangements may permit employer contributions and/or employee salary reduction
contributions, and are subject to rules relating to such matters as the maximum
contribution than can be made to a participant's account, nondiscrimination, and
distributions from the account.
General Information. Information regarding the establishment of IRAs or
other retirement plans is available from the Shareholder Service Agent upon
request. A retirement plan custodian may charge fees in connection with
establishing and maintaining the plan. An investor should consult with a
competent adviser for specific advice concerning his or her tax status and the
possible benefits of establishing one or more retirement plan accounts. The
description above is only very general; there are numerous other rules
applicable to these plans to be considered before establishing one.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of the
provisions of tax law in light of their particular tax situations.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund's historical performance or return for a class of shares may
be shown in the form of "average annual total return" and "total return"
figures. These measures of performance are described below. Performance
information will be computed separately for each class.
The Fund may advertise several types of performance information for a
class of shares, including "average annual total return" and "total return."
Performance information will be computed separately for Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. Each of these figures is based upon historical results and is
not representative of the future performance of any class of the Fund.
Average annual total return and total return measure both the net
investment income generated by, and the effect of any realized or unrealized
appreciation or depreciation of, the underlying investments in the Fund's
portfolio. The Fund's average annual total return quotation is computed in
accordance with a standardized method prescribed by rules of the SEC. The
average annual total return for each class of the Fund for a specific period is
found by first taking a hypothetical $1,000 investment ("initial investment") in
the class' shares on the first day of the period, adjusting to deduct the
maximum sales charge (in the case of Class A shares), and computing the
"redeemable value" of that investment at the end of the period. Average annual
return quotations will be determined to the nearest 1/100th of 1%. The
redeemable value in the case of Class B shares or Class C shares include the
effect of the applicable contingent deferred sales charge that may be imposed at
the end of the period. The redeemable value is then divided by the initial
investment, and this quotient is taken to the nth root (n representing the
number of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted from the result, which is
then expressed as a percentage. Average annual return calculated in accordance
with this formula does not take into account any required payments for federal
of state income taxes. Such quotations for Class B shares of the Fund for
periods over six years will reflect conversion of such shares to Class A shares
at the end of the sixth year. The calculation assumes that all income and
capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been reinvested at net asset value
on the reinvestment dates during the period. Average annual total return may
also be calculated in a manner not consistent with the standard formula
described above, without deducting the maximum sales charge or contingent
deferred sales charge.
Average Annual Total Return = (ERV/P)^1/n - 1
Where: P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the value,
at the end of the applicable period, of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
Calculation of the Fund's total return is not subject to a standardized
formula, except when calculated for the Fund's "Financial Highlights" table in
the Fund's financial statements and prospectus. Total return performance for a
specific period is calculated by first taking a hypothetical investment
("initial investment") in the Fund's shares on the first day of the period,
either
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adjusting or not adjusting to deduct the maximum sales charge (in the case of
Class A shares), and computing the "ending value" of that investment at the end
of the period. The total return percentage is then determined by subtracting the
initial investment from the ending value and dividing the remainder by the
initial investment and expressing the result as a percentage. The ending value
in the case of the Fund's Class B shares or Class C shares may or may not
include the effect of the applicable contingent deferred sales charge that may
be imposed at the end of the period. The calculation assumes that all income and
capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been reinvested at net asset value
on the reinvestment dates during the period. Total return may also be shown as
the increased dollar value of the hypothetical investment over the period. Total
return calculations that do not include the effect of the sales charge for the
Fund's Class A shares or the contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and
Class C shares would be reduced if such charges were included.
The Fund's performance figures are based upon historical results and
are not necessarily representative of future performance. The Fund's Class A
shares are sold at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the
offering price. Class B and Class C shares are sold at net asset value.
Redemption of the Fund's Class B shares may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge that is 4% in the first year following the purchase, declines by a
specified percentage each year thereafter and becomes zero after six years.
