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This is filed pursuant to Rule 497(c).
File Nos. 333-41375 and 811-08527
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ALLIANCE
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INTERNATIONAL
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PREMIER
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GROWTH FUND
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c/o Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
Prospectus and Application
February 2, 1998
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Table of Contents Page
<S> <C>
The Fund at a Glance ..................................................... 2
Expense Information ...................................................... 3
Glossary ................................................................. 4
Description of the Fund .................................................. 5
Investment Objective .................................................. 5
Investment Policies ................................................... 5
Additional Investment Practices ....................................... 6
Certain Fundamental Investment Policies ............................... 10
Risk Considerations ................................................... 10
Purchase and Sale of Shares .............................................. 11
Management of the Fund ................................................... 14
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes ....................................... 15
General Information ...................................................... 17
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</TABLE>
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, New York 10105
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks long term
capital appreciation by investing predominantly in the equity securities of a
limited number of large, carefully selected, high-quality non-U.S. companies
that are judged likely to achieve superior earnings growth.
The Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company. This
Prospectus sets forth concisely the information that a prospective investor
should know about the Fund before investing. A "Statement of Additional
Information" for the Fund, which provides further information regarding certain
matters discussed in this Prospectus and other matters which may be of interest
to some investors, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and is incorporated herein by reference. For a free copy, call or write Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. at the indicated address or call the "For Literature"
telephone number shown above.
The Fund offers three classes of shares through this Prospectus. These shares
may be purchased, at the investor's choice, at a price equal to their net asset
value (i) plus an initial sales charge imposed at the time of purchase ("the
Class A shares"), (ii) with a contingent deferred sales charge imposed on most
redemptions made within four years of purchase ("the Class B shares"), or (iii)
without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge, as long as the shares
are held for one year or more ("the Class C shares"). See "Purchase and Sale of
Shares."
An investment in these securities is not a deposit or obligation of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank and is not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.
Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully and to retain it for
future reference.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
[LOGO] Alliance (R)
Investing without the Mystery. (SM)
(R)/SM These are registered marks used under license from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
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The Fund At A Glance
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained inside this Prospectus.
The Fund's Investment Adviser Is . . .
Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), a global investment adviser
providing diversified services to institutions and individuals through a broad
line of investments including more than 100 mutual funds. Since 1971, Alliance
has earned a reputation as a leader in the investment world with over $217
billion in assets under management as of September 30, 1997. Alliance provides
investment management services to employee benefit plans for 28 of the FORTUNE
100 companies.
The Fund . . .
Seeks . . . Long-term capital appreciation.
Invests principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities of a
limited number of large, carefully selected, high-quality non-U.S. companies
that are judged likely to achieve superior earnings growth.
A Word About Risk . . .
The price of shares of the Fund will fluctuate daily as the prices of the
individual stocks and other securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that
your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Because the Fund will invest in foreign currency denominated securities, these
fluctuations may be magnified by changes in foreign exchange rates. Investment
in the Fund involves risks not associated with funds that invest primarily in
securities of U.S. issuers. While the Fund invests principally in common stocks
and other equity securities, in order to achieve its investment objectives the
Fund may at times use certain types of investment derivatives, such as options,
futures, forwards and swaps. These involve risks different from, and, in certain
cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional investments. These
risks are more fully discussed in this Prospectus.
Getting Started . . .
Shares of the Fund are available through your financial representative and most
banks, insurance companies and brokerage firms nationwide. Shares can be
purchased for a minimum initial investment of $250, and subsequent investments
can be made for as little as $50. For detailed information about purchasing and
selling shares, see "Purchase and Sale of Shares." In addition, the Fund offers
several time and money saving services to investors. Be sure to ask your
financial representative about:
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AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
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AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM
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RETIREMENT PLANS
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SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
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DIVIDEND DIRECTION PLANS
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AUTO EXCHANGE
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SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS
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A CHOICE OF PURCHASE PLANS
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TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS
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24 - HOUR INFORMATION
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[LOGO] Alliance (R)
Investing without the Mystery. (SM)
(R)/SM These are registered marks used under license from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
2
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EXPENSE INFORMATION
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Shareholder Transaction Expenses are one of several factors to consider when you
invest in the Fund. The following table summarizes your maximum transaction
costs and annual expenses for each class of shares. The Example following the
table shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a hypothetical $1,000
investment in each class for the periods specified.
<TABLE>
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Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares
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<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) ....................... 4.25%(a) None None
Sales charge imposed on dividend reinvestments ............... None None None
Deferred sales charge (as a percentage of original purchase
price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) ......... None(a) 4.0% during the 1.0% during the
first year, decreasing first year,
1.0% annually to 0% thereafter
0% after the
fourth year(b)
Exchange fee ................................................. None None None
</TABLE>
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(a) Reduced for larger purchases. Purchases of $1,000,000 or more are not
subject to an initial sales charge but may be subject to a 1% deferred
sales charge on redemptions within one year of purchase. See "Purchase and
Sale of Shares--How to Buy Shares"--page 11.
(b) Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares after eight years.
See "Purchase and Sale of Shares--How to Buy Shares"--page 11.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Class A Class B Class C
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .............................................. 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
12b-1 fees ................................................... .30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses(a) ............................................ 1.20% 1.20% 1.20%
---- ---- ----
Total fund operating expenses ................................ 2.50% 3.20% 3.20%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Example Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year ................................................. $67 $72 $32 $42 $32
After 3 years ................................................ $117 $119 $99 $99 $99
</TABLE>
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+ Assumes redemption at end of period.
++ Assumes no redemption at end of period.
(a) These expenses include a transfer agency fee payable to Alliance Fund
Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alliance.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly
or indirectly. Long-term shareholders of the Fund may pay aggregate sales
charges totaling more than the economic equivalent of the maximum initial sales
charges permitted by the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. See "Management of the Fund--Distribution Services Agreement." The
Rule 12b-1 fee for each class comprises a service fee not exceeding .25% of the
aggregate average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to the class and an
asset-based sales charge equal to the remaining portion of the Rule 12b-1 fee.
"Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the Fund's current fiscal
year. The Example set forth above assumes reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions and utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by Securities
and Exchange Commission regulations. The Example should not be considered
representative of past or future expenses; actual expenses may be greater or
less than those shown.
3
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GLOSSARY
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The following terms are frequently used in this Prospectus:
Equity securities are (i) common stocks, partnership interests, business trust
shares and other equity ownership interests in business enterprises, and (ii)
securities convertible into, and rights and warrants to subscribe for the
purchase of, such stocks, shares and interests.
Non-U.S. company is an entity that (i) is organized under the laws of a foreign
country and conducts business in a foreign country, (ii) derives 50% or more of
its total revenues from business in foreign countries, or (iii) issues equity or
debt securities that are traded principally on a stock exchange in a foreign
country.
Convertible securities are fixed-income securities that are convertible into
common stock.
Fixed-income securities are debt securities and dividend-paying preferred stocks
and include floating rate and variable rate instruments.
Debt securities are bonds, debentures, notes, bills, repurchase agreements,
loans, other direct debt instruments and other fixed, floating and variable rate
debt obligations, but do not include convertible securities.
U.S. Government securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Foreign government securities are securities issued or guaranteed, as to payment
of principal and interest, by governments, quasi-governmental entities,
governmental agencies or other government entities.
Rule 144A securities are securities that may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
Depositary receipts include American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global
Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other types of depositary receipts.
Commission is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1940 Act is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Code is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Exchange is the New York Stock Exchange.
4
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DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
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The Fund is a diversified investment company. The Fund's investment objective is
"fundamental" and cannot be changed without a shareholder vote. Except as noted,
the Fund's investment policies are not fundamental and thus can be changed
without a shareholder vote. The Fund will not change these policies without
notifying its shareholders. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its
investment objective.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital by
investing predominantly in the equity securities of a limited number of
carefully selected non-U.S. companies that are judged likely to achieve superior
earnings growth. Investments will be made based upon their potential for capital
appreciation. Current income is incidental to that objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
In the main, the Fund's investments will be in comparatively large, high-quality
companies. Normally, about 60 companies will be represented in the Fund's
portfolio, and the 30 most highly regarded of these companies usually will
constitute approximately 70% of the Fund's net assets. The Fund thus differs
from more typical international equity mutual funds by focusing on a relatively
small number of intensively researched companies. The Fund is designed for
investors seeking to accumulate capital over time. Because of the market risks
inherent in any investment, the selection of securities on the basis of their
appreciation possibilities cannot ensure against possible loss in value, and
there is, of course, no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be
met.
Alliance expects the average weighted market capitalization of the companies
represented in the Fund's portfolio (i.e., the number of a company's outstanding
shares multiplied by the price per share) normally will be in the range of, or
in excess of, that of the companies comprising the Morgan Stanley Capital
International Europe, Australasia and Far East ("EAFE") Index. As of December
31, 1997, the average weighted market capitalization of those companies was
approximately $2.6 billion.
Within the investment framework described herein, Alliance's International
Equity Group, headed by Bruce W. Calvert, Alliance's Vice Chairman and Chief
Investment Officer, has responsibility for managing the Fund's portfolio. As
discussed below, in selecting the Fund's portfolio investments Alliance's
International Equity Group will follow a structured, disciplined research and
investment process which is essentially similar to that followed by Alliance's
Large Cap Growth Group in managing Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc., another
mutual fund sponsored by Alliance.
In managing the Fund's assets, Alliance's investment strategy will emphasize
stock selection and investment in the securities of a limited number of issuers.
Alliance depends heavily upon the fundamental analysis and research of its large
global equity research team situated in numerous locations around the world. Its
global equity analysts follow a research universe of approximately 900
companies. As one of the largest multi-national investment management firms,
Alliance has access to considerable information concerning the companies in its
research universe, an in-depth understanding of the products, services, markets
and competition of these companies and a good knowledge of their managements.
Research emphasis is placed on the identification of companies whose superior
prospective earnings growth is not fully reflected in current market valuations.
Companies are constantly added to and deleted from this universe as fundamentals
and valuations change. Alliance's global equity analysts rate companies in three
categories. The performance of each analyst's ratings is an important
determinant of his or her incentive compensation. The equity securities of
"one-rated" companies are expected to significantly outperform the local market
in local currency terms. All equity securities purchased for the Fund's
portfolio will be selected from the universe of approximately 100 "one-rated"
companies. As noted above, approximately 70% of the Fund's net assets will
usually be invested in the approximately 30 most highly regarded such companies.
The Fund will not concentrate more than 25% of its total assets in any one
industry. Within this limit, portfolio emphasis upon particular industries or
sectors will be a by-product of the stock selection process rather than the
result of assigned targets or ranges.
The Fund's investments will be diversified among at least four, and usually
considerably more, countries. No more than 15% of the Fund's total assets will
be invested in issuers in any one foreign country, except that the Fund may
invest up to 25% of its total assets in issuers in each of Canada, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Within these limits, geographic distribution of the Fund's investments among
countries or regions will also be a product of the stock selection process
rather than predetermined allocation. To the extent that the Fund's assets will
be concentrated within any one region, the Fund may be subject to any special
risks that may be associated with that region. While the Fund may engage in
currency hedging programs in periods in which Alliance perceives extreme
exchange rate risk, the Fund will not normally make significant use of currency
hedging strategies.
In the management of the Fund's investment portfolio, Alliance will seek to
utilize market volatility judiciously (assuming no change in company
fundamentals) to adjust the Fund's portfolio positions. To the extent consistent
with local market liquidity considerations, the Fund will strive to capitalize
on apparently unwarranted price fluctuations, both to purchase or increase
positions on weakness and to sell or reduce overpriced holdings. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will remain substantially fully invested in equity
securities and will not take significant cash positions for market timing
purposes. Rather, through "buying into declines" and "selling into strength,"
Alliance seeks superior relative returns over time.
5
<PAGE>
As a matter of fundamental policy, which may not be changed without shareholder
approval, the Fund will invest under normal circumstances at least 85% of the
value of its total assets in equity securities. The Fund's other investment
policies are not fundamental and, therefore, may be changed by the Board of
Directors of the Fund without shareholder approval. For temporary defensive
purposes, the Fund may vary from its investment policies during periods in which
Alliance believes that business or financial conditions warrant, and may then
invest in high-grade short-term fixed-income securities, including U.S.
Government securities, or hold its assets in cash.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in convertible securities of
issuers whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by the Fund. The Fund may
also: (i) invest up to 20% of its total assets in rights or warrants; (ii) write
covered put and call options and purchase put and call options on securities of
the types in which it is permitted to invest and on exchange-traded index
options and may also write uncovered options for cross hedging purposes; (iii)
enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of
fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or contracts based on financial
indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities, foreign government
securities, or common stock and may purchase and write options on such futures
contracts; (iv) purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies
for hedging purposes; (v) purchase or sell forward contracts; (vi) enter in
forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities; (vii) enter into
standby commitment agreements; (viii) enter into currency swaps for hedging
purposes; (ix) enter into repurchase agreements pertaining to U.S. Government
securities with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealers in
such securities; (x) make short sales of securities or maintain short positions,
provided that the Fund may not make a short sale if as a result more than 5% of
its net assets would be held as collateral for short sales; and (xi) make
secured loans of its portfolio securities not in excess of 30% of its total
assets to entities with which it is permitted to enter into repurchase
agreements. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these
policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Fund may engage in the following investment practices to the extent
described in this Prospectus.
Convertible Securities. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the
same general characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which generally
provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of
common stocks of the same or similar issuers. The price of a convertible
security will normally vary with changes in the price of the underlying common
stock, although the higher yield tends to make the price of the convertible
security less volatile than that of the underlying common stock. As with debt
securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to decrease as
interest rates rise and increase as interest rates fall. While convertible
securities generally offer lower interest yields than non-convertible debt
securities of similar quality, they offer investors the potential to benefit
from increases in the market prices of the underlying common stocks. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure. They
are consequently of higher quality and entail less risk than the issuer's common
stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large
measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value
as a fixed income security. Convertible debt securities that are rated Baa by
Moody's or BBB by S&P and comparable not rated securities as determined by
Alliance may share some or all of the risks of debt securities with those
ratings.
Rights and Warrants. The Fund will invest in rights or warrants only if the
underlying equity securities themselves are deemed appropriate by Alliance for
inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. Rights and warrants entitle the holder to buy
equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. Rights are
similar to warrants except that they have a substantially shorter duration.
Rights and warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types
of investments in that they do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the underlying securities nor do they represent any
rights in the assets of the issuing company. The value of a right or warrant
does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities,
however, although the value of a right or warrant may decline because of a
decrease in the value of the underlying stock, the passage of time or a change
in perception as to the potential of the underlying stock, or any combination
thereof. If the market price of the underlying stock is below the exercise price
set forth in the warrant on the expiration date, the warrant will expire
worthless. Moreover, a right or warrant ceases to have value if it is not
exercised prior to the expiration date.
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 that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by
a foreign corporation. GDRs and other types of depositary receipts are typically
issued by foreign banks or trust companies and evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by either a foreign or a U.S. company. Generally, depositary
receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets
and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in foreign
securities markets. For purposes of determining the country of issuance, the
investments of the Fund in depositary receipts are deemed to be investments in
the underlying securities.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund will not maintain more than 15% of its net assets
in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities generally
6
<PAGE>
include (i) direct placements or other securities that are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or for which there is no readily available
market (e.g., when trading in the security is suspended or, in the case of
unlisted securities, when market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids
or offers), including many individually negotiated currency swaps and any assets
used to cover currency swaps, (ii) over-the-counter options and assets used to
cover over-the-counter options, and (iii) repurchase agreements not terminable
within seven days.
Because of the absence of a trading market for illiquid securities, the Fund may
not be able to realize the price at which they are carried on the Fund's books
upon sale. Alliance will monitor the illiquidity of such securities with respect
to the Fund under the supervision of the Directors of the Fund. To the extent
permitted by applicable law, Rule 144A securities will not be treated as
"illiquid" for purposes of the foregoing restriction so long as such securities
meet liquidity guidelines established by the Fund's Directors.
The Fund may not be able to readily sell securities for which there is no ready
market. To the extent that these securities are foreign securities, there is no
law in many of the countries in which the Fund may invest similar to the
Securities Act, requiring an issuer to register the sale of securities with a
governmental agency or imposing legal restrictions on resales of securities,
either as to length of time the securities may be held or manner of resale.
However, there may be contractual restrictions on resale of securities.
Options on Securities. An option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment
of a premium, the right to deliver to (in the case of a put) or receive from (in
the case of a call) the writer of the option a specified amount of a security on
or before a fixed date at a predetermined price. A call option written by the
Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security, has an absolute and
immediate right to acquire that security upon conversion or exchange of another
security it holds or holds a call option on the underlying security with an
exercise price equal to or less than that of the call option it has written. A
put option written by the Fund is covered if the Fund holds a put on the
underlying securities with an exercise price equal to or greater than that of
the put option it has written.
A call option is for cross-hedging purposes if the Fund does not own the
underlying security and is designed to provide a hedge against a decline in
value in another security which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire. The
Fund may write call options for cross-hedging purposes. The Fund would write a
call option for cross-hedging purposes, instead of writing a covered call
option, when the premium to be received from the cross-hedge transaction would
exceed that which would be received from writing a covered call option, while at
the same time achieving the desired hedge.
In purchasing an option, the Fund would be in a position to realize a gain if,
during the option period, the price of the underlying security increased (in the
case of a call) or decreased (in the case of a put) by an amount in excess of
the premium paid; otherwise the Fund would experience a loss equal to the
premium paid for the option.
If an option written by the Fund were exercised, the Fund would be obligated to
purchase (in the case of a put) or sell (in the case of a call) the underlying
security at the exercise price. The risk involved in writing an option is that,
if the option is exercised, the underlying security would then be purchased or
sold by the Fund at a disadvantageous price. These risks could be reduced by
entering into a closing transaction (i.e., by disposing of the option prior to
its exercise). The Fund retains the premium received from writing a put or call
option whether or not the option is exercised. The writing of call options could
result in increases in the Fund's portfolio turnover rate, especially during
periods when market prices of the underlying securities appreciate.
The Fund will purchase or write options on securities in privately negotiated
(i.e., over-the-counter) transactions only with investment dealers and other
financial institutions (such as commercial banks or savings and loan
institutions) deemed creditworthy by Alliance, and Alliance has adopted
procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such entities. Options
purchased or written by the Fund in negotiated transactions are illiquid, and it
may not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at an
advantageous time. See "Illiquid Securities."
Options on Securities Indices. An option on a securities index is similar to an
option on a security except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery
of a security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the
holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if
the closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of a call) or
less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A "sale" of a futures
contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the
securities or foreign currency or other commodity called for by the contract at
a specified price on a specified date. A "purchase" of a futures contract means
the incurring of an obligation to acquire the securities or foreign currency or
other commodity called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified
date. The purchaser of a futures contract on an index agrees to take or make
delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between a specified dollar
multiple of the value of the index on the expiration date of the contract
("current contract value") and the price at which the contract was originally
struck. No physical delivery of the securities underlying the index is made.
Options on futures contracts written or purchased by the Fund will be traded on
U.S. or foreign exchanges or over-the-counter. Options on futures contracts will
be used only to hedge against anticipated future changes in market conditions
and interest or exchange rates which otherwise might either adversely affect
7
<PAGE>
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or adversely affect the prices of
securities which the Fund intends to purchase at a later date.
The Fund will not enter into any futures contracts or options on futures
contracts if immediately thereafter the market values of the outstanding futures
contracts of the Fund and the currencies and futures contracts subject to
outstanding options written by the Fund would exceed 100% of its total assets.
Options on Foreign Currencies. As in the case of other kinds of options, the
writing of an option on a foreign currency constitutes only a partial hedge, up
to the amount of the premium received, and the Fund could be required to
purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby
incurring losses. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute
an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates, although, in the
event of rate movements adverse to the Fund's position, the Fund may forfeit the
entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs. See the Statement
of Additional Information for a further discussion of the use, risks and costs
of options on foreign currencies.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. The Fund may purchase or sell
forward contracts so as to minimize the risk to it from adverse changes in the
relationship between the U.S. dollar and other currencies. A forward contract is
an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed price at a
future date, and is individually negotiated and privately traded.
The Fund may enter into a forward contract, for example, when it enters into a
contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign
currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security
("transaction hedge"). The Fund may not engage in transaction hedges with
respect to the currency of a particular country to an extent greater than the
aggregate amount of the Fund's transactions in that currency. When the Fund
believes that a foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the
U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of that
foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency; or when the Fund believes that
the U.S. dollar may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it
may enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a
fixed dollar amount ("position hedge"). The Fund will not position hedge with
respect to a particular currency to an extent greater than the aggregate market
value (at the time of making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio
denominated or quoted in that currency. Instead of entering into a position
hedge, the Fund may, in the alternative, enter into a forward contract to sell a
different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount where the Fund
believes that the U.S. dollar value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the
forward contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar value
of the currency in which portfolio securities of the Fund are denominated
("cross-hedge"). Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer
overall performance for the Fund than if it does not enter into forward
contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of securities decline. These transactions also preclude the opportunity
for gain if the value of the hedge currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be
possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally
anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a
price above the anticipated devaluation level.
Forward Commitments. Forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities
may include purchases on a "when-issued" basis or purchases or sales on a
"delayed delivery" basis. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned
upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of
a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a "when, as and
if issued" trade).
When forward commitment transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the
time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take
place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within two months
after the transaction, but settlements beyond two months may be negotiated.
Securities purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject to market
fluctuation, and no interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the
settlement date. At the time the Fund intends to enter into a forward
commitment, it records the transaction and thereafter reflects the value of the
security purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining
its net asset value. Any unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected in
such valuation of a "when, as and if issued" security would be canceled in the
event that the required conditions did not occur and the trade was canceled.
The use of forward commitments enables the Fund to protect against anticipated
changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in periods of rising
interest rates and falling bond prices, the Fund might sell securities in its
portfolio on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices.
In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, the Fund might sell
a security in its portfolio and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if Alliance were to forecast incorrectly
the direction of interest rate movements, the Fund might be required to complete
such when-issued or forward transactions at prices inferior to the then current
market values. When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior
to the settlement date, but the Fund enters into when-issued and forward
commitments only with the intention of actually receiving securities or
delivering them, as the case may be. If the Fund chose to dispose of the right
to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or dispose of its
right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may realize a gain
or incur a loss. Any significant
8
<PAGE>
commitment of Fund assets to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if
issued" basis may increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value. No
forward commitments will be made by the Fund if, as a result, the Fund's
aggregate commitments under such transactions would be more than 30% of the
Fund's total assets. In the event the other party to a forward commitment
transaction were to default, the Fund might lose the opportunity to invest money
at favorable rates or to dispose of securities at favorable prices.
Standby Commitment Agreements. Standby commitment agreements commit the Fund,
for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a security that may
be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer. The price and coupon
of the security are fixed at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering
into the agreement the Fund is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether the
security ultimately is issued, typically equal to approximately 0.5% of the
aggregate purchase price of the security the Fund has committed to purchase. The
Fund will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price considered advantageous
to the Fund and unavailable on a firm commitment basis. The Fund will limit its
investment in such commitments so that the aggregate purchase price of the
securities subject to the commitments will not exceed 50% of its assets taken at
the time of making the commitment.
There is no guarantee that the securities subject to a standby commitment will
be issued, and the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be
more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security
underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, the Fund will bear the
risk of capital loss in the event the value of the security declines and may not
benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment
period if the issuer decides not to issue and sell the security to the Fund.
Currency Swaps. Currency swaps involve the individually negotiated exchange by
the Fund with another party of a series of payments in specified currencies. A
currency swap may involve the delivery at the end of the exchange period of a
substantial amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other
designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is
subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its
contractual delivery obligations. The Fund will enter into currency swaps for
hedging purposes only. The Fund will not enter into any currency swap unless the
credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the
other party thereto is rated in the highest rating category of at least one
nationally recognized rating organization at the time of entering into the
transaction. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the
Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the
transactions.
Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement arises when a buyer purchases a
security and simultaneously agrees to resell it to the vendor at an agreed-upon
future date, normally a day or a few days later. The resale price is greater
than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon interest rate for the period
the buyer's money is invested in the security. Such agreements permit the Fund
to keep all of its assets at work while retaining "overnight" flexibility in
pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature. If a vendor defaults on its
repurchase obligation, the Fund would suffer a loss to the extent that the
proceeds from the sale of the collateral were less than the repurchase price. If
a vendor goes bankrupt, the Fund might be delayed in, or be prevented from,
selling the collateral for its benefit. The Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements pertaining to U.S. Government securities with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System or "primary dealers" (as designated by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York) in such securities. Alliance will monitor the
creditworthiness of the dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase
agreements. Currently, the Fund intends to enter into repurchase agreements only
with its custodian and such primary dealers. There is no percentage restriction
on the Fund's ability to enter into repurchase agreements.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The risk in lending portfolio securities, as with
other extensions of credit, consists of the possible loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend
securities to a particular borrower, Alliance (subject to review by the Fund's
Directors) will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the
creditworthiness of the borrower. While securities are on loan, the borrower
will be obligated to pay the Fund any income earned thereon and the Fund may
invest any cash collateral in portfolio securities, thereby earning additional
income, or receive an agreed upon amount of income from a borrower who has
delivered equivalent collateral. The Fund will have the right to regain record
ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting
rights, subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or distributions.
The Fund may pay reasonable finders', administrative and custodial fees in
connection with a loan. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to any
officer, director, employee or affiliate of the Fund or Alliance.
General. The successful use of the foregoing investment practices draws upon
Alliance's special skills and experience with respect to such instruments and
usually depends on Alliance's ability to forecast price movements or currency
exchange rate movements correctly. Should prices or exchange rates move
unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the
transactions or may realize losses and thus be in a worse position than if such
strategies had not been used. Unlike many exchange-traded futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, there are no daily price fluctuation limits with
respect to options on currencies and forward contracts, and adverse market
movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time.
In addition, the correlation between movements in the prices of such instruments
and movements in the prices of the securities and currencies hedged or used for
cover will not be perfect and could produce unanticipated losses.
9
<PAGE>
The Fund's ability to dispose of its positions in futures contracts, options and
forward contracts depends on the availability of liquid markets in such
instruments. Markets in options and futures with respect to a number of types of
securities and currencies are relatively new and still developing, and there is
no public market for forward contracts. It is impossible to predict the amount
of trading interest that may exist in various types of futures contracts,
options and forward contracts. If a secondary market does not exist with respect
to an option purchased or written by the Fund, it might not be possible to
effect a closing transaction in the option (i.e., dispose of the option) with
the result that (i) an option purchased by the Fund would have to be exercised
in order for the Fund to realize any profit and (ii) the Fund may not be able to
sell portfolio securities or currencies covering an option written by the Fund
until the option expires or it delivers the underlying securities, currency or
futures contract upon exercise. Therefore, no assurance can be given that the
Fund will be able to utilize these instruments effectively for the purposes set
forth above.
Future Developments. The Fund may, following written notice to its shareholders,
take advantage of other investment practices that are not currently contemplated
for use by the Fund or are not available but may yet be developed, to the extent
such investment practices are consistent with the Fund's investment objective
and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise,
may involve risks that exceed those involved in the activities described above.
Defensive Position. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may reduce its
position in equity securities and increase without limit its position in
short-term, liquid, high-grade debt securities, which may include U.S.
Government securities, bank deposits, money market instruments, short-term debt
securities, including notes and bonds, and short-term foreign-currency
denominated high-grade debt securities issued by foreign governmental entities,
companies and supranational organizations. For a complete description of the
types of securities the Fund may invest in while in a temporary defensive
position, please see the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Portfolio Turnover. Alliance anticipates that the Fund's annual rate of turnover
generally will not exceed 150%. A 150% annual turnover rate would occur if all
of the securities in the Fund's portfolio are replaced one and one-half times in
a period of one year. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly
greater brokerage and other expenses than a lower rate, which must be borne by
the Fund and its shareholders. High portfolio turnover also may result in the
realization of substantial net short-term capital gains.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment policies listed below, which
may not be changed without the approval of its shareholders. Additional
investment restrictions with respect to the Fund are set forth in the Statement
of Additional Information.
The Fund may not: (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of
issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry,
except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities; (ii)
borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow (a)
from a bank if immediately after such borrowing there is asset coverage of at
least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act and (b) for temporary purposes in an
amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or (iii)
pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investment in the Fund involves the special risk considerations referred to
below.
Currency Considerations. Substantially all of the assets of the Fund will be
invested in securities denominated in foreign currencies, and a corresponding
portion of the Fund's revenues will be received in these currencies. Therefore,
the dollar equivalent of the Fund's net assets and distributions will be
adversely affected by reductions in the value of foreign currencies relative to
the U.S. dollar. Such changes will also affect the Fund's income. The Fund will,
however, consider whether to attempt to protect itself against adverse changes
in the values of foreign currencies by engaging in certain of the investment
practices listed above under "Additional Investment Practices." While it has
this ability, there is no certainty as to whether these practices are available
and, if so, whether and to what extent it will engage in these practices, and,
if it does, whether it will be successful in doing so. If the value of the
foreign currencies in which the Fund receives its income falls relative to the
U.S. dollar between receipt of the income and the making of Fund distributions,
the Fund may be required to liquidate securities in order to make distributions
if it has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements.
Similarly, if an exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs
expenses in U.S. dollars and the time cash expenses are paid, the amount of the
currency required to be converted into U.S. dollars in order to pay expenses in
U.S. dollars could be greater than the equivalent amount of such expenses in the
currency at the time they were incurred.
Extreme Governmental Action; Less Protective Laws. In contrast with the United
States, foreign investment may involve in certain situations greater risk of
nationalization, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, currency blockage or
other extreme governmental action which could adversely impact the Fund's
investments. In the event of certain such actions, the Fund could lose its
entire investment in the country involved. In addition, laws in various foreign
countries governing, among other subjects, business organization and practices,
securities and securities trading, bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less
protection to investors such as the Fund than provided under United States laws.
11
<PAGE>
U.S. and Foreign Taxes. Foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be creditable or
deductible by U.S. shareholders of the Fund for U.S. income tax purposes.
Non-U.S. investors may not be able to credit or deduct such foreign taxes.
Investors should review carefully the information discussed under the heading
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" below and in the Statement of Additional
Information and should consider with their tax advisors the specific tax
consequences of investing in the Fund.
Foreign Investment. The securities markets of many foreign countries are
relatively small, with the majority of market capitalization and trading volume
concentrated in a limited number of companies representing a small number of
industries. Consequently, the Fund, whose investment portfolio will include such
securities, may experience greater price volatility and significantly lower
liquidity than a portfolio invested solely in equity securities of U.S.
companies. These markets may be subject to greater influence by adverse events
generally affecting the market, and by large investors trading significant
blocks of securities, than is usual in the United States. Securities
registration, custody and settlements may in some instances be subject to delays
and legal and administrative uncertainties. Certain foreign countries require
governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit
investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer's
outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less
advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available
for purchase by nationals. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or
preclude investment in certain securities and may increase the costs and
expenses of the Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income,
capital or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain countries is
controlled under regulations, including in some cases the need for certain
advance government notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a
country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions
on foreign capital remittances.
The Fund also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant,
any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the
application to it of other restrictions on investment. Investing in local
markets may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, which may involve
additional costs to the Fund. The liquidity of the Fund's investments in any
country in which any of these factors exists could be affected and Alliance will
monitor the effect of any such factor or factors on the Fund's investments.
Furthermore, transaction costs including brokerage commissions for transactions
both on and off the securities exchanges in many foreign countries are generally
higher than in the United States. Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions
are generally not subject to the same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers
with respect to such matters as insider trading rules, restrictions on market
manipulation, shareholder proxy requirements and timely disclosure of
information. The reporting, accounting and auditing standards of foreign
countries may differ, in some cases significantly, from U.S. standards in
important respects and less information may be available to investors in foreign
securities than to investors in U.S. securities. Substantially less information
is publicly available about certain non-U.S. issuers than is available about
U.S. issuers.
