<PAGE> 1
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INSTITUTIONAL CLASSES OF
AIM CHARTER FUND
AIM CONSTELLATION FUND
AIM WEINGARTEN FUND
(SERIES PORTFOLIOS OF
AIM EQUITY FUNDS, INC.)
11 GREENWAY PLAZA
SUITE 100
HOUSTON, TX 77046-1173
(713) 626-1919
---------------------
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS
AND IT SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
A PROSPECTUS OF THE ABOVE-NAMED FUNDS,
A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE
FROM AUTHORIZED DEALERS OR BY WRITING
FUND MANAGEMENT COMPANY
11 GREENWAY PLAZA, SUITE 100
HOUSTON, TX 77046-1173
OR BY CALLING (800) 659-1005.
---------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED MARCH 1, 1999, AS
REVISED MAY 4, 1999 RELATING TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 1, 1999
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS...............................................................................................1
The Company and Its Shares...............................................................................................1
PERFORMANCE.......................................................................................................................2
Total Return Calculations................................................................................................3
Yield Quotations.........................................................................................................3
Historical Portfolio Results.............................................................................................3
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE..............................................................................................4
General Brokerage Policy.................................................................................................4
Allocation of Portfolio Transactions.....................................................................................5
Section 28(e) Standards..................................................................................................5
Transactions with Regular Brokers........................................................................................6
Brokerage Commissions Paid...............................................................................................6
Portfolio Turnover.......................................................................................................7
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS...................................................................................................7
Real Estate Investment Trusts............................................................................................8
Foreign Securities.......................................................................................................9
Foreign Exchange Transactions...........................................................................................10
Illiquid Securities.....................................................................................................10
Rule 144A Securities....................................................................................................11
Lending of Portfolio Securities.........................................................................................11
Repurchase Agreements...................................................................................................11
Reverse Repurchase Agreements...........................................................................................12
Special Situations......................................................................................................12
Short Sales.............................................................................................................12
Warrants ...............................................................................................................12
Securities Issued on a When-Issued or Delayed Delivery Basis............................................................13
Investment in Unseasoned Issuers........................................................................................13
Investment in Other Investment Companies................................................................................13
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND CURRENCY STRATEGIES.........................................................................................13
Introduction............................................................................................................13
General Risks of Options, Futures and Currency Strategies...............................................................13
Cover...................................................................................................................14
Writing Call Options....................................................................................................14
Writing Put Options.....................................................................................................15
Purchasing Put Options..................................................................................................15
Purchasing Call Options.................................................................................................16
Index Options...........................................................................................................16
Limitations on Options..................................................................................................17
Interest Rate, Currency and Stock Index Futures Contracts...............................................................17
Options on Futures Contracts............................................................................................18
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Forward Contracts.......................................................................................................18
Limitations on Use of Futures, Options on Futures and Certain Options on Currencies.....................................19
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS...........................................................................................................19
Charter ................................................................................................................19
Constellation............................................................................................................20
Weingarten...............................................................................................................21
MANAGEMENT........................................................................................................................22
Directors and Officers...................................................................................................22
Remuneration of Directors.......................................................................................25
AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible Directors/Trustees.......................................................26
Deferred Compensation Agreements................................................................................27
Investment Advisory, Administrative Services and Sub-Advisory Agreements.................................................27
THE DISTRIBUTOR...................................................................................................................30
HOW TO PURCHASE AND REDEEM SHARES.................................................................................................30
NET ASSET VALUE DETERMINATION.....................................................................................................31
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX MATTERS..........................................................................................32
Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions..............................................................................32
Tax Matters..............................................................................................................32
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company..........................................................................32
Determination of Taxable Income of a Regulated Investment Company........................................................33
Excise Tax on Regulated Investment Companies.............................................................................34
Fund Distributions.......................................................................................................34
Sale or Redemption of Shares.............................................................................................36
Foreign Shareholders.....................................................................................................36
Effect of Future Legislation; Local Tax Considerations...................................................................37
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION...........................................................................................................37
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.........................................................................................................38
Charges for Certain Account Information..................................................................................38
Audit Reports............................................................................................................38
Legal Matters............................................................................................................38
Custodian and Transfer Agent.............................................................................................38
Principal Holders of Securities..........................................................................................38
Other Information........................................................................................................44
APPENDIX .........................................................................................................................45
Description of Commercial Paper Ratings..................................................................................45
Description of Corporate Bond Ratings....................................................................................45
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..............................................................................................................FS
</TABLE>
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INTRODUCTION
AIM Equity Funds, Inc. (the "Company") is a series mutual fund. The
rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") require all mutual funds to furnish prospective investors certain
information concerning the activities of the fund being considered for
investment. This information is included in a Prospectus dated March 1, 1999
(the "Prospectus"), which relates to the Institutional Classes of the following
portfolios of the Company. AIM Charter Fund ("Charter"), AIM Constellation Fund
("Constellation") and AIM Weingarten Fund ("Weingarten") (individually a "Fund"
and collectively, the "Funds"). Additional copies of the Prospectuses and this
Statement of Additional Information may be obtained without charge by writing
the principal distributor of the Funds' shares, Fund Management Company ("FMC"),
11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77046-1173 or by calling (800)
659-1005. Investors must receive a Prospectus before they invest.
This Statement of Additional Information is intended to furnish
prospective investors with additional information concerning the Funds. Some of
the information required to be in this Statement of Additional Information is
also included in the Prospectus; and, in order to avoid repetition, reference
will be made to sections of the Prospectus. Additionally, the Prospectus and
this Statement of Additional Information omit certain information contained in
the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. Copies of the Registration
Statement, including items omitted from the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information, may be obtained from the SEC by paying the charges
described under its rules and regulations.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
THE COMPANY AND ITS SHARES
The Company was organized in 1988 as a Maryland corporation, and is
registered with the SEC as a diversified open-end series management investment
company. The Company currently consists of seven separate portfolios: AIM
Aggressive Growth Fund ("Aggressive Growth"), AIM Blue Chip Fund ("Blue Chip"),
AIM Capital Development Fund ("Capital Development"), Charter, Constellation,
AIM Large Cap Growth Fund ("Large Cap"), and Weingarten (each a "Fund" and
collectively, the "Funds"). Charter, Weingarten and Constellation each have four
separate classes: Class A, Class B and Class C and an Institutional Class.
Aggressive Growth, Blue Chip, Capital Development, and Large Cap each have three
classes of shares: Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class A shares (sold
with a front-end sales charge) and Class B and Class C shares (each sold with a
contingent deferred sales charge) of the Funds are also referred to as the
Retail Classes. Prior to October 15, 1993, Aggressive Growth was a portfolio of
AIM Funds Group ("AFG"), a Massachusetts business trust. Pursuant to an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between AFG and the Company, Aggressive
Growth was redomesticated as a portfolio of the Company. Blue Chip acquired the
investment portfolio of Baird Blue Chip Fund, Inc. (the "BBC Fund"), a
registered management investment company, on June 3, 1996, in a corporate
reorganization. Capital Development acquired substantially all of the assets of
Baird Capital Development Fund, Inc., a registered management investment
company, on August 12, 1996 in a corporate reorganization.
This Statement of Additional Information relates solely to the
Institutional Classes of the Funds.
The term "majority of the outstanding shares" of the Company, of a
particular Fund or of a particular class of a Fund means, respectively, the vote
of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Company, such Fund or such
class present at a meeting of the Company's shareholders, if the holders of more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company, such Fund or such class are
present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares
of the Company, such Fund or such class.
Shares of the Retail Class and the Institutional Class of each Fund
have equal rights and privileges. Each share of a particular class is entitled
to one vote, to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by
the Company's Board of Directors with respect to the class of such Fund and,
upon liquidation of the Fund, to participate proportionately in the net assets
of the Fund allocable to such class remaining after
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<PAGE> 5
satisfaction of outstanding liabilities of the Fund allocable to such class.
Fund shares are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued
and have no preemptive rights and have such conversion and exchange rights as
set forth in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information.
Fractional shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights,
as are provided for a full share.
Except as specifically noted above, shareholders of each Fund are
entitled to one vote per share (with proportionate voting for fractional
shares), irrespective of the relative net asset value of the different classes
of shares, where applicable, of a Fund. However, on matters affecting one
portfolio of the Company or one class of shares, a separate vote of shareholders
of that portfolio or class is required. Shareholders of a portfolio or class are
not entitled to vote on any matter which does not affect that portfolio or class
but which requires a separate vote of another portfolio or class. An example of
a matter which would be voted on separately by shareholders of a portfolio is
the approval of an advisory agreement, and an example of a matter which would be
voted on separately by shareholders of a class of shares is approval of a
distribution plan.
Shareholders of the Funds do not have cumulative voting rights, and
therefore the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of all Funds
voting together for election of directors may elect all of the members of the
Board of Directors of the Company. In such event, the remaining holders cannot
elect any directors of the Company.
Under Maryland law and the Company's By-Laws, the Company need not hold
an annual meeting of shareholders unless a meeting is required under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act") to elect directors.
Shareholders may remove directors from office, and a meeting of shareholders may
be called at the request of the holders of 10% or more of the Company's
outstanding shares.
PERFORMANCE
Each Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in terms of yield
or total return.
The total return shows the overall change in value of a Fund's
Institutional Class, including changes in share price and assuming all the
Fund's dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested and that all
expenses are deducted. A cumulative total return reflects the performance of a
Fund's Institutional Class over a stated period of time. An average annual total
return reflects the hypothetical annually compounded return that would have
produced the same cumulative total return if the performance of a Fund's
Institutional Class had been constant over the entire period. BECAUSE AVERAGE
ANNUAL RETURNS TEND TO EVEN OUT VARIATIONS IN A FUND'S RETURN, INVESTORS SHOULD
RECOGNIZE THAT SUCH RETURNS ARE NOT THE SAME AS ACTUAL YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS. To
illustrate the components of overall performance, a Fund may separate its
cumulative and average annual returns into income results and capital gain or
loss.
Yield is computed in accordance with the standardized formula described
below and can be expected to fluctuate from time to time and is not necessarily
indicative of future results. Accordingly, yield information may not provide a
basis for comparison with investments which pay a fixed rate of interest for a
stated period of time. Yield is a function of the type and quality of a Fund's
investments, the Fund's maturity and the Fund's operating expense ratio.
From time to time, A I M Advisors, Inc. ("AIM") or its affiliates may
waive all or a portion of their fees and/or assume certain expenses of any Fund.
Voluntary fee waivers or reductions or commitments to assume expenses may be
rescinded at any time without further notice to investors. During periods of
voluntary fee waivers or reductions or commitments to assume expenses, AIM will
retain its ability to be reimbursed for such fee prior to the end of each
fiscal year. Contractual fee waivers or reductions or reimbursement of expenses
set forth in the Fee Table in a Prospectus may not be terminated or amended to
the Funds' detriment during the period stated in the agreement between AIM and
the Fund. Fee waivers or reductions or commitments to reduce expenses will have
the effect of increasing that Fund's yield and total return.
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<PAGE> 6
The performance of the Institutional Class of each Fund will vary from time to
time and past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. A Fund's
performance is a function of its portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses of the
Fund and market conditions. A shareholder's investment in a Fund is not insured
or guaranteed. These factors should be carefully considered by the investor
before making an investment in any Fund.
Additional performance information is contained in the Company's Annual
Report to Shareholders, which is available upon request without charge.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all aspects of the
applicable Fund's return, including the effect of reinvesting dividends and
capital gain distributions, and any change in such Fund's net asset value per
share over the period. Average annual returns are calculated by determining the
growth or decline in value of a hypothetical investment in a particular Fund
over a stated period, and then calculating the annually compounded percentage
rate that would have produced the same result if the rate of growth or decline
in value had been constant over the period. While average annual returns are a
convenient means of comparing investment alternatives, investors should realize
that a Fund's performance is not constant over time, but changes from year to
year, and that average annual returns do not represent the actual year-to-year
performance of such Fund.
In addition to average annual returns, the Institutional Class of each
Fund may quote unaveraged or cumulative total returns reflecting the simple
change in value of an investment over a stated period. Average annual and
cumulative total returns may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount,
and may be calculated for a single investment, a series of investments, and/or a
series of redemptions, over any time period. Total returns may be broken down
into their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes
in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship of these factors and
their contributions to total return. Total returns, yields, and other
performance information may be quoted numerically or in a table, graph or
similar illustration.
YIELD QUOTATIONS
The standard formula for calculating yield is as follows:
6
YIELD = 2[((a-b)/(c x d) + 1) -1]
Where a = dividends and interest earned during a stated 30-day period. For
purposes of this calculation, dividends are accrued rather than
recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest earned under this formula
must generally be calculated based on the yield to maturity of each
obligation (or, if more appropriate, based on yield to call date).
b = expense accrued during period (net of reimbursement).
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
HISTORICAL PORTFOLIO RESULTS
The average return of the Institutional Class of Charter was 11.69% for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998. The cumulative return of the
Institutional Class of Charter was 172.17% for the period of July 30, 1991 (date
operations commenced) through October 31, 1998. The average return of the
Institutional Class of Constellation was -1.85% for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1998. The cumulative return of the Institutional Class of
Constellation was 164.38% for the period of April 8, 1992 (date operations
commenced) through October 31, 1998. The average return of the Institutional
Class of Weingarten was 12.79% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998. The
cumulative return of the Institutional Class of Weingarten was 163.43% for the
period of October 8, 1991 (date operations commenced) through October 31, 1998.
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<PAGE> 7
The performance data listed above is not necessarily indicative of the
future performance of any of the funds.
Each Fund's performance may be compared in advertising to the
performance of other mutual funds in general, or of particular types of mutual
funds, especially those with similar objectives. Such performance data may be
prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and other independent services
which monitor the performance of mutual funds. The Funds may also advertise
mutual fund performance rankings which have been assigned to each respective
Fund by such monitoring services.
Each Fund's performance may also be compared in advertising and other
materials to the performance of comparative benchmarks such as the Consumer
Price Index ("CPI"), the Russell--Registered Trademark-- indices, the Standard &
Poor's 500 Stock Index, and fixed-price investments such as bank certificates of
deposit and/or savings accounts.
The CPI, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a
statistical measure of changes, over time, in the prices of goods and services.
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index is a group of unmanaged securities widely
regarded by investors as representative of the stock market in general.
Comparisons assume the reinvestment of dividends. Fixed price investments, such
as bank certificates of deposits and savings accounts, are generally backed by
federal agencies for up to $100,000.
Each Fund's advertising may from time to time include discussions of
general economic conditions and interest rates. In addition, each Fund's
long-term performance may be described in advertising in relation to historical,
political and/or economic events. Each Fund's advertising may also include
references to the use of the Fund as part of an individual's overall retirement
investment program.
From time to time, Fund sales literature and/or advertisements may
disclose (i) top holdings included in the Fund's portfolio, (ii) certain selling
group members, and/or (iii) certain institutional shareholders.
From time to time, the Funds' sales literature and/or advertisements
may discuss generic topics pertaining to the mutual fund industry. These topics
include, but are not limited to, literature addressing general information about
mutual funds, variable annuities, dollar-cost averaging, stocks, bonds, money
markets, certificates of deposit, retirement, retirement plans, asset
allocation, tax-free investing, college planning and inflation.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
GENERAL BROKERAGE POLICY
AIM makes decisions to buy and sell securities for each Fund, selects
broker-dealers, effects the Funds' investment portfolio transactions, allocates
brokerage fees in such transactions, and where applicable, negotiates
commissions and spreads on transactions. AIM's primary consideration in
effecting a security transaction is to obtain the most favorable execution of
the order, which includes the best price on the security and a low commission
rate. While AIM seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the Funds may not
pay the lowest commission or spread available. See "Section 28(e) Standards"
below.
Some of the securities in which the Funds invest are traded in
over-the-counter markets. In such transactions, a Fund deals directly with
dealers who make markets in the securities involved, except when better prices
are available elsewhere. Portfolio transactions placed through dealers who are
primary market makers are effected at net prices without commissions, but which
include compensation in the form of a mark up or mark down.
Traditionally, commission rates have not been negotiated on stock
markets outside the United States. Although in recent years many overseas stock
markets have adopted a system of negotiated rates, a number of markets maintain
an established schedule of minimum commission rates.
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<PAGE> 8
AIM may determine target levels of commission business with various
brokers on behalf of its clients (including the Funds) over a certain time
period. The target levels will be based upon the following factors, among
others: (1) the execution services provided by the broker; (2) the research
services provided by the broker; and (3) the broker's interest in mutual funds
in general and in the Funds and other mutual funds advised by AIM or A I M
Capital Management, Inc. ("AIM Capital") (collectively, the "AIM Funds") in
particular, including sales of the Funds and of the other AIM Funds. In
connection with (3) above, the Funds' trades may be executed directly by dealers
that sell shares of the AIM Funds or by other broker-dealers with which such
dealers have clearing arrangements. AIM will not use a specific formula in
connection with any of these considerations to determine the target levels.
AIM will seek, whenever possible, to recapture for the benefit of a
Fund any commissions, fees, brokerage or similar payments paid by the Fund on
portfolio transactions. Normally, the only fees which AIM can recapture are the
soliciting dealer fees on the tender of a Fund's portfolio securities in a
tender or exchange offer.
The Funds may engage in certain principal and agency transactions with
banks and their affiliates that own 5% or more of the outstanding voting
securities of a Fund, provided the conditions of an exemptive order received by
the Funds from the SEC are met. In addition, a Fund may purchase or sell a
security from or to another AIM Fund provided the Funds follow procedures
adopted by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the various AIM Funds, including
the Company. These inter-fund transactions do not generate brokerage commissions
but may result in custodial fees or taxes or other related expenses.
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
AIM and its affiliates manage several other investment accounts. Some
of these accounts may have investment objectives similar to the Funds.
Occasionally, identical securities will be appropriate for investment by one of
the Funds and by another Fund or one or more of these investment accounts.
However, the position of each account in the same securities and the length of
time that each account may hold its investment in the same securities may vary.
The timing and amount of purchase by each account will also be determined by its
cash position. If the purchase or sale of securities is consistent with the
investment policies of the Fund(s) and one or more of these accounts, and is
considered at or about the same time, AIM will fairly allocate transactions in
such securities among the Fund(s) and these accounts. AIM may combine such
transactions, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, to obtain the
most favorable execution. Simultaneous transactions could, however, adversely
affect a Fund's ability to obtain or dispose of the full amount of a security
which it seeks to purchase or sell.
Sometimes the procedure for allocating portfolio transactions among the
various investment accounts advised by AIM could have an adverse effect on the
price or amount of securities available to a Fund. In making such allocations,
AIM considers the investment objectives and policies of its advisory clients,
the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities,
the availability of cash for investment, the size of investment commitments
generally held, and the judgments of the persons responsible for recommending
the investment.
SECTION 28(e) STANDARDS
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provides that AIM,
under certain circumstances, lawfully may cause an account to pay a higher
commission than the lowest available. Under Section 28(e), AIM must make a good
faith determination that the commissions paid are "reasonable in relation to the
value of the brokerage and research services provided ... viewed in terms of
either that particular transaction or [AIM's] overall responsibilities with
respect to the accounts as to which it exercises investment discretion." The
services provided by the broker also must lawfully and appropriately assist AIM
in the performance of its investment decision-making responsibilities.
Accordingly, in recognition of research services provided to it, a Fund may pay
a broker higher commissions than those available from another broker.
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<PAGE> 9
Research services received from broker-dealers supplement AIM's own
research (and the research of its affiliates), and may include the following
types of information: statistical and background information on the U.S. and
foreign economies, industry groups and individual companies; forecasts and
interpretations with respect to the U.S. and foreign economies, securities,
markets, specific industry groups and individual companies; information on
federal, state, local and foreign political developments; portfolio management
strategies; performance information on securities, indexes and investment
accounts; information concerning prices of securities; and information supplied
by specialized services to AIM and to the Company's directors with respect to
the performance, investment activities, and fees and expenses of other mutual
funds. Broker-dealers may communicate such information electronically, orally,
in written form or on computer software. Research services may also include the
providing of custody services, as well as the providing of equipment used to
communicate research information, the providing of specialized consultations
with AIM personnel with respect to computerized systems and data furnished to
AIM as a component of other research services, the arranging of meetings with
management of companies, and the providing of access to consultants who supply
research information.
The outside research assistance is useful to AIM since the
broker-dealers used by AIM tend to follow a broader universe of securities and
other matters than AIM's staff can follow. In addition, the research provides
AIM with a diverse perspective on financial markets. Research services provided
to AIM by broker-dealers are available for the benefit of all accounts managed
or advised by AIM or by its affiliates. Some broker-dealers may indicate that
the provision of research services is dependent upon the generation of certain
specified levels of commissions and underwriting concessions by AIM's clients,
including the Funds. However, the Funds are not under any obligation to deal
with any broker-dealer in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities.
In some cases, the research services are available only from the
broker-dealer providing them. In other cases, the research services may be
obtainable from alternative sources in return for cash payments. AIM believes
that the research services are beneficial in supplementing AIM's research and
analysis and that they improve the quality of AIM's investment advice. The
advisory fee paid by the Funds is not reduced because AIM receives such
services. However, to the extent that AIM would have purchased research services
had they not been provided by broker-dealers, the expenses to AIM could be
considered to have been reduced accordingly.
TRANSACTIONS WITH REGULAR BROKERS
As of October 31, 1998, Charter held an amount of common stock issued
by Merrill Lynch & Co. having a market value of $41,475,000 and common stock
issued by Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. having a market value of
$ 42,087,500.
BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS PAID
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, Charter
paid brokerage commissions of $15,567,811, $12,073,633 and $9,213,125,
respectively. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, AIM allocated certain
of Charter's brokerage transactions to certain broker-dealers that provided AIM
with certain research, statistical and other information. Such transactions
amounted to $ 738,229,694 and the related brokerage commissions were $844,218.
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
Constellation paid brokerage commissions of $25,285,665, $16,928,988 and
$13,032,299, respectively. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, AIM
allocated certain of Constellation's brokerage transactions to certain
broker-dealers that provided AIM with certain research, statistical and other
information. Such transactions amounted to $1,798,503,544 and the related
brokerage commissions were $2,714,083.
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, Weingarten
paid brokerage commissions of $19,810,852, $17,413,682 and $21,795,437,
respectively. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, AIM allocated certain
of Weingarten's brokerage transactions to certain broker-dealers that provided
AIM with
6
<PAGE> 10
certain research, statistical and other information. Such transactions amounted
to $1,115,120,365 and the related brokerage commissions were $1,262,948.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The portfolio turnover rate of each Fund is shown under "Financial
Highlights" in the Prospectus. Higher portfolio turnover increases transaction
costs to the Fund.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The following discussion of investment policies supplements the
discussion of the investment objectives and policies set forth in the Prospectus
under the heading "Investment Objectives and Strategies" and "Principal Risks of
Investing in the Funds."
Each of the Funds may invest, for temporary or defensive purposes, all
or substantially all of their assets in investment grade (high quality)
corporate bonds, commercial paper, or U.S. Government obligations. In addition,
a portion of each Fund's assets may be held, from time to time, in cash,
repurchase agreements or other short-term debt securities when such positions
are deemed advisable in light of economic or market conditions. For a
description of the various rating categories of corporate bonds and commercial
paper in which the Funds may invest, see the Appendix to this Statement of
Additional Information.
COMMON STOCKS -- The Funds will invest in common stocks. Common stocks
represent the residual ownership interest in the issuer and are entitled to the
income and increase in the value of the assets and business of the entity after
all of its obligations and preferred stocks are satisfied. Common stocks
generally have voting rights. Common stocks fluctuate in price in response to
many factors including historical and prospective earnings of the issuer, the
value of its assets, general economic conditions, interest rates, investor
perceptions and market liquidity.
PREFERRED STOCKS -- The Funds may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred
stock has a preference over common stock in liquidation (and generally dividends
as well) but is subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer in all respects.
As a general rule the market value of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate
and no conversion element varies inversely with interest rates and perceived
credit risk, while the market price of convertible preferred stock generally
also reflects some element of conversion value. Because preferred stock is
junior to debt securities and other obligations of the issuer, deterioration in
the credit quality of the issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a
preferred stock than in a more senior debt security with similar stated yield
characteristics. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock
dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer's board of directors.
Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption
provisions.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES -- The Funds may invest in convertible
securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock
or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed
amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different
issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A
convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on
debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security
matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible
securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible income securities in
that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher
yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but
are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. Convertible
securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price
established in the convertible security's governing instrument. Although each
Fund will only purchase convertible securities that AIM considers to have
adequate protection parameters, including an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in a timely manner, it invests without regard to corporate
bond ratings.
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CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES -- The Funds may invest in corporate debt
securities. Corporations issue debt securities of various types, including bonds
and debentures (which are long-term), notes (which may be short- or long-term),
bankers acceptances (indirectly secured borrowings to facilitate commercial
transactions) and commercial paper (short-term unsecured notes). These
securities typically provide for periodic payments of interest, at a rate which
may be fixed or adjustable, with payment of principal upon maturity and are
generally not secured by assets of the issuer or otherwise guaranteed. The
values of fixed rate income securities tend to vary inversely with changes in
interest rates, with longer-term securities generally being more volatile than
shorter-term securities. Corporate securities frequently are subject to call
provisions that entitle the issuer to repurchase such securities at a
predetermined price prior to their stated maturity. In the event that a security
is called during a period of declining interest rates, the Fund may be required
to reinvest the proceeds in securities having a lower yield. In addition, in the
event that a security was purchased at a premium over the call price, a Fund
will experience a capital loss if the security is called. Adjustable rate
corporate debt securities may have interest rate caps and floors.
Securities rated in the four highest long-term rating categories by
Standard and Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") and Moody's Investors Service
("Moody's") are considered to be "investment grade." S&P's fourth highest
long-term rating category is "BBB", with BBB- being the lowest investment grade
rating. Moody's fourth highest long-term rating category is "Baa", with Baa3
being the lowest investment grade rating. Publications of S&P indicate that it
assigns securities to the "BBB" rating category when such securities are
"regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Such securities normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, but adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity to pay," whereas securities rated AAA by S&P are regarded as
having "capacity to pay interest and repay principal [that] is extremely
strong." Publications of Moody's indicate that it assigns securities to the "Baa
rating category when such securities are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well," whereas securities rated Aaa by
Moody's "are judged to be of the best quality" and "carry the smallest degree of
investment risk."