Redemption of the Fund's Class C shares may be subject to a 1% contingent
deferred sales charge in the first year following the purchase. Returns and net
asset value will fluctuate. Factors affecting the Fund's performance include
general market conditions, operating expenses and investment management. Any
additional fees charged by a dealer or other financial services firm would
reduce returns described in this section. Shares of the Fund are redeemable at
the then current net asset value, which may be more or less than original cost.
There are differences and similarities between the investments which
the Fund may purchase and the investments measured by the indices which are
described herein. The Consumer Price Index is generally considered to be a
measure of inflation. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor's
500 Stock Index are indices of common stocks which are considered to be
generally representative of the U.S. stock market. The Financial Times/Standard
& Poor's Actuaries World Index-Europe(TM) is a managed index that is generally
representative of the equity securities of European markets. The foregoing
indices are unmanaged. The net asset value and returns of the Fund will
fluctuate.
Investors may want to compare the performance of the Fund to
certificates of deposit issued by banks and other depository institutions.
Certificates of deposit may offer fixed or variable interest rates and principal
is guaranteed and may be insured. Withdrawal of deposits prior to maturity will
normally be subject to a penalty. Rates offered by banks and other depository
institutions are subject to change at any time specified by the issuing
institution. Information regarding bank products may be based upon, among other
things, the BANK RATE MONITOR National Index(TM) for certificates of deposit,
which is an unmanaged index and is based on stated rates and the annual
effective yields of certificates of deposit in the ten largest banking markets
in the United States, or the CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. Certificate of
Deposit Index, which is an unmanaged index based on the average monthly yields
of certificates of deposit.
Investors also may want to compare the performance of the Fund to that
of U.S. Treasury bills, notes or bonds. Treasury obligations are issued in
selected denominations. Rates of Treasury obligations are fixed at the time of
issuance and payment of principal and interest is backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Treasury. The market value of such instruments will generally
fluctuate inversely with interest rates prior to maturity and will equal par
value at maturity. Information regarding the performance of Treasury obligations
may be based upon, among other things, the Towers Data Systems U.S. Treasury
Bill index, which is an unmanaged index based on the average monthly yield of
treasury bills maturing in six months. Due to their short maturities, Treasury
bills generally experience very low market value volatility.
Investors may want to compare the performance of the Fund to that of
money market funds. Money market funds seek to maintain a stable net asset value
and yield fluctuates. Information regarding the performance of money market
funds may be based upon, among other things, IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund
Averages(R) (All Taxable). As reported by IBC/Donoghue's, all investment results
represent total return (annualized results for the period net of management fees
and expenses) and one year investment results are effective annual yields
assuming reinvestment of dividends.
The Growth Fund of Spain, Inc. ("GSP") was reorganized as an open-end
series of the Corporation consisting of Class A, Class B, and Class C shares
(the "Reorganization"). GSP had only one class of shares, which were not subject
to Rule 12b-1 fees or sales charges; the shares of GSP outstanding as of
December 11, 1998 were exchanged for Class A shares of the
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Fund, which class also has no Rule 12b-1 fees but is subject to an
administrative services fee. The performance figures shown below reflect the
performance of the Fund prior to the Reorganization, restated in the case of
standardized return, to reflect the sales charge of the Fund's Class A shares.
Different fees and expenses applicable to each of the classes, including Rule
12b-1 fees applicable to the Class B and C shares (shares of which did not exist
as of the close of the Fund's most recent fiscal year) and an administrative
services fee applicable to each class, will affect the performance of those
classes.
For purposes of the performance computations for the Fund, it is
assumed that all dividends and capital gains distributions made by the Fund are
reinvested at net asset value in additional shares of the same class during the
designated period. In calculating the ending redeemable value for Class A shares
and assuming complete redemption at the end of the applicable period, the
maximum 5.75% sales charge is deducted from the initial $1,000 payment (for
Class B shares and Class C shares, the applicable CDSC imposed upon redemption
of Class B shares or Class C shares held for the period would be deducted).
Standardized Return quotations for the Fund do not take into account any
applicable redemption fees or required payments for federal or state income
taxes.
Standardized Return quotations are determined to the nearest 1/100 of 1%.