The economies of individual foreign countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic
product or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes,
government regulation, political or social instability or diplomatic
developments could affect adversely the economy of a foreign country or the
Fund's investments in such country. In the event of expropriation,
nationalization or other confiscation, the Fund could lose its entire investment
in the country involved. In addition, laws in foreign countries governing
business organizations, bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less protection to
security holders such as the Fund than that provided by U.S. laws.
Year 2000. Many computer software systems in use today cannot properly process
date-related information from and after January 1, 2000. Should any of the
computer systems employed by the Fund's major service providers fail to process
this type of information properly, that could have a negative impact on the
Fund's operations and the services that are provided to the Fund's shareholders.
Alliance, the Fund's investment adviser, Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc.
("AFD"), the Fund's principal underwriter, and Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
("AFS"), the Fund's registrar, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent,
have advised the Fund that they are reviewing all of their computer systems with
the goal of modifying or replacing such systems prior to January 1, 2000 to the
extent necessary to foreclose any such negative impact. In addition, Alliance
has been advised by the Fund's custodian that it is also in the process of
reviewing its systems with the same goal. As of the date of this Prospectus, the
Fund and Alliance have no reason to believe that these goals will not be
achieved.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE AND SALE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You can purchase shares of the Fund at a price based on the next calculated net
asset value after receipt of a proper purchase order either through
broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries, or directly through
AFD. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $250. The minimum for
subsequent investments is $50. Investments of $25 or more are allowed under the
Fund's automatic investment program. Share certificates are issued only upon
request. See the Subscription Application and Statement of Additional
Information for more information.
11
<PAGE>
Existing shareholders may make subsequent purchases by electronic funds transfer
if they have completed the appropriate section of the Subscription Application
or the Shareholder Options form obtained from AFS. Telephone purchase orders can
be made by calling 800-221-5672 and may not exceed $500,000.
The Fund offers three classes of shares through this prospectus, Class A, Class
B and Class C. The Fund may refuse any order to purchase shares. In this regard,
the Fund reserves the right to restrict purchases of shares (including through
exchanges) when they appear to evidence a pattern of frequent purchases and
sales made in response to short-term considerations.
Class A Shares--Initial Sales Charge Alternative
You can purchase Class A shares at net asset value plus an initial sales charge,
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Initial Sales Charge
as % of Commission to
Net Amount as % of Dealer/Agent as %
Amount Purchased Invested Offering Price of Offering Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $100,000 4.44% 4.25% 4.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 to less
than $250,000 3.36 3.25 3.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 to less
than $500,000 2.30 2.25 2.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 to less
than $1,000,000 1.78 1.75 1.50
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
On purchases of $1,000,000 or more, you pay no initial sales charge but may pay
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") equal to 1% of the lesser of net
asset value at the time of redemption or original cost if you redeem within one
year; Alliance may pay the dealer or agent a fee of up to 1% of the dollar
amount purchased. Certain purchases of Class A shares may qualify for reduced or
eliminated sales charges in accordance with the Fund's Combined Purchase
Privilege, Cumulative Quantity Discount, Statement of Intention, Privilege for
Certain Retirement Plans, Reinstatement Privilege and Sales at Net Asset Value
programs. Consult the Subscription Application and Statement of Additional
Information.
Class B Shares--Deferred Sales Charge Alternative
You can purchase Class B shares at net asset value without an initial sales
charge. The Fund will thus receive the full amount of your purchase. However,
you may pay a CDSC if you redeem shares within four years after purchase. The
amount of the CDSC (expressed as a percentage of the lesser of the current net
asset value or original cost) will vary according to the number of years from
the purchase of Class B shares until the redemption of those shares. The amount
of the CDSC on Class B shares is set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Since Purchase CDSC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
First 4.0%
Second 3.0%
Third 2.0%
Fourth 1.0%
Fifth and thereafter None
</TABLE>
Class B shares are subject to higher distribution fees than Class A shares for a
period of eight years (after which they convert to Class A shares). The higher
fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class B shares pay correspondingly lower
dividends and may have a lower net asset value than Class A shares.
Class C Shares--Asset-Based Sales Charge Alternative
You can purchase Class C shares without any initial sales charge. The Fund will
thus receive the full amount of your purchase, and, if you hold your shares for
one year or more, you will receive the entire net asset value of your shares
upon redemption. Class C shares incur higher distribution fees than Class A
shares and do not convert to any other class of shares of the Fund. The higher
fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class C shares pay correspondingly lower
dividends and may have a lower net asset value than Class A shares.
Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC
equal to 1% of the lesser of their original cost or net asset value at the time
of redemption.
Application of the CDSC
Shares obtained from dividend or distribution reinvestment are not subject to
the CDSC. The CDSC is deducted from the amount of the redemption and is paid to
AFD. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares following the death or
disability of a shareholder, to meet the requirements of certain qualified
retirement plans or pursuant to a monthly, bimonthly or quarterly systematic
withdrawal plan. See the Statement of Additional Information.
Initial Offering
It is expected that shares of the Fund will be offered during an initial
offering period, which is currently scheduled to end on February 27, 1998 (the
initial offering period may end before February 27, 1998 for investors
purchasing shares through certain broker-dealers, based on requirements of such
broker-dealers). During the initial offering period, Class A shares will be
offered to the public at their net asset value of $10.00 per share plus a sales
charge which will vary with the size of the purchase as shown in the foregoing
initial sales charge table and as described in the Statement of Additional
Information under "Purchase and Sale of Shares--Class A Shares." The maximum
offering price of the Class A shares during the initial offering period is
$10.44 per share. During the initial offering, AFD will "reallow" to dealers the
entire amount of the initial sales charge on Class A shares. Class B and Class C
shares will be offered during the initial offering period at their net asset
value of $10.00.
During the initial offering period, the Fund will not accept subscriptions for
Fund shares other than through authorized dealers and agents, and any
subscription monies sent directly to the Fund will be promptly returned. In
addition, under Commission regulations (e.g. Rule 15c2-4 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934), authorized dealers and agents will not be permitted to
accept subscription monies from their
12
<PAGE>
customers in advance of the purchase date unless appropriate arrangements are
made for the temporary investment or deposit of such monies. Shares subscribed
for during the Fund's initial offering period will be sold to subscribers on the
purchase date, which is expected to occur on March 2, 1998 following the end of
the initial offering period. The Fund will commence the continuous public
offering of its shares on March 2, 1998.
How the Fund Values its Shares
The net asset value of each class of shares of the Fund is calculated by
dividing the value of the Fund's net assets allocable to that class by the
number of outstanding shares of that class. Shares are valued each day the
Exchange is open as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time). The securities in the Fund are valued at their current market value
determined on the basis of market quotations or, if such quotations are not
readily available, such other methods as the Fund's Directors believe accurately
reflect fair market value.
Employee Benefit Plans
Certain employee benefit plans, including employer-sponsored tax-qualified
401(k) plans and other defined-contribution retirement plans ("Employee Benefit
Plans"), may establish requirements as to the purchase, sale or exchange of
shares, including maximum and minimum initial investment requirements, that are
different from those described in this Prospectus. Employee Benefit Plans also
may not offer all classes of shares of the Fund. In order to enable participants
investing through Employee Benefit Plans to purchase shares of the Fund, the
maximum and minimum investment amounts may be different for shares purchased
through Employee Benefit Plans from those described in this Prospectus. In
addition, the Class A, Class B and Class C CDSC may be waived for investments
made through Employee Benefit Plans.
General
The decision as to which class of shares is more beneficial to you depends on
the amount and intended length of your investment. If you are making a large
investment, thus qualifying for a reduced sales charge, you might consider Class
A shares. If you are making a smaller investment, you might consider Class B
shares because 100% of your purchase is invested immediately. If you are unsure
of the length of your investment, you might consider Class C shares because
there is no initial sales charge and, as long as the shares are held for one
year or more, no CDSC. Consult your financial agent. Dealers and agents may
receive differing compensation for selling Class A, Class B or Class C shares.
There is no size limit on purchases of Class A shares. The maximum purchase of
Class B shares is $250,000. The maximum purchase of Class C shares is
$1,000,000.
The Fund offers a fourth class of shares, Advisor Class shares, by means of a
separate prospectus. Advisor Class shares may be purchased and held solely by
(i) accounts established under a fee-based program sponsored and maintained by a
registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and approved by AFD,
(ii) a self-directed defined contribution employee benefit plan (e.g., a 401(k)
plan) that has at least 1,000 participants or $25 million in assets and (iii)
certain other categories of investors described in the prospectus for the
Advisor Class shares, including investment advisory clients of, and certain
other persons associated with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Fund. Advisor
Class shares are offered without any initial sales charge or CDSC and without an
ongoing distribution fee and are expected, therefore, to have different
performance than Class A, Class B or Class C shares. You can obtain more
information about Advisor Class shares by contacting AFS at 800-221-5672 or by
contacting your financial representative.
A transaction, service, administrative or other similar fee may be charged by
your broker-dealer, agent, financial intermediary or other financial
representative with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Class A, Class
B or Class C shares made through such financial representative. Such financial
intermediaries may also impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale
or exchange of shares that are different from, or in addition to, those imposed
by the Fund, including requirements as to the minimum initial and subsequent
investment amounts.
In addition to the discount or commission paid to dealers or agents, AFD from
time to time pays additional cash or other incentives to dealers or agents,
including EQ Financial Consultants, Inc., an affiliate of AFD, in connection
with the sale of shares of the Fund. Such additional amounts may be utilized, in
whole or in part, in some cases together with other revenues of such dealers or
agents, to provide additional compensation to registered representatives who
sell shares of the Fund. On some occasions, such cash or other incentives will
be conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of the shares
of the Fund and/or other Alliance Mutual Funds during a specific period of time.
Such incentives may take the form of payment for attendance at seminars, meals,
sporting events or theater performances, or payment for travel, lodging and
entertainment incurred in connection with travel by persons associated with a
dealer or agent and their immediate family members to urban or resort locations
within or outside the United States. Such dealer or agent may elect to receive
cash incentives of equivalent amount in lieu of such payments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may "redeem" your shares (i.e., sell, your shares in the Fund to the Fund)
on any day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial
intermediary. The price you will receive is the net asset value (less any
applicable CDSC) next calculated after the Fund receives your request in proper
form. Proceeds generally will be sent to you within seven days. However, for
shares recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer, the Fund will
not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic
funds transfer has been collected (which may take up to 15 days).
13
<PAGE>
Selling Shares Through Your Broker
Your broker must receive your request before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, and your
broker must transmit your request to the Fund by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, for you
to receive that day's net asset value (less any applicable CDSC). Your broker is
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to the Fund and may
charge you for this service.
Selling Shares Directly To The Fund
Send a signed letter of instruction or stock power form to AFS along with
certificates, if any, that represent the shares you want to sell. For your
protection, signatures must be guaranteed by a bank, a member firm of a national
stock exchange or other eligible guarantor institution. Stock power forms are
available from your financial intermediary, AFS, and many commercial banks.
Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by corporations,
intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners. For details contact:
Alliance Fund Services
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
800-221-5672
Alternatively, a request for redemption of shares for which no stock
certificates have been issued can also be made by telephone to 800-221-5672.
Telephone redemption requests must be made by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund
business day in order to receive that day's net asset value. A shareholder who
has completed the appropriate section of the Subscription Application, or a
Shareholder Options form obtained from AFS, can elect to have the proceeds of
his or her redemption sent to his or her bank via an electronic funds transfer.
Proceeds of telephone redemptions also may be sent by check to a shareholder's
address of record. Redemption requests by electronic funds transfer may not
exceed $100,000 and redemption requests by check may not exceed $50,000 per day.
Telephone redemption is not available for shares held in nominee or "street
name" accounts or retirement plan accounts or shares held by a shareholder who
has changed his or her address of record within the previous 30 calendar days.
General
The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for federal tax purposes. Under
unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for
up to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The Fund
reserves the right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $200 for 90 days. Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to
increase the account value before the account is closed.
During drastic economic or market developments, you might have difficulty
reaching AFS by telephone, in which event you should issue written instructions
to AFS. AFS is not responsible for the authenticity of telephonic requests to
purchase, sell or exchange shares. AFS will employ reasonable procedures to
verify that telephone requests are genuine, and could be liable for losses
resulting from unauthorized transactions if it fails to do so. Dealers and
agents may charge a commission for handling telephonic requests. The telephone
service may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
AFS offers a variety of shareholder services. For more information about these
services or your account, call AFS's toll-free number, 800-221-5672. Some
services are described in the attached Subscription Application. A shareholder
manual explaining all available services will be provided upon request. To
request a shareholder manual, call 800-227-4618.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of the same class of other
Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD Exchange Reserves, a money market fund
managed by Alliance). Exchanges of shares are made at the net asset values next
determined, without sales or service charges. Exchanges may be made by telephone
or written request. Telephone exchange requests must be received by AFS by 4:00
p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to receive that day's net
asset value.
Shares will continue to age without regard to exchanges for purposes of
determining the CDSC, if any, upon redemption and, in the case of Class B
shares, for purposes of conversion to Class A shares. After an exchange, your
Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares in accordance with
the conversion schedule applicable to the Class B shares of the Alliance Mutual
Fund you originally purchased for cash ("original shares"). When redemption
occurs, the CDSC applicable to the original shares is applied.
Please read carefully the Prospectus of the mutual fund into which you are
exchanging before submitting the request. Call AFS at 800-221-5672 to exchange
uncertificated shares. An exchange is a taxable transaction for federal tax
purposes. The exchange service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on 60
days' written notice.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVISER
Alliance, which is a Delaware limited partnership with principal offices at 1345
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an
advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to provide investment advice and,
in general, to conduct the management and investment program of the Fund,
subject to the general supervision and control of the Directors of the Fund.
14
<PAGE>
Alliance is a leading international investment manager supervising client
accounts with assets as of September 30, 1997 totaling more than $217 billion
(of which approximately $81 billion represented the assets of investment
companies). Alliance's clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit
funds, public employee retirement systems, investment companies, foundations and
endowment funds. The 56 registered investment companies managed by Alliance
comprising more than 118 separate investment portfolios currently have over two
million shareholders. As of September 30, 1997, Alliance was retained as an
investment manager for 28 of the Fortune 100 companies.
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC"), the sole general partner of,
and the owner of a 1% general partnership interest in, Alliance, is an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States ("Equitable"), one of the largest life insurance companies in the United
States, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies
Incorporated, a holding company controlled by AXA-UAP, a French insurance
holding company. Certain information concerning the ownership and control of
Equitable by AXA-UAP is set forth in the Fund's Statement of Additional
Information under "Management of the Fund."
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays Alliance a fee, which is accrued
daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average daily
net assets.
The person primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is
Bruce W. Calvert, the Adviser's Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer. Mr.
Calvert joined Alliance in 1973 as an equity portfolio manager and was elected
Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer on May 3, 1993. From 1986 to 1993 he
was an Executive Vice President and from 1981 to 1986 he was a Senior Vice
President. He was elected a Director of Alliance in 1992.
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
In addition to the payments to Alliance under the Advisory Agreement described
above, the Fund pays certain other costs, including (i) custody, transfer and
dividend disbursing expenses, (ii) fees of the Directors who are not affiliated
with Alliance, (iii) legal and auditing expenses, (iv) clerical, accounting and
other office costs, (v) costs of printing the Fund's prospectuses and
shareholder reports, (vi) costs of maintaining the Fund's existence, (vii)
interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, (viii) costs of
stationery and supplies, (ix) expenses and fees related to registration and
filing with the Commission and with state regulatory authorities, (x) upon the
approval of the Board of Directors, costs of personnel of Alliance or its
affiliates rendering clerical, accounting and other office services and (xi)
such promotional, shareholder servicing and other expenses as may be
contemplated by the Distribution Services Agreement, described below.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
Rule 12b-1 adopted by the Commission under the 1940 Act permits an investment
company to pay expenses associated with the distribution of its shares in
accordance with a duly adopted plan. The Fund adopted a "Rule 12b-1 plan" (the
"Plan") and entered into a Distribution Services Agreement (the "Agreement")
with AFD. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund pays to AFD a Rule 12b-1 distribution
services fee, which may not exceed an annual rate of .30% of the Fund's
aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares, 1.00% of
the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares
and 1.00% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the
Class C shares, for distribution expenses. The Plan provides that a portion of
the distribution services fee in an amount not to exceed .25% of the aggregate
average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to each of the Class A, Class
B and Class C shares constitutes a service fee used for personal service and/or
the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
The Plan provides that AFD will use the distribution services fee received from
the Fund in its entirety for payments (i) to compensate broker-dealers or other
persons for providing distribution assistance, (ii) to otherwise promote the
sale of shares of the Fund and (iii) to compensate broker-dealers, depository
institutions and other financial intermediaries for providing administrative,
accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's shareholders. In this
regard, some payments under the Plan are used to compensate financial
intermediaries with trail or maintenance commissions in an amount equal to .25%,
annualized, with respect to Class A shares and Class B shares, and 1.00%,
annualized, with respect to Class C shares, of the assets maintained in the Fund
by their customers. Distribution services fees received from the Fund with
respect to Class A shares will not be used to pay any interest expenses,
carrying charges or other financing costs or allocation of overhead of AFD.
Distribution services fees received from the Fund with respect to Class B and
Class C shares may be used for these purposes. The Plan also provides that
Alliance may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund's
shares.
The Fund is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution services fee in
excess of the amounts set forth above. With respect to Class A shares of the
Fund, distribution expenses accrued by AFD in one fiscal year may not be paid
from distribution services fees received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal
years. AFD's compensation with respect to Class B and Class C shares under the
Plan is directly tied to the expenses incurred by AFD. Actual distribution
expenses for Class B and Class C shares for any given year, however, will
probably exceed the distribution services fees payable under the Plan and
payments received from CDSCs. The excess will be carried forward by AFD and
reimbursed from distribution services fees payable under the Plan and payments
subsequently received through CDSCs, so long as the Plan and the Agreement are
in effect.
15
<PAGE>
The Plan is in compliance with rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. which effectively limit the annual asset-based sales charges and
service fees that a mutual fund may pay on a class of shares to .75% and .25%,
respectively, of the average annual net assets attributable to that class. The
rules also limit the aggregate of all front-end, deferred and asset-based sales
charges imposed with respect to a class of shares by a mutual fund that also
charges a service fee to 6.25% of cumulative gross sales of shares of that
class, plus interest at the prime rate plus 1% per annum.
The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws may limit the ability of a bank
or other depository institution to become an underwriter or distributor of
securities. However, in the opinion of the Fund's management, based on the
advice of counsel, these laws do not prohibit such depository institutions from
providing services for investment companies such as the administrative,
accounting and other services referred to in the Agreement. In the event that a
change in these laws prevented a bank from providing such services, it is
expected that other service arrangements would be made and that shareholders
would not be adversely affected.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
If you receive an income dividend or capital gains distribution in cash you may,
within 120 days following the date of its payment, reinvest the dividend or
distribution in additional shares of the Fund without charge by returning to
Alliance, with appropriate instructions, the check representing such dividend or
distribution. Thereafter, unless you otherwise specify, you will be deemed to
have elected to reinvest all subsequent dividends and distributions in shares of
the Fund.
Each income dividend and capital gains distribution, if any, declared by the
Fund on its outstanding shares will, at the election of each shareholder, be
paid in cash or in additional shares of the Fund having an aggregate net asset
value as of the payment date of such dividend or distribution equal to the cash
amount of such dividend or distribution. Election to receive dividends and
distributions in cash or shares is made at the time shares are initially
purchased and may be changed at any time prior to the record date for a
particular dividend or distribution. Cash dividends and distributions can be
paid by check or, if the shareholder so elects, electronically via the ACH
network. There is no sales or other charge in connection with the reinvestment
of dividends and capital gains distributions. Dividends and distributions paid
by the Fund, if any, with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares will be
calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day and will be in
the same amount, except that the higher distribution services fees applicable to
Class B and C shares and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to Class
B shares, will be borne exclusively by the class to which they relate.
While it is the intention of the Fund to distribute to its shareholders
substantially all of each fiscal year's net income and net realized capital
gains, if any, the amount and time of any such dividend or distribution must
necessarily depend upon the realization by the Fund of income and capital gains
from investments. There is no fixed dividend rate, and there can be no assurance
that the Fund will pay any dividends or realize any capital gains. If you buy
shares just before the Fund deducts a dividend or distribution from its net
asset value, you will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a
portion of the price back as a taxable dividend or distribution.
FOREIGN INCOME TAXES
Investment income and capital gains received by the Fund from sources within
foreign countries may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source.
To the extent that the Fund is liable for foreign income taxes withheld at the
source, the Fund intends, if possible, to operate so as to meet the requirements
of the Code to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders credits for foreign
income taxes paid, but there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to
do so. For further information regarding foreign taxes see "Dividends,
Distribution and Taxes--Foreign Taxation" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Fund intends to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code. To the extent that the Fund distributes its taxable income and
net capital gain to its shareholders, qualification as a regulated investment
company relieves the Fund of federal income and excise taxes on that part of its
taxable income including net capital gains which it pays out to its
shareholders. Dividends out of net ordinary income and distributions of net
short-term capital gains are taxable to the recipient shareholders as ordinary
income. The investment objective of the Fund is such that only a small portion,
if any, of the Fund's dividends is expected to qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, two different tax rates apply to
net capital gains--that is, the excess of net gains from capital assets held for
more than one year over net losses from capital assets held for not more than
one year. One rate (generally 28%) applies to net gains on capital assets held
for more than one year but not more than 18 months ("mid-term gains"), and a
second rate (generally 20%) applies to the balance of such net capital gains
("adjusted net capital gains"). Distributions of mid-term gains and adjusted net
capital gains will be taxable to shareholders as such, regardless of how long a
shareholder has held shares in the Fund.
16
<PAGE>
Under current federal tax law, the amount of income dividend or capital gains
distribution declared by a Fund during October, November or December of a year
to shareholders of record as of a specified date in such a month that is paid
during January of the following year is includable in the prior year's taxable
income of shareholders that are calender year taxpayers.
Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder on shares of the Fund
will have the effect of reducing the net asset value of such shares by the
amount of such dividend or distribution. Furthermore, a dividend or distribution
made shortly after the purchase of such shares by a shareholder, although in
effect a return of capital to that particular shareholder, would be taxable to
the shareholder as described above. If a shareholder held shares six months or
less and during that period received a distribution of net capital gains, any
loss realized on the sale of such shares during such six-month period would be a
long-term capital loss to the extent of such distribution.
A dividend or capital gains distribution with respect to shares of the Fund held
by a tax-deferred or qualified plan, such as an individual retirement account,
403(b)(7) retirement plan or corporate pension or profit-sharing plan, generally
will not be taxable to the plan. Distributions from such plans will be taxable
to individual participants under applicable tax rules without regard to the
character of the income earned by the qualified plan.
The Fund will be required to withhold 31% of any payments made to a shareholder
if the shareholder has not provided a certified taxpayer identification number
to the Fund, or the Secretary of the Treasury notifies the Fund that a
shareholder has not reported all interest and dividend income required to be
shown on the shareholder's federal income tax return.
Under certain circumstances, if the Fund realizes losses from fluctuations in
currency exchange rates after paying a dividend, all or a portion of the
dividend may subsequently be characterized as a return of capital. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholders will be advised annually as to the federal tax status of dividends
and capital gains distributions made by the Fund for the preceding year.
Distributions by the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders
are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their own tax situation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best price and execution, the Fund may
consider sales of its shares as a factor in the selection of dealers to enter
into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
ORGANIZATION
The Fund is a Maryland corporation organized on November 24, 1997. It is
anticipated that annual shareholder meetings will not be held; shareholder
meetings will be held only when required by federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Directors.
A shareholder in the Fund will be entitled to share pro rata with other holders
of the same class of shares in all dividends and distributions arising from the
Fund's assets and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the then current net
asset value of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable
CDSC. The Fund is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval,
additional portfolios, which may have different investment objectives, and
additional classes of shares. If an additional portfolio or class were
established by the Fund, each share of the portfolio or class would normally be
entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of each portfolio and
class would vote as a single series or class on matters, such as the election of
Directors, that affect each portfolio or class in substantially the same manner.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears its own
transfer agency expenses, each of Class A, Class B and Class C shares bears its
own distribution expenses, Class B shares convert to Class A shares after eight
years and Advisor Class shares convert to Class A shares under certain
circumstances. Each class of shares votes separately with respect to the Fund's
Rule 12b-1 distribution plan and other matters for which separate class voting
is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are freely transferable, are
entitled to dividends and distributions as determined by the Directors and, in
liquidation of the Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund.
Certain additional matters relating to the Fund's organization are discussed in
its Statement of Additional Information.
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND
DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
AFS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 500 Plaza
Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, acts as the Fund's registrar, transfer agent
and dividend-disbursing agent for a fee based upon the number of shareholder
accounts maintained for the Fund. The transfer agency fee with respect to the
Class B shares will be higher than the transfer agency fee with respect to the
Class A shares or Class C shares.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
AFD, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 1345 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10105, is the principal underwriter of shares
of the Fund.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Fund advertises its total return, which is computed
separately for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Such advertisements disclose
the Fund's average annual compounded total return for the periods prescribed by
the
17
<PAGE>
Commission. The Fund's total return for each such period is computed by
determining, through the use of a formula prescribed by the Commission, the
average annual compounded rate of return over the period that would equate an
assumed initial amount invested to the value of the investment at the end of the
period. For purposes of computing total return, income dividends and capital
gains distributions paid on shares of the Fund are assumed to have been
reinvested when paid, and the maximum sales charges applicable to purchases and
redemptions of the Fund's shares are assumed to have been paid. The Fund's
advertisements may quote performance rankings or ratings of the Fund by
financial publications or independent organizations such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. or compare the Fund's performance to
various indices.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, which has been
incorporated by reference herein, do not contain all the information set forth
in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the Commission under the
Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
This prospectus does not constitute an offering in any state in which such
offering may not lawfully be made.
18
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Alliance International
Premier Growth Fund
Subscription Application
================================================================================
To Open Your New Alliance Account...
Please complete the application and mail
it to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
For certified or overnight deliveries, send to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
500 Plaza Drive
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094
Section 1 Your Account Registration (Required)
Complete one of the available choices. To ensure proper tax reporting to the
IRS:
-- Individuals, Joint Tenants, Transfer on Death and Gift/Transfer to a
Minor:
o Indicate your name(s) exactly as it appears on your social
security card.
-- Transfer on Death:
o Ensure that your state participates
-- Trust/Other:
o Indicate the name of the entity exactly as it appeared on the
notice you received from the IRS when your Employer
Identification number was assigned.
Section 2 Your Address (Required) Complete in full.
-- Non-Resident Alien:
o Indicate your permanent country of residence.
Section 3 Your Initial Investment (Required)
For each fund in which you are investing: (1) Write the three digit fund number
in the column titled 'Indicate three digit fund number located below'.
(2) Write the dollar amount of your initial purchase in the column titled
'Indicate Dollar Amount'.
(If you are eligible for a reduced sales charge, you must also complete Section
4F).(3) Check off a distribution option for your dividends. (4) Check off a
distribution option for your capital gains. All distributions (dividends and
capital gains) will be reinvested into your fund account unless you direct
otherwise. If you want distributions sent directly to your bank account, then
you must complete Section 4D and attach a preprinted, voided check for that
account. If you want your distributions sent to a third party you must complete
Section 4E.
<PAGE>
Section 4 Your Shareholder Options (Complete only those options you want)
A. Automatic Investment Plans (AIP) - You can make periodic investments into any
of your Alliance Funds in one of three ways. First, by a periodic withdrawal
($25 minimum) directly from your bank account and invested into an Alliance
Fund. Second, you can direct your distributions (dividends and capital gains)
from one Alliance Fund into another Fund. Or third, you can automatically
exchange monthly ($25 minimum) shares of one Alliance Fund for shares of another
Fund. To elect one of these options, complete the appropriate portion of Section
4A & 4D. If more than one dividend direction or monthly exchange is desired,
please call our Literature Center to obtain a Shareholder Account Services
Options Form for completion.
B. Telephone Transactions via EFT - Complete this option if you would like to be
able to transact via telephone between your fund account and your bank account.
C. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) - Complete this option if you wish to
periodically redeem dollars from one of your fund accounts. Payments can be made
via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to your bank account or by check.
D. Bank Information - If you have elected any options that involve transactions
between your bank account and your fund account or have elected cash
distribution options and would like the payments sent to your bank account,
please tape a preprinted, voided check of the account you wish to use to this
section of the application.
E. Third Party Payment Details - If you have chosen cash distributions and/or a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan and would like the payments sent to a person and/or
address other than those provided in section 1 or 2, complete this option.
Medallion Signature Guarantee is required if your account is not maintained by a
broker dealer.
F. Reduced Charges (Class A only)--Complete if you would like to link and fund
accounts that have combined balances that might exceed $100,000 so that future
purchases will receive discounts. Complete if you intend to purchase over
$100,000 within 13 months.
Section 5 Shareholder Authorization (Required)
All owners must sign. If it is a custodial, corporate, or trust account, the
custodian, an authorized officer, or the trustee respectively must sign.
If We Can Assist You In Any Way, Please Do Not Hesitate To Call Us At:
(800) 221-5672.
================================================================================
For Literature Call: (800) 227-4618
================================================================================
<PAGE>
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund Subscription Application
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Your Account Registration (Please Print in Capital Letters and Mark Check Boxes Where Applicable)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
|_| Individual Account { |_| Male |_| Female } --or-- Joint Account --or--
|_| Transfer On Death { |_| Male |_| Female } --or-- Gift/Transfer to a Minor
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Owner or Custodian (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
(First Name) Joint Owner*, Transfer On Death Beneficiary or Minor's Name (MI) (Last Name)
|_|_|_|-|_|_|-|_|_|_|_| If Uniform Gift/Transfer
Social Security Number of Owner or Minor (required to open account) to Minor Account:
|_| |_| Minor's State of Residence
If Joint Tenants Account: *The Account will be registered
"Joint Tenants with right of Survivorship" unless you indicate
otherwise below:
|_| In Common |_| By Entirety |_| Community Property
|_| Trust --or-- |_| Corporation --or-- |_| Other_____________________________
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Name of Trustee if applicable (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Name of Trust or Corporation or Other Entity
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Name of Trust or Corporation or Other Entity continued
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Trust Dated (MM,DD,YYYY) Tax ID Number (required to open account)
|_| Employer ID Number --or-- |_| Social Security
Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Your Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Street Number Street Name
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|
City State Zip code
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_| - |_|_|_| - |_|_|_|_|
If Non-U.S., Specify Country Daytime Phone Number
|_| U.S. Citizen |_| Resident Alien |_| Non-Resident Alien
</TABLE>
Alliance Capital [LOGO](R)
1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Your Initial Investment The minimum investment is $250 per fund.
The maximum investment in Class B is $250,000; Class C is $1,000,000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
I hereby subscribe for shares of the Alliance Stock Fund(s) and elect distribution options as indicated.
Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options:
R Reinvest distributions into my fund account.
- ------------------------------------------ -
Broker/Dealer Use Only: Wire Confirm # C Send my distributions in cash to the address I have provided in
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - Section 2. (Complete Section 4D for direct deposit to your bank
- ------------------------------------------ account. Complete Section 4E for payment to a third party)
D Direct my distributions to another Alliance Fund. Complete the
- appropriate portion of Section 4A to direct your distributions
(dividends and capital gains) to another Alliance Fund (the $250
minimum investment requirement applies to Funds into which
distributions are directed).
- ------------- ============== ======================== =============================
Indicate three Distributions Options
digit Fund "Check One"
Make all number located Indicate Dollar Amount =============================
checks below Dividends Captital Gains
payable to: ============== ======================== =============================
Alliance
Funds | | | | $ R C D R C D
| | | | $ R C D R C D
- ------------- | | | | $ R C D R C D
==========================
Total Investment $
==========================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund Numbers
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
============== ============== ==============
Contingent
Initial Sales Deferred Sales Asset-Based
Charge Charge Sales Charge
A B C
============== ============== ==============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund 179 279 379
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Your Shareholder Options
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
A. Automatic Investment Plans (AIP)
|_| Withdraw From My Bank Account Via EFT*
I authorize Alliance to draw on my bank account for investment in my fund account(s) as indicated below
(Complete Section 4D also for the bank account you wish to use).
1- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
Frequency:
2- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_| M = monthly
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency Q = quarterly
A = Annually
3- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
*Electronic Funds Transfer. Your bank must be a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA)
|_| Direct My Distributions
As indicated in Section 3, I would like my dividends and/or capital gains directed to the same class of shares of
another Alliance Fund.
FROM: |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - |_|
Fund Number Account Number (if existing)
TO: |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - |_|
Fund Number Account Number (if existing)
|_| Exchange My Shares Monthly
I authorize Alliance to transact monthly exchanges, within the same class of shares, between my fund accounts as
listed below.
FROM: |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - |_|
Fund Number Account Number (if existing)
|_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|_|
Amount ($25 minimum) Day of Exchange**
TO: |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - |_|
Fund Number Account Number (if existing)
**Shares exchanged will be redeemed at the net asset value on the "Day of Exchange" (If the "Day of Exchange" is not a
fund business day, the exchange transaction will be processed on the next fund business day). The exchange privilege is not
available if stock certificates have been issued.
B. Purchases and Redemptions Via EFT
You can call our toll-free number 1-800-221-5672 and instruct Alliance Fund Services, Inc. in a recorded conversation
to purchase, redeem or exchange shares for your account. Purchase and redemption requests will be processed via
electronic funds transfer (EFT) to and from your bank account.
Instructions: o Review the information in the Prospectus about telephone transaction services.
o If you select the telephone purchase or redemption privilege, you must write "VOID" across the face of
a check from the bank account you wish to use and attach it to Section 4D of this application.
|_| Purchases and Redemptions via EFT
I hereby authorize Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to effect the purchase and/or redemption of Fund shares for my account
according to my telephone instructions or telephone instructions from my Broker/Agent, and to withdraw money or credit
money for such shares via EFT from the bank account I have selected.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For shares recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer, redemption proceeds will not be made available
until the Fund is reasonably assured that the check or electronic fund transfer has been collected, normally 15
calendar days after the purchase date.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Your Shareholder Options (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
C. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP)
In order to establish a SWP, you must reinvest all dividends and capital gains.
|_| I authorize Alliance to transact periodic redemptions from my fund account and send the proceeds to me as indicated
below.
1- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
Frequency:
2- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_| M = monthly
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency Q = quarterly
A = Annually
3- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
Please send my SWP proceeds to:
|_| My Address of Record (via check) |_| My checking account-via EFT (complete section 4D)
Your bank must be a member of the National
Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) in
|_| The Payee and address specified in section 4E (via check) order for you to receive SWP proceeds directly
(Medallion Signature Guarantee required) into your bank account. Otherwise payment will be
made by check
D. Bank Information This bank account information will be used for:
|_| Distributions (Section 3) |_| Telephone Transactions (Section 4B)
|_| Automatic Investments (Section 4A) |_| Withdrawals (Section 4C)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please Tape a Pre-printed Voided Check Here*
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The above services
cannot be established
[GRAPHIC OF BLANK CHECK WITH THE WORD VOID PRINTED ON IT.] without a pre-printed
voided check.
For EFT transactions,
the Fund requires
signatures of bank
account owners exactly
as they appear on bank
records. If the
registration at the
bank differs from that
on the Alliance mutual
fund, all parties must
sign in Section 5.
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Your Bank's ABA Routing Number Your Bank Account Number
|_| Checking Account |_| Savings Account
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Your Shareholder Options (Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
E. THIRD PARTY PAYMENT DETAILS Your signautre(s) in Section 5 must be Medallion Signature Guaranteed if your account is
not maintained by a dealer/broker. This third party payee information will be used for:
|_| Distributions (section 3) |_| Systematic Withdrawals (section 4C)
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_||_|_|_|_|
Name (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Street Number Street Name
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|
City State Zip code
F. REDUCED CHARGES (Class A only) If you, you spouse or minor children own shares in other Alliance funds, you may be
eligible for a reduced sales charge. Please complete the Right of Accumulation section or the Statement of Intent
section.
|_| A. Right of Accumulation
Please link the tax identification numbers or account numbers listed below for Right of Accumulation privileges,
so that this and future purchases will receive any discount for which they are eligible.
|_______________________________| |_______________________________| |_______________________________|
Tax ID or Account Number Tax ID or Account Number Tax ID or Account Number
|_| B. Statement of Intent
I want to reduce my sales charge by agreeing to invest the following amount over a 13-month period:
|_| $100,000 |_| $250,000 |_| $500,000 |_| $1,000,000
If the full amount indicated is not purchased within 13 months, I understand that an additional sales charge must
be paid from my account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer/Agent Authorization -- For selected Dealers or Agents ONLY.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We hereby authorize Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to act as our agent in connection with transactions under this
authorization form; and we guarantee the signature(s) set forth in Section 5, as well as the legal capacity of
the shareholder.
|_____________________________________________________________| |_______________________________________________________|
Dealer/Agent Firm Authorized Signature
|________________________________________________________| |__| |_______________________________________________________|
Representative First Name MI Last Name
|_____________________________________________________________| |_______________________________________________________|
Dealer/Agent Firm Number Representative Number
|_____________________________________________________________| |_______________________________________________________|
Branch Number Branch Telephone Number
|_____________________________________________________________| |_______________________________________________________|
Branch Office Address
|_____________________________________________________________| |_||_| |_______________________________________________|
City State Zip Code
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Shareholder Authorization -- This section MUST be completed
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telephone Exchanges and Redemptions by Check
Unless I have checked one or both boxes below, these privileges will
automatically apply, and by signing this application, I hereby authorize
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to act on my telephone instructions, or on
telephone instructions from any person representing himself to be an
authorized employee of an investment dealer or agent requesting a
redemption or exchange on my behalf. (NOTE: Telephone exchanges may only be
processed between accounts that have identical registrations.) Telephone
redemption checks will only be mailed to the name and address of record;
and the address must not have changed within the last 30 days. The maximum
telephone redemption amount is $50,000. This service can be enacted once
every 30 days.
|_| I do not elect the telephone exchange service.
|_| I do not elect the telephone redemption by check service.
By selecting any of the above telephone privileges, I agree that neither
the Fund nor Alliance, Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. or other Fund Agent will be liable for any loss, injury,
damage or expense as a result of acting upon telephone instructions
purporting to be on my behalf, that the Fund reasonably believes to be
genuine, and that neither the Fund nor any such party will be responsible
for the authenticity of such telephone instructions. I understand that any
or all of these privileges may be discontinued by me or the Fund at any
time. I understand and agree that the Fund reserves the right to refuse any
telephone instructions and that my investment dealer or agent reserves the
right to refuse to issue any telephone instructions I may request.
For non-residents only: Under penalties of perjury, I certify that to the
best of my knowledge and belief, I qualify as a foreign person as indicated
in Section 2.
I am of legal age and capacity and have received and read the Prospectus
and agree to its terms.
I CERTIFY UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE NUMBER SHOWN IN SECTION 1 OF
THIS FORM IS MY CORRECT TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OR I AM WAITING FOR A
NUMBER TO BE ISSUED TO ME AND THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THIS
ACCOUNT IS SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING.
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR CONSENT TO ANY PROVISION
OF THIS DOCUMENT OTHER THAN THE CERTIFICATE REQUIRED TO AVOID BACKUP
WITHHOLDING.
|__________________________________________________| |_______________________|
Signature Date
|__________________________________________________| |_______________________|
Signature Date
- ----------------------------------------------
Medallion Signautre Guarantee required if
completing Section 4E and your mutual fund is
not maintained by a broker dealer
Alliance Capital [LOGO](R)
6
<PAGE>
This is filed pursuant to Rule 497(c).
File Nos. 333-41375 and 811-08527
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
c/o Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
Prospectus and Application
Advisor Class
February 2, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table of Contents Page
<S> <C>
The Fund at a Glance ................................................... 2
Expense Information .................................................... 3
Glossary ............................................................... 4
Description of the Fund ................................................ 5
Investment Objective ................................................ 5
Investment Policies ................................................. 5
Additional Investment Practices ..................................... 6
Certain Fundamental Investment Policies ............................. 10
Risk Considerations ................................................. 10
Purchase and Sale of Shares ............................................ 11
Management of the Fund ................................................. 13
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes ..................................... 14
Conversion Feature ..................................................... 15
General Information .................................................... 16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, New York 10105
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks long term
capital appreciation by investing predominantly in the equity securities of a
limited number of large, carefully selected, high-quality non-U.S. companies
that are judged likely to achieve superior earnings growth.
The Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company. This
Prospectus sets forth concisely the information that a prospective investor
should know about the Fund before investing. A "Statement of Additional
Information" for the Fund, which provides further information regarding certain
matters discussed in this Prospectus and other matters which may be of interest
to some investors, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and is incorporated herein by reference. For a free copy, call or write Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. at the indicated address or call the "For Literature"
telephone number shown above.
This Prospectus offers the Advisor Class shares of the Fund, which may be
purchased at net asset value without any initial or contingent deferred sales
charges and without ongoing distribution expenses. Advisor Class shares are
offered solely to (i) investors participating in fee-based programs meeting
certain standards established by Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., the Fund's
principal underwriter, (ii) participants in self-directed defined contribution
employee benefit plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) that meet certain minimum standards
and (iii) certain other categories of investors described in the Prospectus,
including investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated
with, Alliance Capital Management L.P. and its affiliates or the Fund. See
"Purchase and Sale of Shares."
An investment in these securities is not a deposit or obligation of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank and is not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.
Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully and to retain it for
future reference.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
[LOGO] Alliance (R)
Investing without the Mystery. (SM)
(R)/SM These are registered marks used under license from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
<PAGE>
The Fund At A Glance
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained inside this Prospectus.
The Fund's Investment Adviser Is . . .
Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), a global investment adviser
providing diversified services to institutions and individuals through a broad
line of investments including more than 100 mutual funds. Since 1971, Alliance
has earned a reputation as a leader in the investment world with over $217
billion in assets under management as of September 30, 1997. Alliance provides
investment management services to employee benefit plans for 28 of the FORTUNE
100 companies.
The Fund . . .
Seeks . . . Long-term capital appreciation.
Invests principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities of a
limited number of large, carefully selected, high-quality non-U.S. companies
that are judged likely to achieve superior earnings growth.
A Word About Risk . . .
The price of shares of the Fund will fluctuate daily as the prices of the
individual stocks and other securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that
your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Because the Fund will invest in foreign currency denominated securities, these
fluctuations may be magnified by changes in foreign exchange rates. Investment
in the Fund involves risks not associated with funds that invest primarily in
securities of U.S. issuers. While the Fund invests principally in common stocks
and other equity securities, in order to achieve its investment objectives the
Fund may at times use certain types of investment derivatives, such as options,
futures, forwards and swaps. These involve risks different from, and, in certain
cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional investments. These
risks are more fully discussed in this Prospectus.
Getting Started . . .
Shares of the Fund are available through your financial representative. The Fund
offers multiple classes of shares, of which only the Advisor Class is offered by
this Prospectus. Advisor Class shares may be purchased at net asset value
without any initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are not subject to
ongoing distribution expenses. Advisor Class shares may be purchased and held
solely (i) through accounts established under a fee-based program, sponsored and
maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and
approved by Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), the Fund's principal
underwriter, (ii) through a self-directed defined contribution employee benefit
plan (e.g., a 401(k) plan) that has at least 1,000 participants or $25 million
in assets, (iii) by investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons
associated with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Fund and (iv) through
registered investment advisers or other financial intermediaries who charge a
management, consulting or other fee for their service and who purchase shares
through a broker or agent approved by AFD and clients of such registered
investment advisers or financial intermediaries whose accounts are linked to the
master account of such investment adviser or financial intermediary on the books
of such approved broker or agent. A shareholder's Advisor Class shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares of the Fund under certain circumstances.
See "Conversion Feature--Conversion to Class A Shares." Generally, a fee-based
program must charge an asset-based or other similar fee and must invest at least
$250,000 in Advisor Class shares of the Fund in order to be approved by AFD for
investment in Advisor Class shares. For more detailed information about who may
purchase and hold Advisor Class shares see the Statement of Additional
Information. Fee-based and other programs through which Advisor Class shares may
be purchased may impose different requirements with respect to investment in
Advisor Class shares than described above. For detailed information about
purchasing and selling shares, see "Purchase and Sale of Shares."
[LOGO] Alliance (R)
Investing without the Mystery. (SM)
(R)/SM These are registered marks used under license from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
2
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Transaction Expenses are one of several factors to consider when you
invest in the Fund. The following table summarizes your maximum transaction
costs and annual expenses for Advisor Class shares of the Fund. The Example
following the table shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a hypothetical
$1,000 investment in Advisor Class shares for the periods specified.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Advisor Class Shares
--------------------
<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) None
Sales charge imposed on dividend reinvestments None
Deferred sales charge None
Exchange fee None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Advisor Class
-------------
<S> <C>
Management fees 1.00%
12b-1 fees None
Other expenses(a) 1.20%
----
Total fund operating expenses 2.20%
====
<CAPTION>
Example Advisor Class
-------------
<S> <C> <C>
After 1 year $22
After 3 years $69
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) These expenses include a transfer agency fee payable to Alliance Fund
Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alliance.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly
or indirectly. The Example set forth above assumes reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions and utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by
Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. "Other Expenses" are based on
estimated amounts for the Fund's current fiscal year. The Example should not be
considered representative of past or future expenses; actual expenses may be
greater or less than those shown.
3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOSSARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following terms are frequently used in this Prospectus:
Equity securities are (i) common stocks, partnership interests, business trust
shares and other equity ownership interests in business enterprises, and (ii)
securities convertible into, and rights and warrants to subscribe for the
purchase of, such stocks, shares and interests.
Non-U.S. company is an entity that (i) is organized under the laws of a foreign
country and conducts business in a foreign country, (ii) derives 50% or more of
its total revenues from business in foreign countries, or (iii) issues equity or
debt securities that are traded principally on a stock exchange in a foreign
country.
Convertible securities are fixed-income securities that are convertible into
common stock.
Fixed-income securities are debt securities and dividend-paying preferred stocks
and include floating rate and variable rate instruments.
Debt securities are bonds, debentures, notes, bills, repurchase agreements,
loans, other direct debt instruments and other fixed, floating and variable rate
debt obligations, but do not include convertible securities.
U.S. Government securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Foreign government securities are securities issued or guaranteed, as to payment
of principal and interest, by governments, quasi-governmental entities,
governmental agencies or other government entities.
Rule 144A securities are securities that may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
Depositary receipts include American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global
Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other types of depositary receipts.
Commission is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1940 Act is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Code is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Exchange is the New York Stock Exchange.
4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund is a diversified investment company. The Fund's investment objective is
"fundamental" and cannot be changed without a shareholder vote. Except as noted,
the Fund's investment policies are not fundamental and thus can be changed
without a shareholder vote. The Fund will not change these policies without
notifying its shareholders. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its
investment objective.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital by
investing predominantly in the equity securities of a limited number of
carefully selected non-U.S. companies that are judged likely to achieve superior
earnings growth. Investments will be made based upon their potential for capital
appreciation. Current income is incidental to that objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
In the main, the Fund's investments will be in comparatively large, high-quality
companies. Normally, about 60 companies will be represented in the Fund's
portfolio, and the 30 most highly regarded of these companies usually will
constitute approximately 70% of the Fund's net assets. The Fund thus differs
from more typical international equity mutual funds by focusing on a relatively
small number of intensively researched companies. The Fund is designed for
investors seeking to accumulate capital over time. Because of the market risks
inherent in any investment, the selection of securities on the basis of their
appreciation possibilities cannot ensure against possible loss in value, and
there is, of course, no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be
met.
Alliance expects the average weighted market capitalization of the companies
represented in the Fund's portfolio (i.e., the number of a company's outstanding
shares multiplied by the price per share) normally will be in the range of, or
in excess of, that of the companies comprising the Morgan Stanley Capital
International Europe, Australasia and Far East ("EAFE") Index. As of December
31, 1997, the average weighted market capitalizaton of those companies was
approximately $2.6 billion.
Within the investment framework described herein, Alliance's International
Equity Group, headed by Bruce W. Calvert, Alliance's Vice Chairman and Chief
Investment Officer, has responsibility for managing the Fund's portfolio. As
discussed below, in selecting the Fund's portfolio investments Alliance's
International Equity Group will follow a structured, disciplined research and
investment process which is essentially similar to that followed by Alliance's
Large Cap Growth Group in managing Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc., another
mutual fund sponsored by Alliance.
In managing the Fund's assets, Alliance's investment strategy will emphasize
stock selection and investment in the securities of a limited number of issuers.
Alliance depends heavily upon the fundamental analysis and research of its large
global equity research team situated in numerous locations around the world. Its
global equity analysts follow a research universe of approximately 900
companies. As one of the largest multi- national investment management firms,
Alliance has access to considerable information concerning the companies in its
research universe, an in-depth understanding of the products, services, markets
and competition of these companies and a good knowledge of their managements.
Research emphasis is placed on the identification of companies whose superior
prospective earnings growth is not fully reflected in current market valuations.
Companies are constantly added to and deleted from this universe as fundamentals
and valuations change. Alliance's global equity analysts rate companies in three
categories. The performance of each analyst's ratings is an important
determinant of his or her incentive compensation. The equity securities of
"one-rated" companies are expected to significantly outperform the local market
in local currency terms. All equity securities purchased for the Fund's
portfolio will be selected from the universe of approximately 100 "one-rated"
companies. As noted above, approximately 70% of the Fund's net assets will
usually be invested in the approximately 30 most highly regarded such companies.
The Fund will not concentrate more than 25% of its total assets in any one
industry. Within this limit, portfolio emphasis upon particular industries or
sectors will be a by-product of the stock selection process rather than the
result of assigned targets or ranges.
The Fund's investments will be diversified among at least four, and usually
considerably more, countries. No more than 15% of the Fund's total assets will
be invested in issuers in any one foreign country, except that the Fund may
invest up to 25% of its total assets in issuers in each of Canada, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Within these limits, geographic distribution of the Fund's investments among
countries or regions will also be a product of the stock selection process
rather than predetermined allocation. To the extent that the Fund's assets will
be concentrated within any one region, the Fund may be subject to any special
risks that may be associated with that region. While the Fund may engage in
currency hedging programs in periods in which Alliance perceives extreme
exchange rate risk, the Fund will not normally make significant use of currency
hedging strategies.
In the management of the Fund's investment portfolio, Alliance will seek to
utilize market volatility judiciously (assuming no change in company
fundamentals) to adjust the Fund's portfolio positions. To the extent consistent
with local market liquidity considerations, the Fund will strive to capitalize
on apparently unwarranted price fluctuations, both to purchase or increase
positions on weakness and to sell or reduce overpriced holdings. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will remain substantially fully invested in equity
securities and will not take significant cash positions for market timing
purposes. Rather, through "buying into declines" and "selling into strength,"
Alliance seeks superior relative returns over time.
As a matter of fundamental policy, which may not be changed without shareholder
approval, the Fund will invest under normal
5
<PAGE>
circumstances at least 85% of the value of its total assets in equity
securities. The Fund's other investment policies are not fundamental and,
therefore, may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without
shareholder approval. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may vary from
its investment policies during periods in which Alliance believes that business
or financial conditions warrant, and may then invest in high-grade short-term
fixed-income securities, including U.S. Government securities, or hold its
assets in cash.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in convertible securities of
issuers whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by the Fund. The Fund may
also: (i) invest up to 20% of its total assets in rights or warrants; (ii) write
covered put and call options and purchase put and call options on securities of
the types in which it is permitted to invest and on exchange- traded index
options and may also write uncovered options for cross hedging purposes; (iii)
enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of
fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or contracts based on financial
indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities, foreign government
securities, or common stock and may purchase and write options on such futures
contracts; (iv) purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies
for hedging purposes; (v) purchase or sell forward contracts; (vi) enter in
forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities; (vii) enter into
standby commitment agreements; (viii) enter into currency swaps for hedging
purposes; (ix) enter into repurchase agreements pertaining to U.S. Government
securities with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealers in
such securities; (x) make short sales of securities or maintain short positions,
provided that the Fund may not make a short sale if as a result more than 5% of
its net assets would be held as collateral for short sales; and (xi) make
secured loans of its portfolio securities not in excess of 30% of its total
assets to entities with which it is permitted to enter into repurchase
agreements. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these
policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Fund may engage in the following investment practices to the extent
described in this Prospectus.
Convertible Securities. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the
same general characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which generally
provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of
common stocks of the same or similar issuers. The price of a convertible
security will normally vary with changes in the price of the underlying common
stock, although the higher yield tends to make the price of the convertible
security less volatile than that of the underlying common stock. As with debt
securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to decrease as
interest rates rise and increase as interest rates fall. While convertible
securities generally offer lower interest yields than non-convertible debt
securities of similar quality, they offer investors the potential to benefit
from increases in the market prices of the underlying common stocks. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure. They
are consequently of higher quality and entail less risk than the issuer's common
stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large
measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value
as a fixed income security. Convertible debt securities that are rated Baa by
Moody's or BBB by S&P and comparable not rated securities as determined by
Alliance may share some or all of the risks of debt securities with those
ratings.
Rights and Warrants. The Fund will invest in rights or warrants only if the
underlying equity securities themselves are deemed appropriate by Alliance for
inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. Rights and warrants entitle the holder to buy
equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. Rights are
similar to warrants except that they have a substantially shorter duration.
Rights and warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types
of investments in that they do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the underlying securities nor do they represent any
rights in the assets of the issuing company. The value of a right or warrant
does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities,
however, although the value of a right or warrant may decline because of a
decrease in the value of the underlying stock, the passage of time or a change
in perception as to the potential of the underlying stock, or any combination
thereof. If the market price of the underlying stock is below the exercise price
set forth in the warrant on the expiration date, the warrant will expire
worthless. Moreover, a right or warrant ceases to have value if it is not
exercised prior to the expiration date.
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 that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by
a foreign corporation. GDRs and other types of depositary receipts are typically
issued by foreign banks or trust companies and evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by either a foreign or a U.S. company. Generally, depositary
receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets
and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in foreign
securities markets. For purposes of determining the country of issuance, the
investments of the Fund in depositary receipts are deemed to be investments in
the underlying securities.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund will not maintain more than 15% of its net assets
in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities generally include (i) direct
placements or other securities that are subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on resale or for which there is no readily available market (e.g.,
when trading in
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the security is suspended or, in the case of unlisted securities, when market
makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers), including many
individually negotiated currency swaps and any assets used to cover currency
swaps, (ii) over-the-counter options and assets used to cover over-the-counter
options, and (iii) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days.
Because of the absence of a trading market for illiquid securities, the Fund may
not be able to realize the price at which they are carried on the Fund's books
upon sale. Alliance will monitor the illiquidity of such securities with respect
to the Fund under the supervision of the Directors of the Fund. To the extent
permitted by applicable law, Rule 144A securities will not be treated as
"illiquid" for purposes of the foregoing restriction so long as such securities
meet liquidity guidelines established by the Fund's Directors.
The Fund may not be able to readily sell securities for which there is no ready
market. To the extent that these securities are foreign securities, there is no
law in many of the countries in which the Fund may invest similar to the
Securities Act, requiring an issuer to register the sale of securities with a
governmental agency or imposing legal restrictions on resales of securities,
either as to length of time the securities may be held or manner of resale.
However, there may be contractual restrictions on resale of securities.
Options on Securities. An option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment
of a premium, the right to deliver to (in the case of a put) or receive from (in
the case of a call) the writer of the option a specified amount of a security on
or before a fixed date at a predetermined price. A call option written by the
Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security, has an absolute and
immediate right to acquire that security upon conversion or exchange of another
security it holds or holds a call option on the underlying security with an
exercise price equal to or less than that of the call option it has written. A
put option written by the Fund is covered if the Fund holds a put on the
underlying securities with an exercise price equal to or greater than that of
the put option it has written.
A call option is for cross-hedging purposes if the Fund does not own the
underlying security and is designed to provide a hedge against a decline in
value in another security which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire. The
Fund may write call options for cross-hedging purposes. The Fund would write a
call option for cross-hedging purposes, instead of writing a covered call
option, when the premium to be received from the cross-hedge transaction would
exceed that which would be received from writing a covered call option, while at
the same time achieving the desired hedge.
In purchasing an option, the Fund would be in a position to realize a gain if,
during the option period, the price of the underlying security increased (in the
case of a call) or decreased (in the case of a put) by an amount in excess of
the premium paid; otherwise the Fund would experience a loss equal to the
premium paid for the option.
If an option written by the Fund were exercised, the Fund would be obligated to
purchase (in the case of a put) or sell (in the case of a call) the underlying
security at the exercise price. The risk involved in writing an option is that,
if the option is exercised, the underlying security would then be purchased or
sold by the Fund at a disadvantageous price. These risks could be reduced by
entering into a closing transaction (i.e., by disposing of the option prior to
its exercise). The Fund retains the premium received from writing a put or call
option whether or not the option is exercised. The writing of call options could
result in increases in the Fund's portfolio turnover rate, especially during
periods when market prices of the underlying securities appreciate.
The Fund will purchase or write options on securities in privately negotiated
(i.e., over-the-counter) transactions only with investment dealers and other
financial institutions (such as commercial banks or savings and loan
institutions) deemed creditworthy by Alliance, and Alliance has adopted
procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such entities. Options
purchased or written by the Fund in negotiated transactions are illiquid, and it
may not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at an
advantageous time. See "Illiquid Securities."
Options on Securities Indices. An option on a securities index is similar to an
option on a security except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery
of a security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the
holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if
the closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of a call) or
less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A "sale" of a futures
contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the
securities or foreign currency or other commodity called for by the contract at
a specified price on a specified date. A "purchase" of a futures contract means
the incurring of an obligation to acquire the securities or foreign currency or
other commodity called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified
date. The purchaser of a futures contract on an index agrees to take or make
delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between a specified dollar
multiple of the value of the index on the expiration date of the contract
("current contract value") and the price at which the contract was originally
struck. No physical delivery of the securities underlying the index is made.
Options on futures contracts written or purchased by the Fund will be traded on
U.S. or foreign exchanges or over-the-counter. Options on futures contracts will
be used only to hedge against anticipated future changes in market conditions
and interest or exchange rates which otherwise might either adversely affect the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities or adversely affect the prices of
securities which the Fund intends to purchase at a later date.
The Fund will not enter into any futures contracts or options on futures
contracts if immediately thereafter the market values of
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the outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and the currencies and futures
contracts subject to outstanding options written by the Fund would exceed 100%
of its total assets.
Options on Foreign Currencies. As in the case of other kinds of options, the
writing of an option on a foreign currency constitutes only a partial hedge, up
to the amount of the premium received, and the Fund could be required to
purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby
incurring losses. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute
an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates, although, in the
event of rate movements adverse to the Fund's position, the Fund may forfeit the
entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs. See the Statement
of Additional Information for a further discussion of the use, risks and costs
of options on foreign currencies.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. The Fund may purchase or sell
forward contracts so as to minimize the risk to it from adverse changes in the
relationship between the U.S. dollar and other currencies. A forward contract is
an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed price at a
future date, and is individually negotiated and privately traded.
The Fund may enter into a forward contract, for example, when it enters into a
contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign
currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security
("transaction hedge"). The Fund may not engage in transaction hedges with
respect to the currency of a particular country to an extent greater than the
aggregate amount of the Fund's transactions in that currency. When the Fund
believes that a foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the
U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of that
foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency; or when the Fund believes that
the U.S. dollar may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it
may enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a
fixed dollar amount ("position hedge"). The Fund will not position hedge with
respect to a particular currency to an extent greater than the aggregate market
value (at the time of making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio
denominated or quoted in that currency. Instead of entering into a position
hedge, the Fund may, in the alternative, enter into a forward contract to sell a
different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount where the Fund
believes that the U.S. dollar value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the
forward contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar value
of the currency in which portfolio securities of the Fund are denominated
("cross-hedge"). Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer
overall performance for the Fund than if it does not enter into forward
contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of securities decline. These transactions also preclude the opportunity
for gain if the value of the hedge currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be
possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally
anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a
price above the anticipated devaluation level.
Forward Commitments. Forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities
may include purchases on a "when-issued" basis or purchases or sales on a
"delayed delivery" basis. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned
upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of
a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a "when, as and
if issued" trade).
When forward commitment transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the
time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take
place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within two months
after the transaction, but settlements beyond two months may be negotiated.
Securities purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject to market
fluctuation, and no interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the
settlement date. At the time the Fund intends to enter into a forward
commitment, it records the transaction and thereafter reflects the value of the
security purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining
its net asset value. Any unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected in
such valuation of a "when, as and if issued" security would be canceled in the
event that the required conditions did not occur and the trade was canceled.
The use of forward commitments enables the Fund to protect against anticipated
changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in periods of rising
interest rates and falling bond prices, the Fund might sell securities in its
portfolio on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices.
In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, the Fund might sell
a security in its portfolio and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if Alliance were to forecast incorrectly
the direction of interest rate movements, the Fund might be required to complete
such when-issued or forward transactions at prices inferior to the then current
market values. When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior
to the settlement date, but the Fund enters into when-issued and forward
commitments only with the intention of actually receiving securities or
delivering them, as the case may be. If the Fund chose to dispose of the right
to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or dispose of its
right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may realize a gain
or incur a loss. Any significant commitment of Fund assets to the purchase of
securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of
the Fund's net asset value. No forward commitments will be made by the Fund if,
as a result, the Fund's aggregate commitments under such transactions would be
more than 30% of the Fund's total assets. In the event the other party to a
forward commitment transaction were to default, the Fund
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might lose the opportunity to invest money at favorable rates or to dispose of
securities at favorable prices.
Standby Commitment Agreements. Standby commitment agreements commit the Fund,
for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a security that may
be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer. The price and coupon
of the security are fixed at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering
into the agreement the Fund is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether the
security ultimately is issued, typically equal to approximately 0.5% of the
aggregate purchase price of the security the Fund has committed to purchase. The
Fund will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price considered advantageous
to the Fund and unavailable on a firm commitment basis. The Fund will limit its
investment in such commitments so that the aggregate purchase price of the
securities subject to the commitments will not exceed 50% of its assets taken at
the time of making the commitment.
There is no guarantee that the securities subject to a standby commitment will
be issued, and the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be
more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security
underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, the Fund will bear the
risk of capital loss in the event the value of the security declines and may not
benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment
period if the issuer decides not to issue and sell the security to the Fund.
Currency Swaps. Currency swaps involve the individually negotiated exchange by
the Fund with another party of a series of payments in specified currencies. A
currency swap may involve the delivery at the end of the exchange period of a
substantial amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other
designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is
subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its
contractual delivery obligations. The Fund will enter into currency swaps for
hedging purposes only. The Fund will not enter into any currency swap unless the
credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the
other party thereto is rated in the highest rating category of at least one
nationally recognized rating organization at the time of entering into the
transaction. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the
Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the
transactions.
Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement arises when a buyer purchases a
security and simultaneously agrees to resell it to the vendor at an agreed-upon
future date, normally a day or a few days later. The resale price is greater
than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon interest rate for the period
the buyer's money is invested in the security. Such agreements permit the Fund
to keep all of its assets at work while retaining "overnight" flexibility in
pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature. If a vendor defaults on its
repurchase obligation, the Fund would suffer a loss to the extent that the
proceeds from the sale of the collateral were less than the repurchase price. If
a vendor goes bankrupt, the Fund might be delayed in, or be prevented from,
selling the collateral for its benefit. The Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements pertaining to U.S. Government securities with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System or "primary dealers" (as designated by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York) in such securities. Alliance will monitor the
creditworthiness of the dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase
agreements. Currently, the Fund intends to enter into repurchase agreements only
with its custodian and such primary dealers. There is no percentage restriction
on the Fund's ability to enter into repurchase agreements.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The risk in lending portfolio securities, as with
other extensions of credit, consists of the possible loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend
securities to a particular borrower, Alliance (subject to review by the Fund's
Directors) will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the
creditworthiness of the borrower. While securities are on loan, the borrower
will be obligated to pay the Fund any income earned thereon and the Fund may
invest any cash collateral in portfolio securities, thereby earning additional
income, or receive an agreed upon amount of income from a borrower who has
delivered equivalent collateral. The Fund will have the right to regain record
ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting
rights, subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or distributions.