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES -- The Funds may invest in securities issued
or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies or
instrumentalities. These include Treasury securities (bills, notes, bonds and
other debt securities) which differ only in their interest rates, maturities and
times of issuance. U.S. Government agency and instrumentality securities include
securities which are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.,
securities that are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury, securities that are supported by the discretionary authority of the
U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality
and securities that are supported only by the credit of such agencies. While the
U.S. Government may provide financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored
agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do
so. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the
market value of their securities. The values of such securities fluctuate
inversely to interest rates.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITs")
To the extent consistent with their respective investment objectives
and policies, the Funds may invest in equity and/or debt securities issued by
REITs. Such investments will not exceed 25% of the total assets of any of the
Funds.
REITs are trusts which sell equity or debt securities to investors and
use the proceeds to invest in real estate or interests therein. A REIT may focus
on particular projects, such as apartment complexes, or geographic regions, such
as the Southeastern United States, or both.
To the extent that a Fund has the ability to invest in REITs, such Fund
could conceivably own real estate directly as a result of a default on the
securities it owns. A Fund, therefore, may be subject to certain risks
associated with the direct ownership of real estate including difficulties in
valuing and trading real estate,
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declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local
economic condition, adverse change in the climate for real estate, environmental
liability risks, increases in property taxes and operating expense, changes in
zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in
neighborhood values, the appeal of properties to tenants, and increases in
interest rates.
In addition to the risks described above, equity REITs may be affected
by any changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts,
while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended.
Equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skill, are not
diversified, and are therefore subject to the risk of financing single or a
limited number of projects. Such trusts are also subject to heavy cash flow
dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of
failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Changes in interest rates may
also affect the value of debt securities held by a Fund. By investing in REITs
indirectly through a Fund, a shareholder will bear not only his/her
proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar
expenses of the REITs.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
To the extent consistent with their respective investment objectives,
each of the Funds may invest in foreign securities. Each of Charter,
Constellation and Weingarten may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign
securities. For purposes of computing such limitation American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and other securities
representing underlying securities of foreign issuers are treated as foreign
securities. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same
currency as the securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts
typically issued by a United States bank or trust company which evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are
receipts issued in Europe which evidence a similar ownership arrangement.
Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the United States
securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European
securities markets. ADRs and EDRs may be listed on stock exchanges, or traded in
OTC markets in the United States or Europe, as the case may be. ADRs, like other
securities traded in the United States, will be subject to negotiated commission
rates.
To the extent a Fund invests in securities denominated in foreign
currencies, each Fund bears the risk of changes in the exchange rates between
U.S. currency and the foreign currency, as well as the availability and status
of foreign securities markets. These securities will be marketable equity
securities (including common and preferred stock, depositary receipts for stock
and fixed income or equity securities exchangeable for or convertible into
stock) of foreign companies which generally are listed on a recognized foreign
securities exchange or traded in a foreign over-the-counter market. Each of the
Funds may also invest in foreign securities listed on recognized U.S. securities
exchanges or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market. Such foreign securities
may be issued by foreign companies located in developing countries in various
regions of the world. A "developing country" is a country in the initial stages
of its industrial cycle. As compared to investment in the securities markets of
developed countries, investment in the securities markets of developing
countries involves exposure to markets that may have substantially less trading
volume and greater price volatility, economic structures that are less diverse
and mature, and political systems that may be less stable.
Investments by a Fund in foreign securities, whether denominated in
U.S. currencies or foreign currencies, may entail all of the risks set forth
below. Investments by a Fund in ADRs, EDRs or similar securities also may entail
some or all of the risks as set forth below.
Currency Risk. The value of each Fund's foreign investments will be
affected by changes in currency exchange rates. The U.S. dollar value of a
foreign security decreases when the value of the U.S. dollar rises against the
foreign currency in which the security is denominated, and increases when the
value of the U.S. dollar falls against such currency.
On January 1, 1999, certain members of the European Economic and
Monetary Union ("EMU"), namely Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany,
Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain established a
common European currency known as the "euro" and each members' local currency
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became a denomination of the euro. It is anticipated that each participating
country will replace its local currency with the euro on July 1, 2002.
Any other European country that is a member of the European Union and
satisfies the criteria for participation in the EMU may elect to participate in
the EMU and may supplement its existing currency with the euro. The anticipated
replacement of existing currencies with the euro on July 1, 2002 could cause
market disruptions before or after July 1, 2002 and could adversely affect the
value of securities held by the Fund.
Political and Economic Risk. The economies of many of the countries in
which the Funds may invest are not as developed as the United States economy and
may be subject to significantly different forces. Political or social
instability, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, and limitations on the
removal of funds or other assets could also adversely affect the value of each
Fund's investments.
Regulatory Risk. Foreign companies are not registered with the SEC and
are generally not subject to the regulatory controls imposed on United States
issuers and, as a consequence, there is generally less publicly available
information about foreign securities than is available about domestic
securities. Foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing
and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to
those applicable to domestic companies. Income from foreign securities owned by
the Funds may be reduced by a withholding tax at the source, which tax would
reduce dividend income payable to the Funds' shareholders.
Market Risk. The securities markets in many of the countries in which
the Funds invest will have substantially less trading volume than the major
United States markets. As a result, the securities of some foreign companies may
be less liquid and experience more price volatility than comparable domestic
securities. Increased custodian costs as well as administrative costs (such as
the need to use foreign custodians) may be associated with the maintenance of
assets in foreign jurisdictions. There is generally less government regulation
and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and issuers which may make
it difficult to enforce contractual obligations. In addition, transaction costs
in foreign securities markets are likely to be higher, since brokerage
commission rates in foreign countries are likely to be higher than in the United
States.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS
Each Fund has authority to deal in foreign exchange between currencies
of the different countries in which it will invest either for the settlement of
transactions or as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange
rates between those currencies. This may be accomplished through direct
purchases or sales of foreign currency, purchases of futures contracts with
respect to foreign currency (and options thereon), and contractual agreements to
purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date (up to one
year) at a price set at the time of the contract. Such contractual commitments
may be forward contracts entered into directly with another party or
exchange-traded futures contracts. The Fund may purchase and sell options on
futures contracts or forward contracts which are denominated in a particular
foreign currency to hedge the risk of fluctuations in the value of another
currency. The Fund's dealings in foreign exchange may involve specific
transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale
of foreign currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Fund
accruing in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities,
the sale and redemption of shares of the Fund, or the payment of dividends and
distributions by the Fund. Position hedging is the purchase or sale of foreign
currency with respect to portfolio security positions (or underlying portfolio
security positions, such as in an ADR) denominated or quoted in a foreign
currency. The Fund will not speculate in foreign exchange, nor commit a larger
percentage of its total assets to foreign exchange hedges than the percentage of
its total assets that it could invest in foreign securities.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
None of the Funds will invest more than 15% of their net assets in
illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements with maturities in excess
of seven days.
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RULE 144A SECURITIES
The Funds may purchase privately placed securities that are eligible
for purchase and sale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933
(the "1933 Act"). This Rule permits certain qualified institutional buyers, such
as a Fund, to trade in securities that have not been registered under the 1933
Act. AIM, under the supervision of the Company's Board of Directors, will
consider whether securities purchased under Rule 144A are illiquid and thus
subject to the Fund's restriction of investing no more than 15% of its assets in
illiquid securities. Determination of whether a Rule 144A security is liquid or
not is a question of fact. In making this determination AIM will consider the
trading markets for the specific security taking into account the unregistered
nature of a Rule 144A security. In addition, AIM could consider the (i)
frequency of trades and quotes, (ii) number of dealers and potential purchasers,
(iii) dealer undertakings to make a market, and (iv) nature of the security and
of market place trades (for example, the time needed to dispose of the security,
the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer). The liquidity of
Rule 144A securities will also be monitored by AIM and, if as a result of
changed conditions, it is determined that a Rule 144A security is no longer
liquid, the Fund's holdings of illiquid securities will be reviewed to determine
what, if any, action is required to assure that the Fund does not invest more
than 15% of its assets in illiquid securities. Investing in Rule 144A securities
could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund's investments in
illiquid securities if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase
such securities.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
For the purpose of realizing additional income, the Funds may each make
secured loans of portfolio securities amounting to not more than 33-1/3% of its
total assets. Securities loans are made to banks, brokers and other financial
institutions pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by collateral at least equal at all times to the value of the securities
lent marked to market on a daily basis. The collateral received will consist of
cash, U.S. Government securities, letters of credit or such other collateral as
may be permitted under the Fund's investment program. While the securities are
being lent, the Fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or
dividends paid by the issuer on the securities, as well as interest on the
investment of the collateral or a fee from the borrower. The Fund has a right to
call each loan and obtain the securities on five business days' notice or, in
connection with securities trading on foreign markets, within such longer period
of time which coincides with the normal settlement period for purchases and
sales of such securities in such foreign markets. The Fund will not have the
right to vote securities while they are being lent, but it will call a loan in
anticipation of any important vote. The risks in lending portfolio securities,
as with other extensions of secured credit, consist of possible delay in
receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral
decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the
securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower
of the securities fail financially. Loans will not be made unless, in the
judgment of AIM, the consideration to be earned from such loans would justify
the risk.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Funds may each enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase
agreement is an instrument under which a Fund acquires ownership of a debt
security and the seller (usually a broker or bank) agrees, at the time of the
sale, to repurchase the obligation at a mutually agreed upon time and price,
thereby determining the yield during the Fund's holding period. In the event of
bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund may
experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses,
including: (a) a possible decline in the value of the underlying security during
the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto; (b) a possible
subnormal level of income and lack of access to income during this period; and
(c) expenses of enforcing its rights. A repurchase agreement is collateralized
by the security acquired by the Fund and its value is marked to market daily in
order to minimize the Fund's risk. Repurchase agreements usually are for short
periods, such as one or two days, but may be entered into for longer periods of
time. Repurchase agreements are not included in each Fund's restrictions on
lending. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans by each Fund under the
1940 Act.
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Charter may enter into repurchase agreements (at any time, up to 50% of
its net assets), using only U.S. Government securities, for the sole purpose of
increasing its yield on idle cash. Charter will not invest in a repurchase
agreement of more than seven days' duration if, as a result of that investment,
the amount of repurchase agreements of more than seven days' duration and other
illiquid assets would exceed 15% of its assets.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Consistent with Charter's policy on borrowings, Charter may invest in
reverse repurchase agreements with banks, which involve the sale of securities
held by the Fund, with an agreement that the Fund will repurchase the securities
at an agreed upon price and date. The Fund may employ reverse repurchase
agreements (i) for temporary emergency purposes, such as to meet unanticipated
net redemptions so as to avoid liquidating other portfolio securities during
unfavorable market conditions; (ii) to cover short-term cash requirements
resulting from the timing of trade settlements; or (iii) to take advantage of
market situations where the interest income to be earned from the investment of
the proceeds of the transaction is greater than the interest expense of the
transaction. At the time it enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund
will segregate liquid securities having a dollar value equal to the repurchase
price. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered borrowings by the Fund under
the 1940 Act.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Although Constellation does not currently intend to do so, it may
invest in "special situations." A special situation arises when, in the opinion
of the Fund's management, the securities of a particular company will, within a
reasonably estimable period of time, be accorded market recognition at an
appreciated value solely by reason of a development applicable to that company,
and regardless of general business conditions or movements of the market as a
whole. Developments creating special situations might include, among others:
liquidations, reorganizations, recapitalizations, mergers, material litigation,
technical breakthroughs, and new management or management policies. Although
large and well-known companies may be involved, special situations more often
involve comparatively small or unseasoned companies. Investments in unseasoned
companies and special situations often involve much greater risk than is
inherent in ordinary investment securities.
SHORT SALES
Although Constellation and Weingarten do not currently intend to do so,
they may each enter into short sales transactions. Neither Constellation nor
Weingarten will make short sales of securities nor maintain a short position
unless at all times when a short position is open, the Fund owns an equal amount
of such securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without
payment of any further consideration, securities of the same issue as, and equal
in amount to, the securities sold short. This is a technique known as selling
short "against the box." Such short sales will be used by each of Constellation
and Weingarten for the purpose of deferring recognition of gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes. In no event may more than 10% of the value of
either Fund's net assets be deposited or pledged as collateral for such sales at
any time.
WARRANTS
The Funds may, from time to time, invest in warrants. Warrants are, in
effect, longer-term call options. They give the holder the right to purchase a
given number of shares of a particular company at specified prices within
certain periods of time. The purchaser of a warrant expects that the market
price of the security will exceed the purchase price of the warrant plus the
exercise price of the warrant, thus giving him a profit. Of course, since the
market price may never exceed the exercise price before the expiration date of
the warrant, the purchaser of the warrant risks the loss of the entire purchase
price of the warrant. Warrants generally trade in the open market and may be
sold rather than exercised. Warrants are sometimes sold in unit form with other
securities of an issuer. Units of warrants and common stock may be employed in
financing young, unseasoned companies. The purchase price of a warrant varies
with the exercise price of a warrant, the current market value of the underlying
security, the life of the warrant and various other investment factors.
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SECURITIES ISSUED ON A WHEN-ISSUED OR DELAYED DELIVERY BASIS
Each Fund may purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis, that is,
delivery of and payment for the securities is not fixed at the date of purchase,
but is set after the securities are issued (normally within forty-five days
after the date of the transaction). Each Fund also may purchase or sell
securities on a delayed delivery basis. The payment obligation and the interest
rate that will be received on the delayed delivery securities are fixed at the
time the buyer enters into the commitment. A Fund will only make commitments to
purchase when-issued or delayed delivery securities with the intention of
actually acquiring such securities, but the Fund may sell these securities
before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable.
Investment in securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may
increase a Fund's exposure to market fluctuation and may increase the
possibility that the Fund will incur short-term gains subject to federal
taxation or short-term losses if the Fund must engage in portfolio transactions
in order to honor a when-issued or delayed delivery commitment. In a delayed
delivery transaction, the Fund relies on the other party to complete the
transaction. If the transaction is not completed, the Fund may miss a price or
yield considered to be advantageous. A Fund will employ techniques designed to
reduce such risks. If a Fund purchases a when-issued security, the Fund will
segregate liquid assets in an amount equal to the when-issued commitment. If the
market value of such assets declines, additional cash or securities will be
segregated on a daily basis so that the market value of the segregated assets
will equal the amount of the Fund's when-issued commitments. To the extent cash
and securities are segregated, they will not be available for new investments or
to meet redemptions. Securities purchased on a delayed delivery basis may
require a similar segregation of liquid assets.
INVESTMENT IN UNSEASONED ISSUERS
Charter may purchase securities of unseasoned issuers. Securities in
such issuers may provide opportunities for long term capital growth. Greater
risks are associated with investments in securities of unseasoned issuers than
in the securities of more established companies because unseasoned issuers have
only a brief operating history and may have more limited markets and financial
resources. As a result, securities of unseasoned issuers tend to be more
volatile than securities of more established companies.
INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Each of the Funds may invest in other investment companies to the
extent permitted by the 1940 Act, and rules and regulations thereunder, and, if
applicable, exemptive orders granted by the SEC.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND CURRENCY STRATEGIES
INTRODUCTION
The Funds may each use forward contracts, futures contracts, options on
securities, options on indices, options on currencies, and options on futures
contracts to attempt to hedge against the overall level of investment and
currency risk normally associated with each Fund's investments. These
instruments are often referred to as "derivatives," which may be defined as
financial instruments whose performance is derived, at least in part, from the
performance of another asset (such as a security, currency or an index of
securities).
GENERAL RISKS OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND CURRENCY STRATEGIES
The use by the Funds of options, futures contracts and forward currency
contracts involves special considerations and risks, as described below. Risks
pertaining to particular strategies are described in the sections that follow.
(1) Successful use of hedging transactions depends upon AIM's ability
to correctly predict the direction of changes in the value of the applicable
markets and securities, contracts and/or currencies. While AIM is
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experienced in the use of these instruments, there can be no assurance that
any particular hedging strategy will succeed.
(2) There might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation,
between the price movements of an instrument (such as an option contract) and
the price movements of the investments being hedged. For example, if a
"protective put" is used to hedge a potential decline in a security and the
security does decline in price, the put option's increased value may not
completely offset the loss in the underlying security. Such a lack of
correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments
being hedged, such as changing interest rates, market liquidity, and speculative
or other pressures on the markets in which the hedging instrument is traded.
(3) Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce risk of loss by
wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price
movements in the investments being hedged. However, hedging strategies can also
reduce opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price
movements in the hedged investments.
(4) There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for
any particular option, futures contract, forward contract or option thereon at
any particular time.
(5) As described below, a Fund might be required to maintain assets as
"cover," maintain segregated accounts or make margin payments when it takes
positions in instruments involving obligations to third parties. If a Fund were
unable to close out its positions in such instruments, it might be required to
continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the
position expired or matured. The requirements might impair the Fund's ability to
sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would
otherwise be favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio
security at a disadvantageous time.
(6) There is no assurance that a Fund will use hedging transactions.
For example, if a Fund determines that the cost of hedging will exceed the
potential benefit to the Fund, the Fund will not enter into such transaction.
COVER
Transactions using forward contracts, futures contracts and options
(other than options purchased by a Fund) expose a Fund to an obligation to
another party. A Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns
either (1) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities, currencies, or
other options, forward contracts or futures contracts or (2) cash, liquid assets
and/or short-term debt securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover
its potential obligations not covered as provided in (1) above. Each Fund will
comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the
guidelines so require, set aside cash or liquid securities.
Assets used as cover cannot be sold while the position in the
corresponding forward contract, futures contract or option is open, unless they
are replaced with other appropriate assets. If a large portion of a Fund's
assets is used for cover or otherwise set aside, it could affect portfolio
management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current
obligations.
WRITING CALL OPTIONS
Each of the Funds may write (sell) covered call options on securities,
futures contracts, forward contracts, indices and currencies. As the writer of a
call option, a Fund would have the obligation to deliver the underlying
security, cash or currency (depending on the type of derivative) to the holder
(buyer) at a specified price (the exercise price) at any time until (American
style) or on (European style) a certain date (the expiration date). So long as
the obligation of a Fund continues, it may be assigned an exercise notice,
requiring it to deliver the underlying security, cash or currency against
payment of the exercise price. This
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obligation terminates upon the expiration of the call option, or such earlier
time at which a Fund effects a closing purchase transaction by purchasing an
option identical to that previously sold.
When writing a call option a Fund, in return for the premium, gives up
the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the underlying security,
contract or currency above the exercise price, and retains the risk of loss
should the price of the security, contract or currency decline. Unlike one who
owns securities, contracts or currencies not subject to an option, a Fund has no
control over when it may be required to sell the underlying securities,
contracts or currencies, since most options may be exercised at any time prior
to the option's expiration. If a call option that a Fund has written expires, it
will realize a gain in the amount of the premium; however, such gain may be
offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying security, contract or
currency during the option period. If the call option is exercised, a Fund will
realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security, contract or
currency, which will be increased or offset by the premium received.
Writing call options can serve as a limited hedge because declines in
the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium
received for writing the option.
Closing transactions may be effected in order to realize a profit on an
outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security, contract or currency
from being called or to permit the sale of the underlying security, contract or
currency. Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction will permit a Fund to
write another call option on the underlying security, contract or currency with
either a different exercise price or expiration date, or both.
WRITING PUT OPTIONS
Each of the Funds may write (sell) covered put options on securities,
futures contracts, forward contracts, indices and currencies. As the writer of a
put option, a Fund would have the obligation to buy the underlying security,
contract or currency (depending on the type of derivative) at the exercise price
at any time until (American style) or on (European style) the expiration date.
This obligation terminates upon the expiration of the put option, or such
earlier time at which a Fund effects a closing purchase transaction by
purchasing an option identical to that previously sold.
A Fund would write a put option at an exercise price that, reduced by
the premium received on the option, reflects the lower price it is willing to
pay for the underlying security, contract or currency. The risk in such a
transaction would be that the market price of the underlying security, contract
or currency would decline below the exercise price less the premium received.
PURCHASING PUT OPTIONS
Each of the Funds may purchase put options on securities, futures
contracts, forward contracts, indices and currencies. As the holder of a put
option, a Fund would have the right to sell the underlying security, contract or
currency at the exercise price at any time until (American style) or on
(European style) the expiration date. A Fund may enter into closing sale
transactions with respect to such options, exercise such option or permit such
option to expire.
A Fund may purchase a put option on an underlying security, contract or
currency ("protective put") owned by the Fund in order to protect against an
anticipated decline in the value of the security, contract or currency. Such
hedge protection is provided only during the life of the put option. The premium
paid for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any profit
realized when the security, contract or currency is delivered upon exercise of
said option. Conversely, if the underlying security, contract or currency does
not decline in value, the option may expire worthless and the premium paid for
the protective put would be lost.
A Fund may also purchase put options on underlying securities,
contracts or currencies against which it has written other put options. For
example, where a Fund has written a put option on an underlying security, rather
than entering a closing transaction of the written option, it may purchase a put
option with a different exercise price and/or expiration date that would
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<PAGE> 19
eliminate some or all of the risk associated with the written put. Used in
combinations, these strategies are commonly referred to as "put spreads."
Likewise, a Fund may write call options on underlying securities, contracts or
currencies against which it has purchased protective put options. This strategy
is commonly referred to as a "collar."
PURCHASING CALL OPTIONS
Each of the Funds may purchase covered call options on securities,
futures contracts, forward contracts, indices and currencies. As the holder of a
call option, a Fund would have the right to purchase the underlying security,
contract or currency at the exercise price at any time until (American style) or
on (European style) the expiration date. A Fund may enter into closing sale
transactions with respect to such options, exercise such options or permit such
options to expire.
Call options may be purchased by a Fund for the purpose of acquiring
the underlying security, contract or currency for its portfolio. Utilized in
this fashion, the purchase of call options would enable a Fund to acquire the
security, contract or currency at the exercise price of the call option plus the
premium paid. So long as it holds such a call option, rather than the underlying
security or currency itself, the Fund is partially protected from any unexpected
decline in the market price of the underlying security, contract or currency
and, in such event, could allow the call option to expire, incurring a loss only
to the extent of the premium paid for the option.
Each of the Funds may also purchase call options on underlying
securities, contracts or currencies against which it has written other call
options. For example, where a Fund has written a call option on an underlying
security, rather than entering a closing transaction of the written option, it
may purchase a call option with a different exercise price and/or expiration
date that would eliminate some or all of the risk associated with the written
call. Used in combinations, these strategies are commonly referred to as "call
spreads."
Options may be either listed on an exchange or traded in
over-the-counter ("OTC") markets. Listed options are third-party contracts
(i.e., performance of the obligations of the purchaser and seller is guaranteed
by the exchange or clearing corporation) and have standardized strike prices and
expiration dates. OTC options are two-party contracts with negotiated strike
prices and expiration dates. A Fund will not purchase an OTC option unless it
believes that daily valuations for such options are readily obtainable. OTC
options differ from exchange-traded options in that OTC options are transacted
with dealers directly and not through a clearing corporation (which guarantees
performance). Consequently, there is a risk of non-performance by the dealer.
Since no exchange is involved, OTC options are valued on the basis of an average
of the last bid prices obtained from dealers, unless a quotation from only one
dealer is available, in which case only that dealer's price will be used. In the
case of OTC options, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market
will exist for any particular option at any specific time. Although a Fund will
enter into OTC options only with dealers that are expected to be capable of
entering into closing transactions with it, there is no assurance that the Fund
will in fact be able to close out an OTC option position at a favorable price
prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of the dealer, a Fund might be
unable to close out an OTC option position at any time prior to its expiration.
The staff of the SEC considers purchased OTC options to be illiquid
securities. A Fund may also sell OTC options and, in connection therewith,
segregate assets or cover its obligations with respect to OTC options written by
it. The assets used as cover for OTC options written by the Fund will be
considered illiquid unless the OTC options are sold to qualified dealers who
agree that the Fund may repurchase any OTC option it writes at a maximum price
to be calculated by a formula set forth in the option agreement. The cover for
an OTC option written subject to this procedure would be considered illiquid
only to the extent that the maximum repurchase price under the formula exceeds
the intrinsic value of the option.
INDEX OPTIONS
Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on securities
or futures contracts except that all settlements are in cash and gain or loss
depends on changes in the index in question (and thus on price movements in the
16
<PAGE> 20
securities market or a particular market sector generally) rather than on price
movements in individual securities or futures contracts. The amount of cash is
equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise
price of the call or put times a specified multiple (the "multiplier"), which
determines the total dollar value for each point of such difference.
The risks of investment in index options may be greater than options on
securities. Because index options are settled in cash, when a Fund writes a call
on an index it cannot provide in advance for its potential settlement
obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. A Fund can
offset some of the risk of writing a call index option position by holding a
diversified portfolio of securities similar to those on which the underlying
index is based. However, the Fund cannot, as a practical matter, acquire and
hold a portfolio containing exactly the same securities as underlie the index
and, as a result, bears a risk that the value of the securities held will not be
perfectly correlated with the value of the index.
LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONS
A Fund will not write options if, immediately after such sale, the
aggregate value of securities or obligations underlying the outstanding options
exceeds 20% of the Fund's total assets. A Fund will not purchase options if, at
any time of the investment, the aggregate premiums paid for the options will
exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
INTEREST RATE, CURRENCY AND STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS
Each of the Funds may enter into interest rate, currency or stock index
futures contracts (collectively, "Futures" or "Futures Contracts") as a hedge
against changes in prevailing levels of interest rates, currency exchange rates
or stock price levels, respectively, in order to establish more definitely the
effective return on securities or currencies held or intended to be acquired by
it. A Fund's hedging may include sales of Futures as an offset against the
effect of expected increases in interest rates, and decreases in currency
exchange rates and stock prices, and purchases of Futures as an offset against
the effect of expected declines in interest rates, and increases in currency
exchange rates or stock prices.
A Futures Contract is a two party agreement to buy or sell a specified
amount of a specified security or currency (or delivery of a cash settlement
price, in the case of an index future) for a specified price at a designated
date, time and place. A stock index future provides for the delivery, at a
designated date, time and place, of an amount of cash equal to a specified
dollar amount times the difference between the stock index value at the close of
trading on the contract and the price agreed upon in the Futures Contract; no
physical delivery of stocks comprising the index is made. Brokerage fees are
incurred when a Futures Contract is bought or sold, and margin deposits must be
maintained at all times the Future is outstanding.
The Funds will only enter into Futures Contracts that are traded on
futures exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying
financial instrument. Futures exchanges and trading thereon in the United States
are regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act and by the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission ("CFTC").
Closing out an open Future is effected by entering into an offsetting
Future for the same aggregate amount of the identical financial instrument or
currency and the same delivery date. There can be no assurance, however, that a
Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a
particular Future at a particular time. If a Fund is not able to enter into an
offsetting transaction, it will continue to be required to maintain the margin
deposits on the Future.
A Fund's Futures transactions will be entered into for hedging purposes
only; that is, Futures will be sold to protect against a decline in the price of
securities or currencies that the Fund owns, or Futures will be purchased to
protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities or currencies it
has committed to purchase or expects to purchase.