The Fund may, from time to time, include in advertisements, promotional
literature or reports to shareholders or prospective investors total return data
that are not calculated according to the formula set forth above
("Non-Standardized Return"). Initial sales charges, CDSCs and redemption fees
are not taken into account in calculating Non-Standardized Return; a sales
charge or redemption fee, if deducted, would reduce the return.
The following tables summarize the calculation of Standardized and
Non-Standardized Return for the Class A shares of the Fund based on performance
information of The Growth Fund of Spain, Inc. for the periods indicated. During
the periods covered by the tables, the Fund was subadvised by BSN Gestion. This
subadvisory relationship was discontinued in connection with the Reorganization.
On April 6, 2000, the Fund changed from Growth Fund of Spain, an
open-end equity fund that sought long-term capital appreciation by investing
primarily in the equity securities of Spanish companies, to its current
strategy. The fund's performance prior to that date would have been different
had the current strategy been in effect.
Average Annual Total Return for Period as of October 31, 1999(1)
One Year FiveYear Life of Class
Class A -8.95% 17.14% 10.61%(2)
Class B -- -- -13.65(3)
Class C -- -- -10.95(3)
- -------------------------
(1) Reflects the deduction of the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%,
but does reflect any applicable redemption fees.
(2) Since February 14, 1990 (The Growth Fund of Spain, Inc.).
(3) Since December 14, 1998 (Growth Fund of Spain).
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The officers and directors of the Corporation, their birth dates, their
principal occupations and their affiliations, if any, with the Adviser, and KDI,
the principal underwriter, are listed below. All persons named as directors also
serve in similar capacities for other funds advised by the Adviser:
MARK S. CASADY (9/21/60)* President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts, Managing Director, Adviser; formerly, Institutional Sales Manager
of an unaffiliated mutual fund distributor.
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<PAGE>
JAMES E. AKINS (10/15/26) Director (15), 2904 Garfield Terrace, N.W.,
Washington, D.C.; Consultant on International, Political and Economic Affairs;
formerly a career United States Foreign Service Officer, Energy Adviser for the
White House and United States Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, 1973-76.
JAMES R. EDGAR (07/22/46) Director, 1927 County Road, 150E, Seymour, Illinois;
Distinguished Fellow, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of
Illinois; Director, Kemper Insurance Companies; formerly, Governor of the State
of Illinois, 1991-1999.
ARTHUR R. GOTTSCHALK (2/13/25) Director (15), 10642 Brookridge Drive, Frankfort,
Illinois, Retired; formerly, President, Illinois Manufacturers Association;
Trustee, Illinois Masonic Medical Center; formerly, Illinois State Senator;
formerly, Vice President, The Reuben H. Donnelly Corp; formerly, attorney.
FREDERICK T. KELSEY (4/25/27) Director (15), 4010 Arbor Lane, Unit 102,
Northfield, Illinois; Retired; formerly, consultant to Goldman, Sachs & Co.;
formerly, President, Treasurer and Trustee of Institutional Liquid Assets and
its affiliated mutual funds; Trustee of the Northern Institutional Funds,
formerly, Trustee of the Pilot Funds.
FRED B. RENWICK (2/1/30) Director (15), 3 Hanover Square, New York, New York;
Professor of Finance, New York University, Stern School of Business; Director,
TIFF Industrial Program, Inc., Director, the Wartburg Home Foundation; Chairman
Investment Committee of Morehouse College Board of Trustees; Chairman, American
Bible Society Investment Committee; formerly member of the Investment Committee
of Atlanta University Board of Trustees; formerly Director of Board of Pensions,
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
THOMAS W. LITTAUER (4/26/55)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
KATHRYN L. QUIRK (12/3/52)*, Director and Vice President, 345 Park Avenue, New
York, New York; Managing Director, Adviser
JOHN G. WEITHERS (8/8/33) Director (15), 311 Spring Lake, Hinsdale, Illinois;
Retired; formerly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Chicago
Stock Exchange; Director, Federal Life Insurance Company, President of the
Members of the Corporation and Trustee, DePaul University.