The Fund may pay reasonable finders', administrative and custodial fees in
connection with a loan. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to any
officer, director, employee or affiliate of the Fund or Alliance.
General. The successful use of the foregoing investment practices draws upon
Alliance's special skills and experience with respect to such instruments and
usually depends on Alliance's ability to forecast price movements or currency
exchange rate movements correctly. Should prices or exchange rates move
unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the
transactions or may realize losses and thus be in a worse position than if such
strategies had not been used. Unlike many exchange-traded futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, there are no daily price fluctuation limits with
respect to options on currencies and forward contracts, and adverse market
movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time.
In addition, the correlation between movements in the prices of such instruments
and movements in the prices of the securities and currencies hedged or used for
cover will not be perfect and could produce unanticipated losses.
The Fund's ability to dispose of its positions in futures contracts, options and
forward contracts depends on the availability of liquid markets in such
instruments. Markets in options and futures with respect to a number of types of
securities and currencies are relatively new and still developing, and there is
no public market for forward contracts. It is impossible to predict the amount
of trading interest that may exist in various types of futures contracts,
options and forward contracts. If a secondary market does not
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exist with respect to an option purchased or written by the Fund, it might not
be possible to effect a closing transaction in the option (i.e., dispose of the
option) with the result that (i) an option purchased by the Fund would have to
be exercised in order for the Fund to realize any profit and (ii) the Fund may
not be able to sell portfolio securities or currencies covering an option
written by the Fund until the option expires or it delivers the underlying
securities, currency or futures contract upon exercise. Therefore, no assurance
can be given that the Fund will be able to utilize these instruments effectively
for the purposes set forth above.
Future Developments. The Fund may, following written notice to its shareholders,
take advantage of other investment practices that are not currently contemplated
for use by the Fund or are not available but may yet be developed, to the extent
such investment practices are consistent with the Fund's investment objective
and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise,
may involve risks that exceed those involved in the activities described above.
Defensive Position. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may reduce its
position in equity securities and increase without limit its position in
short-term, liquid, high-grade debt securities, which may include U.S.
Government securities, bank deposits, money market instruments, short-term debt
securities, including notes and bonds, and short-term foreign-currency
denominated high-grade debt securities issued by foreign governmental entities,
companies and supranational organizations. For a complete description of the
types of securities the Fund may invest in while in a temporary defensive
position, please see the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Portfolio Turnover. Alliance anticipates that the Fund's annual rate of turnover
generally will not exceed 150%. A 150% annual turnover rate would occur if all
of the securities in the Fund's portfolio are replaced one and one-half times in
a period of one year. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly
greater brokerage and other expenses than a lower rate, which must be borne by
the Fund and its shareholders. High portfolio turnover also may result in the
realization of substantial net short-term capital gains.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment policies listed below, which
may not be changed without the approval of its shareholders. Additional
investment restrictions with respect to the Fund are set forth in the Statement
of Additional Information.
The Fund may not: (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of
issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry,
except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities; (ii)
borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow (a)
from a bank if immediately after such borrowing there is asset coverage of at
least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act and (b) for temporary purposes in an
amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or (iii)
pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investment in the Fund involves the special risk considerations referred to
below.
Currency Considerations. Substantially all of the assets of the Fund will be
invested in securities denominated in foreign currencies, and a corresponding
portion of the Fund's revenues will be received in these currencies. Therefore,
the dollar equivalent of the Fund's net assets and distributions will be
adversely affected by reductions in the value of foreign currencies relative to
the U.S. dollar. Such changes will also affect the Fund's income. The Fund will,
however, consider whether to attempt to protect itself against adverse changes
in the values of foreign currencies by engaging in certain of the investment
practices listed above under "Additional Investment Practices." While it has
this ability, there is no certainty as to whether these practices are available
and, if so, whether and to what extent it will engage in these practices, and,
if it does, whether it will be successful in doing so. If the value of the
foreign currencies in which the Fund receives its income falls relative to the
U.S. dollar between receipt of the income and the making of Fund distributions,
the Fund may be required to liquidate securities in order to make distributions
if it has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements.
Similarly, if an exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs
expenses in U.S. dollars and the time cash expenses are paid, the amount of the
currency required to be converted into U.S. dollars in order to pay expenses in
U.S. dollars could be greater than the equivalent amount of such expenses in the
currency at the time they were incurred.
Extreme Governmental Action; Less Protective Laws. In contrast with the United
States, foreign investment may involve in certain situations greater risk of
nationalization, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, currency blockage or
other extreme governmental action which could adversely impact the Fund's
investments. In the event of certain such actions, the Fund could lose its
entire investment in the country involved. In addition, laws in various foreign
countries governing, among other subjects, business organization and practices,
securities and securities trading, bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less
protection to investors such as the Fund than provided under United States laws.
U.S. and Foreign Taxes. Foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be creditable or
deductible by U.S. shareholders of the Fund for U.S. income tax purposes.
Non-U.S. investors may not be able to credit or deduct such foreign taxes.
Investors should review carefully the information discussed under the heading
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" below and in the Statement of Additional
Information and should consider with their tax advisors the specific tax
consequences of investing in the Fund.
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Foreign Investment. The securities markets of many foreign countries are
relatively small, with the majority of market capitalization and trading volume
concentrated in a limited number of companies representing a small number of
industries.
Consequently, the Fund, whose investment portfolio will include such securities,
may experience greater price volatility and significantly lower liquidity than a
portfolio invested solely in equity securities of U.S. companies. These markets
may be subject to greater influence by adverse events generally affecting the
market, and by large investors trading significant blocks of securities, than is
usual in the United States. Securities registration, custody and settlements may
in some instances be subject to delays and legal and administrative
uncertainties. Certain foreign countries require governmental approval prior to
investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a
specified percentage of an issuer's outstanding securities or a specific class
of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than
securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. These
restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude investment in certain
securities and may increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. In addition, the
repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of
securities from certain countries is controlled under regulations, including in
some cases the need for certain advance government notification or authority,
and if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country
could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances.
The Fund also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant,
any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the
application to it of other restrictions on investment. Investing in local
markets may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, which may involve
additional costs to the Fund. The liquidity of the Fund's investments in any
country in which any of these factors exists could be affected and Alliance will
monitor the effect of any such factor or factors on the Fund's investments.
Furthermore, transaction costs including brokerage commissions for transactions
both on and off the securities exchanges in many foreign countries are generally
higher than in the United States. Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions
are generally not subject to the same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers
with respect to such matters as insider trading rules, restrictions on market
manipulation, shareholder proxy requirements and timely disclosure of
information. The reporting, accounting and auditing standards of foreign
countries may differ, in some cases significantly, from U.S. standards in
important respects and less information may be available to investors in foreign
securities than to investors in U.S. securities. Substantially less information
is publicly available about certain non-U.S. issuers than is available about
U.S. issuers.
The economies of individual foreign countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic
product or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes,
government regulation, political or social instability or diplomatic
developments could affect adversely the economy of a foreign country or the
Fund's investments in such country. In the event of expropriation,
nationalization or other confiscation, the Fund could lose its entire investment
in the country involved. In addition, laws in foreign countries governing
business organizations, bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less protection to
security holders such as the Fund than that provided by U.S. laws.
Year 2000. Many computer software systems in use today cannot properly process
date-related information from and after January 1, 2000. Should any of the
computer systems employed by the Fund's major service providers fail to process
this type of information properly, that could have a negative impact on the
Fund's operations and the services that are provided to the Fund's shareholders.
Alliance, the Fund's investment adviser, Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc.
("AFD"), the Fund's principal underwriter, and Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
("AFS"), the Fund's registrar, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent,
have advised the Fund that they are reviewing all of their computer systems with
the goal of modifying or replacing such systems prior to January 1, 2000 to the
extent necessary to foreclose any such negative impact. In addition, Alliance
has been advised by the Fund's custodian that it is also in the process of
reviewing its systems with the same goal. As of the date of this Prospectus, the
Fund and Alliance have no reason to believe that these goals will not be
achieved.
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PURCHASE AND SALE
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OF SHARES
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HOW TO BUY SHARES
The Fund offers multiple classes of shares, of which only the Advisor Class is
offered by this Prospectus. Advisor Class shares of the Fund may be purchased
through your financial representative at net asset value without any initial or
contingent deferred sales charges and are not subject to ongoing distribution
expenses. Advisor Class shares may be purchased and held solely (i) through
accounts established under a fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a
registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and approved by AFD,
(ii) through a self-directed defined contribution employee benefit plan (e.g. a
401(k) plan) that has at least 1,000 participants or $25 million in assets,
(iii) by investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated
with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Fund and (iv) through registered
investment advisers or other financial intermediaries who charge a management,
consulting or other fee for their service and who purchase shares through a
broker or agent approved by AFD and clients of such registered investment
advisers or financial intermediaries whose accounts are linked to the master
account
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of such investment adviser or financial intermediary on the books of such
approved broker or agent. For more detailed information about who may purchase
and hold Advisor Class shares see the Statement of Additional Information. A
shareholder's Advisor Class shares will automatically convert to Class A shares
of the Fund under certain circumstances. For a more detailed description of the
conversion feature and Class A shares, see "Conversion Feature."
Generally, a fee-based program must charge an asset-based or other similar fee
and must invest at least $250,000 in Advisor Class shares of the Fund in order
to be approved by AFD for investment in Advisor Class shares. Share certificates
are issued only upon request. See the Subscription Application and the Statement
of Additional Information for more information. The Fund may refuse any order to
purchase Advisor Class shares. In this regard, the Fund reserves the right to
restrict purchases of Advisor Class shares (including through exchanges) when
there appears to be evidence of a pattern of frequent purchases and sales made
in response to short-term consideration.
How the Fund Values its Shares
The net asset value of Advisor Class shares of the Fund is calculated by
dividing the value of the Fund's net assets allocable to the Advisor Class by
the number of outstanding shares of the Advisor Class. Shares are valued each
day the Exchange is open as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time). The securities in the Fund are valued at their current market
value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if such quotations are
not readily available, such other methods as the Fund's Directors believe
accurately reflect fair market value.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may "redeem" your shares (i.e., sell, your shares in the Fund to the Fund)
on any day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial
intermediary. The price you will receive is the net asset value next calculated
after the Fund receives your request in proper form. Proceeds generally will be
sent to you within seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check
or electronic funds transfer, the Fund will not send proceeds until it is
reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic funds transfer has been
collected (which may take up to 15 days). If you are in doubt about what
documents are required by your fee-based program or employee benefit plan, you
should contact your financial representative.
Selling Shares Through Your Financial Representative
Your financial representative must receive your request before 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time, and your financial representative must transmit your request to the Fund
by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, for you to receive that day's net asset value. Your
financial representative is responsible for furnishing all necessary
documentation to the Fund and may charge you for this service.
Selling Shares Directly To The Fund
Send a signed letter of instruction or stock power form to AFS along with
certificates, if any, that represent the shares you want to sell. For your
protection, signatures must be guaranteed by a bank, a member firm of a national
stock exchange or other eligible guarantor institution. Stock power forms are
available from your financial intermediary, AFS, and many commercial banks.
Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by corporations,
intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners. For details contact:
Alliance Fund Services
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
800-221-5672
Alternatively, a request for redemption of shares for which no stock
certificates have been issued can also be made by telephone to 800-221-5672.
Telephone redemption requests must be made by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund
business day in order to receive that day's net asset value. A shareholder who
has completed the appropriate section of the Subscription Application, or a
Shareholder Options form obtained from AFS, can elect to have the proceeds of
his or her redemption sent to his or her bank via an electronic funds transfer.
Proceeds of telephone redemptions also may be sent by check to a shareholder's
address of record. Redemption requests by electronic funds transfer may not
exceed $100,000 and redemption requests by check may not exceed $50,000 per day.
Telephone redemption is not available for shares held in nominee or "street
name" accounts or retirement plan accounts or shares held by a shareholder who
has changed his or her address of record within the previous 30 calendar days.
General
The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for federal tax purposes. Under
unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for
up to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The Fund
reserves the right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $200 for 90 days. Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to
increase the account value before the account is closed.
During drastic economic or market developments, you might have difficulty
reaching AFS by telephone, in which event you should issue written instructions
to AFS. AFS is not responsible for the authenticity of telephonic requests to
purchase, sell or exchange shares. AFS will employ reasonable procedures to
verify that telephone requests are genuine, and could be liable for losses
resulting from unauthorized transactions if it fails to do so. Dealers and
agents may charge a commission for handling telephonic requests. The telephone
service may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
AFS offers a variety of shareholder services. For more information about these
services or your account, call AFS's toll-free number, 800-221-5672. Some
services are described
12
<PAGE>
in the attached Subscription Application. A shareholder manual explaining all
available services will be provided upon request. To request a shareholder
manual, call 800-227-4618.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange your Advisor Class shares of the Fund for Advisor Class shares
of other Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD Exchange Reserves, a money market
fund managed by Alliance). Exchanges of shares are made at the net asset values
next determined, without sales or service charges. Exchanges may be made by
telephone or written request. Telephone exchange requests must be received by
AFS by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to receive that
day's net asset value.
Please read carefully the Prospectus of the mutual fund into which you are
exchanging before submitting the request. Call AFS at 800-221-5672 to exchange
uncertificated shares. An exchange is a taxable transaction for federal tax
purposes. The exchange service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on 60
days' written notice.
GENERAL
If you are a Fund shareholder through an account established under a fee-based
program, your fee-based program may impose requirements with respect to the
purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares of the Fund that are
different from those described in this Prospectus. A transaction fee may be
charged by your financial representative with respect to the purchase, sale or
exchange of Advisor Class shares and through such financial representative.
The Fund offers three classes of shares other than the Advisor Class, which are
Class A, Class B and Class C. All classes of shares of the Fund have a common
investment objective and investment portfolio. Class A shares are offered with
an initial sales charge and pay a distribution services fee. Class B shares have
a contingent deferred sales charge (a "CDSC") and also pay a distribution
services fee. Class C shares have no initial sales charge or CDSC as long as
they are not redeemed within one year of purchase, but pay a distribution
services fee. Because Advisor Class shares have no initial sales charge or CDSC
and pay no distribution services fee, Advisor Class shares are expected to have
different performance from Class A, Class B or Class C shares. You may obtain
more information about Class A, Class B and Class C shares, which are not
offered by this Prospectus, by contacting AFS by telephone at 800-221-5672 or by
contacting your financial representative.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVISER
Alliance, which is a Delaware limited partnership with principal offices at 1345
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an
advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to provide investment advice and,
in general, to conduct the management and investment program of the Fund,
subject to the general supervision and control of the Directors of the Fund.
Alliance is a leading international investment manager supervising client
accounts with assets as of September 30, 1997 totaling more than $217 billion
(of which approximately $81 billion represented the assets of investment
companies). Alliance's clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit
funds, public employee retirement systems, investment companies, foundations and
endowment funds. The 56 registered investment companies managed by Alliance
comprising more than 118 separate investment portfolios currently have over two
million shareholders. As of September 30, 1997, Alliance was retained as an
investment manager for 28 of the Fortune 100 companies.
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC"), the sole general partner of,
and the owner of a 1% general partnership interest in, Alliance, is an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States ("Equitable"), one of the largest life insurance companies in the United
States, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies
Incorporated, a holding company controlled by AXA-UAP, a French insurance
holding company. Certain information concerning the ownership and control of
Equitable by AXA-UAP is set forth in the Fund's Statement of Additional
Information under "Management of the Fund."
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays Alliance a fee, which is accrued
daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average daily
net assets.
The person primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund is
Bruce W. Calvert, the Adviser's Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer. Mr.
Calvert joined Alliance in 1973 as an equity portfolio manager and was elected
Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer on May 3, 1993. From 1986 to 1993 he
was an Executive Vice President and from 1981 to 1986 he was a Senior Vice
President. He was elected a Director of Alliance in 1992.
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
In addition to the payments to Alliance under the Advisory Agreement described
above, the Fund pays certain other costs, including (i) custody, transfer and
dividend disbursing expenses, (ii) fees of the Directors who are not affiliated
with Alliance, (iii) legal and auditing expenses, (iv) clerical, accounting and
other office costs, (v) costs of printing the Fund's prospectuses and
shareholder reports, (vi) costs of maintaining the Fund's existence, (vii)
interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, (viii) costs of
stationery and supplies, (ix) expenses and fees related to registration and
filing with the Commission and with state regulatory authorities, (x) upon the
approval of the Board of Directors, costs of personnel of Alliance or its
affiliates rendering clerical, accounting and other office services and (xi)
such promotional, shareholder servicing and other expenses as may be
contemplated by the Distribution Services Agreement, described below.
13
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Services Agreement with AFD with
respect to the Advisor Class shares. The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable
laws may limit the ability of a bank or other depository institution to become
an underwriter or distributor of securities. However, in the opinion of the
Fund's management, based on the advice of counsel, these laws do not prohibit
such depository institutions from providing services for investment companies
such as the administrative, accounting and other services referred to in the
Agreement. In the event that a change in these laws prevented a bank from
providing such services, it is expected that other service arrangements would be
made and that shareholders would not be adversely affected.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
If you receive an income dividend or capital gains distribution in cash you may,
within 120 days following the date of its payment, reinvest the dividend or
distribution in additional shares of the Fund without charge by returning to
Alliance, with appropriate instructions, the check representing such dividend or
distribution. Thereafter, unless you otherwise specify, you will be deemed to
have elected to reinvest all subsequent dividends and distributions in shares of
the Fund.
Each income dividend and capital gains distribution, if any, declared by the
Fund on its outstanding shares will, at the election of each shareholder, be
paid in cash or in additional shares of the Fund having an aggregate net asset
value as of the payment date of such dividend or distribution equal to the cash
amount of such dividend or distribution. Election to receive dividends and
distributions in cash or shares is made at the time shares are initially
purchased and may be changed at any time prior to the record date for a
particular dividend or distribution. Cash dividends and distributions can be
paid by check or, if the shareholder so elects, electronically via the ACH
network. There is no sales or other charge in connection with the reinvestment
of dividends and capital gains distributions.
While it is the intention of the Fund to distribute to its shareholders
substantially all of each fiscal year's net income and net realized capital
gains, if any, the amount and time of any such dividend or distribution must
necessarily depend upon the realization by the Fund of income and capital gains
from investments. There is no fixed dividend rate, and there can be no assurance
that the Fund will pay any dividends or realize any capital gains. If you buy
shares just before the Fund deducts a dividend or distribution from its net
asset value, you will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a
portion of the price back as a taxable dividend or distribution.
FOREIGN INCOME TAXES
Investment income and capital gains received by the Fund from sources within
foreign countries may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source.
To the extent that the Fund is liable for foreign income taxes withheld at the
source, the Fund intends, if possible, to operate so as to meet the requirements
of the Code to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders credits for foreign
income taxes paid, but there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to
do so. For further information regarding foreign taxes see "Dividends,
Distribution and Taxes--Foreign Taxation" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Fund intends to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code. To the extent that the Fund distributes its taxable income and
net capital gains to its shareholders, qualification as a regulated investment
company relieves the Fund of federal income and excise taxes on that part of its
taxable income including net capital gains which it pays out to its
shareholders. Dividends out of net ordinary income and distributions of net
short-term capital gains are taxable to the recipient shareholders as ordinary
income. The investment objective of the Fund is such that only a small portion,
if any, of the Fund's dividends is expected to qualify for the dividends-
received deduction for corporate shareholders.
Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, two different tax rates apply to
net capital gains--that is, the excess of net gains from capital assets held for
more than one year over net losses from capital assets held for not more than
one year. One rate (generally 28%) applies to net gains on capital assets held
for more than one year but not more than 18 months ("mid-term gains"), and a
second rate (generally 20%) applies to the balance of such net capital gains
("adjusted net capital gains"). Distributions of mid-term gains and adjusted net
capital gains will be taxable to shareholders as such, regardless of how long a
shareholder has held shares in the Fund.
Under current federal tax law, the amount of an income dividend or capital gains
distribution declared by a Fund during October, November or December of a year
to shareholders of record as of a specified date in such a month that is paid
during January of the following year is includable in the prior year's taxable
income of shareholders that are calendar year taxpayers.
Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder on shares of the Fund
will have the effect of reducing the net asset value of such shares by the
amount of such dividend or distribution. Furthermore, a dividend or distribution
made shortly after the purchase of such shares by a shareholder, although in
effect a return of capital to that particular shareholder, would be taxable to
the shareholder as described above. If a shareholder held shares six months or
less and during that period received a
14
<PAGE>
distribution of net capital gains, any loss realized on the sale of such shares
during such six-month period would be a long-term capital loss to the extent of
such distribution.
A dividend or capital gains distribution with respect to shares of the Fund held
by a tax-deferred or qualified plan, such as an individual retirement account,
403(b)(7) retirement plan or corporate pension or profit-sharing plan, generally
will not be taxable to the plan. Distributions from such plans will be taxable
to individual participants under applicable tax rules without regard to the
character of the income earned by the qualified plan.
The Fund will be required to withhold 31% of any payments made to a shareholder
if the shareholder has not provided a certified taxpayer identification number
to the Fund, or the Secretary of the Treasury notifies the Fund that a
shareholder has not reported all interest and dividend income required to be
shown on the shareholder's federal income tax return.
Under certain circumstances, if the Fund realizes losses from fluctuations in
currency exchange rates after paying a dividend, all or a portion of the
dividend may subsequently be characterized as a return of capital. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholders will be advised annually as to the federal tax status of dividends
and capital gains distributions made by the Fund for the preceding year.
Distributions by the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders
are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their own tax situation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERSION FEATURE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERSION TO CLASS A SHARES
Advisor Class shares may be held solely though the fee-based program accounts,
employee benefit plans and registered investment advisory or other financial
intermediary relationships described above under "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How to Buy Shares," and by investment advisory clients of, and certain
other persons associated with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Fund. If (i) a
holder of Advisor Class shares ceases to participate in a fee-based program or
plan, or to be associated with an investment adviser or financial intermediary,
in each case that satisfies the requirements to purchase shares set forth under
"Purchase and Sale of Shares--How to Buy Shares," or (ii) the holder is
otherwise no longer eligible to purchase Advisor Class shares as described in
this Prospectus (each, a "Conversion Event"), then all Advisor Class shares held
by the shareholder will convert automatically and without notice to the
shareholder, other than the notice contained in this Prospectus, to Class A
shares of the Fund during the calendar month following the month in which the
Fund is informed of the occurrence of the Conversion Event. The failure of a
shareholder or a fee-based program to satisfy the minimum investment
requirements to purchase Advisor Class shares will not constitute a Conversion
Event. The conversion would occur on the basis of the relative net asset values
of the two classes without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other
charge.
DESCRIPTION OF CLASS A SHARES
The following sets forth maximum transaction costs, annual expenses, per shares
income and capital charges for Class A shares of the Fund. Class A shares are
subject to a distribution fee that may not exceed an annual rate of 30%. The
higher fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class A shares pay correspondingly
lower dividends and may have a lower net asset value than Advisor Class shares.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses are one of several factors to consider when you
invest in the Fund. The following table summarizes your maximum transaction
costs from investing in Class A shares of the Fund and estimated annual expenses
for Class A shares of the Fund. The Example following the table below shows the
cumulative expenses attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in Class A
shares for the periods specified.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares
<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchase
(as a percentage of offering price) (a) .............. None
(sales charge waived)
Sales charge imposed on dividend
reinvestments ........................................ None
Deferred Sales charge (as a percentage
of original purchase price or redemption
proceeds, whichever is lower) ........................ None
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Class A
-------
<S> <C>
Management Fees ...................................... 1.00%
12b-1 fees............................................ .30%
Other expenses (b).................................... 1.20%
----
Total fund operating expenses......................... 2.50%
====
<CAPTION>
Example(a) Class A
-------
<S> <C>
After 1 year.......................................... $25
After 3 years ........................................ $78
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Advisor Class shares convert to Class A shares at net asset value and
without the imposition of any sales charge and, accordingly, the maximum
sales charge of 4.25% on most purchases of Class A shares for cash does not
apply.
(b) These expenses include a transfer agency fee payable to Alliance Fund
Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alliance.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly
or indirectly. Long-term shareholders of Class A shares of the Fund may pay
aggregate sales charges totaling more than the economic equivalent of the
maximum initial sales charges totaling permitted by the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The Rule 12b-1 fee for Class A
comprises a service fee not exceeding 25% of the aggregate average daily net
assets of the Fund attributable to Class A and an asset-based sales charge equal
to the remaining portion of the Rule 12b-1 fee. "Other Expenses" for Class A
shares are based on estimated amounts for the Fund's current fiscal year. The
Example set forth above assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions
and utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by Commission regulations.
The Example should not
15
<PAGE>
be considered representative of past or future expenses; actual expenses may be
greater or less than those shown.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best price and execution, the Fund may
consider sales of its shares as a factor in the selection of dealers to enter
into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
ORGANIZATION
The Fund is a Maryland corporation organized on November 24, 1997. It is
anticipated that annual shareholder meetings will not be held; shareholder
meetings will be held only when required by federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Directors.
A shareholder in the Fund will be entitled to share pro rata with other holders
of the same class of shares in all dividends and distributions arising from the
Fund's assets and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the then current net
asset value of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable
CDSC. The Fund is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval,
additional portfolios, which may have different investment objectives, and
additional classes of shares. If an additional portfolio or class were
established by the Fund, each share of the portfolio or class would normally be
entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of each portfolio and
class would vote as a single series or class on matters, such as the election of
Directors, that affect each portfolio or class in substantially the same manner.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears its own
transfer agency expenses, each of Class A, Class B and Class C shares bears its
own distribution expenses, Class B shares convert to Class A shares after eight
years and Advisor Class shares convert to Class A shares under certain
circumstances. Each class of shares votes separately with respect to the Fund's
Rule 12b-1 distribution plan and other matters for which separate class voting
is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are freely transferable, are
entitled to dividends and distributions as determined by the Directors and, in
liquidation of the Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund.
Certain additional matters relating to the Fund's organization are discussed in
its Statement of Additional Information.
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND
DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
AFS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 500 Plaza
Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, acts as the Fund's registrar, transfer agent
and dividend-disbursing agent for a fee based upon the number of shareholder
accounts maintained for the Fund.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
AFD, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 1345 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10105, is the principal underwriter of shares
of the Fund.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Fund advertises its total return, which is computed
separately for each Class of shares including the Advisor Class. Such
advertisements disclose the Fund's average annual compounded total return for
the periods prescribed by the Commission. The Fund's total return for each such
period is computed by determining, through the use of a formula prescribed by
the Commission, the average annual compounded rate of return over the period
that would equate an assumed initial amount invested to the value of the
investment at the end of the period. For purposes of computing total return,
income dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares of the Fund are
assumed to have been reinvested when paid, and the maximum sales charges
applicable to purchases and redemptions of the Fund's shares are assumed to have
been paid. The Fund's advertisements may quote performance rankings or ratings
of the Fund by financial publications or independent organizations such as
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. or compare the Fund's
performance to various indices.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, which has been
incorporated by reference herein, do not contain all the information set forth
in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the Commission under the
Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
This prospectus does not constitute an offering in any state in which such
offering may not lawfully be made.
16
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Alliance International
Premier Growth Fund
Subscription Application
- - Advisor Class
================================================================================
To Open Your New Alliance Account...
Please complete the application and mail
it to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
For certified or overnight deliveries, send to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
500 Plaza Drive
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094
Section 1 Your Account Registration (Required)
Complete one of the available choices. To ensure proper tax reporting to the
IRS:
-- Individuals, Joint Tenants, Transfer on Death and Gift/Transfer to a
Minor:
o Indicate your name(s) exactly as it appears on your social
security card.
-- Transfer on Death:
o Ensure that your state permits such transfers.
-- Trust/Other:
o Indicate the name of the entity exactly as it appeared on the
notice you received from the IRS when your Employer
Identification number was assigned.
Section 2 Your Address (Required) Complete in full.
-- Non-Resident Alien:
o Indicate your permanent country of residence.
Section 3 Your Initial Investment (Required)
(1) Write the three digit fund number in the column titled 'Indicate three digit
fund number located below'.
(2) Write the dollar amount of your initial purchase in the column titled
'Indicate Dollar Amount'.
(3) Check off a distribution option for your dividends.
(4) Check off a distribution option for your capital gains. All distributions
(dividends and capital gains) will be reinvested into your fund account unless
you direct otherwise. If you want distributions sent directly to your bank
account, then you must complete Section 4D and attach a preprinted, voided check
for that account. If you want your distributions sent to a third party you must
complete Section 4E.
<PAGE>
Section 4 Your Shareholder Options (Complete only those options you want)
A. Automatic Investment Plans (AIP) - You can make periodic investments into any
of your Alliance Funds in one of three ways. First, by a periodic withdrawal
($25 minimum) directly from your bank account and invested into an Alliance
Fund. Second, you can direct your distributions (dividends and capital gains)
from one Alliance Fund into another Fund. Or third, you can automatically
exchange monthly ($25 minimum) shares of one Alliance Fund for shares of another
Fund. To elect one of these options, complete the appropriate portion of Section
4A & 4D. If more than one dividend direction or monthly exchange is desired,
please call our Literature Center to obtain a Shareholder Account Services
Options Form for completion.
B. Telephone Transactions via EFT - Complete this option if you would like to be
able to transact via telephone between your fund account and your bank account.
C. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) - Complete this option if you wish to
periodically redeem dollars from one of your fund accounts. Payments can be made
via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to your bank account or by check.
D. Bank Information - If you have elected any options that involve transactions
between your bank account and your fund account or have elected cash
distribution options and would like the payments sent to your bank account,
please tape a preprinted, voided check of the account you wish to use to this
section of the application.
E. Third Party Payment Details - If you have chosen cash distributions and/or a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan and would like the payments sent to a person and/or
address other than those provided in section 1 or 2, complete this option.
Medallion Signature Guarantee is required if your account is not maintained by a
broker dealer.
Section 5 Shareholder Authorization (Required)
All owners must sign. If it is a custodial, corporate, or trust account, the
custodian, an authorized officer, or the trustee respectively must sign.
If We Can Assist You In Any Way, Please Do Not Hesitate To Call Us At:
(800) 221-5672.
================================================================================
For Literature Call: (800) 227-4618
================================================================================
<PAGE>
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund
- - Advisor Class Subscription Application
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Your Account Registration (Please Print in Capital Letters and Mark Check Boxes Where Applicable)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
|_| Individual Account { |_| Male |_| Female } --or-- Joint Account --or--
|_| Transfer On Death { |_| Male |_| Female } --or-- Gift/Transfer to a Minor
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Owner or Custodian (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
(First Name) Joint Owner*, Transfer On Death Beneficiary or Minor's Name (MI) (Last Name)
|_|_|_|-|_|_|-|_|_|_|_| If Uniform Gift/Transfer
Social Security Number of Owner or Minor (required to open account) to Minor Account:
|_| |_| Minor's State of Residence
If Joint Tenants Account: *The Account will be registered
"Joint Tenants with right of Survivorship" unless you indicate
otherwise below:
|_| In Common |_| By Entirety |_| Community Property
|_| Trust --or-- |_| Corporation --or-- |_| Other_____________________________
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Name of Trustee if applicable (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Name of Trust or Corporation or Other Entity
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Name of Trust or Corporation or Other Entity continued
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Trust Dated (MM,DD,YYYY) Tax ID Number (required to open account)
|_| Employer ID Number --or-- |_| Social Security
Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Your Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Street Number Street Name
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|
City State Zip code
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_| - |_|_|_| - |_|_|_|_|
If Non-U.S., Specify Country Daytime Phone Number
|_| U.S. Citizen |_| Resident Alien |_| Non-Resident Alien
</TABLE>
Alliance Capital [LOGO](R)
1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Your Initial Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
I hereby subscribe for shares of the Alliance International Premier Growth Fund - Advisor Class and elect distribution
options as indicated.
Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options:
R Reinvest distributions into my fund account.