"Margin" with respect to Futures is the amount of funds that must be
deposited by a Fund in order to initiate Futures trading and maintain its open
positions in Futures. A margin deposit made when the Futures
17
<PAGE> 21
Contract is entered ("initial margin") is intended to ensure the Fund's
performance under the Futures Contract. The margin required for a particular
Future is set by the exchange on which the Future is traded and may be
significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of
the Futures Contract.
Subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and from the futures
commission merchant through which a Fund entered into the Futures Contract will
be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying security, currency or
index fluctuates making the Futures more or less valuable, a process known as
marking-to-market.
If a Fund were unable to liquidate a Future or an option on a Futures
position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of
price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be
subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the
case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily
variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being
hedged by the Future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated
account.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
Options on Futures Contracts are similar to options on securities or
currencies except that options on Futures Contracts give the purchaser the
right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a Futures
Contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the
option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of
the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the Futures position by
the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by
delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's Futures margin account.
FORWARD CONTRACTS
A forward contract is an obligation, usually arranged with a commercial
bank or other currency dealer, to purchase or sell a currency against another
currency at a future date and price as agreed upon by the parties. A Fund either
may accept or make delivery of the currency at the maturity of the forward
contract. A Fund may also, if its contra party agrees prior to maturity, enter
into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting
contract. Forward contracts are traded over-the-counter, and not on organized
commodities or securities exchanges. As a result, it may be more difficult to
value such contracts, and it may be difficult to enter into closing
transactions.
Each of the Funds may engage in forward currency transactions in
anticipation of, or to protect itself against, fluctuations in exchange rates. A
Fund may enter into forward contracts with respect to a specific purchase or
sale of a security, or with respect to its portfolio positions generally. When a
Fund purchases a security denominated in a foreign currency for settlement in
the near future, it may immediately purchase in the forward market the currency
needed to pay for and settle the purchase. By entering into a forward contract
with respect to the specific purchase or sale of a security denominated in a
foreign currency, the Fund can secure an exchange rate between the trade and
settlement dates for that purchase or sale transaction. This practice is
sometimes referred to as "transaction hedging." Position hedging is the purchase
or sale of foreign currency with respect to portfolio security positions
denominated or quoted in a foreign currency.
The cost to a Fund of engaging in forward contracts varies with factors
such as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and the
market conditions then prevailing. Because forward contracts are usually entered
into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use of
forward contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the
underlying securities a Fund owns or intends to acquire, but it does establish a
rate of exchange in advance. In addition, while forward contract sales
limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged
currencies, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the
value of the currencies increase.
18
<PAGE> 22
LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUTURES, OPTIONS ON FUTURES AND CERTAIN OPTIONS ON
CURRENCIES
To the extent that a Fund enters into Futures Contracts, options on
Futures Contracts and options on foreign currencies traded on a CFTC-regulated
exchange, in each case other than for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by
the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish those
positions (excluding the amount by which options are "in-the-money") will not
exceed 5% of the total assets of the Fund, after taking into account unrealized
profits and unrealized losses on any contracts it has entered into. This
guideline may be modified by the Board, without a shareholder vote. This
limitation does not limit the percentage of the Fund's assets at risk to 5%.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following fundamental policies and investment restrictions have
been adopted by each Fund as indicated and, except as noted, such policies
cannot be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
CHARTER
Charter may not:
(a) purchase the securities of any one issuer (except securities issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. Government) if, immediately after and as a result of
such purchase, (i) the value of the holdings of the Fund in the securities of
such issuer exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets, or (ii) the Fund
owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one class of
securities of such issuers, except that the Fund may purchase securities of
other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law or
exemptive order.
(b) concentrate its investments; that is, invest 25% or more of the
value of its assets in any particular industry;
(c) purchase or sell real estate or other interests in real estate
(except that this restriction does not preclude investments in marketable
securities of companies engaged in real estate activities);
(d) buy or sell physical commodities or physical commodity contracts,
including physical commodities futures contracts, or deal in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development programs;
(e) make loans (except that the purchase of a portion of an issue of
publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other debt securities, or entering
into a repurchase agreement, is not considered to be a loan for purposes of this
restriction), provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities provided
the value of such loaned securities does not exceed 33-1/3% of its total assets;
(f) purchase securities on margin or sell short;
(g) borrow money or pledge its assets except that, as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not for investment purposes,
the Fund may borrow from banks (including the Fund's custodian bank) amounts of
up to 10% of the value of its total assets, and may pledge amounts of up to 20%
of its total assets to secure such borrowings;
(h) invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management, except that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment
companies to the extent permitted by applicable law or exemptive order;
(i) act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers;
19
<PAGE> 23
(j) purchase from or sell to any officer, director or employee of the
Fund, or its advisors or distributor, or to any of their officers or directors,
any securities other than shares of the capital stock of Charter; or
(k) purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if those officers
and directors of the Company, its advisors or distributor owning individually
more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer, together own more than 5%
of the securities of such issuer.
In addition, Charter may not (a) issue senior securities, except to the extent
permitted by applicable law or exemptive order, or (b) purchase additional
securities when any borrowings from banks exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
These restrictions are not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of
Directors of the Company without shareholder approval.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a
later change in percentage resulting from changes in values or assets will not
be considered a violation of the restriction.
CONSTELLATION
Constellation may not:
(a) invest for the purpose of exercising control over or management of
any company, except that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment
companies to the extent permitted by applicable law or exemptive order;
(b) engage in the underwriting of securities of other issuers;
(c) purchase and sell real estate or commodities or commodity
contracts;
(d) make loans, except by the purchase of a portion of an issue of
publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other obligations, provided that the
Fund may lend its portfolio securities provided the value of such loaned
securities does not exceed 33-1/3% of its total assets;
(e) invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development programs; or
(f) invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities
of issuers all of which conduct their principal business activities in the same
industry.
In addition, Constellation may borrow money to a limited extent from
banks (including the Fund's custodian bank) for temporary or emergency purposes
or to purchase or carry securities. The Fund may borrow funds from a bank
(including its custodian bank) to purchase or carry securities only if,
immediately after such borrowing, the value of the Fund's assets, including the
amount borrowed, less its liabilities, is equal to at least 300% of the amount
borrowed, plus all outstanding borrowings. For the purpose of determining this
300% asset coverage requirement, the Fund's liabilities will not include the
amount borrowed but will include the market value, at the time of computation,
of all securities borrowed by the Fund in connection with short sales. The
amount of borrowing will also be limited by the applicable margin limitations
imposed by the Federal Reserve Board. If at any time the value of the Fund's
assets should fail to meet the 300% asset coverage requirement, the Fund will,
within three days, reduce its borrowings to the extent necessary. The Fund may
be required to eliminate partially or totally its outstanding borrowings at
times when it may not be desirable for it to do so. Any investment gains made by
the Fund with the borrowed monies in excess of interest paid by the Fund will
cause the net asset value of the Fund's shares to rise faster than would
otherwise be the case. On the other hand, if the investment performance of the
additional securities purchased with the proceeds of such borrowings fails to
cover the interest paid on the money borrowed by the Fund, the net asset value
of the Fund will decrease faster than would otherwise be the case. This
speculative factor is known as "leveraging."
The Board of Directors of the Company has also adopted the following
limitations which are not matters of fundamental policy of Constellation and
which may be changed without shareholder approval:
20
<PAGE> 24
(a) the Fund may not issue senior securities, except to the extent
permitted by applicable law or exemptive order; or
(b) the Fund may not purchase additional securities when any borrowings
from banks exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
Except for the borrowing policy, if a percentage restriction is adhered
to at the time of investment, a later change in the percentage of such
investment held by a Fund resulting solely from changes in values or assets,
will not be considered to be a violation of the restriction.
WEINGARTEN
Weingarten may not:
(a) issue bonds, debentures or senior equity securities;
(b) underwrite securities of other companies or purchase restricted
securities ("letter stock");
(c) invest in real estate, except that the Fund may purchase securities
of real estate investment trusts;
(d) lend money, except in connection with the acquisition of a portion
of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other corporate or
governmental obligations, provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio
securities provided the value of such loaned securities does not exceed 33-1/3%
of its total assets;
(e) purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales
of securities;
(f) purchase shares in order to control management of a company, except
that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment companies to the
extent permitted by applicable law or exemptive order;
(g) buy or sell physical commodities or physical commodity contracts,
including physical commodities futures contracts;
(h) invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities
of issuers all of which conduct their principal business activities in the same
industry; or
(i) borrow money or pledge its assets, except that, as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not for investment purposes,
the Fund may borrow from banks (including the Fund's custodian bank) amounts of
up to 10% of the value of its total assets, and may pledge amounts of up to 20%
of its total assets to secure such borrowings.
In addition, Weingarten may not (a) invest more than 5% of the total
assets of the Fund (valued at market) in securities of any one issuer (other
than obligations of the U.S. Government and its instrumentalities); (b) purchase
more than 10% of the outstanding securities of any one issuer or more than 10%
of any class of securities of an issuer; or (c) purchase additional securities
when any borrowings from banks exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. These
additional restrictions are not fundamental, and may be changed by the Board of
Directors of the Company without shareholder approval.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a
later change in percentage resulting from changes in values or assets will not
be considered a violation of the restriction.
21
<PAGE> 25
MANAGEMENT
The overall management of the business and affairs of the Funds is
vested with the Company's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors approves
all significant agreements between the Company and persons or companies
furnishing services to a Fund, including the Master Advisory Agreement with AIM,
the Master Sub-Advisory Agreement between AIM and AIM Capital with respect to
the Funds, the Master Administrative Services Agreement with AIM, the Master
Distribution Agreement with Fund Management Company as the distributor of the
shares of the Institutional Classes of the Funds, the Custodian Agreement with
State Street Bank and Trust Company as custodian and the Transfer Agency and
Service Agreement with A I M Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS" or the "Transfer Agent")
as transfer agent. The day-to-day operations of each Fund are delegated to its
officers and to AIM, subject always to the objectives and policies of the Fund
and to the general supervision of the Company's Board of Directors. Certain
directors and officers of the Company are affiliated with AIM and A I M
Management Group Inc. ("AIM Management"), the parent corporation of AIM.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The directors and officers of the Company and their principal
occupations during the last five years are set forth below. Unless otherwise
indicated, the address of each director and officer is 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite
100, Houston, TX 77046-1173. All of the Company's executive officers hold
similar offices with some or all of the other AIM Funds.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================
POSITIONS HELD
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH REGISTRANT PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS
====================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
*CHARLES T. BAUER (80) Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors, A I M
Chairman Management Group Inc.; A I M Advisors, Inc., A I M
Capital Management, Inc., A I M Distributors, Inc.,
A I M Fund Services, Inc., and Fund Management
Company; and Vice Chairman and Director,
AMVESCAP PLC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRUCE L. CROCKETT (55) Director Director, ACE Limited (insurance company).
906 Frome Lane Formerly, Director, President and Chief Executive
McLean, VA 22102 Officer, COMSAT Corporation; and Chairman, Board
of Governors of INTELSAT (international communi-
cations company).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OWEN DALY II (74) Director Director, Cortland Trust Inc. (investment company).
Six Blythewood Road Formerly, Director, CF & I Steel Corp., Monumental
Baltimore, MD 21210 Life Insurance Company and Monumental General
Insurance Company; and Chairman of the Board of
Equitable Bancorporation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDWARD K. DUNN, JR. (63) Director Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mercantile
2 Hopkins Plaza, 20th Floor Mortgage Corp; Formerly, Vice Chairman of the
Baltimore, MD 21201 Board of Directors and President, Mercantile - Safe
Deposit & Trust Co.; and President, Mercantile
Bankshares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ----------------------
* A director who is an "interested person" of A I M Advisors, Inc. and the
Company as defined in the 1940 Act.
22
<PAGE> 26
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================
POSITIONS HELD
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH REGISTRANT PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS
====================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
JACK FIELDS (47) Director Chief Executive Officer, Texana Global, Inc. (foreign
8810 Will Clayton Parkway trading company) and Twenty-First Century Group,
Jetero Plaza, Suite E Inc. (governmental affairs company). Formerly,
Humble, Texas 77338 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**CARL FRISCHLING (62) Director Partner, Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel LLP (law
919 Third Avenue firm). Formerly Partner, Reid & Priest (law firm).
New York, NY 10022
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*ROBERT H. GRAHAM (52) Director and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, A I M
President Management Group Inc.; Director and President,
A I M Advisors, Inc.; Director and Senior Vice
President, A I M Capital Management, Inc., A I M
Distributors, Inc., A I M Fund Services, Inc., and
Fund Management Company; Director, AMVESCAP
PLC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMA MATHAI-DAVIS (48) Director Chief Executive Officer, YWCA of the U.S.A.;
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 301 Commissioner, New York City Department for
New York, NY 10118 the Aging; and Member of the Board of Directors,
Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York
State.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEWIS F. PENNOCK (56) Director Attorney in private practice in Houston, Texas.
6363 Woodway, Suite 825
Houston, TX 77057
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOUIS S. SKLAR (59) Director Executive Vice President, Development and
Transco Tower, 50th Floor Operations, Hines Interests Limited Partnership (real
2800 Post Oak Blvd. estate development).
Houston, TX 77056
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GARY T. CRUM (51) Senior Vice Director and President, A I M Capital Management,
President Inc.; Director and Senior Vice President, A I M
Management Group Inc. and A I M Advisors, Inc.; and
Director, A I M Distributors, Inc. and AMVESCAP
PLC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
** A director who is an "interested person" of the Company as defined in
the 1940 Act.
* A director who is an "interested person" of A I M Advisors, Inc. and
the Company as defined in the 1940 Act.
23
<PAGE> 27
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================
POSITIONS HELD
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH REGISTRANT PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS
====================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
CAROL F. RELIHAN (44) Senior Vice Director, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
President Secretary, A I M Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President,
and Secretary General Counsel and Secretary, A I M Management
Group Inc.; Director, Vice President and General
Counsel, Fund Management Company; General
Counsel and Vice President, A I M Fund Services,
Inc.; and Vice President, A I M Capital Management,
Inc., and A I M Distributors, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MELVILLE B. COX (55) Vice President Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, A I M
Advisors, Inc., A I M Capital Management, Inc., A I M
Distributors, Inc., A I M Fund Services, Inc., and Fund
Management Company.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DANA R. SUTTON (40) Vice President Vice President and Fund Controller, A I M Advisors,
and Treasurer Inc.; and Assistant Vice President and Assistant
Treasurer, Fund Management Company.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDGAR M. LARSEN (58) Vice President Vice President, AIM Capital Management, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The standing committees of the Board of Directors are the Audit Committee,
the Investments Committee and the Nominating and Compensation Committee.
The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Crockett, Daly, Dunn,
(Chairman), Fields, Frischling, Pennock, Sklar and Ms. Mathai-Davis. The Audit
Committee is responsible for meeting with the Company's auditors to review audit
procedures and results and to consider any matters arising from an audit to be
brought to the attention of the directors as a whole with respect to the
Company's fund accounting or its internal accounting controls, and considering
such matters as may from time to time be set forth in a charter adopted by the
Board of Directors and such committee.
The members of the Investments Committee are Messrs. Bauer, Crockett,
Daly, Dunn, Fields, Frischling, Pennock, Sklar (Chairman) and Ms. Mathai-Davis.
The Investment Committee is responsible for reviewing portfolio compliance,
brokerage allocation, portfolio investment pricing issues, interim dividend and
distribution issues, and considering such matters as may from time to time be
set forth in a charter adopted by the Board of Directors and such committee.
The members of the Nominating and Compensation Committee are Messrs.
Crockett (Chairman), Daly, Dunn, Fields, Pennock, Sklar and Ms. Mathai-Davis.
The Nominating and Compensation Committee is responsible for considering and
nominating individuals to stand for election as directors who are not interested
persons as long as the Company maintains a distribution plan pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act, reviewing from time to time the compensation payable
to the disinterested directors, and considering such matters as may from time to
time be set forth in a charter adopted by the Board of Directors and such
committee.
All of the Company's directors also serve as directors or trustees of some
or all of the other investment companies managed or advised by AIM. All of the
Company's executive officers hold similar offices with some or all of the other
investment companies managed or advised by AIM.
- ---------------------
24
<PAGE> 28
Remuneration of Directors
Each director is reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with each
meeting of the Board of Directors or any Committee attended. Each director who
is not also an officer of the Company is compensated for his or her services
according to a fee schedule which recognizes the fact that such director also
serves as a director or trustee of other AIM Funds. Each such director receives
a fee, allocated among the AIM Funds for which he or she serves as a director or
trustee, which consists of an annual retainer component and a meeting fee
component.
Set forth below is information regarding compensation paid or accrued for each
director of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
========================================================================================================================
RETIREMENT
AGGREGATE BENEFITS TOTAL
COMPENSATION ACCRUED COMPENSATION
FROM THE BY ALL AIM FROM ALL
DIRECTOR COMPANY(1) FUNDS(2) AIM FUNDS(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charles T. Bauer $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce L. Crockett 23,162 37,485 96,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owen Daly II 23,162 122,898 96,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward K. Dunn, Jr. 14,866 0 78,889
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack Fields 23,038 15,826 95,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl Frischling(4) 23,162 97,791 95,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert H. Graham 0 0 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John F. Kroeger(5) 21,972 107,896 91,654
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prema Mathai-Davis 2,126 0 32,636
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewis F. Pennock 23,162 45,766 95,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ian Robinson 22,787 94,442 94,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louis S. Sklar 22,907 90,232 95,500
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) The total amount of compensation deferred by all Directors of the Company
during the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, including interest earned
thereon, was $112,867.
(2) During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, the total amount of expenses
allocated to the Company in respect of such retirement benefits was
$222,013. Data reflects compensation for the calendar year ended December
31, 1998.
(3) Each Director serves as director or trustee of a total of 12 registered
investment companies advised by AIM (comprised of over 50 portfolios). Data
reflects total compensation for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998.
(4) During the year ended October 31, 1998, Charter, Constellation and
Weingarten, each paid $12,926, $31,902 and $16,595, respectively, on legal
fees to Mr. Frischling's law firm, Kramer, Levin, Naftalis and Frankel LLP
for services rendered.
25
<PAGE> 29
(5) Mr. Kroeger was a director until June 11, 1998, when he resigned. On that
date he became a consultant to the Company. Of the amount listed above,
$12,784.63 was for compensation for services as a director and the
remainder as a consultant. Mr. Kroeger passed away on November 26, 1998.
Mr. Kroeger's widow will receive his pension as described below under "AIM
Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible Directors/ Trustees."
(6) Mr. Robinson was a director until March 12, 1999, when he retired.
AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible Directors/Trustees
Under the terms of the AIM Funds Retirement Plan for Eligible
Directors/Trustees (the "Plan"), each director (who is not an employee of any of
the AIM Funds, AIM Management or any of their affiliates) may be entitled to
certain benefits upon retirement from the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the
Plan, the normal retirement date is the date on which the eligible director has
attained age 65 and has completed at least five years of continuous service with
one or more of the regulated investment companies managed, administered or
distributed by AIM or its affiliates (the "Applicable AIM Funds"). Each eligible
director is entitled to receive an annual benefit from the Applicable AIM Funds
commencing on the first day of the calendar quarter coincident with or following
his date of retirement equal to a maximum 75% of the annual retainer paid or
accrued by the Applicable AIM Funds for such director during the twelve-month
period immediately preceding the director's retirement (including amounts
deferred under a separate agreement between the Applicable AIM Funds and the
director) and based on the number of such director's years of service (not in
excess of 10 years of service) completed with respect to any of the Applicable
AIM Funds. Such benefit is payable to each eligible director in quarterly
installments. If an eligible director dies after attaining the normal retirement
date but before receipt of any benefits under the Plan commences, the director's
surviving spouse (if any) shall receive a quarterly survivor's benefit equal to
50% of the amount payable to the deceased director for no more than ten years
beginning the first day of the calendar quarter following the date of the
director's death. Payments under the Plan are not secured or funded by any
Applicable AIM Fund.
Set forth below is a table that shows the estimated annual benefits
payable to an eligible director upon retirement assuming a specified level of
compensation and years of service classifications. The estimated credited years
of service for Messrs. Crockett, Daly, Dunn, Fields, Frischling, Kroeger,
Pennock, Robinson, Sklar and Ms. Mathai-Davis are 11, 11, 0, 1, 21, 20, 17, 11,
9, and 0 years, respectively.
ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFITS UPON RETIREMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================
Number of
Years of Annual Retirement Compensation
Service With Paid By All
the Applicable Applicable AIM Funds
AIM Funds
=====================================================
<S> <C>
10 $67,500
- -----------------------------------------------------
9 $60,750
- -----------------------------------------------------
8 $54,000
- -----------------------------------------------------
7 $47,250
- -----------------------------------------------------
6 $40,500
- -----------------------------------------------------
5 $33,750
=====================================================
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE> 30
Deferred Compensation Agreements
Messrs. Daly, Dunn, Fields, Frischling, Robinson and Sklar (for
purposes of this paragraph only, the "deferring directors") have each executed a
Deferred Compensation Agreement (collectively, the "Agreements"). Pursuant to
the Agreements, the deferring directors may elect to defer receipt of up to 100%
of their compensation payable by the Company, and such amounts are placed into a
deferral account. Currently, the deferring directors may select various AIM
Funds in which all or part of their deferral accounts shall be deemed to be
invested. Distributions from the deferring directors' deferral accounts will be
paid in cash, in generally equal quarterly installments over a period of five
(5) or ten (10) years (depending on the Agreement) beginning on the date the
deferring director's retirement benefits commence under the Plan. The Company's
Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may accelerate or extend the
distribution of such deferral accounts after the deferring director's
termination of service as a director of the Company. If a deferring director
dies prior to the distribution of amounts in his deferral account, the balance
of the deferral account will be distributed to his designated beneficiary in a
single lump sum payment as soon as practicable after such deferring director's
death. The Agreements are not funded and, with respect to the payments of
amounts held in the deferral accounts, the deferring directors have the status
of unsecured creditors of the Company and of each other AIM Fund from which they
are deferring compensation.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
AIM is a wholly owned subsidiary of AIM Management, a holding company
that has been engaged in the financial services business since 1976. The address
of AIM is 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77046. AIM was organized
in 1976, and, together with its subsidiaries, advises or manages over 110
investment portfolios encompassing a broad range of investment objectives. AIM
Management is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AMVESCAP PLC, 11 Devonshire
Square, London EC2M 4YR, United Kingdom. AMVESCAP PLC and its subsidiaries are
an independent investment management group engaged in institutional investment
management and retail mutual fund businesses in the United States, Europe and
the Pacific Region. Certain of the directors and officers of AIM are also
executive officers of the Company and their affiliations are shown under
"Directors and Officers". AIM Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of AIM, is
engaged in the business of providing investment advisory services to investment
companies, corporations, institutions and other accounts.
AIM and the Company have adopted a Code of Ethics which requires
investment personnel and certain other employees (a) to pre-clear personal
securities transactions subject to the Code of Ethics, (b) to file reports or
duplicate confirmations regarding such transactions, (c) to refrain from
personally engaging in (I) short-term trading of a security, (ii) transactions
involving a security within seven days of an AIM Fund transaction involving the
same security, and (iii) transactions involving securities being considered for
investment by an AIM Fund, and (d) abide by certain other provisions under the
Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics also prohibits investment personnel and all
other AIM employees from purchasing securities in an initial public offering.
Personal trading reports are reviewed periodically by AIM, and the Board of
Directors reviews quarterly and annual reports (including information on any
substantial violations of the Code of Ethics). Sanctions for violations of the
Code of Ethics may include censure, monetary penalties, suspension or
termination of employment.
The Funds have entered into a Master Investment Advisory Agreement (the
"Master Advisory Agreement") and a Master Administrative Services Agreement (the
"Master Administrative Services Agreement") with AIM. In addition, AIM has
entered into a Master Sub-Advisory Agreement (the "Master Sub-Advisory
Agreement") with AIM Capital with respect to Charter, Weingarten and
Constellation.
Under the terms of the Master Advisory Agreement, AIM supervises all
aspects of the Funds' operations and provides investment advisory services to
the Funds. AIM obtains and evaluates economic, statistical and financial
information to formulate and implement investment programs for the Funds. AIM
will not be liable to the Funds or their shareholders except in the case of
AIM's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
duty; provided, however that AIM may be liable for certain breaches of duty
under the 1940 Act.
27
<PAGE> 31
Pursuant to the Master Administrative Services Agreement, AIM has
agreed to provide or arrange for the provision of certain accounting and other
administrative services to the Funds, including the services of a principal
financial officer of the Funds and related staff. As compensation to AIM for its
services under the Master Administrative Service Agreements, the Funds reimburse
AIM for expenses incurred by AIM or its subsidiaries in connection with such
services.
Under the terms of the Master Sub-Advisory Agreement, AIM has appointed
AIM Capital to provide certain investment advisory services for each of the
Funds, subject to overall supervision by AIM and the Company's Board of
Directors. Certain of the directors and officers of AIM Capital are also
executive officers of the Company.
Both the Master Advisory Agreement and the Master Sub-Advisory
Agreement provide that the Fund will pay or cause to be paid all expenses of the
Fund not assumed by AIM or AIM Capital, including, without limitation: brokerage
commissions, taxes, legal, auditing or governmental fees, the cost of preparing
share certificates, custodian, transfer and shareholder service agent costs,
expenses of issue, sale, redemption, and repurchase of shares, expenses of
registering and qualifying shares for sale, expenses relating to directors and
shareholder meetings, the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices
to shareholders, the fees and other expenses incurred by the Company on behalf
of the Fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations,
the cost of printing copies of prospectuses and statements of additional
information distributed to the Funds' shareholders and all other charges and
costs of the Funds' operations unless otherwise explicitly provided.
The Master Advisory Agreement and the Master Sub-Advisory Agreement
each provide that if, for any fiscal year, the total of all ordinary business
expenses of any Fund, including all investment advisory fees, but excluding
brokerage commissions and fees, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses, such
as litigation, exceed the applicable expense limitations imposed by state
securities regulations in any state in which such Fund's shares are qualified
for sale, as such limitations may be raised or lowered from time to time, the
aggregate of all such investment advisory fees with respect to such Fund shall
be reduced by the amount of such excess. The amount of any such reduction to be
borne by AIM shall be deducted from the monthly investment advisory fees
otherwise payable to AIM with respect to such Fund during such fiscal year. If
required pursuant to such state securities regulations, AIM will reimburse each
Fund, no later than the last day of the first month of the next succeeding
fiscal year, for any such annual operating expenses (after reduction of all
investment advisory fees in excess of such limitation).