PHILIP J. COLLORA (11/15/45)* Vice President and Secretary, 222 South Riverside
Plaza, Chicago, Illinois; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary,
Adviser.
JOYCE E. CORNELL (3/26/44)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
DIEGO ESPINOSA (6/30/62)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
JOAN R. GREGORY (8/4/45)* Vice President, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York;
Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
TARA C. KENNEY (10/7/60)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
ANN M. McCREARY (11/6/56)* Vice President, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York;
Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
SHERIDAN P. REILLY (2/27/52)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
M. ISABEL SALTZMAN (12/22/54)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
WILLIAM F. TRUSCOTT (9/14/60)* Vice President, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New
York; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
LINDA J. WONDRACK (9/12/64)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
JOHN R. HEBBLE (6/27/58), Treasurer*, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Adviser.
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<PAGE>
BRENDA LYONS (2/21/63), Assistant Treasurer*, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Adviser
MAUREEN E. KANE (2/14/62), Assistant Secretary*, Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts; Vice President, Adviser; formerly, Assistant Vice
President of an unaffiliated investment management firm; prior thereto,
Associate Staff Attorney of an unaffiliated investment management firm;
Associate, Peabody & Arnold (law firm).
CAROLINE PEARSON (4/1/62), Assistant Secretary*, Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Adviser; formerly, Associate,
Dechert Price & Rhoads
* Interested persons of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act.
Compensation of Officers and Directors
The Directors and Officers who are "interested persons" as designated above
receive no compensation from the Fund. The table below shows amounts paid to or
accrued for those Directors who are not designated "interested persons" by the
Corporation, during the 1999 fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggregate
Compensation Total
From all Funds in the Kemper Total Compensation
Global/ Compensation from From Kemper Fund
International Series, Inc., Growth Fund of Complex Paid to
Name of Board Member except for Growth Fund of Spain Spain Board Members (1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
James E. Akins $5,800 $8,200 $168,700
James R. Edgar(2) $5,000 $1,700 $84,600
Arthur R. Gottschalk (3) $6,700 $8,300 $166,600
Frederick T. Kelsey $6,700 $8,300 $168,700
Fred B. Renwick $5,600 $8,100 $168,700
John G. Weithers $5,700 $8,200 $171,200
</TABLE>
(1) Includes compensation for service on the boards of 17 Kemper funds with
51 portfolios. Each board member currently serves as a board member of
17 Kemper Funds with 51 fund portfolios.
(2) Appointed as director on May 27, 1999.
(3) Includes deferred fees. Pursuant to deferred compensation agreements
with the Funds, deferred amounts accrue interest monthly at a rate
approximate to the yield of Zurich Money Funds -- Zurich Money Market
Fund. Total deferred amounts and interest accrued for the latest fiscal
year amounted to $25,000 for Mr. Gottschalk.
As of April 10, 2000 the Directors and Officers as a group owned less than
1% of the Fund's shares.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
The Corporation may issue a series or 600,000,000 shares of capital
stock, all having $.001 par value, which may be divided by the Board of
Directors into classes of shares. 100,000,000 shares have been classified for
each of the Corporation's six series. Currently, each series offers three
classes of shares. These are Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The Board of
Directors may authorize the issuance of additional classes and additional series
if deemed desirable, each with its own investment objectives, policies and
restrictions. Since the Corporation may offer multiple funds, each is known as a
"series company." Shares of a fund have equal non-cumulative voting rights
except that Class B and Class C shares have separate and exclusive voting rights
with respect to each such class' Rule 12b-1 Plan. Shares of each Fund also have
equal rights with respect to dividends, assets and liquidation of such fund
subject to any preferences (such as resulting from different Rule 12b-1
distribution fees), rights or privileges of any classes of shares of the fund.
Shares of each fund are fully paid and nonassessable when issued, are
transferable without restriction and have no preemptive or conversion rights.