- ------------------------------------------ -
Broker/Dealer Use Only: Wire Confirm # C Send my distributions in cash to the address I have provided in
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - Section 2. (Complete Section 4D for direct deposit to your bank
- ------------------------------------------ account. Complete Section 4E for payment to a third party)
D Direct my distributions to another Alliance Fund. Complete the
- appropriate portion of Section 4A to direct your distributions
(dividends and capital gains) to another Alliance Fund (the $250
minimum investment requirement applies to Funds into which
distributions are directed).
- ------------- ============== ======================== =============================
Distributions Options
Make all "Check One"
checks Three digit Indicate Dollar Amount =============================
payable to: Fund number Dividends Captital Gains
Alliance ============== ======================== =============================
Funds
|4|7|9| $ R C D R C D
- -------------
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Your Shareholder Options
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
A. Automatic Investment Plans (AIP)
|_| Withdraw From My Bank Account Via EFT*
I authorize Alliance to draw on my bank account for investment in my fund account(s) as indicated below
(Complete Section 4D also for the bank account you wish to use).
1- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
Frequency:
2- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_| M = monthly
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency Q = quarterly
A = Annually
3- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
*Electronic Funds Transfer. Your bank must be a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA)
|_| Direct My Distributions
As indicated in Section 3, I would like my dividends and/or capital gains directed to the same class of shares of
another Alliance Fund.
FROM: |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - |_|
Fund Number Account Number (if existing)
TO: |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - |_|
Fund Number Account Number (if existing)
|_| Exchange My Shares Monthly
I authorize Alliance to transact monthly exchanges, within the same class of shares, between my fund accounts as
listed below.
FROM: |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - |_|
Fund Number Account Number (if existing)
|_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|_|
Amount ($25 minimum) Day of Exchange**
TO: |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| - |_|
Fund Number Account Number (if existing)
**Shares exchanged will be redeemed at the net asset value on the "Day of Exchange" (If the "Day of Exchange" is not a
fund business day, the exchange transaction will be processed on the next fund business day). The exchange privilege is not
available if stock certificates have been issued.
B. Purchases and Redemptions Via EFT
You can call our toll-free number 1-800-221-5672 and instruct Alliance Fund Services, Inc. in a recorded conversation
to purchase, redeem or exchange shares for your account. Purchase and redemption requests will be processed via
electronic funds transfer (EFT) to and from your bank account.
Instructions: o Review the information in the Prospectus about telephone transaction services.
o If you select the telephone purchase or redemption privilege, you must write "VOID" across the face of
a check from the bank account you wish to use and attach it to Section 4D of this application.
|_| Purchases and Redemptions via EFT
I hereby authorize Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to effect the purchase and/or redemption of Fund shares for my account
according to my telephone instructions or telephone instructions from my Broker/Agent, and to withdraw money or credit
money for such shares via EFT from the bank account I have selected.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For shares recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer, redemption proceeds will not be made available
until the Fund is reasonably assured that the check or electronic fund transfer has been collected, normally 15
calendar days after the purchase date.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Your Shareholder Options (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
C. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP)
In order to establish a SWP, you must reinvest all dividends and capital gains.
|_| I authorize Alliance to transact periodic redemptions from my fund account and send the proceeds to me as indicated
below.
1- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
Frequency:
2- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_| M = monthly
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency Q = quarterly
A = Annually
3- |_|_|_| |_|_|_|_| |_|_| , |_|_|_| .00 |_|
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
Please send my SWP proceeds to:
|_| My Address of Record (via check) |_| My checking account-via EFT (complete section 4D)
Your bank must be a member of the National
Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) in
|_| The Payee and address specified in section 4E (via check) order for you to receive SWP proceeds directly
(Medallion Signature Guarantee required) into your bank account. Otherwise payment will be
made by check
D. Bank Information This bank account information will be used for:
|_| Distributions (Section 3) |_| Telephone Transactions (Section 4B)
|_| Automatic Investments (Section 4A) |_| Withdrawals (Section 4C)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please Tape a Pre-printed Voided Check Here*
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The above services
cannot be established
[GRAPHIC OF BLANK CHECK WITH THE WORD VOID PRINTED ON IT.] without a pre-printed
voided check.
For EFT transactions,
the Fund requires
signatures of bank
account owners exactly
as they appear on bank
records. If the
registration at the
bank differs from that
on the Alliance mutual
fund, all parties must
sign in Section 5.
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Your Bank's ABA Routing Number Your Bank Account Number
|_| Checking Account |_| Savings Account
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Your Shareholder Options (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
E. THIRD PARTY PAYMENT DETAILS Your signautre(s) in Section 5 must be Medallion Signature Guaranteed if your account is
not maintained by a dealer/broker. This third party payee information will be used for:
|_| Distributions (section 3) |_| Systematic Withdrawals (section 4C)
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_||_|_|_|_|
Name (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|
Street Number Street Name
|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_|_| |_|_|_|_|_|
City State Zip code
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer/agent Authorization -- For selected Dealers or Agents ONLY.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We hereby authorize Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to act as our agent in connection with transactions under this
authorization form; and we guarantee the signature(s) set forth in Section 5, as well as the legal capacity of
the shareholder.
|_____________________________________________________________| |_______________________________________________________|
Dealer/Agent Firm Authorized Signature
|________________________________________________________| |__| |_______________________________________________________|
Representative First Name MI Last Name
|_____________________________________________________________| |_______________________________________________________|
Dealer/Agent Firm Number Representative Number
|_____________________________________________________________| |_______________________________________________________|
Branch Number Branch Telephone Number
|_____________________________________________________________| |_______________________________________________________|
Branch Office Address
|_____________________________________________________________| |_||_| |_______________________________________________|
City State Zip Code
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Shareholder Authorization -- This section MUST be completed
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telephone Exchanges and Redemptions by Check
Unless I have checked one or both boxes below, these privileges will
automatically apply, and by signing this application, I hereby authorize
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to act on my telephone instructions, or on
telephone instructions from any person representing himself to be an
authorized employee of an investment dealer or agent requesting a
redemption or exchange on my behalf. (NOTE: Telephone exchanges may only be
processed between accounts that have identical registrations.) Telephone
redemption checks will only be mailed to the name and address of record;
and the address must not have changed within the last 30 days. The maximum
telephone redemption amount is $50,000. This service can be enacted once
every 30 days. The maximum telephone redemption amount is $50,000 for
redemptions by check.
|_| I do not elect the telephone exchange service.
|_| I do not elect the telephone redemption by check service.
By selecting any of the above telephone privileges, I agree that neither
the Fund nor Alliance, Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. or other Fund Agent will be liable for any loss, injury,
damage or expense as a result of acting upon telephone instructions
purporting to be on my behalf, that the Fund reasonably believes to be
genuine, and that neither the Fund nor any such party will be responsible
for the authenticity of such telephone instructions. I understand that any
or all of these privileges may be discontinued by me or the Fund at any
time. I understand and agree that the Fund reserves the right to refuse any
telephone instructions and that my investment dealer or agent reserves the
right to refuse to issue any telephone instructions I may request.
For non-residents only: Under penalties of perjury, I certify that to the
best of my knowledge and belief, I qualify as a foreign person as indicated
in Section 2.
I am of legal age and capacity and have received and read the Prospectus
and agree to its terms.
I CERTIFY UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE NUMBER SHOWN IN SECTION 1 OF
THIS FORM IS MY CORRECT TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OR I AM WAITING FOR A
NUMBER TO BE ISSUED TO ME AND THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THIS
ACCOUNT IS SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING.
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR CONSENT TO ANY PROVISION
OF THIS DOCUMENT OTHER THAN THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED TO AVOID BACKUP
WITHHOLDING.
|__________________________________________________| |_______________________|
Signature Date
|__________________________________________________| |_______________________|
Signature Date
- ----------------------------------------------
Medallion Signautre Guarantee required if
completing Section 4E and your mutual fund is
not maintained by a broker dealer
Alliance Capital [LOGO](R)
6
<PAGE>
This is filed pursuant to Rule 497(c).
File Nos. 333-41375 and 811-08527
<PAGE>
(LOGO) ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
c/o Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
____________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 2, 1998
____________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information is not a
prospectus but supplements and should be read in conjunction with
the Prospectus dated February 2, 1998 for Alliance International
Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") that offers the Class A,
Class B and Class C shares of the Fund and the Prospectus dated
February 2, 1998 for the Fund that offers the Advisor Class
shares of the Fund (the "Advisor Class Prospectus" and, together
with the Prospectus for the Fund that offers the Class A, Class B
and Class C shares, the "Prospectus"). Copies of the Prospectus
may be obtained by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the
address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Description of the Fund................................
Management of the Fund.................................
Expenses of the Fund...................................
Purchase of Shares.....................................
Redemption and Repurchase of Shares....................
Shareholder Services...................................
Net Asset Value........................................
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.....................
Brokerage and Portfolio Transactions...................
General Information....................................
Financial Statement and Report of Independent
Accountants .........................................
Appendix A: Certain Investment Practices..............
(R): This registered service mark used under license from the
owner, Alliance Capital Management L.P.
<PAGE>
____________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
____________________________________________________________
Investment Policies and Practices
With respect to currency swaps, standby commitment
agreements and other commitments that may have the effect of
requiring the Fund to increase its investment in a borrower or
other issuer, the net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's
obligations over its entitlements will be accrued on a daily
basis and an amount of liquid assets having an aggregate value at
least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in a
segregated account by the Fund's custodian.
For additional information on the use, risks and costs
of options, futures contracts, stock index futures, options on
futures contracts and options on foreign currencies, see Appendix
A.
Short Sales. A short sale is effected by selling a
security that the Fund does not own, or if the Fund does own such
security, it is not to be delivered upon consummation of the
sale. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent that the
Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain securities
identical to those sold short without payment. Pursuant to the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, if the Fund has unrealized gain with
respect to a security and enters into a short sale with respect
to such security, the Fund generally will be deemed to have sold
the appreciated security and thus will recognize gain for tax
purposes. The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental investment
policy that it will not make a short sale if as a result more
than 5% of its net assets would be held as collateral for short
sales. 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 gain.
Future Developments. The Fund may, following written
notice to its shareholders, take advantage of other investment
practices which are not at present contemplated for use by the
Fund or which currently are not available but which may be
developed, to the extent such investment practices are both
consistent with the Fund's investment objective and legally
permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they
2
<PAGE>
arise, may involve risks which exceed those involved in the
activities described above.
Certain Fundamental Investment Policies. The following
restrictions, which supplement those set forth in the Prospectus,
may not be changed without approval by the vote of a majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities, which means the
affirmative vote of the holders of (i) 67% or more or the shares
represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the
outstanding shares are represented, or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares, whichever is less. Whenever any investment
restriction states a maximum percentage of the Fund's assets
which may be invested in any security or other asset, it is
intended that such maximum percentage limitation be determined
immediately after and as a result of the Fund's acquisition of
such securities or other assets. Accordingly, any later
increases or decreases in percentage beyond the specified
limitation resulting from a change in values or net assets will
not be considered a violation.
The Fund may not:
(i) borrow money except that the Fund may borrow (a)
from a bank if immediately after such borrowing there is asset
coverage of at least 300% as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and (b) for temporary
purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the total
assets of the Fund;
(ii) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber
its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings;
(iii) make loans, except through (a) the purchase of
debt obligations in accordance with its investment objectives and
policies; (b) the lending of portfolio securities; or (c) the use
of repurchase agreements;
(iv) participate on a joint or joint and several basis
in any securities trading account;
(v) invest in companies for the purpose of exercising
control;
(vi) issue any senior security within the meaning of the
1940 Act;
(vii) make short sales of securities or maintain a short
position, unless not more than 25% of the Fund's net assets
3
<PAGE>
(taken at market value) is held as collateral for such sales at
any one time* ; or
(viii) (a) purchase or sell real estate except that it
may purchase and sell securities of companies that deal in real
estate or interests therein; (b) purchase or sell commodities or
commodity contracts including futures contracts (except foreign
currencies, foreign currency options and futures, options and
futures on securities and securities indices and forward
contracts or contracts for the future acquisition or delivery of
securities and foreign currencies and related options on futures
contracts and similar contracts); (c) purchase securities on
margin, except for such short-term credits as may be necessary
for the clearance of transactions; and (d) act as an underwriter
of securities, except that the Fund may acquire restricted
securities under circumstances in which, if such securities were
sold, the Fund might be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
___________________________________________________________
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
___________________________________________________________
Directors and Officers
The Directors and principal officers of the
Company, their ages and their principal occupations during
the past five years are set forth below. Each of the
Directors and officers are trustees, directors and officers
of other registered investment companies sponsored by the
Adviser. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each
such person is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York 10105.
Directors
JOHN D. CARIFA,** 52, Chairman of the Board of
Directors, is the President, Chief Operating Officer and a
Director of Alliance Capital Management Corporation
____________________
* The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy
that it will not make a short sale of securities if as a
result more than 5% of its net assets would be held as
collateral for short sales.
** An "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the
1940 Act.
4
<PAGE>
("ACMC"), with which he has been associated since prior to
1992.
RUTH BLOCK, 67, was formerly Executive Vice
President and Chief Insurance Officer of Equitable. She is
a Director of Ecolab Incorporated (specialty chemicals) and
Amoco Corporation (oil and gas). Her address is Box 4653,
Stamford, Connecticut, 06903.
DAVID H. DIEVLER, 68, was formerly a Senior Vice
President of ACMC, with which he was associated since prior
to 1992 through 1994. He is currently an independent
consultant. His address is P.O. Box 167, Spring Lake, New
Jersey, 07762.
JOHN H. DOBKIN, 55, has been the President of
Historic Hudson Valley (historic preservation) since prior
to 1992. Previously, he was Director of the National
Academy of Design. His address is 150 White Plains Road,
Tarrytown, New York 10591.
WILLIAM H. FOULK, JR., 65, is an Investment Advisor
and Independent Consultant. He was formerly Senior Manager
of Barrett Associates, Inc., a registered investment
adviser, since 1986. His address is Suite 100, 2 Greenwich
Plaza, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.
DR. JAMES M. HESTER, 73, is President of the Harry
Frank Guggenheim Foundation and a Director of Union Carbide
Corporation, with which he has been associated since prior
to 1992. He was formerly President of New York University,
the New York Botanical Garden and Rector of the United
Nations University. His address is 45 East 89th Street, New
York, New York 10128.
CLIFFORD L. MICHEL, 58, is a partner of the law
firm of Cahill Gordon & Reindel, with which he has been
associated since prior to 1992. He is Chief Executive
Officer of Wenonah Development Company (investment holding
company) and a Director of Placer Dome, Inc. (mining). His
address is 80 Pine Street, New York, New York 10005.
DONALD J. ROBINSON, 63, was formerly a partner of
the law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe since prior
to 1992 and is currently of counsel to that firm. His
address is 666 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York
10103.
5
<PAGE>
Officers
JOHN D. CARIFA, President, see biography above.
BRUCE W. CALVERT, Executive Vice President, 50, has
been the Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of the
Adviser since May 1993. Previously, he held various
positions at the Adviser.
KATHLEEN A. CORBET, Senior Vice President, 37, has
been a Senior Vice President of ACMC since July 1993.
Previously, she held various responsibilities as head of
Equitable Capital Management Corporation's Fixed Income
Management Department, Private Placement Secondary Trading
and Fund Management since prior to 1993.
THOMAS BARDONG, Vice President, 52, is a Senior
Vice President of ACMC, with which he has been associated
since prior to 1993.
DANIEL PANKER, Vice President, 58, is a Senior Vice
President of ACMC, with which he has been associated since
prior to 1993.
FRANCIS P. REEVES, Vice President, 24, is an
Assistant Vice President with Alliance Capital Limited, with
which he has been associated with since 1996.
MARK D. GERSTEN, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer, 48, is a Senior Vice President of Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. ("AFS"), with which he has been associated
since prior to 1993.
EDMUND P. BERGAN, JR., Secretary, 47, is a Senior
Vice President and the General Counsel of Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), with which he has been
associated since prior to 1993.
VINCENT S. NOTO, Controller, 33, is a Vice
President of AFS, with which he has been associated since
prior to 1993.
JOSE HERNANDEZ, Assistant Controller, 40, is a
Manager of AFS, with which he has been associated since
prior to 1993.
6
<PAGE>
JOSEPH MANTINEO, Assistant Controller, 38, is a
Vice President of AFS, with which he has been associated
since prior to 1992.
JUAN J. RODRIGUEZ, Assistant Controller, 40, is an
Assistant Vice President of AFS, with which he has been
associated since prior to 1992.
ANDREW L. GANGOLF, Assistant Secretary, 43, is Vice
President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD since
December 1994. Prior thereto, he was Vice President and
Assistant Secretary of Delaware Management Co., Inc. since
October 1992 and a Vice President and Counsel to Equitable
since prior to 1992.
DOMENICK PUGLIESE, Assistant Secretary, 36, is a
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD, with
which he has been associated since May 1995. Previously, he
was Vice President and Counsel of Concord Holding
Corporation since 1994, Vice President and Associate General
Counsel of Prudential Securities since 1992.
EMILIE D. WRAPP, Assistant Secretary, 41, is a Vice
President and Special Counsel of AFD, with which she has
been associated since prior to 1992.
The Fund does not pay any fees to, or reimburse
expenses of, its Directors who are considered "interested
persons" of the Fund. The aggregate compensation to be paid
by the Fund to each of the Directors during the Fund's
fiscal period ending November 30, 1998 (estimating future
payments based upon existing arrangements), and the
aggregate compensation paid to each of the Directors during
calendar year 1997 by all of the registered investment
companies to which the Adviser provides investment advisory
services (collectively, the "Alliance Fund Complex"), and
the total number of registered investment companies (and
separate investment portfolios within those companies) in
the Alliance Fund Complex with respect to which each of the
Directors serves as a director or trustee, are set forth
below. Neither the Fund nor any other registered investment
company in the Alliance Fund Complex provides compensation
in the form of pension or retirement benefits to any of its
directors or trustees.
7
<PAGE>
Total Number Total Number
of Funds in of Investment
the Alliance Portfolios Within
Total Fund Complex, the Alliance
Compensation Including the Fund Complex,
From the Fund, as to Including the
Alliance Fund which the Fund, as to which
Name of Aggregate Complex, Director is a the Director
Director Compensation Including the Director or is a Director or
of the Fund From the Fund***
Fund Trustee Trustee
___________ _____________ ______________ _____________ _______________
John D. Carifa $0 $0 54 118
Ruth Block $4,000 $157,500 40 80
David H. Dievler $4,000 $182,000 47 83
John H. Dobkin $4,000 $121,250 44 80
William H. Foulk, Jr. $4,000 $144,250 48 113
Dr. James M. Hester $4,000 $148,500 40 76
Clifford L. Michel $4,000 $146,068 41 92
Donald J. Robinson $4,000 $137,250 41 94
As of January 14, 1998, the Directors and officers of
the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership with principal offices at 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an
investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to
provide investment advice and, in general, to conduct the
management and investment program of the Fund under the
supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors (see "Management of
the Fund" in the Prospectus).
The Adviser is a leading international investment
manager supervising client accounts with assets as of
September 30, 1997 totaling more than $217 billion (of which
approximately $81 billion represented the assets of investment
companies). The Adviser's clients are primarily major corporate
employee benefit funds, public employee retirement systems,
investment companies, foundation and endowment funds. As of
September 30, 1997, the Adviser was retained as an investment
____________________
*** estimated
8
<PAGE>
manager of employee benefit fund assets for 28 of the FORTUNE 100
companies. As of that date, the Adviser and its subsidiaries
employed approximately 1,500 employees who operated out of
domestic offices and the offices of subsidiaries in Bahrain,
Bangalore, Chennai, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Mumbai, Paris,
Singapore, Tokyo and Toronto and affiliate offices located in
Vienna, Warsaw, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo and Moscow. The 56
registered investment companies comprising more than 118 separate
investment portfolios managed by the Adviser currently have more
than two million shareholders.
Alliance Capital Management Corporation, the sole
general partner of, and the owner of a 1% general partnership
interest in, the Adviser, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
("Equitable"), one of the largest life insurance companies in the
United States and a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable
Companies Incorporated ("ECI"). ECI is a holding company
controlled by AXA-UAP, a French insurance holding company which,
at September 30, 1997, beneficially owned approximately 59% of
the outstanding voting shares of ECI. As of June 30, 1997, ACMC,
Inc. and Equitable Capital Management Corporation, each a wholly-
owned direct or indirect subsidiary of Equitable, together with
Equitable, owned in the aggregate approximately 57% of the issued
and outstanding units representing assignments of beneficial
ownership of limited partnership interests in the Adviser.
AXA-UAP is a holding company for an international group
of insurance and related financial services companies. AXA-UAP's
insurance operations include activities in life insurance,
property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The insurance
operations are diverse geographically, with activities
principally in Western Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific
area. AXA-UAP is also engaged in asset management, investment
banking, securities trading, brokerage, real estate and other
financial services activities principally in the United States,
as well as in Western Europe and the Asia/Pacific area.
Based on information provided by AXA-UAP, as of
September 30, 1997 more than 25% of the voting power of AXA-UAP
was controlled directly and indirectly by FINAXA, a French
holding company. As of September 30, 1997 more than 25% of the
voting power of FINAXA was controlled directly and indirectly by
four French mutual insurance companies (the "Mutuelles AXA"), one
of which, AXA Assurances I.A.R.D. Mutuelle, itself controlled
directly and indirectly more than 25% of the voting power of
FINAXA. Acting as a group, the Mutuelles AXA control AXA-UAP and
FINAXA.
9
<PAGE>
Certain other clients of the Adviser may have investment
objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. The
Adviser may, from time to time, make recommendations which result
in the purchase or sale of a particular security by its other
clients simultaneously with the Fund. If transactions on behalf
of more than one client during the same period increase the
demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities
being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price or quantity.
It is the policy of the Adviser to allocate advisory
recommendations and the placing of orders in a manner which is
deemed equitable by the Adviser to the accounts involved,
including the Fund. When two or more of the clients of the
Adviser (including the Fund) are purchasing or selling the same
security on a given day from the same broker-dealer, such
transactions may be averaged as to price.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides
investment advisory services and order placement facilities for
the Fund and pays all compensation of Directors and officers of
the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Adviser. The Adviser
or its affiliates also furnishes the Fund, without charge,
management supervision and assistance and office facilities and
provides persons satisfactory to the Fund's Board of Directors to
serve as the Fund's officers.
The Fund has, under the Advisory Agreement, assumed the
obligation for payment of all of its other expenses. As to the
obtaining of services other than those specifically provided to
the Fund by the Adviser, the Fund may employ its own personnel.
For such services, it also may utilize personnel employed by the
Adviser or by other subsidiaries of Equitable. In such event,
the services will be provided to the Fund at cost and the
payments specifically approved by the Fund's Board of Directors.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser
a fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the value of the average
daily net assets of the Fund. The fee is accrued daily and paid
monthly.
The Advisory Agreement became effective on January ,
1998 having been approved by the unanimous vote, cast in person,
of the Fund's Directors, including the Directors who are not
parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons as
defined in the 1940 Act of any such party, at a meeting called
for that purpose and held on January 14, 1998, and by the Fund's
initial shareholder on January 14, 1998.
10
<PAGE>
The Advisory Agreement will remain in effect until
January 14, 2000 and continue in effect thereafter only so long
as its continuance is specifically approved at least annually by
a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities
or by the Fund's Board of Directors, including in either case,
approval by a majority of the Directors who are not parties to
the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party as
defined by the 1940 Act.
The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by
a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities
or by a vote of a majority of the Fund's Directors on 60 days'
written notice, or by the Adviser on 60 days' written notice, and
will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The
Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Adviser, or of reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder,
the Adviser shall not be liable for any action or failure to act
in accordance with its duties thereunder.
The Adviser may act as an investment adviser to other
persons, firms or corporations, including investment companies,
and is investment adviser to ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc.,
AFD Exchange Reserves, Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.,
The Alliance Fund, Inc., Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc., Alliance
Bond Fund, Inc., Alliance Capital Reserves, Alliance Developing
Markets Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Small Cap
Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Government Reserves, Alliance Greater China '97 Fund,
Inc., Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc., Alliance High Yield
Fund, Inc., Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc., Alliance
Institutional Funds, Inc., Alliance International Fund, Alliance
Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Money Market
Fund, Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance
Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund II, Alliance Municipal
Trust, Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc., Alliance North American
Government Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth Fund,
Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate Investment
Fund, Inc., Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc., Alliance Technology
Fund, Inc., Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable
Products Series Fund, Inc., Alliance World Income Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc., The Alliance
Portfolios, Fiduciary Management Associates and The Hudson River
Trust, all registered open-end investment companies; and to ACM
Government Income Fund, Inc., ACM Government Securities Fund,
11
<PAGE>
Inc., ACM Government Spectrum Fund, Inc., ACM Government
Opportunity Fund, Inc., ACM Managed Dollar Income Fund, Inc., ACM
Managed Income Fund, Inc., ACM Municipal Securities Income Fund,
Inc., Alliance All-Market Advantage Fund, Inc., Alliance World
Dollar Government Fund, Inc., Alliance World Dollar Government
Fund II, Inc., The Austria Fund, Inc., The Korean Investment
Fund, Inc., The Southern Africa Fund, Inc. and The Spain Fund,
Inc., all registered closed-end investment companies.
___________________________________________________________
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
___________________________________________________________
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Services
Agreement (the "Agreement") with Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter (the "Principal
Underwriter"), to permit the Principal Underwriter to distribute
the Fund's shares and to permit the Fund to pay distribution
services fees to defray expenses associated with distribution of
its Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares in
accordance with a plan of distribution which is included in the
Agreement and which has been duly adopted and approved in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") under the 1940 Act (the "Rule 12b-1
Plan").
Distribution services fees are accrued daily and paid
monthly and charged as expenses of the Fund as accrued. The
distribution services fees attributable to the Class B shares and
Class C shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase
such shares through broker-dealers without the assessment of an
initial sales charge and at the same time to permit the Principal
Underwriter to compensate broker-dealers in connection with the
sale of such shares. In this regard the purpose and function of
the combined contingent deferred sales charge and respective
distribution services fee on the Class B shares and Class C
shares are the same as those of the initial sales charge and
distribution services fee with respect to the Class A shares in
that in each case the sales charge and distribution services fee
provides for the financing of the distribution of the relevant
class of the Fund's shares.
Under the Agreement, the Treasurer of the Fund reports
the amounts expended under the Rule 12b-1 Plan and the purposes
for which such expenditures were made to the Directors of the
12
<PAGE>
Fund on a quarterly basis. Also, the Agreement provides that the
selection and nomination of Directors who are not "interested
persons" of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, are committed
to the discretion of such disinterested Directors then in office.
The Agreement was initially approved by the Directors of the Fund
at a meeting held on January 14, 1998.
The Agreement will continue in effect until January 14,
1999 and continue in effect thereafter so long as its continuance
is specifically approved at least annually by the Directors of
the Fund or by vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
that class, and, in either case, by a majority of the Directors
of the Fund who are not parties to the Agreement or interested
persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party (other
than as directors of the Fund) and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Rule 12b-1 Plan or any
agreement related thereto.
The Adviser may from time to time and from its own funds
or such other resources as may be permitted by rules of the
Commission make payments for distribution services to the
Principal Underwriter; the latter may in turn pay part or all of
such compensation to brokers or other persons for their
distribution assistance.
In the event that the Agreement is terminated or not
continued with respect to the Class A shares, Class B shares or
Class C shares, (i) no distribution services fees (other than
current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the
Fund to the Principal Underwriter with respect to that class and
(ii) the Fund would not be obligated to pay the Principal
Underwriter for any amounts expended under the Agreement not
previously recovered by the Principal Underwriter from
distribution services fees in respect of shares of such class or
through deferred sales charges.
All material amendments to the Agreement must be
approved by a vote of the Directors or the holders of a majority
of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, voting separately by
class, and in either case, by a majority of the disinterested
Directors, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval; and the Agreement may not be amended in
order to increase materially the costs that the Fund may bear
pursuant to the Agreement without the approval of a majority of
the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the class or
classes affected. The Agreement may be terminated (a) by the
Fund without penalty at any time by a majority vote of the
13
<PAGE>
holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, voting
separately by class, or by a majority vote of the Directors who
are not "interested persons" as defined in the 1940 Act, or
(b) by the Principal Underwriter. To terminate the Agreement,
any party must give the other parties 60 days' written notice.
To terminate the Rule 12b-1 Plan only, the Fund need give no
notice to the Principal Underwriter. The Agreement will
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Transfer Agency Agreement
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Adviser, receives a transfer agency fee per
account holder of each of the Class A shares, Class B shares,
Class C shares and Advisor Class shares of the Fund, plus
reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. The transfer agency
fee with respect to the Class B shares and Class C shares is
higher than the transfer agency fee with respect to the Class A
and Advisor Class shares.
_______________________________________________________________
PURCHASE OF SHARES
_______________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How To Buy Shares."
General
Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis at
a price equal to their net asset value plus an initial sales
charge at the time of purchase ("Class A shares"), with a
contingent deferred sales charge ("Class B shares"), without any
initial sales charge and, as long as the shares are held for one
year or more, without any contingent deferred sales charge
("Class C shares"), or, to investors eligible to purchase Advisor
Class shares, without any initial, contingent deferred or asset-
based sales charge, in each case as described below. Shares of
the Fund that are offered subject to a sales charge are offered
through (i) investment dealers that are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and have entered into
selected dealer agreements with the Principal Underwriter
("selected dealers"), (ii) depository institutions and other
financial intermediaries or their affiliates, that have entered
into selected agent agreements with the Principal Underwriter
("selected agents") and (iii) the Principal Underwriter.
14
<PAGE>
Advisor Class shares of the Fund may be purchased and
held solely (i) through accounts established under fee-based
programs, sponsored and maintained by registered broker-dealers
or other financial intermediaries and approved by the Principal
Underwriter, (ii) through self-directed defined contribution
employee benefit plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) that have at least
1,000 participants or $25 million in assets, (iii) by the
categories of investors described in clauses (i) through (iv)
below under "--Sales at Net Asset Value" (other than officers,
directors and present and full-time employees of selected dealers
or agents, or relatives of such person, or any trust, individual
retirement account or retirement plan account for the benefit of
such relative, none of whom is eligible on the basis solely of
such status to purchase and hold Advisor Class shares) or,
(iv) by directors and present or retired full-time employees of
CB Commercial Real Estate Group Inc. Generally, a fee-based
program must charge an asset-based or other similar fee and must
invest at least $250,000 in Advisor Class shares of the Fund in
order to be approved by the Principal Underwriter for investment
in Advisor Class shares.
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund either through
selected broker-dealers, agents, financial intermediaries or
other financial representatives or directly through the Principal
Underwriter. A transaction, service, administrative or other
similar fee may be charged by your broker-dealer, agent,
financial intermediary or other financial representative with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares made through
such financial representative. Such financial representative may
also impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or
exchange of shares that are different from, or in addition to,
those imposed by the Fund, including requirements as to the
minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts. Sales
personnel of selected dealers and agents distributing the Fund's
shares may receive differing compensation for selling Class A,
Class B, Class C or Advisor Class shares. The Fund may refuse
any order for the purchase of shares. The Fund reserves the
right to suspend the sale of its shares to the public in response
to conditions in the securities markets or for other reasons.
If you are a Fund shareholder through an account
established under a fee-based program, your fee-based program may
impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or
exchange of Advisor Class shares of the Fund that are different
from those described in the Prospectus. A transaction, service,
administrative or other similar fee may be charged by your
broker-dealer, agent, financial intermediary or other financial
15
<PAGE>
representative with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of
Advisor Class shares made through such financial representative.
Such financial intermediaries may also impose requirements with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares that are
different from, or in addition to, those imposed by the Fund,
including requirements as to the minimum initial and subsequent
investment amounts.
The public offering price of shares of the Fund is their
net asset value, plus, in the case of Class A shares, a sales
charge which will vary depending on the purchase alternative
chosen by the investor, as shown in the table below under
"--Class A Shares." On each Fund business day on which a
purchase or redemption order is received by the Fund and trading
in the types of securities in which the Fund invests might
materially affect the value of Fund shares, the per share net
asset value is computed in accordance with the Fund's Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws as of the next close of regular trading
on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") (currently
4:00 p.m. Eastern time) by dividing the value of the Fund's total
assets, less its liabilities, by the total number of its shares
then outstanding. A Fund business day is any day on which the
Exchange is open for trading.