The Master Advisory Agreement and the Master Sub-Advisory Agreement
will continue from year to year only if such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by (i) the Company's Board of Directors or the vote
of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Funds (as defined in
the 1940 Act), and (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors who
are not parties to the agreements or "interested persons" of any such party (the
"Non-Interested Directors") by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such
purpose. Each agreement provides that the Funds, AIM (in the case of the Master
Advisory Agreement) or AIM Capital (in the case of the Master Sub-Advisory
Agreement) may terminate such agreement on 60 days' written notice without
penalty. Each agreement terminates automatically in the event of its assignment.
AIM may from time to time waive or reduce its fee. Voluntary fee
waivers or reductions may be rescinded at any time without further notice to
investors. During periods of voluntary fee waivers or reductions, AIM will
retain its ability to be reimbursed for such fee prior to the end of each fiscal
year. Contractual fee waivers or reductions set forth in the Fee Table in a
Prospectus may not be terminated or amended to the Funds' detriment during the
period stated in the agreement between AIM and the Fund. Fee waivers or
reductions set forth in the Master Advisory Agreement may not be terminated
without shareholder approval.
AIM has contractually agreed to a reduction of advisory fees for
Charter, Constellation and Weingarten at net asset levels higher than those
currently incorporated in the advisory fee schedule. Accordingly, with respect
to each of Charter and Constellation, AIM receives a fee calculated at an annual
rate of 1.0% of the first $30 million of such Fund's average daily net assets,
plus 0.75% of such Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $30 million to
and including $150 million, plus 0.625% of such Fund's average daily net assets
in excess of $150 million. With respect to Weingarten, AIM's fee is calculated
at an annual rate of 1.0% of the first
28
<PAGE> 32
$30 million of the Fund's average daily net assets, plus 0.75% of the Fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $30 million to and including $350 million,
plus 0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $350 million. As
compensation for its services, AIM pays 50% of the advisory fees it receives
pursuant to the Master Advisory Agreement with respect to Charter, Constellation
and Weingarten to AIM Capital.
Each Fund paid to AIM the following advisory fees net of any expense
limitations (fee waivers) for the years ended October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charter................................ $31,058,588 $24,725,606 $16,529,891
Constellation.......................... 86,555,468 80,116,284 57,614,412
Weingarten............................. 40,657,216 35,300,671 29,960,379
</TABLE>
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, AIM waived
advisory fees for each Fund as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charter................................ $ 762,337 $ 498,463 $ 156,975
Constellation.......................... 3,074,705 2,805,955 1,869,383
Weingarten............................. 2,917,461 2,187,021 1,458,804
</TABLE>
AIM, in turn, paid the following sub-advisory fees to AIM Capital, as
sub-advisor for Charter, Constellation and Weingarten, for the years ended
October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charter................................ $15,529,294 $12,362,803 $ 8,264,946
Constellation.......................... 43,277,734 40,058,142 28,807,206
Weingarten............................. 20,328,608 17,650,335 14,980,190
</TABLE>
The Master Administrative Services Agreement provides that AIM may
perform or arrange for the performance of certain accounting and, shareholder
services and other administrative services to each Fund which are not required
to be performed by AIM under the Master Advisory Agreement. For such services,
AIM would be entitled to receive from each Fund reimbursement of its costs or
such reasonable compensation as may be approved by the Company's Board of
Directors. The Master Administrative Services Agreement will continue from year
to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by
(i) the Company's Board of Directors or the vote of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act), and
(ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the Non-Interested Directors by votes
cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose.
In addition, the Transfer Agency and Service agreement for the Fund
provides that AFS, a registered transfer agent and wholly-owned subsidiary of
AIM, will perform certain shareholder services for the Fund for a fee per
account serviced. The Transfer Agency and Service Agreement provides that AFS
will receive a per account fee plus out-of-pocket expenses to process orders for
purchases, redemptions and exchanges of shares, prepare and transmit payments
for dividends and distributions declared by the Fund, maintain shareholder
accounts and provide shareholders with information regarding the Fund and their
accounts.
The Funds paid AIM the following amounts as reimbursement of
administrative services costs for the years ended October 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charter............................. $ 152,008 $127,908 $114,489
</TABLE>
29
<PAGE> 33
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Constellation....................... 295,926 251,513 212,800
Weingarten.......................... 179,633 163,243 132,643
</TABLE>
THE DISTRIBUTOR
The Company, on behalf of the Institutional Class of each Fund, has
entered into a Master Distribution Agreement with FMC, a registered
broker-dealer and a wholly owned subsidiary of AIM to act as the exclusive
distributor of the Institutional Classes of the Funds' shares. The address of
FMC is 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77046-1173. Certain
directors and officers of the Company are affiliated with FMC. The Distribution
Agreement provides that FMC has the exclusive right to distribute the
Institutional Classes of shares of the Funds either directly or through other
broker-dealers. The Distribution Agreement also provides that FMC will pay
promotional expenses, including the incremental costs of printing prospectuses
and statements of additional information, annual reports and other periodic
reports for distribution to persons who are not shareholders of the
Institutional Classes of the Funds and the costs of preparing and distributing
any other supplemental sales literature. FMC has not undertaken to sell any
specified number of shares of the Institutional Classes of the Funds. FMC does
not receive any fees from the Company on behalf of the Institutional Classes
pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
FMC may, from time to time, at its expense, pay a bonus or other
consideration or incentive to dealers or banks who sell a minimum dollar amount
of the shares of the Institutional Class of a Fund during a specific period of
time. In some instances, these incentives may be offered only to certain dealers
or institutions who have sold or may sell significant amounts of shares. The
total amount of such additional bonus payments or other consideration shall not
exceed .10% of the net asset value of the shares sold of such Institutional
Class. Any such bonus or incentive programs will not change the price paid by
investors for the purchase of shares or the amount received as proceeds from
such sales. Dealers or institutions may not use the sale of shares of the
Institutional Class of a Fund to qualify for any incentives to the extent that
such incentives may be prohibited by the laws of any jurisdiction.
The Distribution Agreement will continue from year to year only if such
continuation is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Company's
Board of Directors or the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act) and (ii) the affirmative
vote of a majority of the Non- Interested Directors by votes cast in person at a
meeting called for such purpose. The Company, on behalf of a Fund, or FMC may
terminate the Distribution Agreement on sixty days' written notice without
penalty. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of
its "assignment," as defined in the 1940 Act.
HOW TO PURCHASE AND REDEEM SHARES
A complete description of the manner by which shares of the Funds may
be purchased appears in the Prospectus under the caption "Purchasing Shares."
Information concerning redemption of the Funds' shares is set forth in
the Prospectus under the caption "Redeeming Shares." Shares of the Funds may be
redeemed directly through FMC. The Funds intend to redeem all shares of the
Funds in cash. In addition to the Funds' obligation to redeem shares, FMC may
also repurchase shares as an accommodation to shareholders. A repurchase is
effected at the net asset value of the Fund next determined after such order is
received. Such arrangement is subject to timely receipt by AFS of all required
documents in good order. If such documents are not received within a reasonable
time after the order is placed, the order is subject to cancellation. While
there is no charge imposed by the Funds or by FMC when shares are redeemed or
repurchased, financial institutions may charge a fair service fee for handling
the transaction.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment
postponed when (a) trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is
restricted, as determined by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, (b)
the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings, (c)
the SEC has by order
30
<PAGE> 34
permitted such suspension, or (d) an emergency as determined by the SEC exists
making disposition of portfolio securities or the valuation of the net assets of
the Fund not reasonably practicable.
NET ASSET VALUE DETERMINATION
In accordance with the current rules and regulations of the SEC, the
net asset value of a share of each Fund is determined once daily as of the close
of trading of the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time), on each business day
of the Fund. In the event the NYSE closes early (i.e., before 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) on a particular day, the net asset value of a Fund share is determined as
of the close of the NYSE on such day. For purposes of determining net asset
value per share, futures and options contract closing prices which are available
fifteen (15) minutes after the close of trading on the NYSE will generally be
used. The net asset values per share of the Retail Classes and the Institutional
Classes will differ because different expenses are attributable to each class.
The income or loss and the expenses (except those listed below) of a Fund are
allocated to each class on the basis of the net assets of the Fund allocable to
each such class, calculated as of the close of business on the previous business
day, as adjusted for the current day's shareholder activity of each class.
Distribution and service fees and transfer agency fees (to the extent different
rates are charged to different classes) are allocated only to the class to which
such expenses relate. The net asset value per share of a class is determined by
subtracting the liabilities (e.g., the expenses) of the Fund allocated to the
class from the assets of the Fund allocated to the class and dividing the result
by the total number of shares outstanding of such class. Determination of each
Fund's net asset value per share is made in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
A security listed or traded on an exchange (except convertible bonds)
is valued at its last sales price on the exchange where the security is
principally traded or, lacking any sales on a particular day, the security is
valued at the closing bid price on that day. Each security traded in the
over-the-counter market (but not including securities reported on the NASDAQ
National Market system) is valued on the basis of prices provided by independent
pricing services. Each security reported on the NASDAQ National Market System is
valued at the last sales price on the valuation date, or lacking a last sale, at
the closing bid price on that day; option contracts are valued at the mean
between the closing bid and asked prices on the exchange where the contracts are
principally traded; futures contracts are valued at final settlement price
quotations from the primary exchange on which they are traded. Debt obligations
(including convertible bonds) are valued on the basis of prices provided by an
independent pricing service. Prices provided by an independent pricing service
may be determined without exclusive reliance on quoted prices and may reflect
appropriate factors such as dividend rate, yield, type of issue, coupon rate and
maturity date. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available
or for which market quotations are not reflective of fair value are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the
Company's officers in a manner specifically authorized by the Board of Directors
of the Company. Short-term obligations having sixty (60) days or less to
maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. (See
also "Purchasing Shares," "Redeeming Shares" and "Pricing of Shares" in the
Prospectus.)
Generally, trading in foreign securities, as well as corporate bonds,
U.S. Government securities and money market instruments, is substantially
completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values
of such securities used in computing the net asset value of a Fund's shares are
determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally
determined prior to the close of the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the
values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the times at
which they are determined and the close of the NYSE which will not be reflected
in the computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events materially affecting
the value of such securities occur during such period, then these securities
will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by or under the
supervision of the Board of Directors.
Fund securities primarily traded in foreign markets may be traded in
such markets on days which are not business days of the Fund. Because the net
asset value per share of each Fund is determined only on business days of the
Fund, the net asset value per share of a Fund may be significantly affected on
days when an investor can not exchange or redeem shares of the Fund.
31
<PAGE> 35
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX MATTERS
REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Income dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically
reinvested in additional shares of the same class of each Fund unless the
shareholder has requested in writing to receive such dividends and distributions
in cash or that they be invested in Institutional Class shares of another Fund,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus. If a
shareholder's account does not have any shares in it on a dividend or capital
gains distribution payment date, the dividend or distribution will be paid in
cash whether or not the shareholder has elected to have such dividends or
distributions reinvested.
TAX MATTERS
The following is only a summary of certain additional tax
considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not
described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed
explanation of the tax treatment of each Fund or its shareholders, and the
discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for
careful tax planning.
QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY
Each Fund has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, each Fund is
not subject to federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income
(i.e., taxable interest, dividends and other taxable ordinary income, net of
expenses) and capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of capital gains over
capital losses) that it distributes to shareholders, provided that it
distributes at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (i.e., net
investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net
long-term capital loss) for the taxable year (the "Distribution Requirement"),
and satisfies certain other requirements of the Code that are described below.
Distributions by a Fund made during the taxable year or, under specified
circumstances, within twelve months after the close of the taxable year, will be
considered distributions of income and gains of the taxable year and can
therefore satisfy the Distribution Requirement.
Each Fund may use "equalization accounting" in determining the portion
of its net investment income and capital gain net income that has been
distributed. A Fund that elects to use equalization accounting will allocate a
portion of its realized investment income and capital gains to redemptions of
Fund shares and will reduce the amount of such income and gains that it
distributes in cash. However, each Fund intends to make cash distributions for
each taxable year in an aggregate amount that is sufficient to satisfy the
Distribution Requirement without taking into account its use of equalization
accounting. The Internal Revenue Service has not published any guidance
concerning the methods to be used in allocating investment income and capital
gains to redemptions of shares. In the event that the Internal Revenue Service
determines that a Fund is using an improper method of allocation and has
underdistributed its net investment income and capital gain net income for any
taxable year, such Fund may be liable for additional federal income tax.
In addition to satisfying the Distribution Requirement, a regulated
investment company must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends,
interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale
or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies (to the extent
such currency gains are directly related to the regulated investment company's
principal business of investing in stock or securities) and other income
(including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward
contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies (the "Income Requirement").
In addition to satisfying the requirements described above, each Fund
must satisfy an asset diversification test in order to qualify as a regulated
investment company. Under this test, at the close of each quarter of each Fund's
taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund's assets must consist of
cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated
investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the
companies, and securities of other issuers, the Fund has not invested more than
5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in securities of such issuer and as
to which the Fund does not hold more than
32
<PAGE> 36
10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25%
of the value of its total assets may be invested in the securities of any one
issuer (other than U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated
investment companies), or in two or more issuers which the Fund controls and
which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses.
If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated
investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain)
will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for
distributions to shareholders, and such distributions will be taxable as
ordinary dividends to the extent of such Fund's current and accumulated earnings
and profits. Such distributions generally will be eligible for the dividends
received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders.
DETERMINATION OF TAXABLE INCOME OF A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY
In general, gain or loss recognized by a Fund on the disposition of an
asset will be a capital gain or loss. However, gain recognized on the
disposition of a debt obligation purchased by a Fund at a market discount
(generally, at a price less than its principal amount) will be treated as
ordinary income to the extent of the portion of the market discount which
accrued during the period of time the Fund held the debt obligation unless the
Fund made an election to accrue market discount into income. In addition, under
the rules of Code Section 988, gain or loss recognized on the disposition of
a debt obligation denominated in a foreign currency or an option with respect
thereto (but only to the extent attributable to changes in foreign currency
exchange rates), and gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a foreign
currency forward contract or of foreign currency itself, will generally be
treated as ordinary income or loss.
In general, for purposes of determining whether capital gain or loss
recognized by a Fund on the disposition of an asset is long-term or short-term,
the holding period of the asset may be affected if (a) the asset is used to
close a "short sale" (which includes for certain purposes the acquisition of a
put option) or is substantially identical to another asset so used, (b) the
asset is otherwise held by the Fund as part of a "straddle", or (c) the asset is
stock and the Fund grants certain call options with respect thereto. In
addition, a Fund may be required to defer the recognition of a loss on the
disposition of an asset held as part of a straddle to the extent of any
unrecognized gain on the offsetting position. Any gain recognized by a Fund on
the lapse of, or any gain or loss recognized by a Fund from a closing
transaction with respect to, an option written by the Fund will generally be
treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. In the case of covered options,
gain or loss may be long-term.
Other hedging transactions that may be engaged in by certain of the
Funds (such as short sales "against the box") may be subject to special tax
treatment as "constructive sales" under section 1259 of the Code if a Fund holds
certain "appreciated financial positions" (defined generally as any interest
(including a futures or forward contract, short sale or option) with respect to
stock, certain debt instruments, or partnership interests if there would be a
gain were such interest sold, assigned, or otherwise terminated at its fair
market value). Upon entering into a constructive sales transaction with respect
to an appreciated financial position, a Fund will be deemed to have
constructively sold such appreciated financial position and will recognize gain
as if such position were sold, assigned, or otherwise terminated at its fair
market value on the date of such constructive sale (and will take into account
any gain for the taxable year which includes such date) unless the closed
transaction exception applies.
Some of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options and
futures contracts that certain of the Funds may enter into will be subject to
special tax treatment as "Section 1256 contracts." Section 1256 contracts are
treated as if they are sold for their fair market value on the last business day
of the taxable year, regardless of whether a taxpayer's obligations (or rights)
under such contracts have terminated (by delivery, exercise, entering into a
closing transaction or otherwise) as of such date. Any gain or loss recognized
as a consequence of the year-end deemed disposition of Section 1256 contracts is
combined with any other gain or loss that was previously recognized upon the
termination of Section 1256 contracts during that taxable year. The net amount
of such gain or loss for the entire taxable year (including gain or loss arising
as a consequence of the year-end deemed sale of such contracts) is deemed to be
60% long-term (taxable at a maximum rate of 20% for non-corporate shareholders)
and 40% short-term gain or loss. However, in the case of Section 1256
33
<PAGE> 37
contracts that are forward foreign currency exchange contracts the net gain or
loss is separately determined and (as discussed above) generally treated as
ordinary income or loss.
Because application of the rules governing Section 1256 contracts and
constructive sales may affect the character of gains or losses and/or accelerate
the recognition of gains or losses from the affected investment positions, the
amount which must be distributed to shareholders and which will be taxed to
shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain may be increased as
compared to a fund that did not engage in transactions involving Section 1256
contracts or constructive sales.
EXCISE TAX ON REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES
A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment
company that fails to distribute in each calendar year an amount equal to 98% of
ordinary taxable income for the calendar year and 98% of capital gain net income
for the one-year period ended on October 31 of such calendar year (or, at the
election of a regulated investment company having a taxable year ending November
30 or December 31, for its taxable year (a "taxable year election")). The
balance of such income must be distributed during the next calendar year. For
the foregoing purposes, a regulated investment company is treated as having
distributed any amount on which it is subject to income tax for any taxable year
ending in such calendar year.
For purposes of the excise tax, a regulated investment company shall
(a) reduce its capital gain net income (but not below its net capital gain) by
the amount of any net ordinary loss for the calendar year, and (b) exclude
foreign currency gains and losses incurred after October 31 of any year (or
after the end of its taxable year if it has made a taxable year election) in
determining the amount of ordinary taxable income for the current calendar year
(and, instead, include such gains and losses in determining ordinary taxable
income for the succeeding calendar year).
Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed
distributions of its ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income prior
to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the excise tax. However,
in the event that the Internal Revenue Service determines that a Fund is using
an improper method of allocation for purposes of equalization accounting (as
discussed above), such Fund may be liable for excise tax. Moreover, investors
should note that a Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate
portfolio investments to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax
liability.
FUND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its investment
company taxable income for each taxable year. Such distributions will be taxable
to shareholders as ordinary income and treated as dividends for federal income
tax purposes, but they will qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction for
corporations only to the extent discussed below.
A Fund may either retain or distribute to shareholders its net capital
gain for each taxable year. Each Fund currently intends to distribute any such
amounts. If net capital gain is distributed and designated as a capital gain
dividend, it will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain
regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held his shares or whether
such gain was recognized by the Fund prior to the date on which the shareholder
acquired his shares. A shareholder of a Fund electing to use equalization
accounting, however, is likely to be taxed on less gain recognized prior to the
date the shareholder acquires his shares since such gain will in many cases have
been allocated to shares of the Fund that have previously been redeemed.
Conversely, if a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, the Fund will be
taxed thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carry
forwards) at the 35% corporate tax rate. If a Fund elects to retain its net
capital gain, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders
treated as if each received a distribution of its pro rata share of such gain,
with the result that each shareholder will be required to report its pro rata
share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a
refundable tax credit for its share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain, and
will increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the deemed
distribution less the tax credit.
34
<PAGE> 38
Ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund with respect to a taxable
year will qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction generally available
to corporations (other than corporations, such as "S" corporations, which are
not eligible for the deduction because of their special characteristics and
other than for purposes of special taxes such as the accumulated earnings tax
and the personal holding company tax) to the extent of the amount of qualifying
dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year.
A dividend received by the Fund will not be treated as a qualifying dividend (a)
if it has been received with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has
held for less than 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock),
excluding for this purpose under the rules of Code Section 246(c)(3)and(4) (i)
any day more than 45 days (or 90 days in the case of certain preferred stock)
after the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend, and (ii) any period
during which the Fund has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation
to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, has granted certain options to
buy or has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with
respect to, such (or substantially identical) stock; (b) to the extent that the
Fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make
related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related
property; or (c) to the extent the stock on which the dividend is paid is
treated as debt-financed under the rules of Code Section 246A. Moreover, the
dividends received deduction for a corporate shareholder may be disallowed or
reduced (a) if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing
requirements with respect to its shares of the Fund, or (b) by application of
Code Section 246(b) which in general limits the dividends received deduction to
70% of the shareholder's taxable income (determined without regard to the
dividends received deduction and certain other items).
Alternative minimum tax ("AMT") is imposed in addition to, but only to
the extent it exceeds, the regular tax and is computed at a maximum rate of 28%
for non-corporate taxpayers and 20% for corporate taxpayers on the excess of the
taxpayer's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI") over an exemption amount.
The corporate dividends received deduction is not itself an item of tax
preference that must be added back to taxable income or is otherwise disallowed
in determining a corporation's AMTI. However, corporate shareholders will
generally be required to take the full amount of any dividend received from the
Fund into account (without a dividend received deduction) in determining their
adjusted current earnings, which are used in computing an additional corporate
preference item (i.e., 75% of the excess of a corporate taxpayer's adjusted
current earnings over its AMTI (determined without regard to this item and the
AMTI net operating loss deduction)) that is includable in AMTI. For taxable
years beginning after 1997, however, certain small corporations are wholly
exempt from the AMT.
Investment income that may be received by certain of the Funds from
sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign taxes withheld at the
source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign
countries which entitle any such Funds to a reduced rate of, or exemption from,
taxes on such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of
foreign tax in advance since the amount of any such Fund's assets to be invested
in various countries is not known.
Distributions by a Fund that do not constitute ordinary income
dividends or capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital to
the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder's tax basis in his shares;
any excess will be treated as gain from the sale of his shares, as discussed
below.
Distributions by a Fund will be treated in the manner described above
regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund (or of another Fund). Shareholders receiving a
distribution in the form of additional shares will be treated as receiving a
distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received,
determined as of the reinvestment date.
In addition, if the net asset value at the time a shareholder purchases
shares of a Fund reflects undistributed net investment income or recognized
capital gain net income, or unrealized appreciation in the value of the assets
of the Fund, distributions of such amounts will be taxable to the shareholder in
the manner described above, although such distributions economically constitute
a return of capital to the shareholder.
Ordinarily, shareholders are required to take distributions by a Fund
into account in the year in which the distributions are made. However, dividends
declared in October, November or December of any year and payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month will be deemed to
have been received by
35
<PAGE> 39
the shareholders (and made by the Fund) on December 31 of such calendar year if
such dividends are actually paid in January of the following year. Shareholders
will be advised annually as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of
distributions made (or deemed made) during the year in accordance with the
guidance that has been provided by the IRS.
The Funds will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to
the U.S. Treasury 31% of ordinary income dividends and capital gain dividends,
and the proceeds of redemption of shares, paid to any shareholder (a) who has
provided either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (b)
who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to report the
receipt of interest or dividend income properly, or (c) who has failed to
certify to a Fund that it is not subject to backup withholding or that it is a
corporation or other "exempt recipient."
SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES
A shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption of
shares of a Fund in an amount equal to the difference between the proceeds of
the sale or redemption and the shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the shares.
All or a portion of any loss so recognized may be disallowed if the shareholder
purchases other shares of the Fund within thirty (30) days before or after the
sale or redemption. In general, any gain or loss arising from (or treated as
arising from) the sale or redemption of shares of a Fund will be considered
capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares
were held for longer than one year. Currently, any long-term capital gain
recognized by a non-corporate shareholder will be subject to tax at a maximum
rate of 20%. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or redemption of
shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss
to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received on such shares.
For this purpose, the special holding period rules of Code Section 246(c)(3) and
(4) (discussed above in connection with the dividends received deduction for
corporations) generally will apply in determining the holding period of shares.
Long-term capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers are currently taxed at a
maximum rate that in some cases may be 19.6% lower than the maximum rate
applicable to ordinary income. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to
the extent of capital gains plus, in the case of a non-corporate taxpayer,
$3,000 of ordinary income.
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS
Taxation of a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a
nonresident alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation, or
foreign partnership ("foreign shareholder"), depends on whether the income from
a Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by
such shareholder. If the income from a Fund is not effectively connected with a
U.S. trade or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, dividends and return
of capital distributions (other than distributions of long-term capital gain)
will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty
rate) upon the gross amount of the distribution. Such a foreign shareholder
would generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax on gains realized on the
sale of shares of a Fund, capital gain dividends and amounts retained by a Fund
that are designated as undistributed net capital gains.
If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business carried on by a foreign shareholder, then ordinary income dividends,
capital gain dividends and any gains realized upon the sale or redemption of
shares of the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates
applicable to U.S. citizens or domestic corporations.
In the case of foreign non-corporate shareholders, a Fund may be
required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 31% on distributions
that are otherwise exempt from withholding tax (or taxable at a reduced treaty
rate) unless such shareholders furnish the Fund with proper notification of
their foreign status.
The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the
benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described
herein. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund,
including the applicability of foreign taxes.
36
<PAGE> 40
EFFECT OF FUTURE LEGISLATION; LOCAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The foregoing general discussion of U.S. federal income tax
consequences is based on the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in
effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information. Future
legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly
change the conclusions expressed herein, and any such changes or decisions may
have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.
Rules of state and local taxation for ordinary income dividends and
capital gain dividends from regulated investment companies often differ from the
rules for U.S. federal income taxation described above. Shareholders are urged
to consult their tax advisers as to the consequences of these and other state
and local tax rules affecting investment in the Funds.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
This information supplements the discussion in the Funds' Prospectus
under the title "Shareholder Information."
SHARE CERTIFICATES. The Funds will issue share certificates upon
written request to AFS. Otherwise, shares are held on the shareholder's behalf
and recorded on the Fund books.
REDEMPTIONS BY TELEPHONE. By signing an account application form, an
investor appoints the Transfer Agent as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact to
surrender for redemption any and all unissued shares held by the Transfer Agent
in the designated account(s), present or future, with full power of substitution
in the premises. The Transfer Agent and FMC are thereby authorized and directed
to accept and act upon any telephone redemptions of shares held in any of the
account(s) listed, from any person who requests the redemption. An investor
acknowledges by signing the form that he understands and agrees that the
Transfer Agent and FMC may not be liable for any loss, expense or cost arising
out of any telephone redemption requests effected in accordance with the
authorization set forth in these instructions if they reasonably believe such
request to be genuine, but may in certain cases be liable for losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Procedures for verification of
telephone transactions may include recordings of telephone transactions
(maintained for six months), requests for confirmation of the shareholder's
Taxpayer Identification Number or Social Security Number and current address,
and mailings of confirmations promptly after the transactions. The Transfer
Agent reserves the right to cease to act as attorney-in-fact subject to this
appointment, and FMC reserves the right to modify or terminate the telephone
redemption privilege at any time without notice. An investor may elect not to
have this privilege by marking the appropriate box on the application. Then any
redemptions must be effected in writing by the investor.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. In determining the amount of capital
gains, if any, available for distribution, net capital gains are offset against
available net capital losses, if any, carried forward from previous fiscal
periods.