49
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The Growth Fund of Spain, Inc. ("GSP"), a predecessor of the Fund,
commenced investment operations in 1990 as a closed-end management investment
company organized as a Maryland corporation. At a meeting of the shareholders of
GSP held October 28, 1998, the shareholders voted to approve the conversion of
the Fund to an open-end investment company and the reorganization of GSP as a
new series of the Corporation. Pursuant to the reorganization agreement between
GSP and the Corporation, GSP transferred all of its assets to the Fund in
exchange for Class A shares of the Fund and the assumption by the Fund of the
liabilities of GSP on December 11, 1998. GSP then distributed the Class A shares
of the Fund received in the reorganization to its shareholders.
On April 6, 2000, GSP changed its name to Kemper International Research
Fund and changed its investment strategy. Formerly, the fund invested at least
65% of total assets in common stocks and other equities of Spanish issuers.
Currently, the fund invests at least 65% of total assets in common stocks of
large foreign companies.
The Fund's activities are supervised by the Corporation's Board of
Directors. The Fund is not required to and has no current intention of holding
annual shareholder meetings, although special meetings may be called for
purposes such as electing or removing Directors, changing fundamental investment
policies or approving an investment advisory contract. Shareholders will be
assisted in communicating with other shareholders in connection with removing a
Director as if Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act were applicable.
Each director serves until the next meeting of shareholders, if any,
called for the purpose of electing directors and until the election and
qualification of a successor or until such director sooner dies, resigns,
retires or is removed by a majority vote of the shares entitled to vote (as
described below) or a majority of the directors.
One-third of the Directors shall be present in person at any regular or
special meeting of the Directors in order to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at such meeting and, except as otherwise required by
law, the act of a majority of the Directors present at any such meeting, at
which a quorum is present, shall be the act of the Directors.
Any matter shall be deemed to have been effectively acted upon with
respect to the Fund if acted upon as provided in Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act,
or any successor rule, and in the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation. As
used in the prospectus and in this Statement of Additional Information, the term
"majority," when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders in
connection with general matters affecting the Fund and all additional portfolios
(e.g., election of directors), means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the
Corporation's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50%
of the Corporation's outstanding shares. The term "majority," when referring to
the approvals to be obtained from shareholders in connection with matters
affecting the Fund or any other single portfolio (e.g., annual approval of
investment management contracts), means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the
shares of the portfolio represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50%
of the outstanding shares of the portfolio are present in person or by proxy, or
(ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the portfolio.
In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation,
shares of the Fund are entitled to receive the assets attributable to that Fund
that are available for distribution, and a proportionate distribution, based
upon the relative net assets of the Fund, of any general assets not attributable
to the Fund that are available for distribution.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements appearing in the Fund's Annual Report to
Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999 are incorporated by
reference herein. These financial statements have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance on the report of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors,
given on their authority as experts in auditing and accounting. The principal
business address of Ernst & Young LLP is 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago,
Illinois 60606.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Other Information
The CUSIP number of the Class A shares of the Fund is 487916-81-9.
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The CUSIP number of the Class B shares of the Fund is 487916-79-3.
The CUSIP number of the Class C shares of the Fund is 487916-78-5.
Effective as of the Fund's 1998 fiscal year, the Fund's fiscal year end
was changed to October 31.
Many of the investment changes in the Fund will be made at prices
different from those prevailing at the time they may be reflected in a regular
report to shareholders of the Fund. These transactions will reflect investment
decisions made by the Adviser in light of the Fund's investment objective and
policies, its other portfolio holdings and tax considerations, and should not be
construed as recommendations for similar action by other investors.
The law firm of Dechert Price & Rhoads is counsel to the Fund.
The Fund's prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit
certain information contained in the Registration Statement and its amendments
which the Fund has filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act and reference is hereby
made to the Registration Statement for further information with respect to the
Fund and the securities offered hereby. The Registration Statement and its
amendments, are available for inspection by the public at the SEC in Washington,
D.C.
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APPENDIX A - RATINGS OF FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group Bond Ratings
AAA. Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA. Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differs from the higher rated issues only in small degree.
A. Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB. Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C. Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such
debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
CI. The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D. Debt rated D is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
principal is in arrears.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings
Aaa. Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa. Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A. Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa. Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e.,
they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba. Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B. Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
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Caa. Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca. Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C. Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
53