The respective per share net asset values of the
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares are expected
to be substantially the same. Under certain circumstances,
however, the per share net asset value of the Class B and Class C
shares may be lower than the per share net asset values of the
Class A and Advisor Class shares, as a result of the differential
daily expense accruals of the distribution and transfer agency
fees applicable with respect to those classes of shares. Even
under those circumstances, the per share net asset values of the
four classes eventually will tend to converge immediately after
the payment of dividends, which will differ by approximately the
amount of the expense accrual differential among the classes.
The Fund will accept unconditional orders for its shares
to be executed at the public offering price equal to their net
asset value next determined (plus applicable Class A sales
charges), as described below. Orders received by the Principal
Underwriter prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange
on each day the Exchange is open for trading are priced at the
net asset value computed as of the close of regular trading on
the Exchange on that day (plus applicable Class A sales charges).
In the case of orders for purchase of shares placed through
selected dealers, agents or financial representatives, as
applicable, the applicable public offering price will be the net
16
<PAGE>
asset value as so determined, but only if the selected dealer,
agent or financial representative receives the order prior to the
close of regular trading on the Exchange and transmits it to the
Principal Underwriter prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. The
selected dealer, agent or financial representative, as
applicable, is responsible for transmitting such orders by
5:00 p.m. If the selected dealer, agent or financial
representative fails to do so, the investor's right to that day's
closing price must be settled between the investor and the
selected dealer, agent or financial representative, as
applicable. If the selected dealer, agent or financial
representatives, as applicable, receives the order after the
close of regular trading on the Exchange, the price will be based
on the net asset value determined as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on the next day it is open for trading.
Following the initial purchase of Fund shares, a
shareholder may place orders to purchase additional shares by
telephone if the shareholder has completed the appropriate
portion of the Subscription Application or an "Autobuy"
application obtained by calling the "For Literature" telephone
number shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional
Information. Except with respect to certain omnibus accounts,
telephone purchase orders may not exceed $500,000. Payment for
shares purchased by telephone can be made only by electronic
funds transfer from a bank account maintained by the shareholder
at a bank that is a member of the National Automated Clearing
House Association ("NACHA"). If a shareholder's telephone
purchase request is received before 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on a
Fund business day, the order to purchase shares is automatically
placed the following Fund business day, and the applicable public
offering price will be the public offering price determined as of
the close of business on such following business day.
Full and fractional shares are credited to a
subscriber's account in the amount of his or her subscription.
As a convenience to the subscriber, and to avoid unnecessary
expense to the Fund, stock certificates representing shares of
the Fund are not issued except upon written request to the Fund
by the shareholder or his or her authorized selected dealer or
agent. This facilitates later redemption and relieves the
shareholder of the responsibility for and inconvenience of lost
or stolen certificates. No certificates are issued for
fractional shares, although such shares remain in the
shareholder's account on the books of the Fund.
In addition to the discount or commission paid to
dealers or agents, the Principal Underwriter from time to time
17
<PAGE>
pays additional cash or other incentives to dealers or agents,
including EQ Financial Consultants, Inc., formerly Equico
Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Principal Underwriter, in
connection with the sale of shares of the Fund. Such additional
amounts may be utilized, in whole or in part to provide
additional compensation to registered representatives who sell
shares of the Fund. On some occasions, cash or other incentives
will be conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar
amount of the shares of the Fund and/or other Alliance Mutual
Funds, as defined below, during a specific period of time. On
some occasions, such cash or other incentives may take the form
of payment for attendance at seminars, meals, sporting events or
theater performances, or payment for travel, lodging and
entertainment incurred in connection with travel taken by persons
associated with a dealer or agent and their immediate family
members to urban or resort locations within or outside the United
States. Such dealer or agent may elect to receive cash
incentives of equivalent amount in lieu of such payments.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares each
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the
Fund, have the same rights and are identical in all respects,
except that (i) Class A shares bear the expense of the initial
sales charge (or contingent deferred sales charge when
applicable) and Class B and Class C shares bear the expense of
the deferred sales charge, (ii) Class B shares and Class C shares
each bear the expense of a higher distribution services fee than
that borne by Class A shares, and Advisor Class shares do not
bear such a fee, (iii) Class B and Class C shares bear higher
transfer agency costs than that borne by Class A and Advisor
Class shares, (iv) each of Class A, Class B and Class C shares
has exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of the
Rule 12b-1 Plan pursuant to which its distribution services fee
is paid and other matters for which separate class voting is
appropriate under applicable law, provided that, if the Fund
submits to a vote of the Class A shareholders, an amendment to
the Rule 12b-1 Plan that would materially increase the amount to
be paid thereunder with respect to the Class A shares, then such
amendment will also be submitted to the Class B shareholders and
Advisor Class shareholders and the Class A shareholders, the
Class B shareholders and Advisor Class shareholders will vote
separately by class and (v) Class B and Advisor Class shares are
subject to a conversion feature. Each class has different
exchange privileges and certain different shareholder service
options available.
The Directors of the Fund have determined that currently
no conflict of interest exists between or among the Class A,
18
<PAGE>
Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares. On an ongoing basis,
the Directors of the Fund, pursuant to their fiduciary duties
under the 1940 Act and state law, will seek to ensure that no
such conflict arises.
Alternative Retail Purchase Arrangements -- Class A, Class B
and Class C Shares****
The alternative purchase arrangements available with
respect to Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares
permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that
is most beneficial given the amount of purchase, the length of
time the investor expects to hold the shares, and other
circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the
anticipated life of their investment in the Fund, the accumulated
distribution services fee and contingent deferred sales charge on
Class B shares prior to conversion, or the accumulated
distribution services fee and contingent deferred sales charge on
Class C shares, would be less than the initial sales charge and
accumulated distribution services fee on Class A shares purchased
at the same time, and to what extent such differential would be
offset by the higher return of Class A shares. Class A shares
will normally be more beneficial than Class B shares to the
investor who qualifies for reduced initial sales charges on
Class A shares, as described below. In this regard, the
Principal Underwriter will reject any order (except orders from
certain retirement plans) for more than $250,000 for Class B
shares. Class C shares will normally not be suitable for the
investor who qualifies to purchase Class A shares at net asset
value. For this reason, the Principal Underwriter will reject
any order for more than $1,000,000 for Class C shares.
Class A shares are subject to a lower distribution
services fee and, accordingly, pay correspondingly higher
dividends per share than Class B shares or Class C shares.
However, because initial sales charges are deducted at the time
of purchase, investors purchasing Class A shares would not have
all their funds invested initially and, therefore, would
initially own fewer shares. Investors not qualifying for reduced
initial sales charges who expect to maintain their investment for
an extended period of time might consider purchasing Class A
shares because the accumulated continuing distribution charges on
Class B shares or Class C shares may exceed the initial sales
charge on Class A shares during the life of the investment.
Again, however, such investors must weigh this consideration
____________________
**** Advisor Class shares are sold only to investors described
above in this section under "General."
19
<PAGE>
against the fact that, because of such initial sales charges, not
all their funds will be invested initially.
Other investors might determine, however, that it would
be more advantageous to purchase Class B shares or Class C shares
in order to have all their funds invested initially, although
remaining subject to higher continuing distribution charges and
being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for a four-
year and one-year period, respectively. For example, based on
current fees and expenses, an investor subject to the 4.25%
initial sales charge would have to hold his or her investment
approximately seven years for the Class C distribution services
fee to exceed the initial sales charge plus the accumulated
distribution services fee of Class A shares. In this example, an
investor intending to maintain his or her investment for a longer
period might consider purchasing Class A shares. This example
does not take into account the time value of money, which further
reduces the impact of the Class C distribution services fees on
the investment, fluctuations in net asset value or the effect of
different performance assumptions.
Those investors who prefer to have all of their funds
invested initially but may not wish to retain Fund shares for the
four-year period during which Class B shares are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge may find it more advantageous to
purchase Class C shares.
Class A Shares
The public offering price of Class A shares is the net
asset value plus a sales charge, as set forth below.
20
<PAGE>
Sales Charge
Discount or
Commission
As % of to Dealers
As % of the or Agents
Net Public As % of
Amount of Amount Offering Offering
Purchase Invested Price Price
________ ________ ________ ____________
Less than
$100,000 . . . 4.44% 4.25% 4.00%
$100,000 but
less than
$250,000. . . . 3.36 3.25 3.00
$250,000 but
less than
$500,000. . . . 2.30 2.25 2.00
$500,000 but
less than
$1,000,000*. . . 1.78 1.75 1.50
_____________
* There is no initial sales charge on transactions of $1,000,000
or more.
With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A
shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge equal to 1% of the lesser of the
cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at the
time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price.
In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. The
contingent deferred sales charge on Class A shares will be waived
on certain redemptions, as described below under "--Class B
Shares." In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class A shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that are not subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge (for example, because an
initial sales charge was paid with respect to the shares, or they
have been held beyond the period during which the charge applies
or were acquired upon the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions) and, second, of shares held longest during the
time they are subject to the sales charge. Proceeds from the
contingent deferred sales charge on Class A shares are paid to
the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
21
<PAGE>
related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sales of Class A shares, such as the payment
of compensation to selected dealers and agents for selling
Class A Shares. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more
made through selected dealers or agents, the Adviser may,
pursuant to the Distribution Services Agreement described above,
pay such dealers or agents from its own resources a fee of up to
1% of the amount invested to compensate such dealers or agents
for their distribution assistance in connection with such
purchases.
No initial sales charge is imposed on Class A shares
issued (i) pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of income
dividends or capital gains distributions, (ii) in exchange for
Class A shares of other "Alliance Mutual Funds" (as that term is
defined under "Combined Purchase Privilege" below), except that
an initial sales charge will be imposed on Class A shares issued
in exchange for Class A shares of AFD Exchange Reserves ("AFDER")
that were purchased for cash without the payment of an initial
sales charge and without being subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge or (iii) upon the automatic conversion of Class B
shares or Advisor Class shares as described below under "Class B
Shares-Conversion Feature" and "--Conversion of Advisor Class
Shares to Class A Shares." The Fund receives the entire net
asset value of its Class A shares sold to investors. The
Principal Underwriter's commission is the sales charge shown
above less any applicable discount or commission "reallowed" to
selected dealers and agents. The Principal Underwriter will
reallow discounts to selected dealers and agents in the amounts
indicated in the table above. In this regard, the Principal
Underwriter may elect to reallow the entire sales charge to
selected dealers and agents for all sales with respect to which
orders are placed with the Principal Underwriter. A selected
dealer who receives reallowance in excess of 90% of such a sales
charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities
Act.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing
the offering price of the Class A shares. The example assumes a
purchase of Class A shares of the Fund aggregating less than
$100,000 subject to the schedule of sales charges set forth above
at a price based upon the net asset value of Class A shares of
the Fund on January 13, 1998.
22
<PAGE>
Net Asset Value per Class A Share at
January 13, 1998 $10.00
Class A Per Share Sales Charge 4.25%
of offering price (4.44% of net asset
value per share) $ .44
Class A Per Share Offering Price to
the Public $10.44
=====
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternative
may under certain circumstances be entitled to pay (i) no initial
sales charge (but be subject in most such cases to a contingent
deferred sales charge) or (ii) a reduced initial sales charge.
The circumstances under which investors may pay a reduced initial
sales charge are described below.
Combined Purchase Privilege. Certain persons may
qualify for the sales charge reductions indicated in the schedule
of such charges above by combining purchases of shares of the
Fund into a single "purchase," if the resulting "purchase" totals
at least $100,000. The term "purchase" refers to: (i) a single
purchase by an individual, or to concurrent purchases, which in
the aggregate are at least equal to the prescribed amounts, by an
individual, his or her spouse and their children under the age of
21 years purchasing shares of the Fund for his, her or their own
account(s); (ii) a single purchase by a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust, estate or single
fiduciary account although more than one beneficiary is involved;
or (iii) a single purchase for the employee benefit plans of a
single employer. The term "purchase" also includes purchases by
any "company," as the term is defined in the 1940 Act, but does
not include purchases by any such company which has not been in
existence for at least six months or which has no purpose other
than the purchase of shares of the Fund or shares of other
registered investment companies at a discount. The term
"purchase" does not include purchases by any group of individuals
whose sole organizational nexus is that the participants therein
are credit card holders of a company, policy holders of an
insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or
clients of an investment adviser. A "purchase" may also include
shares, purchased at the same time through a single selected
dealer or agent, of any other "Alliance Mutual Fund." Currently,
the Alliance Mutual Funds include:
AFD Exchange Reserves
The Alliance Fund, Inc.
23
<PAGE>
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
-Corporate Bond Portfolio
-U.S. Government Portfolio
Alliance Developing Markets Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Greater China '97 Fund, Inc.
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc.
Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc.
Alliance International Fund
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc.
Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
-California Portfolio
-Insured California Portfolio
-Insured National Portfolio
-National Portfolio
-New York Portfolio
Alliance Municipal Income Fund II
-Arizona Portfolio
-Florida Portfolio
-Massachusetts Portfolio
-Michigan Portfolio
-Minnesota Portfolio
-New Jersey Portfolio
-Ohio Portfolio
-Pennsylvania Portfolio
-Virginia Portfolio
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc.
Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc.
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc.
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc.
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Portfolios
-Alliance Growth Fund
24
<PAGE>
-Alliance Conservative Investors Fund
-Alliance Growth Investors Fund
-Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund
-Alliance Short-Term U.S. Government Fund
Prospectuses for the Alliance Mutual Funds may be
obtained without charge by contacting Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number
shown on the front cover of this Statement of Additional
Information.
Cumulative Quantity Discount (Right of Accumulation). An
investor's purchase of additional Class A shares of the Fund may
qualify for a Cumulative Quantity Discount. The applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of:
(i) the investor's current purchase;
(ii) the net asset value (at the close of business
on the previous day) of (a) all shares of the
Fund held by the investor and (b) all shares
of any other Alliance Mutual Fund held by the
investor; and
(iii) the net asset value of all shares described in
paragraph (ii) owned by another shareholder
eligible to combine his or her purchase with
that of the investor into a single "purchase"
(see above).
For example, if an investor owned shares of an Alliance
Mutual Fund worth $200,000 at their then current net asset value
and, subsequently, purchased Class A shares of the Fund worth an
additional $100,000, the sales charge for the $100,000 purchase
would be at the 2.25% rate applicable to a single $300,000
purchase of shares of the Fund, rather than the 3.25% rate.
To qualify for the Combined Purchase Privilege or to
obtain the Cumulative Quantity Discount on a purchase through a
selected dealer or agent, the investor or selected dealer or
agent must provide the Principal Underwriter with sufficient
information to verify that each purchase qualifies for the
privilege or discount.
Statement of Intention. Class A investors may also
obtain the reduced sales charges shown in the table above by
means of a written Statement of Intention, which expresses the
investor's intention to invest not less than $100,000 within a
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<PAGE>
period of 13 months in Class A shares (or Class A, Class B,
Class C and/or Advisor Class shares) of the Fund or any other
Alliance Mutual Fund. Each purchase of shares under a Statement
of Intention will be made at the public offering price or prices
applicable at the time of such purchase to a single transaction
of the dollar amount indicated in the Statement of Intention. At
the investor's option, a Statement of Intention may include
purchases of shares of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund
made not more than 90 days prior to the date that the investor
signs the Statement of Intention; however, the 13-month period
during which the Statement of Intention is in effect will begin
on the date of the earliest purchase to be included.
Investors qualifying for the Combined Purchase Privilege
described above may purchase shares of the Alliance Mutual Funds
under a single Statement of Intention. For example, if at the
time an investor signs a Statement of Intention to invest at
least $100,000 in Class A shares of the Fund, the investor and
the investor's spouse each purchase shares of the Fund worth
$20,000 (for a total of $40,000), it will be necessary to invest
only a total of $60,000 during the following 13 months in shares
of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund, to qualify for the
3.25% sales charge on the total amount being invested (the sales
charge applicable to an investment of $100,000).
The Statement of Intention is not a binding obligation
upon the investor to purchase the full amount indicated. The
minimum initial investment under a Statement of Intention is 5%
of such amount. Shares purchased with the first 5% of such
amount will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in the
name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales
charge applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full
amount indicated is not purchased, and such escrowed shares will
be involuntarily redeemed to pay the additional sales charge, if
necessary. Dividends on escrowed shares, whether paid in cash or
reinvested in additional Fund shares, are not subject to escrow.
When the full amount indicated has been purchased, the escrow
will be released. To the extent that an investor purchases more
than the dollar amount indicated on the Statement of Intention
and qualifies for a further reduced sales charge, the sales
charge will be adjusted for the entire amount purchased at the
end of the 13-month period. The difference in the sales charge
will be used to purchase additional shares of the Fund subject to
the rate of the sales charge applicable to the actual amount of
the aggregate purchases.
Investors wishing to enter into a Statement of Intention
in conjunction with their initial investment in Class A shares of
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<PAGE>
the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus while current
Class A shareholders desiring to do so can obtain a form of
Statement of Intention by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
at the address or telephone numbers shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information.
Certain Retirement Plans. Multiple participant payroll
deduction retirement plans may also purchase shares of the Fund
or any other Alliance Mutual Fund at a reduced sales charge on a
monthly basis during the 13-month period following such a plan's
initial purchase. The sales charge applicable to such initial
purchase of shares of the Fund will be that normally applicable,
under the schedule of the sales charges set forth in this
Statement of Additional Information, to an investment 13 times
larger than such initial purchase. The sales charge applicable
to each succeeding monthly purchase will be that normally
applicable, under such schedule, to an investment equal to the
sum of (i) the total purchase previously made during the 13-month
period and (ii) the current month's purchase multiplied by the
number of months (including the current month) remaining in the
13-month period. Sales charges previously paid during such
period will not be retroactively adjusted on the basis of later
purchases.
Reinstatement Privilege. A shareholder who has caused
any or all of his or her Class A or Class B shares of the Fund to
be redeemed or repurchased may reinvest all or any portion of the
redemption or repurchase proceeds in Class A shares of the Fund
at net asset value without any sales charge, provided that
(i) such reinvestment is made within 120 calendar days after the
redemption or repurchase date and (ii) for Class B shares, a
contingent deferred sales charge has been paid and the Principal
Underwriter has approved, at its discretion, the reinvestment of
such shares. Shares are sold to a reinvesting shareholder at the
net asset value next determined as described above. A
reinstatement pursuant to this privilege will not cancel the
redemption or repurchase transaction; therefore, any gain or loss
so realized will be recognized for federal income tax purposes,
except that no loss will be recognized to the extent that the
proceeds are reinvested in shares of the Fund within 30 calendar
days after the redemption or repurchase transaction. Investors
may exercise the reinstatement privilege by written request sent
to the Fund at the address shown on the cover of this Statement
of Additional Information.
Sales at Net Asset Value. The Fund may sell its Class A
shares at net asset value (i.e., without an initial sales charge)
27
<PAGE>
and without any contingent deferred sales charge to certain
categories of investors including:
(i) investment management clients of the
Adviser or its affiliates;
(ii) officers and present or former Directors
of the Fund; present or former directors
and trustees of other investment
companies managed by the Adviser; present
or retired full-time employees of the
Adviser, the Principal Underwriter,
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their
affiliates; officers and directors of
ACMC, the Principal Underwriter, Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. and their affiliates;
officers, directors and present full-time
employees of selected dealers or agents;
or the spouse, sibling, direct ancestor
or direct descendent (collectively,
"relatives") of any such person; or any
trust, individual retirement account or
retirement plan account for the benefit
of any such person or relative; or the
estate of any such person or relative, if
such shares are purchased for investment
purposes (such shares may not be resold
except to the Fund);
(iii) the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter,
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their
affiliates; certain employee benefit
plans for employees of the Adviser, the
Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. and their affiliates;
(iv) registered investment advisers or other
financial intermediaries who charge a
management, consulting or other fee for
their service and who purchase shares
through a broker or agent approved by the
Principal Underwriter and clients of such
registered investment advisers or
financial intermediaries whose accounts
are linked to the master account of such
investment adviser or financial
intermediary on the books of such
approved broker or agent;
28
<PAGE>
(v) persons participating in a fee-based
program, sponsored and maintained by a
registered broker-dealer or other
financial intermediary and approved by
the Principal Underwriter, pursuant to
which such persons pay an asset-based fee
to such broker-dealer or financial
intermediaries, or its affiliates or
agents, for services in the nature of
investment advisory or administrative
services;
(vi) persons who establish to the Principal
Underwriter's satisfaction that they are
investing within such time period as may
be designated by the Principal
Underwriter, proceeds of redemption of
shares of such other registered
investment companies as may be designated
from time to time by the Principal
Underwriter; and
(vii) employer-sponsored qualified pension or
profit-sharing plans (including Section
401(k) plans), custodial accounts
maintained pursuant to Section 403(b)(7),
retirement plans and individual
retirement accounts (including individual
retirement accounts to which simplified
employee pension ("SEP") contributions
are made), if such plans or accounts are
established or administered under
programs sponsored by administrators or
other persons that have been approved by
the Principal Underwriter.
Class B Shares
Investors may purchase Class B shares at the public
offering price equal to the net asset value per share of the
Class B shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of
a sales charge at the time of purchase. The Class B shares are
sold without an initial sales charge so that the Fund will
receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge on
the Class B shares are paid to the Principal Underwriter and are
29
<PAGE>
used by the Principal Underwriter to defray the expenses of the
Principal Underwriter related to providing distribution-related
services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the Class B
shares, such as the payment of compensation to selected dealers
and agents for selling Class B shares. The combination of the
contingent deferred sales charge and the distribution services
fee enables the Fund to sell the Class B shares without a sales
charge being deducted at the time of purchase. The higher
distribution services fee incurred by Class B shares will cause
such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower
dividends than those related to Class A shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B shares that
are redeemed within four years of purchase will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge at the rates set forth below
charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto.
The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of
the cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at
the time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be
imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price. In addition, no charge will be assessed on
shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions.
To illustrate, assume that an investor purchased 100
Class B shares at $10 per share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the
second year after purchase, the net asset value per share is $12
and, during such time, the investor has acquired 10 additional
Class B shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the
investor makes his or her first redemption of 50 Class B shares
(proceeds of $600), 10 Class B shares will not be subject to
charge because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the
remaining 40 Class B shares, the charge is applied only to the
original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in net
asset value of $2 per share. Therefore, $400 of the $600
redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of 3.0% (the
applicable rate in the second year after purchase as set forth
below).
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if
any, will vary depending on the number of years from the time of
payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares.
30
<PAGE>
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge as a
Years Since Purchase % of Dollar Amount Subject to Charge
____________________ ____________________________________
First 4.0%
Second 3.0%
Third 2.0%
Fourth 1.0%
Fifth and thereafter None
In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class B shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that were acquired
upon the reinvestment of dividends or distributions and, second,
of shares held longest during the time they are subject to the
sales charge. When shares acquired in an exchange are redeemed,
the applicable contingent deferred sales charge and conversion
schedules will be the schedules that applied at the time of the
purchase of shares of the corresponding class of the Alliance
Mutual Fund originally purchased by the shareholder.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on
redemptions of shares (i) following the death or disability, as
defined in the Code, of a shareholder, (ii) to the extent that
the redemption represents a minimum required distribution from an
individual retirement account or other retirement plan to a
shareholder who has attained the age of 70-1/2, (iii) that had
been purchased by present or former Directors of the Fund, by the
relative of any such person, by any trust, individual retirement
account or retirement plan account for the benefit of any such
person or relative or by the estate of any such person or
relative, or (iv) pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see
"Shareholder Services -- Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below).
Conversion Feature. Eight years after the end of the
calendar month in which the shareholder's purchase order was
accepted, Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A
shares and will no longer be subject to a higher distribution
services fee. Such conversion will occur on the basis of the
relative net asset values of the two classes, without the
imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The purpose
of the conversion feature is to reduce the distribution services
fee paid by holders of Class B shares that have been outstanding
long enough for the Principal Underwriter to have been
compensated for distribution expenses incurred in the sale of
such shares.
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<PAGE>
For purposes of conversion to Class A, Class B shares
purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions
paid in respect of Class B shares in a shareholder's account will
be considered to be held in a separate sub-account. Each time
any Class B shares in the shareholder's account (other than those
in the sub-account) convert to Class A, an equal pro-rata portion
of the Class B shares in the sub-account will also convert to
Class A.
The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is
subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel
to the effect that the conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income
tax law. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares may
be suspended if such an opinion is no longer available at the
time such conversion is to occur. In that event, no further
conversions of Class B shares would occur, and shares might
continue to be subject to the higher distribution services fee
for an indefinite period which may extend beyond the period
ending eight years after the end of the calendar month in which
the shareholder's purchase order was accepted.
Class C Shares
Investors may purchase Class C shares at the public
offering price equal to the net asset value per share of the
Class C shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of
a sales charge either at the time of purchase or, as long as the
shares are held for one year or more, upon redemption. Class C
shares are sold without an initial sales charge so that the Fund
will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment
and, as long as the shares are held for one year or more, without
a contingent deferred sales charge so that the investor will
receive as proceeds upon redemption the entire net asset value of
his or her Class C shares. The Class C distribution services fee
enables the Fund to sell Class C shares without either an initial
or contingent deferred sales charge, as long as the shares are
held for one year or more. Class C shares do not convert to any
other class of shares of the Fund and incur higher distribution
services fees and transfer agency costs than Class A shares and
Advisor Class shares, and will thus have a higher expense ratio
and pay correspondingly lower dividends than Class A shares and
Advisor Class shares.
Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of
purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1%, charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto.
The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of
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<PAGE>
the cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at
the time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be
imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price. In addition, no charge will be assessed on
shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions. The contingent deferred sales charge on Class C
shares will be waived on certain redemptions, as described above
under "--Class B Shares." In determining the contingent deferred
sales charge applicable to a redemption of Class C shares, it
will be assumed that the redemption is, first, of any shares that
are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (for
example, because the shares have been held beyond the period
during which the charge applies or were acquired upon the
reinvestment of dividends or distributions) and, second, of
shares held longest during the time they are subject to the sales
charge.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are
paid to the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Class C shares, such as the
payment of compensation to selected dealers and agents for
selling Class C shares. The combination of the contingent
deferred sales charge and the distribution services fee enables
the Fund to sell the Class C shares without a sales charge being
deducted at the time of purchase. The higher distribution
services fee incurred by Class C shares will cause such shares to
have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than those
related to Class A shares and Advisor Class shares.
Conversion of Advisor Class Shares to Class A Shares
Advisor Class shares may be held solely through the fee-
based program accounts and employee benefit plans and registered
investment advisory or other financial intermediary relationships
described above under "Purchase of Shares--General," and by
investment advisory clients of, and by certain other persons
associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. If
(i) a holder of Advisor Class shares ceases to participate in the
fee-based program or plan, or to be associated with the
investment adviser or financial intermediary, in each case, that
satisfies the requirements to purchase shares set forth under
"Purchase of Shares--General" or (ii) the holder is otherwise no
longer eligible to purchase Advisor Class shares as described in
the Advisor Class Prospectus and this Statement of Additional
Information (each, a "Conversion Event"), then all Advisor Class
shares held by the shareholder will convert automatically and
33
<PAGE>
without notice to the shareholder, other than the notice
contained in the Advisor Class Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information, to Class A shares of the Fund during the
calendar month following the month in which the Fund is informed
of the occurrence of the Conversion Event. The failure of a
shareholder or a fee-based program to satisfy the minimum
investment requirements to purchase Advisor Class shares will not
constitute a Conversion Event. The conversion would occur on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the two classes and
without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
Class A shares currently bear a .30% distribution services fee
and have a higher expense ratio than Advisor Class shares. As a
result, Class A shares may pay correspondingly lower dividends
and have a lower net asset value than Advisor Class shares.
The conversion of Advisor Class shares to Class A shares
is subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of
counsel to the effect that the conversion of Advisor Class shares
to Class A shares does not constitute a taxable event under
federal income tax law. The conversion of Advisor Class shares
to Class A shares may be suspended if such an opinion is no
longer available at the time such conversion is to occur. In
that event, the Advisor Class shareholder would be required to
redeem the shareholder's Advisor Class shares, which would
constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law.
_______________________________________________________________
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES
_______________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares -- How to Sell Shares." If you are an Advisor Class
shareholder through an account established under a fee-based
program your fee-based program may impose requirements with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares
of the Fund that are different from those described herein. A
transaction fee may be charged by your financial representative
with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class
shares made through such financial representative.
Redemption
Subject only to the limitations described below, the
Fund's Articles of Incorporation require that the Fund redeem the
shares tendered to it, as described below, at a redemption price
equal to their net asset value as next computed following the
34
<PAGE>
receipt of shares tendered for redemption in proper form. Except
for any contingent deferred sales charge which may be applicable
to Class A shares, Class B shares or Class C shares, there is no
redemption charge. Payment of the redemption price will be made
within seven days after the Fund's receipt of such tender for
redemption. If a shareholder is in doubt about what documents
are required by his or her fee-based program or employee benefit
plan, the shareholder should contact his or her financial
representative.
The right of redemption may not be suspended or the date
of payment upon redemption postponed for more than seven days
after shares are tendered for redemption, except for any period
during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend
and holiday closings) or during which the Commission determines
that trading thereon is restricted, or for any period during
which an emergency (as determined by the Commission) exists as a
result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is
not reasonably practicable or as a result of which it is not
reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value
of its net assets, or for such other periods as the Commission
may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the
Fund.
Payment of the redemption price will be made in cash.
The value of a shareholder's shares on redemption or repurchase
may be more or less than the cost of such shares to the
shareholder, depending upon the market value of the Fund's
portfolio securities at the time of such redemption or
repurchase. Redemption proceeds on Class A, Class B and Class C
shares will reflect the deduction of the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any. Payment received by a shareholder upon
redemption or repurchase of the shareholder's shares, assuming
the shares constitute capital assets in the shareholder's hands,
will result in long-term or short-term capital gains (or loss)
depending upon the shareholder's holding period and basis in
respect of the shares redeemed.
To redeem shares of the Fund for which no stock
certificates have been issued, the registered owner or owners
should forward a letter to the Fund containing a request for
redemption. The signature or signatures on the letter must be
guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as defined in
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
To redeem shares of the Fund represented by stock
certificates, the investor should forward the appropriate stock
35
<PAGE>
certificate or certificates, endorsed in blank or with blank
stock powers attached, to the Fund with the request that the
shares represented thereby, or a specified portion thereof, be
redeemed. The stock assignment form on the reverse side of each
stock certificate surrendered to the Fund for redemption must be
signed by the registered owner or owners exactly as the
registered name appears on the face of the certificate or,
alternatively, a stock power signed in the same manner may be
attached to the stock certificate or certificates or, where
tender is made by mail, separately mailed to the Fund. The
signature or signatures on the assignment form must be guaranteed
in the manner described above.
Telephone Redemption By Electronic Funds Transfer. Each
Fund shareholder is entitled to request redemption by electronic
funds transfer of shares for which no stock certificates have
been issued by telephone at 800-221-5672 by a shareholder who has
completed the appropriate portion of the Subscription Application
or, in the case of an existing shareholder, an "Autosell"
application obtained from Alliance Fund Services, Inc. Telephone
redemption requests by electronic funds transfer may not exceed
$100,000 per day (except for certain omnibus accounts), and must
be made by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day as
defined above. Proceeds of telephone redemptions will be sent by
electronic funds transfer to a shareholder's designated bank
account at a bank selected by the shareholder that is a member of
the NACHA.
Telephone Redemption By Check. Each Fund shareholder is
eligible to request redemption by check of Fund shares for which
no stock certificates have been issued by telephone at 800-
221-5672 before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in
an amount not exceeding $50,000. Proceeds of such redemptions
are remitted by check to the shareholder's address of record. A
shareholder otherwise eligible for telephone redemption by check
may cancel the privilege by written instruction to Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. or by checking the appropriate box on the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus.