Dividends and distributions will be reinvested at the net asset value
per share determined on the ex-dividend date.
Changes in the form of dividend and distribution payments may be made
by the shareholder at any time by notice to the Transfer Agent and are effective
as to any subsequent payment if such notice is received by the Transfer Agent
prior to the record date of such payment. Any dividend and distribution election
remains in effect until the Transfer Agent receives a revised written election
by the shareholder.
Any dividend or distribution paid by a Fund has the effect of reducing
the net asset value per share on the ex-dividend date by the amount of the
dividend or distribution. Therefore, a dividend or distribution declared shortly
after a purchase of shares by an investor would represent, in substance, a
return of capital to the shareholder with respect to such shares even though it
would be subject to income taxes.
37
<PAGE> 41
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
CHARGES FOR CERTAIN ACCOUNT INFORMATION
The Transfer Agent may impose certain copying charges for requests of
shareholder account statements and other historical account information older
than the current year and the immediately preceding year.
AUDIT REPORTS
The Board of Directors will issue semi-annual reports of the
transactions of the Funds to the shareholders. Financial statements, audited by
independent auditors, will be issued annually. The firm of KPMG LLP, 700
Louisiana, NationsBank Building, Houston, Texas 77002, currently serves as the
auditors of each fund.
LEGAL MATTERS
Legal matters for the Company have been passed upon by Ballard Spahr
Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, 1735 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian"), 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, is custodian of all securities and cash of
the Funds. The custodian attends to the collection of principal and income, pays
and collects all monies for securities bought and sold by the Funds and performs
certain other ministerial duties. A I M Fund Services, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of AIM, 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77046-1173, acts
as transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Funds. These services do not
include any supervisory function over management or provide any protection
against any possible depreciation of assets. The Funds pay the Custodian and the
Transfer Agent such compensation as may be agreed upon from time to time.
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH
To the best of the knowledge of the Company, the names and addresses of
the holders of 5% or more of the outstanding Class A shares of Aggressive Growth
as of February 1, 1999, and the amount of the outstanding shares held of record
and beneficially owned by such holders are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT OWNED
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OF OF RECORD AND
OF RECORD OWNER RECORD ONLY* BENEFICIALLY
- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS A SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 16.77% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* The Funds have no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the
shares owned of record only are also owned beneficially.
38
<PAGE> 42
BLUE CHIP
To the best of the knowledge of the Company, the names and addresses of
the holders of 5% or more of the outstanding Class A, Class B and Class C shares
of Blue Chip as of February 1, 1999, and the amount of the outstanding shares
held of record and beneficially owned by such holders are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT OWNED
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OF OF RECORD AND
OF RECORD OWNER RECORD ONLY* BENEFICIALLY
- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS A SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 7.97% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
RETAIL CLASS B SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 11.80% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
RETAIL CLASS C SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 17.07% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
</TABLE>
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
To the best of the knowledge of the Company, the names and addresses of
the holders of 5% or more of the outstanding Class A, Class B and Class C shares
of Capital Development as of February 1, 1999, and the amount of the outstanding
shares held of record and beneficially owned by such holders are set forth
below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT OWNED
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OF OF RECORD AND
OF RECORD OWNER RECORD ONLY* BENEFICIALLY
- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS A SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 13.33% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
</TABLE>
- --------------------
* The Funds have no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the
shares owned of record only are also owned beneficially.
39
<PAGE> 43
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT OWNED
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OF OF RECORD AND
OF RECORD OWNER RECORD ONLY* BENEFICIALLY
- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS B SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 16.38% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
RETAIL CLASS C SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 22.22% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
</TABLE>
CHARTER
To the best of the knowledge of the Company, the names and addresses of
the holders of 5% or more of the outstanding Class A, Class B and Class C shares
of Charter as of February 1, 1999, and the Institutional Class of Charter as of
February 1, 1999, and the amount of the outstanding shares held of record and
beneficially owned by such holders are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT OWNED
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OF OF RECORD AND
OF RECORD OWNER RECORD ONLY* BENEFICIALLY
- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS A SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 14.12% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Great-West Life and Annuity Insurance Co. 6.98% -0-
401(k) Unit Valuations
Attn: Rod Switzer 2T2
8515 E. Orchard
Englewood, CO 80111
</TABLE>
- --------
* The Funds have no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the
shares owned of record only are also owned beneficially.
40
<PAGE> 44
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT OWNED
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OF OF RECORD AND
OF RECORD OWNER RECORD ONLY* BENEFICIALLY
- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS B SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 8.56% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
RETAIL CLASS C SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 18.56% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 95.48% -0-
One Ashburton Place
12th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
</TABLE>
CONSTELLATION
To the best of the knowledge of the Company, the names and
addresses of the holders of 5% or more of the outstanding Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of Constellation as of February 1, 1999, and of the Institutional
Class of Constellation as of February 1, 1999, and the amount of the outstanding
shares held of record and beneficially owned by such holders are set forth
below:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS A SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 15.73% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
* The Funds have no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the
shares owned of record only are also owned beneficially.
41
<PAGE> 45
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT OWNED
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OF OF RECORD AND
OF RECORD OWNER RECORD ONLY* BENEFICIALLY
- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS B SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 7.37% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
RETAIL CLASS C SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 26.96% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
Nationwide Ohio Variable Account 39.10% -0-
P.O. Box 182029
Columbus, Ohio 43218
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 33.83% -0-
One Ashburton Place
12th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Nationwide GPVA 11.79% -0-
P. O. Box 18209
Columbus, OH 43218
</TABLE>
LARGE CAP
AIM provided the initial capitalization of Large Cap and, accordingly,
as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, owned
more than 25% of the issued and outstanding shares of that Fund and therefore
could be deemed to "control" that Fund as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
It is anticipated that after commencement of the public offering of the Fund's
shares, AIM will cease to control the Fund for purposes of the 1940 Act.
- ------------------
* The Funds have no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the
shares owned of record only are also owned beneficially.
42
<PAGE> 46
WEINGARTEN
To the best of the knowledge of the Company, the names and addresses of
the holders of 5% or more of the outstanding Class A, Class B and Class C shares
of Weingarten as of February 1, 1999, and the Institutional Class of Weingarten
as of February 1, 1999, and the amount of the outstanding shares held of record
and beneficially owned by such holders are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT PERCENT OWNED
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OF OF RECORD AND
OF RECORD OWNER RECORD ONLY* BENEFICIALLY
- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL CLASS A SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 17.79% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Great-West Life and Annuity 5.34% -0-
Insurance Co.
401(K) Unit Valuations
Attn: Rod Switzer 2T2
8515 E. Orchard
Englewood, CO 80111
RETAIL CLASS B SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 10.34% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
RETAIL CLASS C SHARES
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 22.64% -0-
FBO The Sole Benefit of Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 89.77% -0-
One Ashburton Place
12th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Nationwide GPVA 6.22% -0-
P. O. Box 182029
Columbus, OH 43218
</TABLE>
43
<PAGE> 47
As of February 1, 1999, the directors/trustees and officers of the
Company as a group owned beneficially less than 1% of the outstanding shares of
each class of Blue Chip, Charter, Weingarten, Constellation, Aggressive Growth,
Capital Development and Large Cap.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit certain
information contained in the Registration Statement which the Company has filed
with the SEC under the 1933 Act and reference is hereby made to the Registration
Statement for further information with respect to the Funds and the securities
offered hereby. The Registration Statement is available for inspection by the
public at the SEC in Washington, D.C.
44
<PAGE> 48
APPENDIX
DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S
Commercial paper rated by Standard & Poor's has the following
characteristics: Liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements.
Long-term senior debt is rated "A" or better. The issuer has access to at least
two additional channels of borrowing. Basic earnings and cash flow have an
upward trend with allowance made for unusual circumstances. Typically, the
issuer's industry is well-established, and the issuer has a strong position
within the industry. The reliability and quality of management are unquestioned.
The relative strength or weakness of the above factors determines whether the
issuer's Commercial Paper is rated A-1 or A-2. A-1 indicates the degree of
safety regarding time of payment is very strong. A-2 indicates that the capacity
for timely payment is strong, but that the relative degree of safety is not as
overwhelming as for issues designated A-1.
MOODY'S
Prime-1 and Prime-2 are the two highest commercial paper ratings
assigned by Moody's Investors Service. Among the factors considered by Moody's
in assigning ratings are the following: (a) evaluation of the management of the
issuer; (b) economic evaluation of the issuer's industry or industries and an
appraisal of speculative-type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (c)
evaluation of the issuer's products in relation to competition and customer
acceptance; (d) liquidity; (e) amount and quality of long-term debt; (f) trend
of earnings over a period of ten years; (g) financial strength of a parent
company and the relationships which exist with the issuer; and (h) recognition
by the management of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result
of public interest questions and preparations to meet such obligations. Relative
strength or weakness of the above factors determines whether the issuer's
commercial paper is rated Prime-1 or Prime-2.
DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S
AAA -- Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong.
AA -- Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
MOODY'S
Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt-edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known
as "high-grade bonds." They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
45
<PAGE> 49
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FS
<PAGE> 50
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
AIM Equity Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the AIM
Charter Fund (a portfolio of AIM Equity Funds, Inc.), including the schedule of
investments, as of October 31, 1998, the related statement of operations for the
year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the years in
the two-year period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the
years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1998, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AIM
Charter Fund as of October 31, 1998, the results of its operations for the year
then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year
period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the years in the
five-year period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Houston, Texas
December 4, 1998
FS-1
<PAGE> 51
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS-76.39%
AIR FREIGHT-0.35%
CNF Transportation Inc. 600,000 $ 18,150,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BANKS (MAJOR REGIONAL)-0.53%
UBS A.G. (Switzerland)(a) 100,001 27,425,406
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BANKS (MONEY CENTER)-2.52%
BankAmerica Corp. 500,000 28,718,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Chase Manhattan Corp. (The) 1,800,000 102,262,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
130,981,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BROADCASTING (TELEVISION, RADIO & CABLE)-0.62%
Comcast Corp.-Class A 650,000 32,093,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CHEMICALS (DIVERSIFIED)-1.02%
Monsanto Co. 1,300,000 52,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT-0.62%
Lucent Technologies, Inc. 400,000 32,075,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (HARDWARE)-2.31%
Compaq Computer Corp.(b) 798,000 25,236,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Dell Computer Corp.(a) 650,000 42,656,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
International Business Machines
Corp. 350,000 51,953,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
119,846,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (NETWORKING)-1.58%
Ascend Communications, Inc.(a) 400,000 19,300,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 63,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
82,300,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (SOFTWARE & SERVICES)-4.30%
BMC Software, Inc.(a) 400,000 19,225,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Sciences Corp.(a) 500,000 26,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Compuware Corp.(a) 300,000 16,256,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HBO & Co. 1,000,000 26,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Corp.(a) 1,000,000 105,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Novell, Inc.(a) 2,000,000 29,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
223,731,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER FINANCE-1.74%
Household International, Inc. 500,000 18,281,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MBNA Corp. 800,000 18,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Providian Financial Corp.(b) 678,000 53,816,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
90,347,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
DISTRIBUTORS (FOOD & HEALTH)-0.83%
Bergen Brunswig Corp.-Class A 300,000 $ 14,643,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cardinal Health, Inc. 300,000 28,368,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
43,012,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRIC COMPANIES-0.72%
Edison International 700,000 18,462,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FPL Group, Inc. 300,000 18,768,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
37,231,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT-2.49%
General Electric Co. 1,250,000 109,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Honeywell, Inc. 250,000 19,968,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
129,343,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS (DEFENSE)-0.32%
Raytheon Co.-Class A 300,000 16,800,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS (SEMICONDUCTORS)-0.51%
Intel Corp. 300,000 26,756,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
EQUIPMENT (SEMICONDUCTOR)-0.37%
Applied Materials, Inc.(a) 550,000 19,078,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL (DIVERSIFIED)-7.95%
American Express Co. 850,000 75,118,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Associates First Capital
Corp.-Class A(b) 350,000 24,675,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Citigroup Inc. 1,500,000 70,593,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fannie Mae 1,000,000 70,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Freddie Mac 1,400,000 80,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter,
Discover & Co. 650,000 42,087,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SunAmerica, Inc. 700,000 49,350,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
413,137,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (DIVERSIFIED)-4.86%
Abbott Laboratories 500,000 23,468,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
American Home Products Corp. 500,000 24,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 600,000 66,337,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Johnson & Johnson 400,000 32,600,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-2
CHARTER
<PAGE> 52
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
HEALTH CARE (DIVERSIFIED)-(CONTINUED)
Warner-Lambert Co.(b) 1,350,000 $ 105,806,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
252,587,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (DRUGS-MAJOR PHARMACEUTICALS)-7.22%
Lilly (Eli) & Co. 800,000 64,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Merck & Co., Inc. 500,000 67,625,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Pfizer Inc. 1,400,000 150,237,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.(b) 1,750,000 92,640,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
375,253,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (MEDICAL PRODUCTS & SUPPLIES)-2.66%
Allegiance Corp. 755,000 28,076,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Arterial Vascular Engineering,
Inc.(a)(b) 600,000 18,450,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Baxter International Inc. 300,000 17,981,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Becton, Dickinson & Co. 600,000 25,275,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Guidant Corp. 250,000 19,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Medtronic, Inc. 450,000 29,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
138,157,813
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (SPECIALIZED SERVICES)-0.53%
Omnicare, Inc. 800,000 27,650,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS (NON-DURABLES)-1.36%
Colgate-Palmolive Co. 500,000 44,187,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) 300,000 26,662,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
70,850,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEWARES-0.48%
Rubbermaid, Inc. 750,000 24,890,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE (MULTI-LINE)-1.31%
Ace, Ltd. 500,000 16,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
American International Group, Inc. 600,000 51,150,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
68,087,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE (PROPERTY-CASUALTY)-0.50%
Allstate Corp. (The) 600,000 25,837,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT BANKING/BROKERAGE-0.80%
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. 700,000 41,475,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT-0.54%
Franklin Resources, Inc. 744,100 28,136,281
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
LODGING-HOTELS-1.09%
Carnival Corp. 1,750,000 56,656,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MACHINERY (DIVERSIFIED)-0.39%
Ingersoll-Rand Co. 400,000 20,200,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
MANUFACTURING (DIVERSIFIED)-2.64%
Illinois Tool Works Inc. 250,000 $ 16,031,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tyco International Ltd. 1,650,000 102,196,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
United Technologies Corp. 200,000 19,050,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
137,278,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS-1.43%
El Paso Energy Corp. 550,000 19,490,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Enron Corp. 675,000 35,606,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Williams Companies, Inc. (The) 700,000 19,206,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
74,303,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OIL & GAS (DRILLING & EQUIPMENT)-1.59%
Baker Hughes, Inc. 1,250,000 27,578,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Halliburton Co. 800,000 28,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Schlumberger Ltd. 500,000 26,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
82,578,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OIL & GAS (EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION)-1.08%
Conoco Inc.-Class A(a) 2,250,000 55,968,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OIL (INTERNATIONAL INTEGRATED)-1.61%
Amoco Corp. 300,000 16,837,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Dutch Petroleum Co.-New
York Shares (Netherlands) 1,000,000 49,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Texaco, Inc. 300,000 17,793,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
83,881,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PERSONAL CARE-0.23%
Avon Products, Inc. 298,900 11,862,594
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTOGRAPHY/IMAGING-0.75%
Xerox Corp. 400,000 38,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLISHING-0.35%
Dow Jones & Co., Inc. 400,000 18,325,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RAILROADS-0.40%
Kansas City Southern Industries,
Inc. 542,700 20,961,787
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST-0.19%
Crescent Real Estate Equities, Co. 400,000 10,025,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (BUILDING SUPPLIES)-0.32%
Lowe's Companies, Inc. 500,000 16,843,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS)-0.19%
Ingram Micro, Inc.-Class A(a)(b) 222,200 10,110,100
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-3
CHARTER
<PAGE> 53
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL (DEPARTMENT STORES)-1.31%
Federated Department Stores, Inc.(a) 600,000 $ 23,062,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Kohl's Corp.(a) 350,000 16,734,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Saks Inc.(a) 1,233,300 28,057,575
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
67,854,450
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DISCOUNTERS)-0.35%
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. 1,000,000 18,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DRUG STORES)-0.69%
CVS Corp.(b) 150,000 6,853,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Walgreen Co. 600,000 29,212,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
36,065,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (GENERAL MERCHANDISE)-2.41%
Dayton Hudson Corp. 1,000,000 42,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 1,200,000 82,800,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
125,175,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SAVINGS & LOAN COMPANIES-0.32%
Washington Mutual, Inc. 450,000 16,846,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (COMMERCIAL & CONSUMER)-0.24%
Service Corp. International 350,000 12,468,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (DATA PROCESSING)-1.07%
Ceridian Corp.(a) 325,000 18,646,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Equifax, Inc. 475,000 18,376,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fiserv, Inc.(a) 400,000 18,600,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
55,623,438
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS (LONG DISTANCE)-3.19%
MCI WorldCom, Inc.(a)(b) 3,000,000 165,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE-2.56%
Ameritech Corp. 600,000 32,362,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BellSouth Corp. 450,000 35,915,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SBC Communications, Inc.(b) 1,400,000 64,837,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
133,115,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TOBACCO-2.95%
Philip Morris Companies, Inc. 3,000,000 153,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Common Stocks (Cost
$2,927,834,541) 3,970,191,119
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES-12.98%
AUTO PARTS & EQUIPMENT-0.22%
Magna International, Inc., Conv.
Sub. Deb., 4.875%, 02/15/05 $ 11,000,000 $ 11,247,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
BROADCASTING (TELEVISION, RADIO & CABLE)-0.30%
Jacor Communications, Inc.,
Conv. Sr. LYON, 5.50%,
06/12/11(c) $ 20,000,000 $ 15,450,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT-1.48%
Comverse Technology, Inc., Conv.
Sub. Deb., 4.50%, 07/01/05(d)
(Acquired 06/25/98-10/15/98;
Cost $17,000,000) 17,500,000 16,253,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Global Telesystems Group, Inc.,
Conv. Sr. Sub. Deb., 5.75%,
07/01/10 42,250,000 37,708,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Global Telesystems Group, Inc.,
Conv. Sr. Sub. Notes, 8.75%,
06/30/00 1,100,000 2,283,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Global Telesystems Group, Inc.,
Conv. Sr. Sub. Notes, 8.75%,
06/30/00(d) (Acquired
02/05/98; Cost $13,002,080) 10,000,000 20,762,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
77,007,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (HARDWARE)-0.40%
Candescent Technology Corp.,
Conv. Sr. Sub. Deb., 7.00%,
05/01/03(d) (Acquired
04/17/98; Cost $25,000,000) 25,000,000 21,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (PERIPHERALS)-1.39%
EMC Corp., Conv. Sub. Notes,
3.25%, 03/15/02 25,000,000 72,218,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (SOFTWARE & SERVICES)-3.58%
America Online, Inc., Conv. Sub.
Notes, 4.00%, 11/15/02 37,500,000 94,265,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
America Online, Inc., Conv. Sub.
Notes, 4.00%, 11/15/02(d)
(Acquired 02/10/98; Cost
$15,619,768) 12,500,000 31,421,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Network Associates, Inc., Conv.
Sub. Deb., 4.00%, 02/13/18(c) 45,000,000 19,575,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Platinum Technology, Inc., Conv.
Sub. Notes, 6.25%, 12/15/02 10,000,000 8,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Platinum Technology, Inc., Conv.
Sub. Notes, 6.25%, 12/15/02(d)
(Acquired 12/11/97-01/12/98;
Cost $9,961,125) 10,000,000 8,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Veritas Software Corp., Conv.
Sub. Notes, 5.25%, 11/01/04 17,500,000 24,368,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
186,131,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-4
CHARTER
<PAGE> 54
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT-0.48%
SCI Systems, Inc., Conv. Sub.
Notes, 5.00%, 05/01/06(d)
(Acquired 10/20/98; Cost
$20,135,415) $ 15,000,000 $ 24,806,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS (SEMICONDUCTORS)-0.29%
Amkor Technology, Inc., Conv.
Sub Notes, 5.75%, 05/01/03 26,000,000 14,885,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD-MISC. (DIVERSIFIED)-0.54%
Nestle Holding, Inc., Conv.
Bond, 3.00%, 06/17/02
(Switzerland) 20,000,000 28,110,540
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (SPECIALIZED SERVICES)-0.62%
Omnicare, Inc., Conv. Bond,
5.00%, 12/01/07 10,000,000 10,800,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Omnicare, Inc., Conv. Sub. Deb.,
5.00%, 12/01/07(d) (Acquired
12/04/97; Cost $20,000,000) 20,000,000 21,600,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
32,400,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE (MULTI-LINE)-0.40%
Loews Corp., Conv. Sub. Notes,
3.125%, 09/15/07 25,000,000 20,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (BUILDING SUPPLIES)-0.55%
Home Depot, Inc., Conv. Sub.
Notes, 3.25%, 10/01/01 15,000,000 28,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS)-0.49%
Ingram Micro, Inc., Conv. Deb.,
5.375%, 06/09/18(c) 70,000,000 25,637,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DRUG STORES)-0.37%
Rite Aid Corp., Conv. Sub.
Notes, 5.25%, 09/15/02 15,000,000 19,012,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (GENERAL MERCHANDISE)-0.54%
Costco Companies, Inc., Conv.
Sub. Notes, 3.50%, 08/19/17(c) 40,000,000 28,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (SPECIALTY)-0.43%
Staples Inc., Conv. Sub. Deb.,
4.50%, 10/01/00(d) (Acquired
10/23/97-12/30/97; Cost
$13,054,000) 10,000,000 22,225,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (DATA PROCESSING)-0.39%
Affiliated Computer Services,
Conv. Sub. Notes, 4.00%,
03/15/05 9,250,000 9,862,813
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Affiliated Computer Services,
Conv. Sub. Notes, 4.00%,
03/15/05(d) (Acquired
03/17/98; Cost $10,004,125) 10,000,000 10,662,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
20,525,313
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
WASTE MANAGEMENT-0.51%
United Waste Systems, Inc.,
Conv. Sub. Notes, 4.50%,
06/01/01 $ 17,500,000 $ 26,753,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Convertible Corporate
Bonds & Notes (Cost
$587,314,953) 674,660,353
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
<S> <C> <C>
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS-5.93%
BROADCASTING (TELEVISION, RADIO & CABLE)-1.65%
Chancellor Media Corp.-$3.00
Conv. Pfd. 275,000 $ 22,275,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MediaOne Group, Inc.-$2.25
Series D Conv. Pfd. 550,000 47,746,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MediaOne Group, Inc.-$3.625
Conv. Pfd. 300,000 16,162,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
86,184,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (SOFTWARE & SERVICES)-0.29%
Microsoft Corp.-$2.196 Series A
Conv. Pfd. 154,000 15,053,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRIC COMPANIES-0.96%
Houston Industries, Inc.-$3.22
Conv. Pfd. 615,000 49,853,437
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (MEDICAL PRODUCTS & SUPPLIES)-0.31%
McKesson Financing Trust, $2.50
Conv. Pfd. 150,000 15,975,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOME DECORATION PRODUCTS-0.36%
Newell Financial Trust,
Inc.-$2.625 Conv. Pfd. 350,000 18,856,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE (LIFE/HEALTH)-0.68%
Conseco, Inc.-$4.278 Conv.
PRIDES 300,000 35,700,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
LODGING-HOTELS-0.48%
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Ltd.-$3.63 Conv. Pfd. 271,700 24,860,550
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DRUG STORES)-0.50%
CVS Corp.-$4.23 Conv. Pfd. 300,000 25,800,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (GENERAL MERCHANDISE)-0.15%
Kmart Financing, Inc.-$3.875
Conv. Pfd. 140,000 7,761,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (SPECIALTY-APPAREL)-0.28%
TJX Companies, Inc.-$7.00 Series
E Conv. Pfd. 35,000 14,348,425
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS (CELLULAR/WIRELESS)-0.27%
AirTouch Communications,
Inc.-$1.74 Series B Conv. Pfd. 300,000 13,800,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Convertible Preferred
Stocks (Cost $271,494,583) 308,192,787
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-5
CHARTER
<PAGE> 55
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. TREASURY NOTES-1.28%
9.125%, 05/15/99 $ 20,000,000 $ 20,488,800
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
11.75%, 02/15/01 40,000,000 46,394,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total U.S. Treasury Notes
(Cost $68,093,945) 66,882,800
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT-3.90%(e)
Dresdner Kleinwort, Benson,
North America LLC, 5.55%,
11/02/98(f) (Cost
$202,557,788) 202,557,788 202,557,788
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS-100.48% 5,222,484,847
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS LESS
LIABILITIES-(0.48%) (25,198,413)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS-100.00% $5,197,286,434
===============================================================
</TABLE>
Abbreviations:
Conv. - Convertible
Deb. - Debentures
LYON - Liquid Yield Option Notes
Pfd. - Preferred
PRIDES - Preferred Redemption Increase Dividend Equity Security
Sr. - Senior
Sub. - Subordinated
Notes to Schedule of Investments:
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) A portion of these securities are subject to call options written. See
note 7.
(c) Zero coupon bonds. Interest rate shown represents the rate of original issue
discount.
(d) Restricted security. May be resold to qualified institutional buyers in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. The valuation of these securities has been determined in
accordance with the procedures established by the Board of Directors. The
aggregate market value of these securities at 10/31/98 was $176,981,250,
which represented 3.41% of the Fund's net assets.
(e) Collateral on repurchase agreements, including the Fund's pro-rata interest
in joint repurchase agreements, is taken into possession by the Fund upon
entering into the repurchase agreement. The collateral is marked to market
daily to ensure its market value is at least 102% of the sales price of the
repurchase agreement. The investments in some repurchase agreements are
through participation in joint accounts with other mutual funds, private
accounts, and certain non-registered investment companies managed by the
investment advisor for its affiliates.
(f) Joint repurchase agreement entered into 10/30/98 with a maturing value of
$300,138,750. Collateralized by $485,457,284 U.S. Government obligations, 0%
to 8.50% due 01/07/99 to 08/01/37 with an aggregate market value at 10/31/98
of $306,003,830.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-6
CHARTER
<PAGE> 56
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
OCTOBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at market value (cost
$4,057,295,810) $5,222,484,847
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Receivables for:
Investments sold 13,449,956
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Capital stock sold 5,474,436
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and interest 15,664,282
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Investment for deferred compensation plan 62,521
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Other assets 133,187
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 5,257,269,229
- ------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
Payables for:
Investments purchased 36,176,235
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Capital stock reacquired 9,083,225
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred compensation 62,521
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Options written (premiums received
$8,091,351) 8,480,263
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued advisory fees 2,504,651
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued administrative services fees 12,550
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued directors' fees 4,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued distribution fees 2,409,172
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued transfer agent fees 923,434
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued operating expenses 326,744
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 59,982,795
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding $5,197,286,434
============================================================
NET ASSETS:
Class A $3,706,938,087
============================================================
Class B $1,408,687,133
============================================================
Class C $ 37,846,445
============================================================
Institutional Class $ 43,814,769
============================================================
CAPITAL STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE:
Class A:
Authorized 750,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 278,255,520
============================================================
Class B:
Authorized 750,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 106,376,708
============================================================
Class C:
Authorized 750,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 2,851,068
============================================================
Institutional Class:
Authorized 200,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 3,265,143
============================================================
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per
share $ 13.32
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Offering price per share:
(Net asset value of $13.32 divided
by 94.50%) $ 14.10
============================================================
Class B:
Net asset value and offering price per
share $ 13.24
============================================================
Class C:
Net asset value and offering price per
share $ 13.27
============================================================
Institutional Class:
Net asset value, offering and redemption
price per share $ 13.42
============================================================
</TABLE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends (net of $827,299 foreign
withholding tax) $ 61,756,240
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Interest 40,582,343
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Total investment income 102,338,583
- -----------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Advisory fees 31,820,925
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Administrative services fees 152,008
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Custodian fees 327,507
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Directors' fees 38,648
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class A 11,101,044
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class B 12,843,741
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class C 216,922
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Interest (Note 5) 412,451
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class A 4,902,143
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class B 2,508,122
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class C 49,570
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Institutional Class 3,895
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Other 1,138,589
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 65,515,565
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Less: Fees waived by advisor (762,337)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Expenses paid indirectly (239,868)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Net expenses 64,513,360
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 37,825,223
- -----------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM
INVESTMENT SECURITIES, FOREIGN CURRENCIES,
FUTURES AND OPTION CONTRACTS:
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Investment securities 204,168,591
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currencies 985,214
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Futures contracts (3,768,370)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts purchased 2,119,600
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts written 2,763,898
- -----------------------------------------------------------
206,268,933
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
of:
Investment securities 256,495,600
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currencies 39,913
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Futures contracts 2,332,675
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts written (3,953,364)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
254,914,824
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Net gain from investment securities,
foreign currencies, futures and option
contracts 461,183,757
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations $499,008,980
===========================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-7
CHARTER
<PAGE> 57
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income $ 37,825,223 $ 25,716,155
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain from investment securities, foreign
currencies, futures and option contracts 206,268,933 471,905,541
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investment securities,
foreign currencies, futures and option contracts 254,914,824 453,826,181
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 499,008,980 951,447,877
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders from net investment income:
Class A (28,039,987) (29,364,689)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B (3,013,337) (2,392,475)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C (47,378) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class (445,449) (438,502)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains:
Class A (346,531,949) (162,219,599)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B (108,856,197) (34,439,480)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C (819,962) (2,594)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class (3,989,466) (1,797,486)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net equalization credits (See Note 1):
Class A -- 292,768
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -- 189,770
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class -- 6,698
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share transactions-net:
Class A 235,195,827 247,700,247
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 350,425,592 397,291,935
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 32,069,085 5,872,568
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 3,464,509 4,247,713
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets 628,420,268 1,376,394,751
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period 4,568,866,166 3,192,471,415
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period $5,197,286,434 $4,568,866,166
==============================================================================================
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Capital (par value and additional paid-in) $3,821,903,969 $3,199,855,109
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed net investment income 9,291,857 2,895,981
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed net realized gain from investment
securities, foreign currencies, futures and option
contracts 201,250,572 456,189,864
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized appreciation of investment securities, foreign
currencies, futures and option contracts 1,164,840,036 909,925,212
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$5,197,286,434 $4,568,866,166
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-8
CHARTER
<PAGE> 58
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
October 31, 1998
NOTE 1-SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
AIM Charter Fund (the "Fund") is a series portfolio of AIM Equity Funds, Inc.
(the "Company"). The Company is a Maryland corporation registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end
series management investment company consisting of six separate portfolios: AIM
Charter Fund, AIM Aggressive Growth Fund, AIM Blue Chip Fund, AIM Capital
Development Fund, AIM Constellation Fund and AIM Weingarten Fund. The Fund
currently offers four different classes of shares: Class A shares, Class B
shares, Class C shares and the Institutional Class. Class A shares are sold with
a front-end sales charge. Class B shares and Class C shares are sold with a
contingent deferred sales charge. Matters affecting each portfolio or class will
be voted on exclusively by the shareholders of such portfolio or class. The
assets, liabilities and operations of each portfolio are accounted for
separately. Information presented in these financial statements pertains only to
the Fund. The Fund's investment objective is to provide growth of capital, with
current income as a secondary objective.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The
following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund
in the preparation of its financial statements.
A. Security Valuations-A security listed or traded on an exchange (except
convertible bonds) is valued at its last sales price on the exchange where
the security is principally traded, or lacking any sales on a particular
day, the security is valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked
prices on that day. Each security traded in the over-the-counter market (but
not including securities reported on the NASDAQ National Market System) is
valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices based upon quotes
furnished by market makers for such securities. Each security reported on
the NASDAQ National Market System is valued at the last sales price on the
valuation date, or absent a last sales price, at the mean of the closing bid
and asked prices. Debt obligations (including convertible bonds) are valued
on the basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service. Prices
provided by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance
on quoted prices, and may reflect appropriate factors such as yield, type of
issue, coupon rate and maturity date. Securities for which market prices are
not provided by any of the above methods are valued at the mean between last
bid and asked prices based upon quotes furnished by independent sources.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or are
questionable are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the supervision of the Company's officers in a manner specifically
authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. Short-term obligations
having 60 days or less to maturity are valued at amortized cost which
approximates market value. Generally, trading in foreign securities is
substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the
New York Stock Exchange. The values of such securities used in computing the
net asset value of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times.
Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the
close of the New York Stock Exchange. Occasionally, events affecting the
values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the
times at which they are determined and the close of the New York Stock
Exchange which will not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net
asset value. If events materially affecting the value of such securities
occur during such period, then these securities will be valued at their fair
value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Board
of Directors.
B. Securities Transactions, Investment Income and Distributions-Securities
transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains or
losses on sales are computed on the basis of specific identification of the
securities sold. Interest income is recorded as earned from settlement date
and is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income and distributions to
shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. On October 31, 1998,
undistributed net investment income was increased by $1,010,651 and
undistributed net realized gains decreased by $1,010,651 in order to comply
with the requirements of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants Statements of Position 93-2. Net assets of the Fund were
unaffected by the reclassifications discussed above.
C. Bond Premiums-It is the policy of the Fund not to amortize market premiums
on bonds for financial reporting purposes.
D. Federal Income Taxes-The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company
and, as such, will not be subject to federal income taxes on otherwise
taxable income (including net realized capital gains) which is distributed
to shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is
recorded in the financial statements.
E. Expenses-Distribution and transfer agency expenses directly attributable to
a class of shares are charged to that class' operations. All other expenses
are allocated among the classes.
F. Equalization-The Fund previously followed the accounting practice known as
equalization by which a portion of the proceeds from sales and costs of
repurchases of Fund shares, equivalent on a per share basis to the amount of
undistributed net investment income, is credited or charged to undistributed
net income when the transaction is recorded so that the undistributed net
investment income per share is unaffected by sales or redemptions of Fund
shares. Effective November 1, 1997, the Fund discontinued equalization
accounting and reclassified the cumulative equalization credits of $893,847
from undistributed net investment income to paid-in capital.
FS-9
CHARTER
<PAGE> 59
This change has no effect on the net assets, the results of operations or
the net asset value per share of the Fund.
G. Foreign Currency Translations-Portfolio securities and other assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S.
dollar amounts at date of valuation. Purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and income items denominated in foreign currencies are translated
into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.
H. Foreign Currency Contracts-A foreign currency contract is an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed upon price at a future
date. The Fund may enter into a foreign currency contract to attempt to
minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship
between currencies. The Fund may enter into a foreign currency 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 that security. The Fund could be
exposed to risk if counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the
terms of their contracts.
I. Stock Index Futures Contracts-The Fund may purchase or sell stock index
futures contracts as a hedge against changes in market conditions. Initial
margin deposits required upon entering into futures contracts are satisfied
by the segregation of specific securities as collateral for the account of
the broker (the Fund's agent in acquiring the futures position). During the
period the futures contracts are open, changes in the value of the contracts
are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by "marking to market" on a
daily basis to reflect the market value of the contracts at the end of each
day's trading. Variation margin payments are made or received depending upon
whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. When the contracts are
closed, the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference
between the proceeds from, or cost of, the closing transaction and the
Fund's basis in the contract. Risks include the possibility of an illiquid
market and that a change in the value of the contracts may not correlate
with changes in the value of the securities being hedged.
J. Covered Call Options-The fund may write call options, but only on a covered
basis; that is, the Fund will own the underlying security. Options written
by the Fund normally will have expiration dates between three and nine
months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may be
below, equal to, or above the current market value of the underlying
security at the time the option is written. When the Fund writes a covered
call option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded
as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is
subsequently "marked-to-market" to reflect the current market value of the
option written. The current market value of a written option is the mean
between the last bid and asked prices on that day. If a written call option
expires on the stipulated expiration date, or if the Fund enters into a
closing purchase transaction, the Fund realizes a gain (or a loss if the
closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option
was written) without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying
security, and the liability related to such option is extinguished. If a
written option is exercised, the Fund realizes a gain or a loss from the
sale of the underlying security and the proceeds of the sale are increased
by the premium originally received.
A call option gives the purchaser of such option the right to buy, and the
writer (the Fund) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the
stated exercise price during the option period. The purchaser of a call
option has the right to acquire the security which is the subject of the
call option at any time during the option period. During the option period,
in return for the premium paid by the purchaser of the option, the Fund has
given up the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price
should the market price of the underlying security increase, but has
retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security
decline. During the option period, the Fund may be required at any time to
deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. This
obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option period or at such
earlier time at which the Fund effects a closing purchase transaction by
purchasing (at a price which may be higher than that received when the call
option was written) a call option identical to the one originally written.
K. Put options-The Fund may purchase put options. By purchasing a put option,
the Fund obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's
underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, a
Fund pays an option premium. The option's underlying instrument may be a
security, or a futures contract. Put options may be used by a Fund to hedge
securities it owns by locking a minimum price at which the Fund can sell. If
security prices fall, the put option could be exercised to offset all or a
portion of the Fund's resulting losses. At the same time, because the
maximum the Fund has at risk is the cost of the option, purchasing put
options does not eliminate the potential for the Fund to profit from an
increase in the value of the securities hedged.
NOTE 2-ADVISORY FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Company has entered into a master investment advisory agreement with A I M
Advisors, Inc. ("AIM"). Under the terms of the master investment advisory
agreement, the Fund pays an advisory fee to AIM at the annual rate of 1.0% of
the first $30 million of the Fund's average daily net assets, plus 0.75% of the
Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $30 million to and including $150
million, plus 0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $150
million. AIM has agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its advisory fees paid
by the Fund to AIM to the extent necessary to reduce the fees paid by the Fund
at net asset levels higher than those currently incorporated in the present
advisory fee schedule. Under the voluntary waiver, AIM will receive a fee
calculated at the annual rate of 1.0% of the first $30 million of the Fund's
average daily net assets, plus 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets in
excess of $30 million to and including $150 million, plus 0.625% of the Fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $150 million to and including $2 billion,
plus 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion. The
waiver is entirely voluntary but approval is required by the Board of Directors
for any decision by AIM to discontinue the waiver. During the year ended October
31, 1998, AIM waived fees of $762,337. Under the terms of a master sub-advisory
agreement between AIM and A I M Capital Management, Inc. ("AIM Capital"), AIM
pays AIM Capital 50% of the amount paid by the Fund to AIM.
FS-10
CHARTER
<PAGE> 60
The Fund, pursuant to a master administrative services agreement with AIM, has
agreed to reimburse AIM for certain administrative costs incurred in providing
accounting services to the Fund. During the year ended October 31, 1998, AIM was
reimbursed $152,008 for such services.
The Fund, pursuant to a transfer agent and service agreement, has agreed to
pay A I M Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS") a fee for providing transfer agency and
shareholder services to the Fund. On September 20, 1997, the Board of Directors
approved appointment of AFS as transfer agent of the Institutional Class
effective December 29, 1997. During the year ended October 31, 1998, AFS was
paid $4,080,187 with respect to the Class A, Class B, and Class C shares and for
the period December 29, 1997 through October 31, 1998, AFS was paid $3,312 with
respect to the Institutional Class. Prior to the effective date of the agreement
with AFS, the Fund paid A I M Institutional Fund Services, Inc. $583 pursuant to
a transfer agency and shareholder services agreement with respect to the
Institutional Class for the period November 1, 1997 through December 28, 1997.
The Company has entered into master distribution agreements with A I M
Distributors, Inc. ("AIM Distributors") to serve as the distributor for the
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. The Company has adopted
distribution plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to the
Fund's Class A shares and Class C shares (the "Class A and C Plan"), and the
Fund's Class B shares (the "Class B Plan") (collectively, the "Plans"). The
Fund, pursuant to the Class A and C Plan, pays AIM Distributors compensation at
an annual rate of 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares
and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares. The Fund, pursuant
to the Class B Plan, pays AIM Distributors compensation at an annual rate of
1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. Of these amounts,
the Fund may pay a service fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class
A, Class B or C shares to selected dealers and financial institutions who
furnish continuing personal shareholder services to their customers who purchase
and own the appropriate class of shares of the Fund. Any amounts not paid as a
service fee under the Plans would constitute an asset-based sales charge. The
Plans also impose a cap on the total sales charges, including asset-based sales
charges that may be paid by the respective classes. During the year ended
October 31, 1998, the Class A, Class B and Class C shares paid AIM Distributors
$11,101,044, $12,843,741, and $216,922, respectively, as compensation under the
Plans.
AIM Distributors received commissions of $1,892,699 from sales of Class A
shares of the Fund during the year ended October 31, 1998. Such commissions are
not an expense of the Fund. They are deducted from, and are not included in, the
proceeds from sales of Class A shares. During the year ended October 31, 1998,
AIM Distributors received commissions of $161,792 in contingent deferred sales
charges imposed on redemptions of Fund shares. Certain officers and directors of
the Company are officers and directors of AIM, AIM Capital, AIM Distributors,
AFS, and FMC.
During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund paid legal fees of $12,926
for services rendered by Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel as counsel to the
Company's directors. A member of that firm is a director of the Company.
NOTE 3-INDIRECT EXPENSES
During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund received reductions in transfer
agency fees from AFS (an affiliate of AIM) and reductions in custodian fees of
$52,292 and $187,576, respectively, under expense offset arrangements. The
effect of the above arrangements resulted in a reduction of the Fund's total
expenses of $239,868 during the year ended October 31, 1998.
NOTE 4-DIRECTORS' FEES
Directors' fees represent remuneration paid or accrued to each director who is
not an "interested person" of AIM. The Company may invest directors' fees, if so
elected by a director, in mutual fund shares in accordance with a deferred
compensation plan.
NOTE 5-BORROWINGS
Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund,
with an agreement that the Fund will repurchase such securities at an
agreed-upon price and date. Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements are
treated as borrowings. The agreements are collateralized by the underlying
securities and are carried at the amount at which the securities will
subsequently be repurchased as specified in the agreements. The maximum amount
outstanding during the period ended October 31, 1998 was $117,134,000 while
borrowings averaged $7,046,827 per day with a weighted average interest rate of
5.85%.
The Fund is a participant in a committed line of credit facility with a
syndicate administered by The Chase Manhattan Bank. The Fund may borrow up to
the lesser of (i) $1,000,000,000 or (ii) the limits set by its prospectus for
borrowings. The Fund and other funds advised by AIM which are parties to the
line of credit may borrow on a first come, first served basis. Interest on
borrowings under the line of credit is payable on maturity or prepayment date.
Prior to an amendment of the line of credit on May 1, 1998, the Fund was limited
to borrowing up to the lesser of (i) $500,000,000 or (ii) the limits set by its
prospectus for borrowings. During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund did
not borrow under the line of credit agreement. The funds which are party to the
line of credit are charged a commitment fee of 0.05% on the unused balance of
the committed line. The commitment fee is allocated among the funds based on
their respective average net assets for the period.
NOTE 6-INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The aggregate amount of investment securities (other than short-term securities)
purchased and sold by the Fund during the year ended October 31, 1998 was
$7,658,867,434 and $7,675,681,041, respectively.
The amount of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities
as of October 31, 1998, on a tax basis, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Aggregate unrealized appreciation of
investment securities $1,195,598,611
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Aggregate unrealized (depreciation) of
investment securities (60,184,443)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investment
securities $1,135,414,168
==============================================================
</TABLE>
Cost of investments for tax purposes is $4,087,070,679.
FS-11
CHARTER
<PAGE> 61
NOTE 7-OPTION CONTRACTS WRITTEN
Transactions in call options written during the year ended October 31, 1998 are
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALL OPTION CONTRACTS
-------------------------
NUMBER
OF PREMIUMS
CONTRACTS RECEIVED
--------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Beginning of Period 26,305 $ 5,836,484
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Written 301,649 69,039,606
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Closed (221,962) (55,174,709)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Exercised (31,495) (6,226,655)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Expired (43,295) (5,383,375)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
End of period 31,202 $ 8,091,351
===============================================================
</TABLE>
Open call option contracts written at October 31, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31,
NUMBER 1998 UNREALIZED
CONTRACT STRIKE OF PREMIUMS MARKET APPRECIATION/
ISSUE MONTH PRICE CONTRACTS RECEIVED VALUE (DEPRECIATION)
----- -------- ------ --------- ---------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Associates First
Capital Corp.-Class A Nov $70 1,000 $ 595,980 $ 331,250 $ 264,730
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associates First
Capital Corp.-Class A Nov 75 1,000 520,983 150,000 370,983
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arterial Vascular
Engineering, Inc. Nov 35 4,500 586,057 323,437 262,620
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CVS Corp Nov 43 1,500 623,762 553,125 70,637
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compaq Computer Corp. Nov 30 7,980 774,033 1,895,250 (1,121,217)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ingram Micro, Inc. Nov 45 2,222 798,782 569,388 229,394
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCI WorldCom, Inc. Nov 55 2,500 539,357 414,063 125,294
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc. Nov 50 2,500 648,728 859,375 (210,647)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Providian Financial
Corp. Nov 75 1,000 870,971 681,250 189,721
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Providian Financial
Corp. Nov 80 1,500 893,970 571,875 322,095
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBC Communications, Inc. Nov 45 4,000 513,502 837,500 (323,998)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warner-Lambert Co. Nov 70 1,500 725,226 1,293,750 (568,524)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$8,091,351 $8,480,263 $ (388,912)
======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
NOTE 8-CAPITAL STOCK
Changes in the capital stock outstanding during the years ended October 31, 1998
and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---------------------------- --------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
------------- ------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sold
Class A 65,753,775 $868,543,898 64,563,425 $804,527,781
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 32,991,364 431,938,545 37,105,082 454,511,843
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C* 2,736,777 36,139,093 437,883 6,069,012
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 568,334 7,594,968 600,091 7,589,130
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued as reinvestment
of dividends:
Class A 29,328,588 355,378,824 16,507,011 181,612,880
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 8,807,895 105,930,618 3,210,439 35,080,359
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C* 67,166 810,828 159 2,155
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 351,483 4,295,496 193,613 2,149,460
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reacquired:
Class A (75,327,509) (988,726,895) (59,039,148) (738,440,414)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B (14,417,738) (187,443,571) (7,456,466) (92,300,267)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C* (376,288) (4,880,836) (14,629) (198,599)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class (636,014) (8,425,955) (445,517) (5,490,877)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49,847,833 $621,155,013 55,661,943 $655,112,463
================================================================================
</TABLE>
* Class C commenced sales on August 4, 1997.
FS-12
CHARTER
<PAGE> 62
NOTE 9-FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Shown below are the financial highlights for a share of the Institutional Class
capital stock outstanding during each of the years in the five-year period ended
October 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 13.48 $ 11.24 $ 10.66 $ 8.93 $ 9.48
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income 0.18 0.16 0.24 0.23 0.25
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) 1.24 2.91 1.44 2.07 (0.44)
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations 1.42 3.07 1.68 2.30 (0.19)
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.14) (0.16) (0.20) (0.24) (0.20)
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Distributions from net realized gains (1.34) (0.67) (0.90) (0.33) (0.16)
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total distributions (1.48) (0.83) (1.10) (0.57) (0.36)
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period $ 13.42 $ 13.48 $ 11.24 $ 10.66 $ 8.93
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total return 11.69% 29.05% 17.29% 27.45% (2.02)%
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) $43,815 $40,191 $29,591 $25,538 $21,840
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of expenses (exclusive of interest) to average net
assets(a) 0.66%(b) 0.67% 0.69% 0.74% 0.73%
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(c) 1.37%(b) 1.21% 2.24% 1.98% 2.76%
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover rate 154% 170% 164% 161% 126%
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Borrowings for the period:
Amount of debt outstanding at end of period (000s omitted) -- -- -- -- --
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Average amount of debt outstanding during the period (000s
omitted)(d) $ 60 -- -- -- --
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Average number of shares outstanding during the period (000s
omitted)(d) 3,239 -- -- -- --
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Average amount of debt per share during the period $0.0184 -- -- -- --
============================================================ ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
(a) After fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Ratios of expenses to
average net assets prior to fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements were
0.67%, 0.68% and 0.70% for 1998-1996.
(b) Ratios are based on average net assets of $42,933,721.
(c) After fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Ratios of net investment
income prior to fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements were 1.36%, 1.20%
and 2.23% for 1998-1996.
(d) Averages computed on a daily basis.