Telephone Redemptions - General. During periods of
drastic economic or market developments, such as the market break
of October 1987, it is possible that shareholders would have
difficulty in reaching Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by telephone
(although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in
connection with the 1987 market break). If a shareholder were to
experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written
instructions to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address shown
on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information. The
36
<PAGE>
Fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate its telephone
redemption service at any time without notice. Telephone
redemption by check is not available with respect to shares
(i) for which certificates have been issued, (ii) held in nominee
or "street name" accounts, (iii) held by a shareholder who has
changed his or her address of record within the preceding 30
calendar days or (iv) held in any retirement plan account.
Neither the Fund nor the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter or
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. will be responsible for the
authenticity of telephone requests for redemptions that the Fund
reasonably believes to be genuine. The Fund will employ
reasonable procedures in order to verify that telephone requests
for redemptions are genuine, including, among others, recording
such telephone instructions and causing written confirmations of
the resulting transactions to be sent to shareholders. If the
Fund did not employ such procedures, it could be liable for
losses arising from unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
instructions. Selected dealers or agents may charge a commission
for handling telephone requests for redemptions.
Repurchase
The Fund may repurchase shares through the Principal
Underwriter, selected financial intermediaries or selected
dealers or agents. The repurchase price will be the net asset
value next determined after the Principal Underwriter receives
the request (less the contingent deferred sales charge, if any,
with respect to the Class A, Class B and Class C shares), except
that requests placed through selected dealers or agents before
the close of regular trading on the Exchange on any day will be
executed at the net asset value determined as of such close of
regular trading on that day if received by the Principal
Underwriter prior to its close of business on that day (normally
5:00 p.m. Eastern time). The financial intermediary or selected
dealer or agent is responsible for transmitting the request to
the Principal Underwriter by 5:00 p.m. If the financial
intermediary or selected dealer or agent fails to do so, the
shareholder's right to receive that day's closing price must be
settled between the shareholder and the dealer or agent. A
shareholder may offer shares of the Fund to the Principal
Underwriter either directly or through a selected dealer or
agent. Neither the Fund nor the Principal Underwriter charges a
fee or commission in connection with the repurchase of shares
(except for the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, with
respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). Normally, if
shares of the Fund are offered through a financial intermediary
or selected dealer or agent, the repurchase is settled by the
shareholder as an ordinary transaction with or through the
37
<PAGE>
selected dealer or agent, who may charge the shareholder for this
service. The repurchase of shares of the Fund as described above
is a voluntary service of the Fund and the Fund may suspend or
terminate this practice at any time.
General
The Fund reserves the right to close out an account that
through redemption has remained below $200 for 90 days.
Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to increase the
account value before the account is closed. No contingent
deferred sales charge will be deducted from the proceeds of this
redemption. In the case of a redemption or repurchase of shares
of the Fund recently purchased by check, redemption proceeds will
not be made available until the Fund is reasonably assured that
the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following
the purchase date.
_______________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
_______________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--Shareholder Services." The shareholder services set
forth below are applicable to Class A, Class B, Class C and
Advisor Class shares unless otherwise indicated. If you are an
Advisor Class shareholder through an account established under a
fee- based program, your fee-based program may impose
requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of
Advisor Class shares of the Fund that are different from those
described herein. A transaction fee may be charged by your
financial representative with respect to the purchase, sale or
exchange of Advisor Class shares made through such financial
representative.
Automatic Investment Program
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund through an
automatic investment program utilizing electronic funds transfer
drawn on the investor's own bank account. Under such a program,
pre-authorized monthly drafts for a fixed amount (at least $25)
are used to purchase shares through the selected dealer or
selected agent designated by the investor at the public offering
price next determined after the Principal Underwriter receives
the proceeds from the investor's bank. In electronic form,
drafts can be made on or about a date each month selected by the
38
<PAGE>
shareholder. Investors wishing to establish an automatic
investment program in connection with their initial investment
should complete the appropriate portion of the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus. Current shareholders should
contact Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or telephone
numbers shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional
Information to establish an automatic investment program.
Exchange Privilege
You may exchange your investment in the Fund for shares
of the same class of other Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD
Exchange Reserves, a money market fund managed by the Adviser).
In addition, (i) present officers and full-time employees of the
Adviser, (ii) present Directors or Trustees of any Alliance
Mutual Fund and (iii) certain employee benefit plans for
employees of the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter, Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. and their affiliates may on a tax-free basis,
exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Advisor Class shares of
the Fund. Exchanges of shares are made at the net asset value
next determined and without sales or service charges. Exchanges
may be made by telephone or written request. Telephone exchange
requests must be received by Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by
4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day, as defined above,
in order to receive that day's net asset value.
Shares will continue to age without regard to exchanges
for purpose of determining the CDSC, if any, upon redemption and,
in the case of Class B shares, for the purpose of conversion to
Class A shares. After an exchange, your Class B shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares in accordance with the
conversion schedule applicable to the Class B shares of the
Alliance Mutual Fund you originally purchased for cash ("original
shares"). When redemption occurs, the CDSC applicable to the
original shares is applied.
Please read carefully the prospectus of the mutual fund
into which you are exchanging before submitting the request.
Call Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at 800-221-5672 to exchange
uncertificated shares. Except with respect to exchanges of
Class A shares of the Fund for Advisor Class shares of the Fund,
exchanges of shares as described above in this section are
taxable transactions for federal income tax purposes. The
exchange service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on 60
days' written notice.
All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirements and any other applicable terms set forth in the
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prospectus for the Alliance Mutual Fund whose shares are being
acquired. An exchange is effected through the redemption of the
shares tendered for exchange and the purchase of shares being
acquired at their respective net asset values as next determined
following receipt by the Alliance Mutual Fund whose shares are
being exchanged of (i) proper instructions and all necessary
supporting documents as described in such fund's Prospectus, or
(ii) a telephone request for such exchange in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the following paragraph. Exchanges
involving the redemption of shares recently purchased by check
will be permitted only after the Alliance Mutual Fund whose
shares have been tendered for exchange is reasonably assured that
the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following
the purchase date.
Each Fund shareholder and the shareholder's selected
dealer, agent or financial representative, as applicable, are
authorized to make telephone requests for exchanges unless
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. receives a written instruction to
the contrary from the shareholder, or the shareholder declines
the privilege by checking the appropriate box on the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus. Such telephone requests
cannot be accepted with respect to shares then represented by
stock certificates. Shares acquired pursuant to a telephone
request for exchange will be held under the same account
registration as the shares redeemed through such exchange.
Eligible shareholders desiring to make an exchange
should telephone Alliance Fund Services, Inc. with their account
number and other details of the exchange, at 800-221-5672 before
4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day as defined above.
Telephone requests for exchange received before 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time on a Fund business day will be processed as of the close of
business on that day. During periods of drastic economic or
market developments (such as the market break of October 1987) it
is possible that shareholders would have difficulty in reaching
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by telephone (although no such
difficulty was apparent at any time in connection with the 1987
market break). If a shareholder were to experience such
difficulty, the shareholder should issue written instructions to
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address shown on the cover of
this Statement of Additional Information.
A shareholder may elect to initiate a monthly "Auto
Exchange" whereby a specified dollar amount's worth of his or her
Fund shares (minimum $25) is automatically exchanged for shares
of another Alliance Mutual Fund. Auto Exchange transactions
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normally occur on the 12th day of each month, or the following
Fund business day prior thereto.
None of the Alliance Mutual Funds, the Adviser, the
Principal Underwriter or Alliance Fund Services, Inc. will be
responsible for the authenticity of telephone requests for
exchanges that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine. The
Fund will employ reasonable procedures in order to verify that
telephone requests for exchanges are genuine, including, among
others, recording such telephone instructions and causing written
confirmations of the resulting transactions to be sent to
shareholders. If the Fund did not employ such procedures, it
could be liable for losses arising from unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone instructions. Selected dealers, agents or
financial representatives, as applicable, may charge a commission
for handling telephone requests for exchanges.
The exchange privilege is available only in states where
shares of the Alliance Mutual Fund being acquired may be legally
sold. Each Alliance Mutual Fund reserves the right, at any time
on 60 days' notice to its shareholders, to reject any order to
acquire its shares through exchange or otherwise to modify,
restrict or terminate the exchange privilege.
Retirement Plans
The Fund may be a suitable investment vehicle for part
or all of the assets held in various types of retirement plans,
such as those listed below. The Fund has available forms of such
plans pursuant to which investments can be made in the Fund and
other Alliance Mutual Funds. Persons desiring information
concerning these plans should contact Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. at the "For Literature" telephone number on the cover of
this Statement of Additional Information, or write to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
Retirement Plans
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Individual Retirement Account ("IRA"). Individuals who
receive compensation, including earnings from self-employment,
are entitled to establish and make contributions to an IRA.
Taxation of the income and gains paid to an IRA by the Fund is
deferred until distribution from the IRA. An individual's
eligible contribution to an IRA will be deductible if neither the
individual nor his or her spouse is an active participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan. If the individual or his or
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her spouse is an active participant in an employer-sponsored
retirement plan, the individual's contributions to an IRA may be
deductible, in whole or in part, depending on the amount of the
adjusted gross income of the individual and his or her spouse.
Employer-Sponsored Qualified Retirement Plans. Sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations may sponsor qualified
money purchase pension and profit-sharing plans, including
Section 401(k) plans ("qualified plans"), under which annual tax-
deductible contributions are made within prescribed limits based
on compensation paid to participating individuals. The minimum
initial investment requirement may be waived with respect to
certain of these qualified plans.
If the aggregate net asset value of shares of the
Alliance Mutual Funds held by a qualified plan reaches $1 million
on or before December 15 in any year, all Class B shares or
Class C shares of the Fund held by the plan can be exchanged, at
the plan's request, without any sales charge, for Class A shares
of the Fund.
Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP"). Sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations may sponsor a SEP
under which they make annual tax-deductible contributions to an
IRA established by each eligible employee within prescribed
limits based on employee compensation.
403(b)(7) Retirement Plan. Certain tax-exempt
organizations and public educational institutions may sponsor
retirement plans under which an employee may agree that monies
deducted from his or her compensation (minimum $25 per pay
period) may be contributed by the employer to a custodial account
established for the employee under the plan.
The Alliance Plans Division of Frontier Trust Company, a
subsidiary of Equitable, which serves as custodian or trustee
under the retirement plan prototype forms available from the
Fund, charges certain nominal fees for establishing an account
and for annual maintenance. A portion of these fees is remitted
to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. as compensation for its services
to the retirement plan accounts maintained with the Fund.
Distributions from retirement plans are subject to
certain Code requirements in addition to normal redemption
procedures. For additional information please contact Alliance
Fund Services, Inc.
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Dividend Direction Plan
A shareholder who already maintains, in addition to his
or her Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class Fund account, a
Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class account with one or
more other Alliance Mutual Funds may direct that income dividends
and/or capital gains paid on the shareholder's Class A, Class B,
Class C or Advisor Class Fund shares be automatically reinvested,
in any amount, without the payment of any sales or service
charges, in shares of the same class of such other Alliance
Mutual Fund(s). Further information can be obtained by
contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or the
"For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information. Investors wishing to
establish a dividend direction plan in connection with their
initial investment should complete the appropriate section of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus. Current
shareholders should contact Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to
establish a dividend direction plan.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
General. Any shareholder who owns or purchases shares
of the Fund having a current net asset value of at least $4,000
(for quarterly or less frequent payments), $5,000 (for bi-monthly
payments) or $10,000 (for monthly payments) may establish a
systematic withdrawal plan under which the shareholder will
periodically receive a payment in a stated amount of not less
than $50 on a selected date. Systematic withdrawal plan
participants must elect to have their dividends and distributions
from the Fund automatically reinvested in additional shares of
the Fund.
Shares of the Fund owned by a participant in the Fund's
systematic withdrawal plan will be redeemed as necessary to meet
withdrawal payments and such payments will be subject to any
taxes applicable to redemptions and, except as discussed below,
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Shares acquired
with reinvested dividends and distributions will be liquidated
first to provide such withdrawal payments and thereafter other
shares will be liquidated to the extent necessary, and depending
upon the amount withdrawn, the investor's principal may be
depleted. A systematic withdrawal plan may be terminated at any
time by the shareholder or the Fund.
Withdrawal payments will not automatically end when a
shareholder's account reaches a certain minimum level.
Therefore, redemptions of shares under the plan may reduce or
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even liquidate a shareholder's account and may subject the
shareholder to the Fund's involuntary redemption provisions. See
"Redemption and Repurchase of Shares--General." Purchases of
additional shares concurrently with withdrawals are undesirable
because of sales charges when purchases are made. While an
occasional lump-sum investment may be made by a holder of Class A
shares who is maintaining a systematic withdrawal plan, such
investment should normally be an amount equivalent to three times
the annual withdrawal or $5,000, whichever is less.
Payments under a systematic withdrawal plan may be made
by check or electronically via the Automated Clearing House
("ACH") network. Investors wishing to establish a systematic
withdrawal plan in conjunction with their initial investment in
shares of the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus, while current
Fund shareholders desiring to do so can obtain an application
form by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or
the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information.
CDSC Waiver for Class B and Class C Shares. Under a
systematic withdrawal plan, up to 1% monthly, 2% bi-monthly or 3%
quarterly of the value at the time of redemption of the Class B
or Class C shares in a shareholder's account may be redeemed free
of any contingent deferred sales charge.
With respect to Class B shares, the waiver applies only
with respect to shares acquired after July 1, 1995. Class B
shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
(such as shares acquired with reinvested dividends or
distributions) will be redeemed first and will count toward the
foregoing limitations. Remaining Class B shares that are held
the longest will be redeemed next. Redemptions of Class B shares
in excess of the foregoing limitations will be subject to any
otherwise applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
With respect to Class C shares, shares held the longest
will be redeemed first and will count toward the foregoing
limitations. Redemptions in excess of those limitations will be
subject to any otherwise applicable contingent deferred sales
charge.
Statements and Reports
Each shareholder of the Fund receives semi-annual and
annual reports which include a portfolio of investments,
financial statements and, in the case of the annual report, the
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report of the Fund's independent auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP,
as well as a confirmation of each purchase and redemption. By
contacting his or her broker or Alliance Fund Services, Inc., a
shareholder can arrange for a copy of his or her account
statements to be sent to another person.
_______________________________________________________________
NET ASSET VALUE
_______________________________________________________________
The per share net asset value is computed in accordance
with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws at the next
close of regular trading on the Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) following receipt of a purchase or redemption order
by the Fund on each Fund business day on which such an order is
received and on such other days as the Board of Directors deems
appropriate or necessary in order to comply with Rule 22c-1 under
the 1940 Act. The Fund's per share net asset value is calculated
by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets, less its
liabilities, by the total number of its shares then outstanding.
A Fund business day is any weekday on which the Exchange is open
for trading.
In accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act,
portfolio securities are valued at current market value or at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has delegated to the Adviser certain of
the Board's duties with respect to the following procedures.
Readily marketable securities listed on the Exchange or on a
foreign securities exchange (other than foreign securities
exchanges whose operations are similar to those of the United
States over-the-counter market) are valued, except as indicated
below, at the last sale price reflected on the consolidated tape
at the close of the Exchange or, in the case of a foreign
securities exchange, at the last quoted sale price, in each case
on the business day as of which such value is being determined.
If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued
at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such day. If
bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, then the security is
valued in good faith at fair value by, or in accordance with
procedures established by, the Board of Directors. Readily
marketable securities not listed on the Exchange or on a foreign
securities exchange but listed on other United States National
Securities exchanges or traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
are valued in like manner. Portfolio securities traded on the
Exchange and on one or more foreign or other national securities
exchanges, and portfolio securities not traded on the Exchange
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but traded on one or more foreign or other national securities
exchanges are valued in accordance with these procedures by
reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are
traded.
Readily marketable securities traded in the over-the-
counter market, securities listed on a foreign securities
exchange whose operations are similar to those of the United
States over-the-counter market, and Securities listed on a U.S.
national securities exchange whose primary market is believed to
be over-the-counter (but excluding securities traded on The
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.), are valued at the mean of the current
bid and asked prices as reported by Nasdaq or, in the case of
securities not quoted by Nasdaq, the National Quotation Bureau or
another comparable sources.
Listed put or call options purchased by the Fund are
valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that
day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on
that day.
Open futures contracts and options thereon will be
valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of
such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no
quotations available for the day of valuations, the last
available closing settlement price will be used.
U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments
having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at
amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less, or
by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to
maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days
(unless in either case the Board of Directors determines that
this method does not represent fair value).
Fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of
prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are
believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
The prices provided by a pricing service take into account many
factors, including institutional size trading in similar groups
of securities and any development related to specific securities.
All other assets of the Fund are valued in good faith at
fair value by, or in accordance with procedures established by,
the Board of Directors.
Trading in securities on Far Eastern and European
securities exchange and over-the-counter markets is normally
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completed well before the close of business of each Fund business
day. In addition, trading in foreign markets may not take place
on all Fund business days. Furthermore, trading may take place
in various foreign markets on days that are not Fund business
days. The Fund's calculation of the net asset value per share,
therefore, does not always take place contemporaneously with the
most recent determination of the prices of portfolio securities
in these markets. Events affecting the values of these portfolio
securities that occur between the time their prices are
determined in accordance with the above procedures and the close
of the Exchange will not be reflected in the Fund's calculation
of net asset value unless it is believed that these prices do not
reflect current market value, in which case the securities will
be valued in good faith by, or in accordance with procedures
established by, the Board of Directors at fair value.
The Board of Directors may suspend the determination of
the Fund's net asset value (and the offering and sale of shares),
subject to the rules of the SEC and other governmental rules and
regulations, at a time when: (1) the Exchange is closed, other
than customary weekend and holiday closings, (2) an emergency
exists as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for
the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or to determine
fairly the value of its net assets, or (3) for the protection of
shareholders, the SEC by order permits a suspension of the right
of redemption or a postponement of the date of payment on
redemption.
For purposes of determining the Fund's net asset value
per share, all assets and liabilities initially expressed in a
foreign currency will be converted into U.S. dollars at the mean
of the current bid and asked prices of such currency against the
U.S. dollar last quoted by a major bank that is a regular
participant in the relevant foreign exchange market or on the
basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes
provided by a number of such major banks. If such quotations are
not available as of the close of the Exchange, the rate of
exchange will be determined in good faith by, or under the
direction of, the Board of Directors.
The assets attributable to the Class A shares, Class B
shares, Class C Shares and Advisor Class shares will be invested
together in a single portfolio. The net asset value of each
class will be determined separately by subtracting the
liabilities allocated to that class from the assets belonging to
that class in conformance with the provisions of a plan adopted
by the Fund in accordance with Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act.
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_______________________________________________________________
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
_______________________________________________________________
The following summary addresses only principal United
States federal income tax considerations pertinent to the Fund
and to shareholders of the Fund who are United States citizens or
residents or United States corporations. The effects of federal
income tax law on shareholders who are nonresident alien
individuals, foreign corporations or other foreign persons may be
substantially different. The summary is based upon the advice of
counsel for the Fund and upon current law and interpretations
thereof. No confirmation has been obtained from the relevant tax
authorities. There is no assurance that the applicable laws and
interpretations will not change.
In view of the individual nature of tax consequences,
each shareholder is advised to consult the shareholder's own tax
adviser with respect to the specific tax consequences of being a
shareholder of the Fund, including the effect and applicability
of federal, state, local, foreign and other tax laws and the
effects of changes therein.
United States Federal Income Taxation
of Dividends and Distributions
General. The Fund intends for each taxable year to
qualify as a "regulated investment company" under sections 851
through 855 of the Code. To so qualify, the Fund must, among
other things, (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each
taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to
securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of
stock, securities or foreign currency, or certain other income
(including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures and
forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of
investing in stock, securities or currency; and (ii) diversify
its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of its taxable
year, the following two conditions are met: (a) at least 50% of
the value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S.
Government securities, securities of other regulated investment
companies and other securities with respect to which the Fund's
investment is limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount
not greater than 5% of the Fund's assets and 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more
than 25% of the value of the Fund's assets is invested in
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
securities or securities of other regulated investment companies)
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or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are
determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or
businesses or related trades or businesses.
If the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company
for any taxable year and makes timely distributions to its
shareholders of 90% or more of its investment company taxable
income for that year (calculated without regard to its net
capital gain, i.e., the excess of its net long-term capital gain
over its net short-term capital loss), it will not be subject to
federal income tax on the portion of its taxable income for the
year (including any net capital gain) that it distributes to
shareholders.
The Fund will also avoid the 4% federal excise tax that
would otherwise apply to certain undistributed income for a given
calendar year if it makes timely distributions to the
shareholders equal to at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary
income for that year; (ii) 98% of its capital gain net income and
foreign currency gains for the twelve-month period ending on
October 31 of that year; and (iii) any ordinary income or capital
gain net income from the preceding calendar year that was not
distributed during that year. For this purpose, income or gain
retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate income tax will
be considered to have been distributed by the Fund by year-end.
For federal income and excise tax purposes, dividends declared
and payable to shareholders of record as of a date in October,
November or December of a given year but actually paid during the
immediately following January will be treated as if paid by the
Fund on December 31 of that calendar year, and will be taxable to
these shareholders for the year declared, and not for the year in
which the shareholders actually receive the dividend.
The Fund intends to make timely distributions of the
Fund's taxable income (including any net capital gain) so that
the Fund will not be subject to federal income or excise taxes.
However, exchange control or other regulations on the
repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of
securities sales, if any exist or are enacted in the future, may
limit the Fund's ability to make distributions sufficient in
amount to avoid being subject to one or both of such federal
taxes.
Dividends and Distributions. Dividends of the Fund's
net ordinary income and distributions of any net realized short-
term capital gain will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income. Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, two
different tax rates apply to net capital gains--that is, the
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excess of net gains from capital assets held for more than one
year over net losses from capital assets held for not more than
one year. One rate (generally 28%) applies to net gains on
capital assets held for more than one year but not more than 18
months ("mid-term gains"), and a second rate (generally 20%)
applies to the balance of such net capital gains ("adjusted net
capital gains"). Distributions of mid-term gains and adjusted
net capital gains will be taxable to shareholders as such,
regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares in the Fund.
Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder
on shares of the Fund will have the effect of reducing the net
asset value of such shares by the amount of such dividend or
distribution. Furthermore, a dividend or distribution made
shortly after the purchase of such shares by a shareholder,
although in effect a return of capital to that particular
shareholder, would be taxable to him as described above.
Dividends are taxable in the manner discussed regardless of
whether they are paid to the shareholder in cash or are
reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. The investment
objective of the Fund is such that only a small portion, if any,
of the Fund's distributions is expected to qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
After the end of the taxable year, the Fund will notify
shareholders of the federal income tax status of any
distributions made by the Fund to shareholders during such year.
It is the present policy of the Fund to distribute to
shareholders all net investment income and to distribute realized
capital gains, if any, annually. There is no fixed dividend rate
and there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay any
dividends. The amount of any dividend or distribution paid on
shares of the Fund must necessarily depend upon the realization
of income and capital gains from the Fund's investments.
Sales and Redemptions. Any gain or loss arising from a
sale or redemption of Fund shares generally will be capital gain
or loss except in the case of dealers or certain financial
institutions. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain
or loss if such shareholder has held such shares for more than
one year at the time of the sale or redemption; and otherwise
short-term capital gain or loss. In the case of an individual
shareholder, the applicable tax rate imposed on long-term capital
gain differs depending on whether the shares were held at the
time of the sale or redemption for more than eighteen months, or
for more than one year but not more than eighteen months. If a
shareholder has held shares in the Fund for six months or less
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and during that period has received a distribution of net capital
gains, any loss recognized by the shareholder on the sale of
those shares during the six-month period will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of the distribution. In
determining the holding period of such shares for this purpose,
any period during which a shareholder's risk of loss is offset by
means of options, short sales or similar transactions is not
counted.
Any loss realized by a shareholder on a sale or exchange
of shares of the Fund will be disallowed to the extent the shares
disposed of are replaced within a period of 61 days beginning 30
days before and ending 30 days after the shares are sold or
exchanged. For this purpose, acquisitions pursuant to the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan would constitute a replacement if made
within the period. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in
an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
Foreign Taxes. Income received by the Fund may also be
subject to foreign income taxes, including withholding taxes. It
is not possible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in
advance since the amount of the Fund's assets to be invested
within various countries is not known. If, as is contemplated,
more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the
close of its taxable year consists of stocks or securities of
foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible and intends to
file an election with the Internal Revenue Service to pass
through to its shareholders the amount of foreign taxes paid by
the Fund. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will
be able to do so. Pursuant to this election a shareholder will
be required to (i) include in gross income (in addition to
taxable dividends actually received) his pro rata share of
foreign taxes paid by the Fund, (ii) treat his pro rata share of
such foreign taxes as having been paid by him, and (iii) either
deduct such pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his
taxable income or treat such foreign taxes as a credit against
United States federal income taxes. Shareholders who are not
liable for federal income taxes, such as retirement plans
qualified under section 401 of the Code, will not be affected by
any such pass through of taxes by the Fund. No deduction for
foreign taxes may be claimed by an individual shareholder who
does not itemize deductions. In addition, certain shareholders
may be subject to rules which limit or reduce their ability to
fully deduct, or claim a credit for, their pro rata share of the
foreign taxes paid by the Fund. A shareholder's foreign tax
credit with respect to a dividend received from the Fund will be
disallowed unless the shareholder holds shares in the Fund on the
ex-dividend date and for at least 15 other days during the 30-day
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<PAGE>
period beginning 15 days prior to the ex-dividend date. Each
shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of
the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the
Fund will pass through for that year and, if so, such
notification will designate (i) the shareholder's portion of the
foreign taxes paid to each such country and (ii) the portion of
dividends that represents income derived from sources within each
such country.
Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required to
withhold federal income tax at the rate of 31% of all taxable
distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the
Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers or to
make required certifications, or who have been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service that they are subject to backup
withholding. Corporate shareholders and certain other
shareholders specified in the Code are exempt from such backup
withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; any
amounts so withheld may be credited against a shareholder's
federal income tax liability or refunded.
United States Federal Income Taxation of the Fund
The following discussion relates to certain significant
United States federal income tax consequences to the Fund with
respect to the determination of its "investment company taxable
income" each year. This discussion assumes that the Fund will be
taxed as a regulated investment company for each of its taxable
years.
Currency Fluctuations-"Section 988" Gains or Losses.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues
interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the
Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities
are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly,
gains or losses from the disposition of foreign currencies, from
the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign
currency, or from the disposition of a forward contract
denominated in a foreign currency, which are attributable to
fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the asset and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses,
referred to under the Code as "section 988" gains or losses,
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company
taxable income available to be distributed to its shareholders as
ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount
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<PAGE>
of the Fund's net capital gain. Because section 988 losses
reduce the amount of ordinary dividends the Fund will be allowed
to distribute for a taxable year, such section 988 losses may
result in all or a portion of prior dividend distributions for
such year being recharacterized as a non-taxable return of
capital to shareholders, rather than as an ordinary dividend,
reducing each shareholder's basis in his Fund shares. If such
distributions exceed such shareholder's basis, such excess will
be treated as a gain from the sale of shares.
Options, Futures and Forward Contracts. Certain listed
options, regulated futures contracts, and forward foreign
currency contracts are considered "section 1256 contracts" for
federal income tax purposes. Section 1256 contracts held by the
Fund at the end of each taxable year will be "marked to market"
and treated for federal income tax purposes as though sold for
fair market value on the last business day of such taxable year.
Gain or loss realized by the Fund on section 1256 contracts other
than forward foreign currency contracts will be considered 60%
long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Gain or loss
realized by the Fund on forward foreign currency contracts
generally will be treated as section 988 gain or loss and will
therefore be characterized as ordinary income or loss and will
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's net investment
income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary
income, as described above. The Fund can elect to exempt its
section 1256 contracts which are part of a "mixed straddle" (as
described below) from the application of section 1256.
The Treasury Department has the authority to issue
regulations that would permit or require the Fund either to
integrate a foreign currency hedging transaction with the
investment that is hedged and treat the two as a single
transaction, or otherwise to treat the hedging transaction in a
manner that is consistent with the hedged investment. The
regulations issued under this authority generally should not
apply to the type of hedging transactions in which the Fund
intends to engage.
With respect to equity options or options traded over-
the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges, gain or loss
realized by the Fund upon the lapse or sale of such options held
by the Fund will be either long-term or short-term capital gain
or loss depending upon the Fund's holding period with respect to
such option. However, gain or loss realized upon the lapse or
closing out of such options that are written by the Fund will be
treated as short-term capital gain or loss. In general, if the
Fund exercises an option, or an option that the Fund has written
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is exercised, gain or loss on the option will not be separately
recognized but the premium received or paid will be included in
the calculation of gain or loss upon disposition of the property
underlying the option.
Gain or loss realized by the Fund on the lapse or sale
of put and call options on foreign currencies which are traded
over-the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges will be treated
as section 988 gain or loss and will therefore be characterized
as ordinary income or loss and will increase or decrease the
amount of the Fund's net investment income available to be
distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, as described
above. The amount of such gain or loss shall be determined by
subtracting the amount paid, if any, for or with respect to the
option (including any amount paid by the Fund upon termination of
an option written by the Fund) from the amount received, if any,
for or with respect to the option (including any amount received
by the Fund upon termination of an option held by the Fund). In
general, if the Fund exercises such an option on a foreign
currency, or such an option that the Fund has written is
exercised, gain or loss on the option will be recognized in the
same manner as if the Fund had sold the option (or paid another
person to assume the Fund's obligation to make delivery under the
option) on the date on which the option is exercised, for the
fair market value of the option. The foregoing rules will also
apply to other put and call options which have as their
underlying property foreign currency and which are traded over-
the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges to the extent gain or
loss with respect to such options is attributable to fluctuations
in foreign currency exchange rates.
Tax Straddles. Any option, futures contract, forward
foreign currency contract, currency swap, or other position
entered into or held by the Fund in conjunction with any other
position held by the Fund may constitute a "straddle" for federal
income tax purposes. A straddle of which at least one, but not
all, the positions are section 1256 contracts may constitute a
"mixed straddle". In general, straddles are subject to certain
rules that may affect the character and timing of the Fund's
gains and losses with respect to straddle positions by requiring,
among other things, that (i) loss realized on disposition of one
position of a straddle not be recognized to the extent that the
Fund has unrealized gains with respect to the other position in
such straddle; (ii) the Fund's holding period in straddle
positions be suspended while the straddle exists (possibly
resulting in gain being treated as short-term capital gain rather
than long-term capital gain); (iii) losses recognized with
respect to certain straddle positions which are part of a mixed
54
<PAGE>
straddle and which are non-section 1256 positions be treated as
60% long-term and 40% short-term capital loss; (iv) losses
recognized with respect to certain straddle positions which would
otherwise constitute short-term capital losses be treated as
long-term capital losses; and (v) the deduction of interest and
carrying charges attributable to certain straddle positions may
be deferred. The Treasury Department is authorized to issue
regulations providing for the proper treatment of a mixed
straddle where at least one position is ordinary and at least one
position is capital. No such regulations have yet been issued.
Various elections are available to the Fund which may mitigate
the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to
mixed straddles. In general, the straddle rules described above
do not apply to any straddles held by the Fund all of the
offsetting positions of which consist of section 1256 contracts.
Other Taxation
The Fund may be subject to other state and local taxes
than those discussed above. Also, distributions by the Fund may
be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending
on each shareholder's particular circumstances.