FS-13
CHARTER
<PAGE> 63
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
AIM Equity Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the AIM
Constellation Fund (a portfolio of AIM Equity Funds, Inc.), including the
schedule of investments, as of October 31, 1998, the related statement of
operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for
each of the years in the two-year period then ended and the financial highlights
for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial
statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1998, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AIM
Charter Fund as of October 31, 1998, the results of its operations for the year
then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year
period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the years in the
five-year period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Houston, Texas
December 4, 1998
F-14
<PAGE> 64
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
DOMESTIC COMMON STOCKS-91.01%
AEROSPACE/DEFENSE-0.60%
AAR Corp. 1,000,000 $ 23,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BE Aerospace, Inc.(a) 500,000 10,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.(a) 400,000 17,700,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sundstrand Corp. 557,400 26,162,963
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
77,737,963
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
AIRLINES-0.15%
Southwest Airlines Co. 900,000 19,068,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
AUTO PARTS & EQUIPMENT-0.39%
Danaher Corp. 1,250,000 49,921,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BANKS (MAJOR REGIONAL)-0.29%
Northern Trust Corp. 500,000 36,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BANKS (REGIONAL)-2.54%
AmSouth Bancorporation 750,000 30,046,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
First Tennessee National Corp. 510,200 16,166,963
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Golden State Bancorp, Inc.(a) 1,350,000 25,903,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Hibernia Corp.-Class A 1,250,000 20,859,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Mercantile Bankshares Corp. 500,000 16,312,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. 2,500,000 49,687,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Star Banc Corp. 1,575,000 119,109,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TCF Financial Corp. 1,000,000 23,562,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Zions Bancorp 500,000 26,531,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
328,179,463
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BIOTECHNOLOGY-0.71%
Biogen, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 69,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Curative Health Services,
Inc.(a)(b) 795,000 21,663,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
91,163,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BROADCASTING (TELEVISION, RADIO & CABLE)-2.08%
Chancellor Media Corp.(a) 280,002 10,745,077
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Clear Channel Communications,
Inc.(a) 800,000 36,450,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Comcast Corp.-Class A 1,500,000 74,062,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cox Communications, Inc.-Class A(a) 500,000 27,437,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Heftel Broadcasting Corp.(a) 501,000 20,603,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Liberty Media Group(a) 1,500,000 57,093,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Univision Communications Inc.(a) 1,465,400 43,229,300
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
269,621,752
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT-1.49%
Andrew Corp.(a) 563,400 $ 9,225,675
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Comverse Technology, Inc.(a) 850,000 39,100,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
General Instrument Corp.(a) 2,000,000 51,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Global TeleSystems Group, Inc.(a) 1,176,400 47,129,525
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
QUALCOMM, Inc.(a) 586,000 32,596,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tellabs, Inc.(a) 250,000 13,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
193,176,450
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (HARDWARE)-2.94%
Apple Computer, Inc.(a) 750,000 27,843,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Comdisco, Inc. 4,200,000 64,837,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Dell Computer Corp.(a) 2,400,000 157,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Gateway 2000, Inc.(a) 1,500,000 83,718,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
IDX Systems Corp.(a) 670,800 28,425,150
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Micron Electronics, Inc.(a) 884,000 18,508,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
380,833,900
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (NETWORKING)-2.54%
Ascend Communications, Inc.(a) 3,500,000 168,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) 525,000 33,075,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
3Com Corp.(a) 3,500,000 126,218,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
328,168,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (PERIPHERALS)-2.11%
Adaptec, Inc.(a) 987,500 15,985,156
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
EMC Corp.(a) 2,400,000 154,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Lexmark International Group,
Inc.(a) 1,000,000 69,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Seagate Technology , Inc.(a) 1,250,000 32,968,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
273,391,406
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (SOFTWARE & SERVICES)-10.97%
America Online, Inc. 1,564,700 198,814,693
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Aspect Development, Inc.(a) 976,000 30,835,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BMC Software, Inc.(a) 3,500,000 168,218,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a) 1,250,000 26,718,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Citrix Systems, Inc.(a) 1,500,000 106,312,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Sciences Corp.(a) 750,000 39,562,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Compuware Corp.(a) 2,500,000 135,468,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Concord EFS, Inc.(a) 4,780,100 136,232,850
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic Arts, Inc.(a) 500,000 20,562,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HBO & Co. 1,000,000 26,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Intuit, Inc.(a) 725,000 36,612,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
J.D. Edwards & Co.(a) 1,050,000 $ 34,387,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-15
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
COMPUTERS (SOFTWARE & SERVICES)-(CONTINUED)
Learning Company, Inc. (The)(a) 2,000,000 $ 51,625,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Corp.(a) 300,000 31,762,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Network Associates, Inc.(a) 704,700 29,949,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Parametric Technology Co.(a) 2,500,000 41,562,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sterling Commerce, Inc.(a) 1,450,000 51,112,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sterling Software, Inc.(a) 1,250,000 32,734,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Synopsys, Inc.(a) 1,500,000 67,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Veritas Software Corp.(a) 859,700 43,092,463
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Wind River Systems(a) 1,000,000 43,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Inc.(a) 500,000 65,421,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
1,418,925,256
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER FINANCE-2.28%
Capital One Financial Corp. 800,000 81,400,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. 636,900 27,506,118
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MBNA Corp. 1,875,000 42,773,438
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Providian Financial Corp. 1,304,000 103,505,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SLM Holding Corp. 1,000,000 40,062,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
295,247,056
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER (JEWELRY, NOVELTIES & GIFTS)-0.30%
Action Performance Companies,
Inc.(a) 500,000 14,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Blyth Industries, Inc.(a) 806,200 22,271,275
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
37,208,775
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTORS (FOOD & HEALTH)-2.70%
Bergen Brunswig Corp.-Class A 1,000,000 48,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cardinal Health, Inc. 1,445,445 136,684,892
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
JP Foodservice, Inc. 547,900 26,025,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
McKesson Corp. 1,422,400 109,524,800
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Patterson Dental Co.(a) 18,500 763,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SUPERVALU, INC 1,125,900 27,021,600
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
348,832,167
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT-2.55%
American Power Conversion
Corp.(a) 2,000,000 84,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sanmina Corp.(a) 387,400 15,883,400
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SCI Systems, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 39,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Solectron Corp.(a) 1,500,000 85,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Symbol Technologies, Inc. 1,750,000 78,312,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Uniphase Corp.(a) 500,000 24,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
329,195,900
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS (COMPONENT DISTRIBUTORS)-0.17%
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 21,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
ELECTRONICS (INSTRUMENTATION)-0.40%
Perkin-Elmer Corp. 176,300 $ 14,864,293
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Waters Corp.(a) 500,000 36,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
51,614,293
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS (SEMICONDUCTORS)-3.05%
Altera Corp.(a) 1,321,400 55,003,275
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Linear Technology Corp. 1,000,000 59,625,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.(a) 2,000,000 71,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Microchip Technology, Inc.(a) 2,500,175 67,660,985
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Micron Technology, Inc.(a) 1,750,000 66,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PMC-Sierra, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 44,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Xilinx, Inc.(a) 650,000 29,026,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
394,065,823
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL (DIVERSIFIED)-0.57%
FINOVA Group, Inc. 706,400 34,437,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MGIC Investment Corp. 1,000,000 39,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
73,437,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FOODS-0.36%
Earthgrains Co. (The) 260,300 7,809,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Quaker Oats Co. (The) 650,000 38,390,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
46,199,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (DRUGS-GENERIC & OTHER)-2.30%
Alpharma, Inc. 254,967 7,059,399
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Forest Laboratories, Inc.(a) 750,000 31,359,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Jones Medical Industries, Inc.(b) 2,350,850 75,961,840
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Medicis Pharmaceutical-Class
A(a) 826,900 41,448,363
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Mylan Laboratories, Inc. 2,500,000 86,093,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 55,625,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
297,547,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT)-1.31%
Health Management Associates,
Inc.-Class A(a) 4,500,045 80,157,051
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Universal Health Services,
Inc.-Class B(a)(b) 1,750,000 89,796,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
169,953,926
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (LONG TERM CARE)-0.47%
HCR Manor Care, Inc.(a) 751,700 24,430,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTHSOUTH Corp.(a) 3,000,000 36,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
60,805,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (MANAGED CARE)-0.84%
Express Scripts, Inc.-Class A(a)(b) 700,000 68,381,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PacifiCare Health Systems,
Inc.-Class B(a) 150,000 11,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-16
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 66
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
HEALTH CARE (MANAGED CARE)-(CONTINUED)
Trigon Healthcare, Inc.(a) 750,000 $ 28,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
108,318,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (MEDICAL PRODUCTS & SUPPLIES)-5.07%
Allegiance Corp. 2,540,400 94,471,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Arterial Vascular Engineering,
Inc.(a) 1,000,000 30,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Bausch & Lomb Inc. 59,700 2,488,743
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Becton, Dickinson & Co. 3,500,000 147,437,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Biomet, Inc. 2,500,000 84,843,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Boston Scientific Corp.(a)(c) 750,000 40,828,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Guidant Corp. 1,708,500 130,700,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Henry Schein, Inc.(a) 900,000 34,818,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Safeskin Corp.(a) 362,100 8,011,462
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sofamor Danek Group, Inc.(a) 500,000 50,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sybron International Corp.(a) 1,250,000 30,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
656,099,705
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (SPECIALIZED SERVICES)-2.77%
Alza Corp.(a) 1,200,000 57,450,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Covance, Inc.(a) 1,609,600 44,867,600
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Lincare Holdings, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 39,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Omnicare, Inc. 2,950,100 101,962,832
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Orthodontic Centers of America,
Inc.(a) 524,200 9,927,037
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Quintiles Transnational Corp.(a) 1,000,000 45,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Renal Care Holdings, Inc.(a) 2,417,933 59,239,358
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
358,634,327
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOMEBUILDING-0.69%
Clayton Homes, Inc. 3,090,000 47,701,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. 750,000 24,187,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Kaufman and Broad Home Corp. 616,900 17,620,206
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
89,509,581
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS & APPLIANCES-0.65%
Leggett & Platt, Inc. 2,000,000 46,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Maytag Corp. 750,000 37,078,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
83,828,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS (NON-DURABLES)-0.35%
Clorox Co. 300,000 32,775,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Dial Corp. (The) 450,900 12,427,931
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
45,202,931
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEWARES-0.17%
Central Garden and Pet Co.(a) 485,500 9,588,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
HOUSEWARES-(CONTINUED)
Helen of Troy Ltd.(a) 846,400 $ 12,590,200
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
22,178,825
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE (LIFE/HEALTH)-1.16%
AFLAC Inc. 925,000 35,265,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Provident Companies, Inc. 1,500,000 43,593,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ReliaStar Financial Corp. 1,502,500 65,828,281
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Torchmark Corp. 129,200 5,652,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
150,340,156
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE (PROPERTY-CASUALTY)-0.11%
Progressive Corp. 96,800 14,253,800
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT BANKING/BROKERAGE-1.04%
Edwards (A.G.), Inc. 750,000 25,921,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. 350,000 13,278,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Schwab (Charles) Corp. 2,000,000 95,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
135,075,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT-0.46%
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. 1,658,600 58,983,963
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
LEISURE TIME (PRODUCTS)-0.77%
Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2,350,000 91,062,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Speedway Motorsports, Inc.(a) 400,000 8,400,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
99,462,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
LODGING-HOTELS-0.10%
Host Marriott Corp.(a) 896,000 12,992,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MACHINERY (DIVERSIFIED)-0.02%
Applied Power, Inc.-Class A 95,000 2,618,438
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MANUFACTURING (DIVERSIFIED)-0.76%
Corning Inc. 1,000,000 36,312,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Crane Co. 464,550 13,384,846
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Hillenbrand Industries, Inc. 500,000 29,593,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Pentair, Inc. 500,000 18,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
98,103,596
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MANUFACTURING (SPECIALIZED)-0.15%
Avery Dennison Corp. 471,000 19,517,063
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS-0.80%
El Paso Energy Corp. 1,500,000 53,156,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
KN Energy, Inc. 1,000,000 49,687,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
102,843,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES-0.27%
Herman Miller, Inc. 1,100,000 24,268,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-17
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
OFFICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES-(CONTINUED)
HON INDUSTRIES, Inc. 529,000 $ 11,208,187
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
35,476,937
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OIL & GAS (DRILLING & EQUIPMENT)-2.04%
Baker Hughes, Inc. 2,000,000 44,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BJ Services Co.(a) 1,500,000 30,656,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cooper Cameron Corp.(a) 1,500,000 52,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. 1,000,000 30,687,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Global Industries Ltd.(a) 2,450,000 23,581,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Rowan Companies, Inc.(a) 2,000,000 29,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Transocean Offshore Inc. 500,000 18,468,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Varco International, Inc.(a)(b) 3,225,000 34,870,312
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
263,639,062
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OIL & GAS (EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION)-0.44%
Apache Corp. 1,500,000 42,468,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.(a) 1,750,000 14,218,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
56,687,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PERSONAL CARE-0.26%
Rexall Sundown, Inc.(a) 1,891,800 33,934,163
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
POWER PRODUCERS (INDEPENDENT)-0.32%
AES Corp.(a) 1,000,000 40,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLISHING-0.38%
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
(The) 550,000 49,465,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RAILROADS-0.37%
Kansas City Southern Industries,
Inc. 1,250,000 48,281,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RESTAURANTS-1.58%
Brinker International, Inc.(a) 2,000,000 48,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Outback Steakhouse, Inc.(a) 1,125,000 38,953,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Papa John's International, Inc.(a) 689,300 26,171,859
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Starbucks Corp.(a) 1,000,000 43,375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc.(a) 1,100,000 47,850,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
204,724,984
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (BUILDING SUPPLIES)-0.33%
Lowe's Companies, Inc. 1,250,000 42,109,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS)-1.90%
Best Buy Co., Inc.(a) 500,000 24,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CDW Computer Centers, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 74,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Ingram Micro, Inc.-Class A(a) 750,000 34,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tandy Corp. 1,250,000 61,953,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tech Data Corp.(a) 1,299,300 51,159,938
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
246,175,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL (DEPARTMENT STORES)-0.46%
Kohl's Corp.(a) 1,250,000 $ 59,765,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DISCOUNTERS)-1.27%
Consolidated Stores Corp.(a) 1,000,000 16,437,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Dollar General Corp. 1,000,000 23,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.(a) 1,810,600 69,821,262
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. 2,100,000 38,062,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Ross Stores, Inc. 500,000 16,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
164,446,262
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DRUG STORES)-0.80%
Rite Aid Corp. 2,600,040 103,189,088
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (FOOD CHAINS)-1.62%
Kroger Co.(a) 2,637,400 146,375,700
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Safeway, Inc.(a) 1,325,000 63,351,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
209,727,263
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (GENERAL MERCHANDISE)-0.86%
Dayton Hudson Corp. 750,000 31,781,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fred Meyer, Inc.(a) 1,500,000 79,968,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
111,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (SPECIALTY)-2.60%
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.(a) 2,750,100 75,799,631
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Linens 'N Things, Inc.(a) 285,300 8,826,468
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Michaels Stores, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 20,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Office Depot, Inc.(a) 2,000,000 50,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Staples, Inc.(a) 4,750,000 154,968,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 27,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
336,844,849
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (SPECIALTY-APPAREL)-1.53%
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.-Class A(a) 795,000 31,551,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Gap, Inc. (The) 1,000,000 60,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Men's Wearhouse, Inc. (The)(a)(b) 2,250,075 54,564,318
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TJX Companies, Inc. 2,700,000 51,131,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
197,372,131
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SAVINGS & LOAN COMPANIES-0.72%
Dime Bancorp, Inc. 2,541,500 60,519,469
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
GreenPoint Financial Corp. 1,000,000 32,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
93,331,969
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (ADVERTISING/MARKETING)-1.89%
Interpublic Group of Companies,
Inc. 500,000 29,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Lamar Advertising Co.(a) 450,000 14,048,439
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Omnicom Group, Inc. 2,500,000 123,593,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-18
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 68
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
SERVICES (ADVERTISING/MARKETING)-(CONTINUED)
Outdoor Systems, Inc.(a) 1,500,000 $ 33,093,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Snyder Communications, Inc.(a) 1,250,000 44,609,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
244,595,314
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (COMMERCIAL & CONSUMER)-2.92%
Apollo Group, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 32,125,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ChoicePoint, Inc.(a) 467,300 22,079,926
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cintas Corp. 1,315,900 70,400,650
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
G & K Services, Inc.-Class A 350,000 16,012,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
IMS Health Inc. 677,000 45,020,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Service Corp. International 2,626,500 93,569,062
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Stewart Enterprises, Inc.- Class A 2,600,000 59,962,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Viad Corp. 1,382,400 37,929,600
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
377,099,738
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (COMPUTER SYSTEMS)-1.23%
Ciber, Inc.(a) 500,000 9,812,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Gartner Group, Inc.-Class A(a) 1,300,000 25,837,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Keane, Inc.(a) 1,050,000 34,912,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Management Systems Corp.(a) 474,400 21,555,550
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SunGard Data Systems Inc.(a) 2,000,000 67,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
159,618,050
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (DATA PROCESSING)-4.36%
Affiliated Computer Services,
Inc.(a) 1,000,000 37,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Billing Concepts Corp.(a) 1,596,800 22,554,800
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Ceridian Corp.(a) 1,300,000 74,587,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CSG Systems International, Inc.(a) 903,100 49,218,950
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
DST Systems, Inc.(a) 750,000 37,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Equifax, Inc. 1,750,000 67,703,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fiserv, Inc.(a) 2,500,000 116,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
National Data Corp. 1,000,200 33,881,775
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
NOVA Corp.(a) 893,750 25,807,032
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Paychex, Inc. 2,000,000 99,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
564,003,182
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (EMPLOYMENT)-0.23%
Robert Half International, Inc.(a) 750,000 30,093,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIALTY PRINTING-0.23%
Valassis Communications, Inc.(a) 750,000 29,906,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE-0.86%
Century Telephone Enterprises,
Inc. 1,499,950 85,215,909
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cincinnati Bell, Inc. 1,000,000 25,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
111,153,409
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
TEXTILES (APPAREL)-0.61%
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.(a) 1,250,000 $ 21,562,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Nautica Enterprises, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 20,687,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Russell Corp. 912,900 22,423,107
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tommy Hilfiger Corp.(a) 300,000 13,931,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
78,604,357
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TEXTILES (HOME FURNISHINGS)-0.22%
Shaw Industries, Inc. 1,650,000 28,668,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
WASTE MANAGEMENT-1.53%
Allied Waste Industries, Inc.(a) 2,693,230 58,241,099
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Republic Services, Inc.(a) 1,225,000 26,796,876
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Waste Management, Inc. 2,500,000 112,812,501
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
197,850,476
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Domestic Common Stocks
(Cost $8,593,150,443) 11,770,399,289
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN STOCKS & OTHER EQUITY INTERESTS-2.90%
CANADA-0.41%
CanWest Global Communications Corp.
(Broadcasting-Television,
Radio & Cable) 1,500,000 17,531,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Newcourt Credit Group, Inc.
(Financial-Diversified) 1,087,500 35,751,562
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
53,282,812
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FINLAND-1.16%
Nokia Oyj A.B.-Class A-ADR
(Communications Equipment) 1,610,300 149,858,544
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FRANCE-0.09%
Coflexip S.A.-ADR
(Manufacturing-Specialized) 239,500 11,525,938
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
IRELAND-0.81%
Elan Corp. PLC-ADR (Health
Care-Drugs-Generic & Other)(a) 1,500,000 105,093,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ISRAEL-0.13%
ECI Telecommunications Ltd.
(Communications Equipment) 500,000 16,562,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
NETHERLANDS-0.14%
Core Laboratories N.V. (Oil &
Gas-Drilling & Equipment)(a) 800,000 18,050,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED KINGDOM-0.16%
Stolt Comex Seaway, S.A. (Oil &
Gas-Exploration
& Production)(a)(b) 1,150,000 14,662,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-19
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 69
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
UNITED KINGDOM-(CONTINUED)
Stolt Comex Seaway, S.A. - ADR
(Oil & Gas-Exploration &
Production)(a) 575,000 $ 5,929,687
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
20,592,187
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Foreign Stocks & Other
Equity Interests (Cost
$240,390,852) 374,965,731
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
<S> <C> <C>
CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS-0.39%
COMPUTERS (PERIPHERALS)-0.39%
EMC Corp., Conv. Sub. Notes,
3.25%, 03/15/02 (Cost
$23,700,075) $ 17,500,000 50,553,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES
WARRANTS-0.04%
BANKS (REGIONAL)-0.04%
Golden State Bancorp,
Litigation Wts., expiring
01/01/01 (Cost $5,682,639) 1,000,000 4,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
<S> <C> <C>
MASTER NOTE AGREEMENT-1.00%
Merrill Lynch Co. Inc.,
5.9675%(d)(Cost $129,000,000) $129,000,000 $ 129,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS-3.28%(e)
Dresdner Kleinwort, Benson,
North America LLC, 5.55%,
11/02/98(f) $ 9,350,759 $ 9,350,759
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Goldman, Sachs & Co., 5.55%,
11/02/98(g) 115,090,451 115,090,451
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Smith Barney, Inc.,
5.55%(h) 300,000,000 300,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $424,441,210) 424,441,210
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TIME DEPOSITS-2.09%
Societe Generale Bank, 5.25%,
11/02/98 108,141,977 108,141,977
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
State Street Cayman, 5.00%,
11/02/98 161,909,549 161,909,549
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Time Deposits (Cost
$270,051,526) 270,051,526
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS-100.71% 13,024,285,881
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES-(0.71%) (91,205,266)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS-100.00% $12,933,080,615
===============================================================
</TABLE>
Notes to Schedule of Investments:
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Affiliated issuers are those in which the Fund's holdings of an issuer
represent 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer. The
Fund has never owned enough of the outstanding voting securities of any
issuer to have control (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of
that issuer. The aggregate market value of these securities as of 10/31/98
was $359,900,845 which represented 2.78% of the Fund's net assets.
(c) A portion of this security is subject to call options written. See Note 8.
(d) Master Note Purchase Agreement may be terminated by either party upon two
business days' prior written notice, at which time all amounts outstanding
under notes purchased under the Master Note Agreement will become payable.
Interest rates on master notes are redetermined periodically. Rate shown is
the rate in effect on 10/31/98.
(e) Collateral on repurchase agreements, including the Fund's pro-rata interest
in joint repurchase agreements, is taken into possession by the Fund upon
entering into the repurchase agreement. The collateral is marked to market
daily to ensure its market value is at least 102% of the sales price of the
repurchase agreement. The investments in some repurchase agreements are
through participation in joint accounts with other mutual funds, private
accounts and certain non-registered investment companies managed by the
investment advisor or its affiliates.
(f) Joint repurchase agreement entered into 10/30/98 with a maturing value of
$300,138,750. Collateralized by $485,457,284 U.S. Government obligations, 0%
to 8.50% due 01/07/99 to 08/01/37 with an aggregate market value at 10/31/98
of $306,003,830.
(g) Joint repurchase agreement entered into 10/30/98 with a maturing value of
$277,128,113. Collateralized by $273,207,000 U.S. Government obligations
5.00% to 9.40% due 11/10/98 to 12/15/43 with an aggregate market value at
10/31/98 of $282,540,300.
(h) Open joint repurchase agreement. Either party may terminate the agreement
upon demand. Interest rates are redetermined daily. Collateralized by
$1,159,504,000 U.S. Government obligations 0% to 10.70% due 11/01/98 to
07/15/45 with an aggregate market value at 10/31/98 of $1,020,000,062.
Abbreviations:
ADR - American Depositary Receipt
Conv. - Convertible
Deb. - Debentures
Sub. - Subordinated
Wts. - Warrants
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-20
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 70
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at market value (cost
$9,686,416,745) $13,024,285,881
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Receivables for:
Investments sold 81,487,021
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Capital stock sold 25,412,005
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and interest 2,838,985
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Investment for deferred compensation plan 142,702
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Other assets 20,271
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 13,134,186,865
- ------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
Payables for:
Investments purchased 131,879,165
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Capital stock reacquired 53,735,073
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred compensation 142,702
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Options written (premiums received
$357,644) 210,938
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued advisory fees 6,134,883
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued administrative services fees 26,319
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued directors' fees 6,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued distribution fees 4,590,417
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued transfer agent fees 3,529,174
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued operating expenses 851,079
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 201,106,250
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding $12,933,080,615
============================================================
NET ASSETS:
Class A $12,391,844,029
============================================================
Class B $ 275,675,564
============================================================
Class C $ 76,521,669
============================================================
Institutional Class $ 189,039,353
============================================================
CAPITAL STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE:
Class A:
Authorized 750,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 470,007,075
============================================================
Class B:
Authorized 1,000,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 10,558,108
============================================================
Class C:
Authorized 750,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 2,931,610
============================================================
Institutional Class:
Authorized 200,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 6,936,768
============================================================
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per
share $ 26.37
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Offering price per share:
(Net asset value of $26.37
divided by 94.50%) $ 27.90
============================================================
Class B:
Net asset value and offering price per
share $ 26.11
============================================================
Class C:
Net asset value and offering price per
share $ 26.10
============================================================
Institutional Class:
Net asset value, offering and redemption
price per share $ 27.25
============================================================
</TABLE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends (net of $564,597 foreign
withholding tax) $ 40,677,717
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Interest 48,508,823
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment income 89,186,540
- ------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Advisory fees 89,630,173
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative services fees 295,926
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Custodian fees 637,815
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Directors' fees 96,730
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class A 41,684,536
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class B 1,576,409
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class C 506,546
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class A 24,340,018
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class B 601,845
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class C 169,272
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Institutional Class 17,618
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Other 1,734,916
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 161,291,804
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Less: Fees waived by advisor (3,074,705)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses paid indirectly (332,613)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net expenses 157,884,486
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (68,697,946)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM
INVESTMENT SECURITIES, FOREIGN CURRENCIES,
FUTURES AND OPTION CONTRACTS:
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Investment securities 482,260,826
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currencies 1,025,913
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Futures contracts (24,781,162)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts written 819,195
- ------------------------------------------------------------
459,324,772
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:
Investment securities (664,462,047)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currencies (1,413)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Futures contracts 16,400,635
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts written 146,706
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(647,916,119)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net gain (loss) from investment
securities, foreign currencies,
futures and option contracts (188,591,347)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations $ (257,289,293)
============================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-21
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 71
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the years ended October 31, 1998 and 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) $ (68,697,946) $ (51,626,612)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain from investment securities, foreign
currencies, futures and option contracts 459,324,772 1,046,160,029
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment
securities, foreign currencies, futures and option
contracts (647,916,119) 1,234,273,644
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations (257,289,293) 2,228,807,061
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains:
Class A (1,023,550,465) (401,536,883)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B (2,750,431) --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C (2,040,204) --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class (13,510,099) (10,336,039)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share transactions-net:
Class A (667,156,467) 1,280,740,251
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 292,437,630 --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 60,444,760 22,611,449
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 17,436,212 (139,767,829)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets (1,595,978,357) 2,980,518,010
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period 14,529,058,972 11,548,540,962
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period $12,933,080,615 $14,529,058,972
=================================================================================================
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Capital (par value and additional paid-in) $ 9,156,848,152 $ 9,520,633,579
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed net investment income (loss) (994,714) (270,243)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed net realized gain from investment
securities, foreign currencies, futures and option
contracts 439,210,537 1,022,762,877
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized appreciation of investment securities, foreign
currencies, futures and option contracts 3,338,016,640 3,985,932,759
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$12,933,080,615 $14,529,058,972
=================================================================================================
</TABLE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
October 31, 1998
NOTE 1-SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
AIM Constellation Fund (the "Fund") is a series portfolio of AIM Equity Funds,
Inc. (the "Company"). The Company is a Maryland corporation registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end
series management investment company consisting of six separate portfolios: AIM
Constellation Fund, AIM Aggressive Growth Fund, AIM Blue Chip Fund, AIM Capital
Development Fund, AIM Charter Fund and AIM Weingarten Fund. The Fund currently
offers four different classes of shares: Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C
shares and the Institutional Class. Class B shares commenced sales on November
3, 1997. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge. Class B shares
and Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge. Matters
affecting each portfolio or class will be voted on exclusively by the
shareholders of such portfolio or class. The assets, liabilities and operations
of each portfolio are accounted for separately. Information presented in these
financial statements pertains only to the Fund. The Fund's investment objective
is to seek capital appreciation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The
following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the
Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
A. Security Valuations--A security listed or traded on an exchange (except
convertible bonds) is valued at its last sales price on the exchange where
the security is principally traded, or lacking any sales on a particular
day, the security is valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked
prices on that day. Each security traded in the over-the-counter market
(but not including securities reported on the NASDAQ National Market
System) is valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices based
upon quotes furnished by market makers for such securities. If a mean is
FS-22
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 72
not available, as is the case in some foreign markets, the closing bid will
be used absent a last sales price. Each security reported on the NASDAQ
National Market System is valued at the last sales price on the valuation
date or absent a last sales price, at the mean of the closing bid and asked
prices. Debt obligations (including convertible bonds) are valued on the
basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service. Prices provided
by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance on
quoted prices, and may reflect appropriate factors such as yield, type of
issue, coupon rate and maturity date. Securities for which market
quotations are not readily available or are questionable are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the
Company's officers in a manner specifically authorized by the Board of
Directors of the Company. Short-term obligations having 60 days or less to
maturity are valued at amortized cost which approximates market value.
Generally, trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each
day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange. The
values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the
Fund's shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange
rates are also generally determined prior to the close of the New York
Stock Exchange. Occasionally, events affecting the values of such
securities and such exchange rates may occur between the times at which
they are determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange which
would not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value. If
events materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such
period, then these securities will be valued at their fair market value as
determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Board of
Directors.
B. Securities Transactions, Investment Income and Distributions--Securities
transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains or
losses on sales are computed on the basis of specific identification of the
securities sold. Interest income is recorded as earned from settlement date
and is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income and distributions to
shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. On October 31, 1998,
paid in capital was decreased by $66,947,562, undistributed net investment
income was increased by $67,973,475 and undistributed net realized gains
decreased by $1,025,913 in order to comply with the requirements of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position
93-2. Net assets of the fund were unaffected by the reclassifications
discussed above.
C. Federal Income Taxes--The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment
company and, as such, will not be subject to federal income taxes on
otherwise taxable income (including net realized capital gains) which is
distributed to shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income
taxes is recorded in the financial statements.
D. Expenses--Distribution and transfer agency expenses directly attributable
to a class of shares are charged to that class' operations. All other
expenses which are attributable to more than one class are allocated among
the classes.
E. Foreign Currency Translations--Portfolio securities and other assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S.
dollar amounts at date of valuation. Purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and income items denominated in foreign currencies are
translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such
transactions.
F. Foreign Currency Contracts--A foreign currency contract is an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed-upon price at a future
date. The Fund may enter into a foreign currency contract to attempt to
minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship
between currencies. The Fund may enter into a foreign currency 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 that security. The Fund could
be exposed to risk if counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet
the terms of their contracts.