_______________________________________________________________
BROKERAGE AND PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
_______________________________________________________________
The management of the Fund has the responsibility for
allocating its brokerage orders and may direct orders to any
broker. It is the Fund's general policy to seek favorable net
prices and prompt reliable execution in connection with the
purchase or sale of all portfolio securities. In the purchase
and sale of over-the-counter securities, it is the Fund's policy
to use the primary market makers except when a better price can
be obtained by using a broker. The Board of Directors has
approved, as in the best interests of the Fund and the
shareholders, a policy of considering, among other factors, sales
of the Fund's shares as a factor in the selection of
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions, subject to best
execution. The Adviser is authorized under the Advisory
Agreement to place brokerage business with such brokers and
dealers. The use of brokers who supply supplemental research and
analysis and other services may result in the payment of higher
commissions than those available from other brokers and dealers
who provide only the execution of portfolio transactions. In
addition, the supplemental research and analysis and other
services that may be obtained from brokers and dealers through
55
<PAGE>
which brokerage transactions are effected may be useful to the
Adviser in connection with advisory clients other than the Fund.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently
from those for other investment companies and other advisory
accounts managed by the Adviser. It may happen, on occasion,
that the same security is held in the portfolio of the Fund and
one or more of such other companies or accounts. Simultaneous
transactions are likely when several funds or accounts are
managed by the same Adviser, particularly when a security is
suitable for the investment objectives of more than one of such
companies or accounts. When two or more companies or accounts
managed by the Adviser are simultaneously engaged in the purchase
or sale of the same security, the transactions are allocated to
the respective companies or accounts both as to amount and price,
in accordance with a method deemed equitable to each company or
account. In some cases this system may adversely affect the
price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position
obtainable for the Fund.
Allocations are made by the officers of the Fund or of
the Adviser. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are
determined by the Adviser and are placed with broker-dealers by
the order department of the Adviser.
The extent to which commissions that will be charged by
broker-dealers selected by the Fund may reflect an element of
value for research cannot presently be determined. To the extent
that research services of value are provided by broker-dealers
with or through whom the Fund places portfolio transactions, the
Adviser may be relieved of expenses which it might otherwise
bear. Research services furnished by broker-dealers could be
useful and of value to the Adviser in servicing its other clients
as well as the Fund; but, on the other hand, certain research
services obtained by the Adviser as a result of the placement of
portfolio brokerage of other clients could be useful and of value
to it in serving the Fund. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject
to seeking best execution, the Fund may consider sales of shares
of the Fund or other investment companies managed by the Adviser
as a factor in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio
transactions for the Fund.
The Fund may from time to time place orders for the
purchase or sale of securities (including listed call options)
with Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ"),
an affiliate of the Adviser, and with brokers which may have
their transactions cleared or settled, or both, by the Pershing
56
<PAGE>
Division of DLJ, for which DLJ may receive a portion of the
brokerage commissions. In such instances, the placement of
orders with such brokers would be consistent with the Fund's
objective of obtaining best execution and would not be dependent
upon the fact that DLJ is an affiliate of the Adviser.
Many of the Fund's portfolio transactions in equity
securities will occur on foreign stock exchanges. Transactions
on stock exchanges involve the payment of brokerage commissions.
On many foreign stock exchanges these commissions are fixed.
Securities traded in foreign over-the-counter markets (including
most fixed-income securities) are purchased from and sold to
dealers acting as principal. Over-the-counter transactions
generally do not involve the payment of a stated commission, but
the price usually includes an undisclosed commission or markup.
The prices of underwritten offerings, however, generally include
a stated underwriter's discount. The Adviser expects to effect
the bulk of its transactions in securities of companies based in
foreign countries through brokers, dealers or underwriters
located in such countries. U.S. Government or other U.S.
securities constituting permissible investments will be purchased
and sold through U.S. brokers, dealers or underwriters.
_______________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
_______________________________________________________________
Capitalization
The authorized capital stock of the Fund currently
consists of 3,000,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock,
3,000,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, 3,000,000,000
shares of Class C Common Stock and 3,000,000,000 shares of
Advisor Class Common Stock, each having a par value of $.001 per
share. All shares of the Fund, when issued, are fully paid and
non-assessable. The Directors are authorized to reclassify any
unissued shares to any number of additional series and classes
without shareholder approval. Accordingly, the Directors in the
future, for reasons such as the desire to establish one or more
additional portfolios with different investment objectives,
policies or restrictions, may create additional classes or series
of shares. Any issuance of shares of another class or series
would be governed by the 1940 Act and the law of the State of
Maryland. If shares of another series were issued in connection
with the creation of a second portfolio, each share of either
portfolio would normally be entitled to one vote for all
purposes. Generally, shares of both portfolios would vote as a
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<PAGE>
single series on matters, such as the election of Directors, that
affected both portfolios in substantially the same manner. As to
matters affecting each portfolio differently, such as approval of
the Investment Advisory Contract and changes in investment
policy, shares of each portfolio would vote as a separate series.
Procedures for calling a shareholders' meeting for the removal of
Directors of the Fund, similar to those set forth in Section
16(c) of the 1940 Act will be available to shareholders of the
Fund. The rights of the holders of shares of a series may not be
modified except by the vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of such series.
Custodian
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ("Brown Brothers"), 40
Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, will act as the Fund's
custodian for the assets of the Fund but plays no part in
deciding the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. Subject
to the supervision of the Fund's Directors, Brown Brothers may
enter into sub-custodial agreements for the holding of the Fund's
foreign securities.
Principal Underwriter
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, serves as the Fund's
Principal Underwriter, and as such may solicit orders from the
public to purchase shares of the Fund. Under the Agreement, the
Fund has agreed to indemnify the Principal Underwriter, in the
absence of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, against
certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
Counsel
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of the
common stock offered hereby are passed upon by Seward & Kissel,
New York, New York. Seward & Kissel has relied upon the opinion
of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, for
matters relating to Maryland law.
Independent Auditors
Price Waterhouse LLP, New York, New York, have been
appointed as independent auditors for the Fund.
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<PAGE>
Performance Information
From time to time the Fund advertises its "total
return." Computed separately for each class, the Fund's "total
return" is its average annual compounded total return for its
most recently completed one, five, and ten-year periods (or the
period since the Fund's inception). The Fund's total return for
such a period is computed by finding, through the use of a
formula prescribed by the Commission, the average annual
compounded rate of return over the period that would equate an
assumed initial amount invested to the value of such investment
at the end of the period. For purposes of computing total
return, income dividends and capital gains distributions paid on
shares of the Fund are assumed to have been reinvested when paid
and the maximum sales charge applicable to purchases of Fund
shares is assumed to have been paid.
The Fund's total return is computed separately for
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares. The Fund's
total return is not fixed and will fluctuate in response to
prevailing market conditions or as a function of the type and
quality of the securities in the Fund's portfolio and its
expenses. Total return information is useful in reviewing the
Fund's performance but such information may not provide a basis
for comparison with bank deposits or other investments which pay
a fixed yield for a stated period of time. An investor's
principal invested in the Fund is not fixed and will fluctuate in
response to prevailing market conditions.
Advertisements quoting performance rankings of the Fund
as measured by financial publications or by independent
organizations such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., and
Morningstar, Inc. and advertisements presenting the historical
record of payments of income dividends by the Fund may also from
time to time be sent to investors or placed in newspapers,
magazines such as Barrons, Business Week, Changing Times, Forbes,
Investor's Daily, Money Magazine, The New York Times and The Wall
Street Journal or other media on behalf of the Fund.
Additional Information
Any shareholder inquiries may be directed to the
shareholder's broker or to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the
address or telephone numbers shown on the front cover of this
Statement of Additional Information. This Statement of
Additional Information does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the
Commission under the Securities Act. Copies of the Registration
59
<PAGE>
Statement may be obtained at a reasonable charge from the
Commission or may be examined, without charge, at the offices of
the Commission in Washington, D.C.
60
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
January 13, 1998
ASSETS
Cash ............................................ $100,300
Deferred organization expenses (Note A).......... 283,000
Total assets 383,300
LIABILITIES
Deferred organization expenses payable
(Note A) ........................................ 283,000
NET ASSETS
(Applicable to 10 shares of Class A common
stock issued and outstanding, 10 shares of
Class B common stock issued and
outstanding, 10 shares of Class C common
stock issued and outstanding and 10,000
shares of Advisor Class common stock
issued and outstanding, each with $.001
par value and 3,000,000,000 shares of each
class authorized.)............................... $100,300
========
CALCULATION OF MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE
Class A Shares
Net asset value and redemption price per
share ($100/10 shares issued and
outstanding)..................................... $10.00
Sales charge - 4.25% of public offering
price............................................ .44
Maximum offering price........................... $10.44
======
Class B Shares
Net asset value and offering price per
share ($100/10 shares issued and
outstanding)..................................... $10.00
======
Class C Shares
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Net asset value and offering price per
share ($100/10 shares issued and
outstanding...................................... $10.00
======
Adviser Class Shares
Net asset value, offering and redemption
price per share ($100,000/10,000 shares
issued and outstanding........................... $10.00
======
See notes to Statement of Assets and
Liabilities
62
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ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
Notes to Statement of Assets and Liabilities
January 13, 1998
Note A-Organization
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") was
organized as a Maryland corporation on November 24, 1997, and is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-
end, diversified management investment company. The Fund has had
no operations other than the sale to Alliance Capital Management
L.P. (the"Adviser") of 10 shares of Class A common stock for the
amount of $100, 10 shares of Class B common stock for the amount
of $100, 10 shares of Class C common stock for the amount of $100
and 10,000 shares of Advisor Class common stock for the amount of
$100,000, in each case on January 13, 1998. The Fund currently
offers four classes of shares. Class A shares are sold with an
initial sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class B
shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge imposed
on most redemptions made within four years of purchase and higher
distribution fees. Class C shares are sold with a contingent
deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions made within one year
of purchase and higher distribution fees. Advisor Class shares
are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge
and without ongoing distribution expenses. Costs incurred and to
be incurred in connection with the organization and initial
registration of the Fund will be paid initially by the Adviser.
The Fund will reimburse the Adviser for such costs, which will be
deferred and amortized by the Fund over the period of benefit,
not to exceed 60 months from the date the Fund commences
investment operations. If any of the initial shares of the Fund
are redeemed by a holder hereof during such amortization period,
the proceeds will be reduced by the unamortized deferred
organization expenses in the same ratio as the number of initial
shares being redeemed bears to the number of initial shares
outstanding at the time of redemption.
Note B-Investment Advisory, Transfer Agency and Distribution
Services Agreements
The Fund intends to enter into an Investment Advisory Agreement,
pursuant to which the Fund will pay the Adviser a management fee
at an annual rate of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
Such fee will be accrued daily and paid monthly.
The Fund intends to enter into a Distribution Services Agreement
(the "Agreement") with Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., (the
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<PAGE>
"Principal Underwriter"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Adviser. Under the Agreement, the Fund will pay a distribution
fee to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1% of
the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares and
1% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Class B
and Class C shares. There is no distribution fee on the Advisor
Class shares. The Principal Underwriter will use amounts payable
under the Agreement in their entirety for distribution assistance
and promotional activities. The Agreement provides that the
Adviser use its own resources to finance the distribution of the
Fund's shares.
The Fund will compensate Alliance Fund Services, Inc. (a wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Adviser) for performing transfer agency-
related services for the Fund.
64
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Report of Independent Accountants
To the Shareholder and Board of Directors of
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and
liabilities presents fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Alliance International Premier Growth Fund,
Inc. at January 13, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. This financial statement is the
responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility is to
express an opinion on this financial statement based on our
audit. We conducted our audit of this financial statement in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statement is free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statement, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
January 14, 1998
65
<PAGE>
____________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A:
CERTAIN INVESTMENT PRACTICES
____________________________________________________________
The information in this Appendix concerns investment
practices in which the Fund is authorized to engage, but in which
the Fund is not required to engage and which may not currently be
permitted under applicable laws or regulations or may otherwise
be unavailable in certain countries. The Fund's investment
policies and restrictions authorize it to engage in these
practices to the extent such practices become available and
permissible in the future.
Options
The Fund may write covered put and call options and
purchase put and call options on securities of the types in which
it is permitted to invest that are traded on U.S. and foreign
securities exchanges and over-the-counter, including options on
market indices. The Fund will only write "covered" put and call
options unless such options are written for cross-hedging
purposes. There are no specific limitations on the Fund's
writing and purchasing of options.
The Fund may purchase put options to hedge against a
decline in the value of its portfolio. By using put options in
this way, the Fund will reduce any profit it might otherwise have
realized in the underlying security by the amount of the premium
paid for the put option and by transaction costs. The Fund may
purchase call options to hedge against an increase in the price
of securities that the Fund anticipates purchasing in the future.
The premium paid for the call option plus any transaction costs
will reduce the benefit, if any, realized by the Fund upon
exercise of the option, and, unless the price of the underlying
security rises sufficiently, the option may expire worthless to
the Fund.
A put option gives the purchaser of such option, upon
payment of a premium, the right to deliver a specified amount of
a security to the writer of the option on or before a fixed date
at a predetermined price. A call option gives the purchaser of
the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to call upon the
writer to deliver a specified amount of a security on or before a
fixed date at a predetermined price. A call option written by
the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security
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<PAGE>
covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to
acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or
for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by
its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities
held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Fund
holds a call on the same security and in the same principal
amount as the call written where the exercise price of the call
held (i) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call
written or (ii) is greater than the exercise price of the call
written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in cash and
liquid high-grade debt securities in a segregated account with
its custodian. A put option written by the Fund is "covered" if
the Fund maintains cash or high-grade liquid assets with a value
equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with its
custodian, or else holds a put on the same security and in the
same principal amount as the put written where the exercise price
of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of
the put written. The premium paid by the purchaser of an option
will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the
exercise price to the market price and volatility of the
underlying security, the remaining term of the option, supply and
demand and interest rates.
A call option is for cross-hedging purposes if the Fund
does not own the underlying security but seeks to provide a hedge
against a decline in value in another security which the Fund
owns or has the right to acquire. In such circumstances, the
Fund collateralizes its obligation under the option by
maintaining in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian
cash or liquid securities in an amount not less than the market
value of the underlying security, marked to market daily. The
Fund would write a call option for cross-hedging purposes,
instead of writing a covered call option, when the premium to be
received from the cross-hedge transaction would exceed that which
would be received from writing a covered call option, while at
the same time achieving the desired hedge.
In purchasing a call option, the Fund would be in a
position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the
price of the underlying security increased by an amount in excess
of the premium paid. It would realize a loss if the price of the
underlying security declined or remained the same or did not
increase during the period, by more than the amount of the
premium. In purchasing a put option, the Fund would be in a
position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the
price of the underlying security declined by an amount in excess
of the premium paid. It would realize a loss if the price of the
underlying security increased or remained the same or did not
A-2
<PAGE>
decrease during that period by more than the amount of the
premium. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were
permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium
would be lost by the Fund.
If a put option written by the Fund were exercised, the
Fund would be obligated to purchase the underlying security at
the exercise price. If a call option written by the Fund were
exercised, the Fund would be obligated to sell the underlying
security at the exercise price. The risk involved in writing a
put option is that there could be a decrease in the market value
of the underlying security caused by rising interest rates or
other factors. If this occurred, the option could be exercised
and the underlying security would then be sold by the option
holder to the Fund at a higher price than its current market
value. The risk involved in writing a call option is that there
could be an increase in the market value of the underlying
security caused by declining interest rates or other factors. If
this occurred, the option could be exercised and the underlying
security would then be sold by the Fund at a lower price than its
current market value. These risks could be reduced by entering
into a closing transaction prior to the option expiration dates
if a liquid market is available. The Fund retains the premium
received from writing a put or call option whether or not the
option is exercised.
The Fund may purchase or write options on securities of
the types in which it is permitted to invest in privately
negotiated (i.e., over-the-counter) transactions. The Fund will
effect such transactions only with investment dealers and other
financial institutions (such as commercial banks or savings and
loan institutions) deemed creditworthy by the Adviser, and the
Adviser has adopted procedures for monitoring the
creditworthiness of such entities. Options purchased or written
by the Fund in negotiated transactions are illiquid and it may
not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at a
time when the Adviser believes it would be advantageous to do so.
An option on a securities index is similar to an option
on a security except that, rather than the right to take or make
delivery of a security at a specified price, an option on a
securities index gives the holder the right to receive, upon
exercises of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level
of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of a call) or
less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the
option. There are no specific limitations on the Fund's
purchasing and selling of options on securities indices.
A-3
<PAGE>
The writer of an option may have no control over when
the underlying securities must be sold, in the case of a call
option, or purchased, in the case of a put option, since with
regard to certain options, the writer may be assigned an exercise
notice at any time prior to the termination of the obligation.
Whether or not an option expires unexercised, the writer retains
the amount of the premium. This amount, of course, may, in the
case of a covered call option, be offset by a decline in the
market value of the underlying security during the option period.
If a call option is exercised, the writer experiences a profit or
loss from the sale of the underlying security. If a put option
is exercised, the writer must fulfill the obligation to purchase
the underlying security at the exercise price, which will usually
exceed the then market value of the underlying security.
The writer of a listed option that wishes to terminate
its obligation may effect a "closing purchase transaction." This
is accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the
option previously written. The effect of the purchase is that
the writer's position will be cancelled by the clearing
corporation. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase
transaction after being notified of the exercise of an option.
Likewise, an investor who is the holder of a listed option may
liquidate its position by effecting a "closing sale transaction."
This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as
the option previously purchased. There is no guarantee that
either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction can be
effected in any particular situation.
Effecting a closing transaction in the case of a written
call option will permit the Fund to write another call option on
the underlying security with either a different exercise price or
expiration date or both, or in the case of a written put option
will permit the Fund to write another put option to the extent
that the exercise price thereof is secured by deposited cash or
short-term securities. Also, effecting a closing transaction
will permit the cash or proceeds from the concurrent sale of any
securities subject to the option to be used for other Fund
investments. If the Fund desires to sell a particular security
from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, it will
effect a closing transaction prior to or concurrent with the sale
of the security.
The Fund will realize a profit from a closing
transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the
premium received from writing the option or is more than the
premium paid to purchase the option; the Fund will realize a loss
from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is
A-4
<PAGE>
more than the premium received from writing the option or is less
than the premium paid to purchase the option. Because increases
in the market price of a call option will generally reflect
increases in the market price of the underlying security, any
loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to
be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying
security owned by the Fund.
An option position may be closed out only where there
exists a secondary market for an option of the same series. If a
secondary market does not exist, it might not be possible to
effect closing transactions in particular options with the result
that the Fund would have to exercise the options in order to
realize any profit. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing
purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able
to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it
delivers the underlying security upon exercise. Reasons for the
absence of a liquid secondary market include the following:
(i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options, (ii) restrictions may be imposed by a national
securities exchange ("National Exchange") on opening transactions
or closing transactions or both, (iii) trading halts, suspensions
or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular
classes or series of options or underlying securities,
(iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on a National Exchange, (v) the facilities of a
National Exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at
all times be adequate to handle current trading volume, or
(vi) one or more National Exchanges could, for economic or other
reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or
series of options), in which event the secondary market on that
National Exchange (or in that class or series of options) would
cease to exist, although outstanding options on that National
Exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation
as a result of trades on that National Exchange would continue to
be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The Fund may write options in connection with buy-and-
write transactions; that is, the Fund may purchase a security and
then write a call option against that security. The exercise
price of the call the Fund determines to write will depend upon
the expected price movement of the underlying security. The
exercise price of a call option may be below ("in-the-money"),
equal to ("at-the-money") or above ("out-of-the-money") the
current value of the underlying security at the time the option
is written. Buy-and-write transactions using in-the-money call
options may be used when it is expected that the price of the
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underlying security will remain flat or decline moderately during
the option period. Buy-and-write transactions using at-the-money
call options may be used when it is expected that the price of
the underlying security will remain fixed or advance moderately
during the option period. Buy-and-write transactions using out-
of-the-money call options may be used when it is expected that
the premiums received from writing the call option plus the
appreciation in the market price of the underlying security up to
the exercise price will be greater than the appreciation in the
price of the underlying security alone. If the call options are
exercised in such transactions, the Fund's maximum gain will be
the premium received by it for writing the option, adjusted
upwards or downwards by the difference between the Fund's
purchase price of the security and the exercise price. If the
options are not exercised and the price of the underlying
security declines, the amount of such decline will be offset in
part, or entirely, by the premium received.
The writing of covered put options is similar in terms
of risk/return characteristics to buy-and-write transactions. If
the market price of the underlying security rises or otherwise is
above the exercise price, the put option will expire worthless
and the Fund's gain will be limited to the premium received. If
the market price of the underlying security declines or otherwise
is below the exercise price, the Fund may elect to close the
position or take delivery of the security at the exercise price
and the Fund's return will be the premium received from the put
option minus the amount by which the market price of the security
is below the exercise price. Out-of-the-money, at-the-money, and
in-the-money put options may be used by the Fund in the same
market environments that call options are used in equivalent buy-
and-write transactions.
Futures Contracts
The Fund may enter into contracts for the purchase or
sale for future delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign
currencies, or contracts based on financial indices including any
index of U.S. Government securities, securities issued by foreign
government entities or common stocks. U.S. futures contracts
have been designed by exchanges which have been designated
"contracts markets" by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC"), and must be executed through a futures commission
merchant, or brokerage firm, which is a member of the relevant
contract market. Futures contracts trade on a number of exchange
markets, and, through their clearing corporations, the exchanges
guarantee performance of the contracts as between the clearing
members of the exchange.
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At the same time a futures contract is purchased or
sold, the Fund must allocate cash or securities as a deposit
payment ("initial deposit"). It is expected that the initial
deposit would be approximately 1 1/2% to 5% of a contract's face
value. Daily thereafter, the futures contract is valued and the
payment of "variation margin" may be required, since each day the
Fund would provide or receive cash that reflects any decline or
increase in the contract's value.
At the time of delivery of securities pursuant to such a
contract, adjustments are made to recognize differences in value
arising from the delivery of securities with a different price or
interest rate from that specified in the contract. In some (but
not many) cases, securities called for by a futures contract may
not have been issued when the contract was written.
Although futures contracts by their terms call for the
actual delivery or acquisition of securities, in most cases the
contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the
contract without having to make or take delivery of the
securities. The offsetting of a contractual obligation is
accomplished by buying (or selling, as the case may be) on a
commodities exchange an identical futures contract calling for
delivery in the same month. Such a transaction, which is
effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation
to make or take delivery of the securities. Since all
transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled
through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the
contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when it
purchases or sells futures contracts.
Stock Index Futures
The Fund may purchase and sell stock index futures as a
hedge against movements in the equity markets. There are several
risks in connection with the use of stock index futures by the
Fund as a hedging device. One risk arises because of the
imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the stock
index futures and movements in the price of the securities which
are the subject of the hedge. The price of the stock index
futures may move more than or less than the price of the
securities being hedged. If the price of the stock index futures
moves less than the price of the securities which are the subject
of the hedge, the hedge will not be fully effective but, if the
price of the securities being hedged has moved in an unfavorable
direction, the Fund would be in a better position than if it had
not hedged at all. If the price of the securities being hedged
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has moved in a favorable direction, this advantage will be
partially offset by the loss on the index future. If the price
of the future moves more than the price of the stock, the Fund
will experience either a loss or gain on the future which will
not be completely offset by movements in the price of the
securities which are subject to the hedge. To compensate for the
imperfect correlation of movements in the price of securities
being hedged and movements in the price of the stock index
futures, the Fund may buy or sell stock index futures contracts
in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of securities
being hedged if the volatility over a particular time period of
the prices of such securities has been greater than the
volatility over such time period of the index, or if otherwise
deemed to be appropriate by the Adviser. Conversely, the Fund
may buy or sell fewer stock index futures contracts if the
volatility over a particular time period of the prices of the
securities being hedged is less than the volatility over such
time period of the stock index, or it is otherwise deemed to be
appropriate by the Adviser. It is also possible that, when the
Fund has sold futures to hedge its portfolio against a decline in
the market, the market may advance and the value of securities
held in the Fund may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would
lose money on the futures and also experience a decline in value
in its portfolio securities. However, over time the value of a
diversified portfolio should tend to move in the same direction
as the market indices upon which the futures are based, although
there may be deviations arising from differences between the
composition of the Fund and the stocks comprising the index.
Where futures are purchased to hedge against a possible
increase in the price of stock before the Fund is able to invest
its cash (or cash equivalents) in stocks (or options) in an
orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline
instead. If the Fund then concludes not to invest in stock or
options at that time because of concern as to possible further
market decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss
on the futures contract that is not offset by a reduction in the
price of securities purchased.
In addition to the possibility that there may be an
imperfect correlation, or no correlation at all, between
movements in the stock index futures and the portion of the
portfolio being hedged, the price of stock index futures may not
correlate perfectly with movement in the stock index due to
certain market distortions. Rather than meeting additional
margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures
contracts through offsetting transactions which could distort the
normal relationship between the index and futures markets.
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Secondly, from the point of view of speculators, the deposit
requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin
requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased
participation by speculators in the futures market may also cause
temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price
distortion in the futures market, and because of the imperfect
correlation between the movements in the stock index and
movements in the price of stock index futures, a correct forecast
of general market trends by the investment adviser may still not
result in a successful hedging transaction over a short time
frame.
Positions in stock index futures may be closed out only
on an exchange or board of trade which provides a secondary
market for such futures. Although the Fund intends to purchase
or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where there
appear to be active secondary markets, there is no assurance that
a liquid secondary market on any exchange or board of trade will
exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. In
such event, it may not be possible to close a futures investment
position, and in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund
would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of
variation margin. However, in the event futures contracts have
been used to hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not
be sold until the futures contract can be terminated. In such
circumstances, an increase in the price of the securities, if
any, may partially or completely offset losses on the futures
contract. However, as described above, there is no guarantee
that the price of the securities will in fact correlate with the
price movements in the futures contract and thus provide an
offset on a futures contract.
Options on Futures Contracts
The Fund intends to purchase and write options on
futures contracts for hedging purposes. The Fund is not a
commodity pool and all transactions in futures contracts and
options on futures contracts engaged in by the Fund must
constitute bona fide hedging or other permissible transactions in
accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the
CFTC. The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is
similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an
individual security. Depending on the pricing of the option
compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which
it is based or the price of the underlying debt securities, it
may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures
contract or underlying debt securities. As with the purchase of
futures contracts, when the Fund is not fully invested it may
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purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against
adverse market conditions.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract
constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the
security or foreign currency which is deliverable upon exercise
of the futures contract or securities comprising an index. If
the futures price at expiration of the option is below the
exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the
option premium which provides a partial hedge against any decline
that may have occurred in the Fund's portfolio holdings. The
writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a
partial hedge against increasing prices of the security or
foreign currency which is deliverable upon exercise of the
futures contract or securities comprising an index. If the
futures price at expiration of the option is higher than the
exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the
option premium which provides a partial hedge against any
increase in the price of securities which the Fund intends to
purchase. If a put or call option the Fund has written is
exercised, the Fund will incur a loss which will be reduced by
the amount of the premium it receives. Depending on the degree
of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio
securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, the
Fund's losses from existing options on futures may to some extent
be reduced or increased by changes in the value of portfolio
securities.
The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is
similar in some respects to the purchase of protective put
options on portfolio securities. For example, the Fund may
purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Fund's
portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates.
The amount of risk the Fund assumes when it purchases an
option on a futures contract is the premium paid for the option
plus related transaction costs. In addition to the correlation
risks discussed above, the purchase of an option also entails the
risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract
will not be fully reflected in the value of the option purchased.
Options on Foreign Currencies
The Fund may purchase and write options on foreign
currencies for hedging purposes in a manner similar to that in
which futures contracts on foreign currencies, or forward
contracts, will be utilized. For example, a decline in the
dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio securities
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are denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities,
even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In
order to protect against such diminutions in the value of
portfolio securities, the Fund may purchase put options on the
foreign currency. If the value of the currency does decline, the
Fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount
in dollars and will thereby offset, in whole or in part, the
adverse effect on its portfolio which otherwise would have
resulted. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may
constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange
rates although, in the event of rate movements adverse to the
Fund's position, it may forfeit the entire amount of the premium
plus related transaction costs. Options on foreign currencies to
be written or purchased by the Fund are traded on U.S. and
foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.
Conversely, where a rise in the dollar value of a
currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is
projected, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, the
Fund may purchase call options thereon. The purchase of such
options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the
adverse movements in exchange rates. As in the case of other
types of options, however, the benefit to the Fund deriving from
purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the
amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In
addition, where currency exchange rates do not move in the
direction or to the extent anticipated, the Fund could sustain
losses on transactions in foreign currency options which would
require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of
advantageous changes in such rates.
The Fund may write options on foreign currencies for the
same types of hedging purposes. For example, where the Fund
anticipates a decline in the dollar value of foreign currency
denominated securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange
rates it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a call
option on the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs,
the option will most likely not be exercised, and the diminution
in value of portfolio securities will be offset by the amount of
the premium received.
Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option to hedge
against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities
to be acquired, the Fund could write a put option on the relevant
currency which, if rates move in the manner projected, will
expire unexercised and allow the Fund to hedge such increased
cost up to the amount of the premium. As in the case of other
types of options, however, the writing of a foreign currency
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option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of
the premium, and only if rates move in the expected direction.
If this does not occur, the option may be exercised and the Fund
would be required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at
a loss which may not be offset by the amount of the premium.
Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund
also may be required to forego all or a portion of the benefits
which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements
in exchange rates.
The Fund intends to write covered call options on
foreign currencies. A call option written on a foreign currency
by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying foreign
currency covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate
right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash
consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a
segregated account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange
of other foreign currency held in its portfolio. A call option
is also covered if the Fund has a call on the same foreign
currency and in the same principal amount as the call written
where the exercise price of the call held (a) is equal to or less
than the exercise price of the call written or (b) is greater
than the exercise price of the call written if the difference is
maintained by the Fund in cash, U.S. Government securities and
other high-grade liquid debt securities in a segregated account
with its custodian.
The Fund also intends to write call options on foreign
currencies for cross-hedging purposes. An option that is cross-
hedged is not covered, but is designed to provide a hedge against
a decline in the U.S. dollar value of a security which the Fund
owns or has the right to acquire and which is denominated in the
currency underlying the option due to an adverse change in the
exchange rate. In such circumstances, the Fund collateralizes
the option by maintaining in a segregated account with its
custodian, cash or other high-grade liquid debt securities in an
amount not less than the value of the underlying foreign currency
in U.S. dollars marked to market daily.
Additional Risks of Options on Futures Contracts,
Forward Contracts and Options on Foreign Currencies
Unlike transactions entered into by the Fund in futures
contracts, options on foreign currencies and forward contracts
are not traded on contract markets regulated by the CFTC or (with
the exception of certain foreign currency options) by the SEC.
To the contrary, such instruments are traded through financial
institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign currency
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options are also traded on certain national securities exchanges,
such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the Chicago Board
Options Exchange, subject to SEC regulation. Similarly, options
on securities may be traded over-the-counter. In an
over-the-counter trading environment, many of the protections
afforded to exchange participants will not be available. Although
the purchaser of an option cannot lose more than the amount of
the premium plus related transaction costs, this entire amount
could be lost. Moreover, the option writer and a trader of
forward contracts could lose amounts substantially in excess of
their initial investments, due to the margin and collateral
requirements associated with such positions.
Options on foreign currencies traded on national
securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC, as
are other securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many
of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges
will be available with respect to such transactions. In
particular, all foreign currency option positions entered into on
a national securities exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the
Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), thereby reducing the risk
of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in
options traded on a national securities exchange may be more
readily available than in the over-the-counter market,
potentially permitting the Fund to liquidate open positions at a
profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the
event of adverse market movements.
The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign
currency options, however, is subject to the risks of the
availability of a liquid secondary market described above, as
well as the risks regarding adverse market movements, margining
of options written, the nature of the foreign currency market,
possible intervention by governmental authorities and the effects
of other political and economic events. In addition, exchange-
traded options on foreign currencies involve certain risks not
presented by the over-the-counter market. For example, exercise
and settlement of such options must be made exclusively through
the OCC, which has established banking relationships in
applicable foreign countries for this purpose. As a result, the
OCC may, if it determines that foreign governmental restrictions
or taxes would prevent the orderly settlement of foreign currency
option exercise, or would result in undue burdens on the OCC or
its clearing member, impose special procedures on exercise and
settlement, such as technical changes in the mechanics of
delivery of currency, the fixing of dollar settlement prices or
prohibitions on exercise.
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In addition, futures contracts, options on futures
contracts, forward contracts and options on foreign currencies
may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions are
subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in
or the prices of foreign currencies or securities. The value of
such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other
complex foreign political and economic factors, (ii) lesser
availability than in the United States 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 nonbusiness
hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different
exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin
requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading
volume.
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