G. Stock Index Futures Contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell stock index
futures contracts as a hedge against changes in market conditions. Initial
margin deposits required upon entering into futures contracts are satisfied
by the segregation of specific securities or cash, and/or by securing a
standby letter of credit from a major commercial bank, as collateral, for
the account of the broker (the Fund's agent in acquiring the futures
position). During the period the futures contracts are open, changes in the
value of the contracts are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by
"marking to market" on a daily basis to reflect the market value of the
contracts at the end of each day's trading. Variation margin payments are
made or received depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are
incurred. When the contracts are closed, the Fund recognizes a realized
gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from, or cost of,
the closing transaction and the Fund's basis in the contract. Risks include
the possibility of an illiquid market and the change in the value of the
contracts may not correlate with changes in the value of the securities
being hedged.
H. Covered Call Options -- The Fund may write call options, but only on a
covered basis; that is, the Fund will own the underlying security. Options
written by the Fund normally will have expiration dates between three and
nine months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may
be below, equal to, or above the current market value of the underlying
security at the time the option is written. When the Fund writes a covered
call option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is
recorded as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the
liability is subsequently "marked-to-market" to reflect the current market
value of the option written. The current market value of a written option
is the mean between the last bid and asked prices on that day. If a written
call option expires on the stipulated expiration date, or if the Fund
enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund realizes a gain (or a
loss if the closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when
the option was written) without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on
the underlying security, and the liability related to
FS-23
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 73
such option is extinguished. If a written option is exercised, the Fund
realizes a gain or a loss from the sale of the underlying security and the
proceeds of the sale are increased by the premium originally received.
A call option gives the purchaser of such option the right to buy, and
the writer (the Fund) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at
the stated exercise price during the option period. The purchaser of a call
option has the right to acquire the security which is the subject of the
call option at any time during the option period. During the option period,
in return for the premium paid by the purchaser of the option, the Fund has
given up the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price
should the market price of the underlying security increase, but has
retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security
decline. During the option period, the Fund may be required at any time to
deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. This
obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option period or at
such earlier time at which the Fund effects a closing purchase transaction
by purchasing (at a price which may be higher than that received when the
call option was written) a call option identical to the one originally
written.
NOTE 2-ADVISORY FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Company has entered into a master investment agreement with A I M Advisors,
Inc. ("AIM"). Under the terms of the master investment advisory agreement, the
Fund pays an advisory fee to AIM at the annual rate of 1.0% of the first $30
million of the Fund's average daily net assets, plus 0.75% of the Fund's average
daily net assets in excess of $30 million to and including $150 million, plus
0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $150 million. AIM has
agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of its advisory fees paid by the Fund to
AIM to the extent necessary to reduce the fees paid by the Fund at net asset
levels higher than those currently incorporated in the present advisory fee
schedule. Under the voluntary waiver, AIM will receive a fee calculated at the
annual rate of 1.0% of the first $30 million of the Fund's average daily net
assets, plus 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $30
million to and including $150 million, plus 0.625% of the Fund's average daily
net assets in excess of $150 million to and including $2 billion, plus 0.60% of
the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion. During the year
ended October 31, 1998, AIM waived fees of $3,074,705. The waiver is entirely
voluntary but approval is required by the Board of Directors for any decision by
AIM to discontinue the waiver. Under the terms of a master sub-advisory
agreement between AIM and A I M Capital Management, Inc. ("AIM Capital"), AIM
pays AIM Capital 50% of the amount paid by the Fund to AIM.
The Fund, pursuant to a master administrative services agreement with AIM, has
agreed to reimburse AIM for certain administrative costs incurred in providing
accounting services to the Fund. During the year ended October 31, 1998, AIM was
reimbursed $295,926 for such services.
The Fund, pursuant to a transfer agent and shareholder service agreement, has
agreed to pay A I M Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS") a fee for providing transfer
agency and shareholder services to the Fund. On September 20, 1997, the Board of
Directors approved appointment of AFS as transfer agent of the Institutional
Class effective December 29, 1997. During the year ended October 31, 1998, AFS
was paid $11,110,534 with respect to the Class A, Class B and Class C shares and
for the period December 29, 1997 through October 31, 1998, AFS was paid $14,933
with respect to the Institutional Class. Prior to the effective date of the
agreement with AFS, the Fund paid A I M Institutional Fund Services, Inc. $2,685
pursuant to a transfer agency and shareholder services agreement with respect to
the Institutional Class for the period November 1, 1997 through December 28,
1997.
The Company has entered into master distribution agreements with A I M
Distributors, Inc. ("AIM Distributors") to serve as the distributor for the
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. The Company has adopted
distribution plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to the
Fund's Class A shares and Class C shares (the "Class A and C Plan"), and the
Fund's Class B shares (the "Class B Plan") (collectively, the "Plans"). The
Fund, pursuant to the Class A and C Plan, pays AIM Distributors compensation at
an annual rate of 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares
and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares. The Fund, pursuant
to the Class B Plan, pays AIM Distributors compensation at an annual rate of
1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. Of these amounts,
the Fund may pay a service fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the
Class A, Class B or C shares to selected dealers and financial institutions who
furnish continuing personal shareholder services to their customers who purchase
and own the appropriate class of shares of the Fund. Any amounts not paid as a
service fee under the Plans would constitute an asset-based sales charge. The
Plans also impose a cap on the total sales charges, including asset-based sales
charges that may be paid by the respective classes. During the year ended
October 31, 1998, the Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares paid AIM
Distributors $41,684,536, $1,576,409, and $506,546, respectively as compensation
under the Plans.
AIM Distributors received commissions of $5,261,392 from sales of the Class A
shares of the Fund during the year ended October 31, 1998. Such commissions are
not an expense of the Fund. They are deducted from, and are not included in, the
proceeds from sales of Class A shares. During the year ended October 31, 1998,
AIM Distributors received commissions of $510,316 in contingent deferred sales
charges imposed on the redemptions of Fund shares. Certain officers and
directors of the Company are officers and directors of AIM, AIM Capital, AIM
Distributors, AFS, and FMC.
During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund paid legal fees of $31,902
for services rendered by Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel as counsel to the
Company's directors. A member of that firm is a director of the Company.
NOTE 3-INDIRECT EXPENSES
During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund received reductions in transfer
agency fees from AFS (an affiliate of AIM) and reductions in custodian fees of
$147,814 and $184,799, respectively, under expense offset arrangements. The
effect of the above arrangements resulted in a reduction of the Fund's total
expenses of $332,613 during the year ended October 31, 1998.
FS-24
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 74
NOTE 4-DIRECTOR'S FEES
Director's fees represent remuneration paid or accrued to each director who is
not an "interested person" of AIM. The Company may invest directors' fees, if so
elected by a director, in mutual fund shares in accordance with a deferred
compensation plan.
NOTE 5-BANK BORROWINGS
The Fund is a participant in a committed line of credit facility with a
syndicate administered by The Chase Manhattan Bank. The Fund may borrow up to
the lesser of (i) $1,000,000,000 or (ii) the limits set by its prospectus for
borrowings. The Fund and other funds advised by AIM which are parties to the
line of credit may borrow on a first come, first served basis. Interest on
borrowings under the line of credit is payable on maturity or prepayment date.
Prior to an amendment of the line of credit on May 1, 1998, the Fund was limited
to borrowing up to the lesser of (i) $500,000,000 or (ii) the limits set by its
prospectus for borrowings. During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund did
not borrow under the line of credit agreement. The funds which are party to the
line of credit are charged a commitment fee of 0.05% on the unused balance of
the committed line. The commitment fee is allocated among the funds based on
their respective average net assets for the period.
NOTE 6-INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The aggregate amount of investment securities (other than short-term securities)
purchased and sold by the Fund during the year ended October 31, 1998 was
$10,221,437,067 and $11,626,322,625, respectively.
The amount of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities
as of October 31, 1998, on a tax basis, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Aggregate unrealized appreciation of
investment securities $3,684,499,221
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Aggregate unrealized (depreciation) of
investment securities (373,354,606)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investment
securities $3,311,144,615
==========================================================
</TABLE>
Cost of investments for tax purposes is $9,713,141,266.
NOTE 7-CAPITAL STOCK
Changes in the capital stock outstanding during the years ended October 31, 1998
and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------------------------ ------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
------------ --------------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sold:
Class A 271,511,337 $ 7,555,171,888 211,624,665 $ 5,717,830,615
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B* 12,877,388 356,713,527 -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C** 2,960,570 81,123,332 745,655 22,872,597
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 2,149,830 60,442,629 5,274,034 141,917,489
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued as
reinvestment of
dividends:
Class A 38,633,795 977,878,833 15,529,296 381,406,093
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B* 104,498 2,643,686 -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C** 76,723 1,938,518 -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 494,582 12,886,955 387,258 9,720,186
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reacquired:
Class A (330,045,727) (9,200,207,188) (178,999,514) (4,818,496,457)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B* (2,423,778) (66,919,583) -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C** (842,846) (22,617,090) (8,492) (261,148)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class (1,977,243) (55,893,372) (10,657,023) (291,405,504)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6,480,871) $ (296,837,865) 43,895,879 $ 1,163,583,871
======================================================================================
</TABLE>
*Class B Shares commenced sales on November 3, 1997.
**Class C Shares commenced sales on August 4, 1997.
NOTE 8-OPTION CONTRACTS WRITTEN
Transactions in call options written during the year ended October 31, 1998 are
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTION CONTRACTS
-----------------------
NUMBER OF PREMIUMS
CONTRACTS RECEIVED
--------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Beginning of period -- --
- ----------------------------------- ------- -----------
Written 29,238 $ 7,032,081
- ----------------------------------- ------- -----------
Closed (17,332) (3,926,728)
- ----------------------------------- ------- -----------
Expired (6,031) (484,785)
- ----------------------------------- ------- -----------
Exercised (4,000) (2,262,924)
- ----------------------------------- ------- -----------
End of Period 1,875 $ 357,644
=================================== ======= ===========
</TABLE>
Open call option contracts written at October 31, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACT STRIKE NUMBER OF PREMIUM OCTOBER 31, 1998 UNREALIZED
ISSUE MONTH PRICE CONTRACTS RECEIVED MARKET VALUE APPRECIATION
- ----- -------- ------ --------- -------- ---------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Boston Scientific Corp. Dec. 98 $65 1,875 $357,644 $210,938 $146,706
======================== ======== === ===== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
FS-25
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 75
NOTE 9-FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Shown below are the financial highlights for a share of the Institutional Class
capital stock outstanding during each of the years in the five-year period ended
October 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 30.00 $ 26.01 $ 24.05 $ 18.49 $ 17.13
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income -- 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.03
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and
unrealized) (0.65) 4.86 2.67 6.06 1.33
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations (0.65) 4.88 2.71 6.08 1.36
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gains (2.10) (0.89) (0.75) (0.52) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 27.25 $ 30.00 $ 26.01 $ 24.05 $ 18.49
============================================================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total return (1.85)% 19.42% 11.81% 34.09% 7.94%
============================================================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) $189,039 $188,109 $293,035 $138,918 $ 39,847
============================================================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratio of expenses to average net assets(a) 0.63%(b) 0.65% 0.66% 0.66% 0.69%
============================================================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets(c) (0.01)%(b) 0.06% 0.21% 0.18% 0.36%
============================================================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover rate 76% 67% 58% 45% 79%
============================================================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
(a) After fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Ratios of expenses to
average net assets prior to fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements were
0.65%, 0.67%, 0.67%, 0.68% and 0.70% for 1998-1994.
(b) Ratios are based on average net assets of $195,687,140.
(c) After fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Ratios of net investment
income (loss) prior to fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements were
(0.03)%, 0.04%, 0.20%, 0.16% and 0.35% for 1998-1994.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FS-26
CONSTELLATION
<PAGE> 76
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
AIM Equity Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AIM
Weingarten Fund (a portfolio of AIM Equity Funds, Inc.), including the schedule
of investments, as of October 31, 1998, the related statement of operations for
the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the
years in the two-year period then ended, and financial highlights for each of
the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1998, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AIM
Weingarten Fund as of October 31, 1998, the results of its operations for the
year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-
year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in
the five-year period then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Houston, Texas
December 4, 1998
FS-27
<PAGE> 77
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
DOMESTIC COMMON STOCKS-87.33%
BANKS (REGIONAL)-0.46%
North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. 1,600,000 $ 31,800,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BEVERAGES (NON-ALCOHOLIC)-0.34%
PepsiCo, Inc. 702,100 23,695,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BIOTECHNOLOGY-0.74%
Amgen, Inc.(a) 650,000 51,065,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BROADCASTING (TELEVISION, RADIO & CABLE)-5.48%
Chancellor Media Corp.(a) 1,200,000 46,050,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Clear Channel Communications,
Inc.(a) 1,030,460 46,950,334
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Comcast Corp.-Class A 1,500,000 74,062,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cox Communications, Inc.-Class
A(a) 281,400 15,441,825
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Jacor Communications, Inc.(a) 925,000 50,875,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Liberty Media Group(a) 299,800 11,411,137
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MediaOne Group, Inc.(a) 950,500 40,218,031
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tele-Communications, Inc.-Class
A(a) 2,200,000 92,675,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
377,683,827
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CHEMICALS (DIVERSIFIED)-0.59%
Monsanto Co. 1,000,000 40,625,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT-0.61%
Lucent Technologies, Inc.(b) 525,000 42,098,438
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (HARDWARE)-4.45%
Dell Computer Corp.(a)(b) 1,700,000 111,562,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
International Business Machines
Corp. 1,034,800 153,603,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) 713,400 41,555,550
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
306,721,175
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (NETWORKING)-1.91%
Ascend Communications, Inc.(a) 1,444,000 69,673,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) 850,000 53,550,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
3Com Corp.(a) 236,900 8,543,206
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
131,766,206
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (PERIPHERALS)-0.90%
EMC Corp.(a) 959,000 61,735,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS (SOFTWARE & SERVICES)-9.75%
America Online, Inc.(a)(b) 1,350,000 171,534,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BMC Software, Inc.(a) 1,500,000 72,093,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cadence Design Systems,
Inc.(a)(b) 600,000 12,825,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
COMPUTERS (SOFTWARE & SERVICES)-(CONTINUED)
Computer Sciences Corp.(a)(b) 685,500 $ 36,160,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Compuware Corp.(a) 1,100,000 59,606,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Concord EFS, Inc.(a) 1,013,300 28,879,050
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HBO & Co. 1,200,000 31,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Corp.(a) 2,166,500 229,378,188
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Unisys Corp.(a) 1,150,000 30,618,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
672,595,488
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER FINANCE-0.50%
Providian Financial Corp. 434,500 34,488,437
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTORS (FOOD &
HEALTH)-2.32%
AmeriSource Health Corp.-Class
A(a) 600,000 31,462,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Cardinal Health, Inc. 1,000,000 94,562,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
McKesson Corp. 149,600 11,519,200
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sysco Corp. 835,700 22,511,668
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
160,055,868
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT-2.68%
AMP Inc.(b) 1,000,000 41,062,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
General Electric Co. 912,100 79,808,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SCI Systems, Inc.(a) 612,800 24,205,600
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Symbol Technologies, Inc. 885,450 39,623,887
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
184,700,737
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS
(SEMICONDUCTORS)-1.49%
Altera Corp.(a) 266,100 11,076,413
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Intel Corp. 898,000 80,090,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Xilinx, Inc.(a) 255,700 11,418,603
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
102,585,391
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ENTERTAINMENT-0.83%
Time Warner, Inc. 408,800 37,941,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Viacom, Inc.-Class B(a) 326,500 19,549,187
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
57,490,937
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL (DIVERSIFIED)-7.83%
American Express Co. 400,000 35,350,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Citigroup, Inc. 405,050 19,062,666
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Federal National Mortgage
Association 1,340,700 94,938,319
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Freddie Mac 2,725,000 156,687,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Heller Financial, Inc. 965,400 23,169,600
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-28
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 78
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
FINANCIAL (DIVERSIFIED)-(CONTINUED)
MBIA, Inc. 1,375,000 $ 84,046,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MGIC Investment Corp. 1,127,940 43,989,660
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SunAmerica, Inc. 1,175,000 82,837,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
540,082,120
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (DIVERSIFIED)-6.39%
Abbott Laboratories 1,287,400 60,427,338
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
American Home Products Corp. 390,200 19,022,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.(b) 1,836,100 203,003,806
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Johnson & Johnson 500,000 40,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Warner-Lambert Co. 1,495,000 117,170,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
440,374,019
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (DRUGS-GENERIC & OTHER)-2.03%
ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1,310,200 30,625,925
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Mylan Laboratories, Inc. 1,350,000 46,490,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) 1,130,600 62,889,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
140,006,175
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (DRUGS-MAJOR PHARMACEUTICALS)-7.92%
Lilly (Eli) & Co. 1,498,900 121,317,219
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Merck & Co., Inc. 525,000 71,006,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Pfizer, Inc. 1,316,800 141,309,100
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc. 2,615,000 138,431,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Schering-Plough Corp.(b) 717,200 73,781,950
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
545,846,082
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT)-0.09%
Universal Health Services,
Inc.-Class B(a) 114,000 5,849,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (LONG TERM
CARE)-0.17%
HEALTHSOUTH Corp.(a) 985,300 11,946,763
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE (MEDICAL PRODUCTS & SUPPLIES)-4.84%
Baxter International, Inc. 1,000,000 59,937,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Becton, Dickinson & Co. 3,160,400 133,131,850
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Biomet, Inc. 1,098,500 37,280,343
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Guidant Corp. 850,000 65,025,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Stryker Corp. 684,900 28,722,993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sybron International Corp.(a) 393,200 9,731,700
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
333,829,386
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS & APPLIANCES-0.06%
Furniture Brands International,
Inc.(a)(b) 191,800 4,123,700
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS (NON-DURABLES)-0.66%
Dial Corp. (The) 574,700 15,840,169
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS (NON-DURABLES)-(CONTINUED)
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) 330,000 $ 29,328,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
45,168,919
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE (LIFE/HEALTH)-0.71%
Equitable Companies, Inc. 670,000 32,830,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide Financial Services,
Inc.-Class A 389,500 16,164,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
48,994,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE (MULTI-LINE)-0.41%
American International Group,
Inc. 330,000 28,132,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT BANKING/BROKERAGE-0.42%
Paine Webber Group, Inc. 875,000 29,257,813
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT-0.94%
Franklin Resources, Inc. 900,000 34,031,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. 867,100 30,836,244
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
64,867,494
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
LODGING-HOTELS-1.76%
Carnival Corp. 3,750,000 121,406,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MANUFACTURING (DIVERSIFIED)-0.72%
Tyco International Ltd. 800,000 49,550,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS-0.47%
Enron Corp. 620,000 32,705,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PERSONAL CARE-0.42%
Avon Products, Inc. 729,600 28,956,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (BUILDING SUPPLIES)-2.84%
Home Depot, Inc. (The) 2,800,000 121,800,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Lowe's Companies, Inc. 2,200,000 74,112,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
195,912,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS)-0.97%
Best Buy Co., Inc.(a) 775,000 37,200,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Ingram Micro, Inc.-Class A(a) 648,200 29,493,100
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
66,693,100
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DEPARTMENT STORES)-0.28%
Saks, Inc.(a) 855,700 19,467,175
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DISCOUNTERS)-0.14%
Ross Stores, Inc. 300,000 9,750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (DRUG STORES)-0.95%
CVS Corp. 700,000 31,981,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-29
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 79
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
SHARES VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
RETAIL (DRUG STORES)-(CONTINUED)
Rite Aid Corp. 848,500 $ 33,674,844
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
65,656,094
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (FOOD CHAINS)-1.17%
Albertson's, Inc. 154,000 8,556,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Kroger Co.(a) 1,000,000 55,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Safeway, Inc.(a) 340,600 16,284,937
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
80,341,562
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (GENERAL
MERCHANDISE)-2.08%
Costco Companies, Inc.(a)(b) 725,000 41,143,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Dayton Hudson Corp. 670,000 28,391,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 1,075,000 74,175,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
143,710,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (SPECIALTY)-2.10%
Office Depot, Inc.(a) 2,850,000 71,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Staples, Inc.(a) 2,250,000 73,406,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
144,656,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL (SPECIALTY-APPAREL)-0.54%
Gap, Inc. (The) 625,000 37,578,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (ADVERTISING/MARKETING)-1.00%
Outdoor Systems, Inc.(a) 3,131,625 69,091,477
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (COMMERCIAL & CONSUMER)-0.34%
Service Corp. International 650,000 23,156,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (COMPUTER SYSTEMS)-0.48%
Keane, Inc.(a) 1,000,000 33,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES (DATA PROCESSING)-1.21%
Equifax, Inc. 1,332,300 51,543,356
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fiserv, Inc.(a) 690,600 32,112,900
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
83,656,256
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS (LONG DISTANCE)-4.34%
MCI WorldCom, Inc.(a) 5,410,965 298,955,816
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Domestic Common Stocks
(Cost $4,374,224,596) 6,022,079,330
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT VALUE
<S> <C> <C>
DOMESTIC CONVERTIBLE BONDS & NOTES-0.26%
RETAIL (DEPARTMENT STORES)-0.26%
Saks Holdings, Inc., Conv. Sub.
Notes, 5.50%, 09/15/06 (Cost
$18,304,125) $ 18,350,000 $ 18,235,313
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. DOLLAR DENOMINATED FOREIGN BONDS & NOTES-0.61%
SWITZERLAND-0.61%
Nestle Holding Inc. (Foods),
Conv. Bond, 3.00%, 06/17/02
(Cost $40,041,900) 30,000,000 42,165,810
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
SHARES
<S> <C> <C>
FOREIGN STOCKS & OTHER EQUITY INTERESTS-4.30%
FRANCE-0.37%
Renault S.A. (Automobiles) 600,000 25,658,570
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
IRELAND-1.12%
Elan Corp. PLC-ADR (Health
Care-Drugs-Generic & Other)(a) 1,100,000 77,068,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ITALY-0.86%
Telecom Italia Mobile S.p.A.
(Telephone) 6,000,000 34,868,132
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Telecom Italia S.p.A.
(Telephone) 3,333,333 24,106,632
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
58,974,764
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SWITZERLAND-1.95%
UBS A.G. (Banks-Major
Regional)(a) 242,500 66,505,795
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Nestle S.A. (Foods) 32,000 68,034,844
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
134,540,639
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Foreign Stocks & Other
Equity Interests (Cost
$237,913,241) 296,242,723
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OPTIONS PURCHASED-0.10%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER
OF EXERCISE EXPIRATION MARKET
CONTRACTS PRICE DATE VALUE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PUTS-0.10%
Cadence Design Systems,
Inc. (Computers-Software
& Services) 6,000 22.50 Nov-98 $1,387,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucent Technologies, Inc.
(Communications
Equipment) 3,625 95.00 Jan-99 5,709,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Options
Purchased (Cost
$3,914,290) 7,096,875
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FS-30
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 80
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
PRINCIPAL MARKET
AMOUNT VALUE
U.S. TREASURY BILLS-1.94%(c)
3.998%, 12/24/98 (Cost
$133,693,439) $134,435,000(d) $133,693,439
- --------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS-6.79%(e)
Bear, Stearns & Co.,
5.52%(f) 180,000,000 180,000,000
- --------------------------------------------------------
Dresdner Kleinwort,
Benson, North America
LLC, 5.55%, 11/2/98(g) 88,091,453 88,091,453
- --------------------------------------------------------
SBC Warburg Dillon Read
Inc., 5.55%, 11/2/98(h) 200,000,000 200,000,000
- --------------------------------------------------------
Total Repurchase
Agreements (Cost
$468,091,453) 468,091,453
- --------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS-101.33% $6,987,604,943
- --------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES-(1.33)% (91,686,170)
- --------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS-100.00% $6,895,918,773
========================================================
</TABLE>
Abbreviations:
ADR - American Depositary Receipt
Conv. - Convertible
Sub - Subordinated
Notes to Schedule of Investments:
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) A portion of this security is subject to call options written. See Note 8.
(c) U.S. Treasury Bills are traded on a discount basis. In such cases the
interest rate shown represents the rate of discount paid or received at the
time of purchase by the Fund.
(d) A portion of the principal balance was pledged as collateral to cover margin
requirements for open futures contracts. See Note 7.
(e) Collateral on repurchase agreements, including the Fund's pro-rata interest
in joint repurchase agreements, is taken into possession by the Fund upon
entering into the repurchase agreement. The collateral is marked to market
daily to ensure its market value as being at least 102% of the sales price
of the repurchase agreement. The investments in some repurchase agreements
are through participation in joint accounts with other mutual funds, private
accounts, and certain non-registered investment companies managed by the
investment advisor or its affiliates.
(f) Open joint repurchase agreement. Either party may terminate the agreement
upon demand. Interest rates are redetermined daily. Collateralized by
$353,825,000 U.S. Government obligations, 0% to 6.745% due 01/15/99 to
08/03/18 with an aggregate market value at 10/31/98 of $357,771,886.
(g) Joint repurchase agreement entered into 10/30/98 with a maturing value of
$300,138,750. Collateralized by $485,457,284 U.S. Government obligations, 0%
to 8.50% due 01/07/99 to 08/01/37 with an aggregate market value at 10/31/98
of $306,003,830.
(h) Joint repurchase agreement entered into 10/30/98 with a maturing value of
$200,092,500. Collateralized by $339,879,000 U.S. Government obligations, 0%
to 8.50% due 07/15/01 to 01/15/30 with an aggregate market value at 10/31/98
of $204,017,333.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-31
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 81
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
OCTOBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at market value (cost
$5,276,183,044) $6,987,604,943
- --------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currencies, at value (cost
$2,570,450) 2,565,915
- --------------------------------------------------------
Cash 3,996,858
- --------------------------------------------------------
Receivables for:
Investments sold 31,213,312
- --------------------------------------------------------
Capital stock sold 8,295,922
- --------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and interest 4,152,383
- --------------------------------------------------------
Variation margin 1,111,425
- --------------------------------------------------------
Investment for deferred compensation
plan 105,518
- --------------------------------------------------------
Other assets 163,186
- --------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 7,039,209,462
- --------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
Payables for:
Investments purchased 91,742,610
- --------------------------------------------------------
Capital stock reacquired 6,659,959
- --------------------------------------------------------
Deferred compensation 105,518
- --------------------------------------------------------
Options written (premiums received
$44,508,416) 37,381,847
- --------------------------------------------------------
Accrued advisory fees 3,226,589
- --------------------------------------------------------
Accrued administrative services fees 16,296
- --------------------------------------------------------
Accrued directors' fees 3,500
- --------------------------------------------------------
Accrued distribution fees 2,769,404
- --------------------------------------------------------
Accrued transfer agent fees 948,313
- --------------------------------------------------------
Accrued operating expenses 436,653
- --------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 143,290,689
- --------------------------------------------------------
Net assets applicable to shares
outstanding $6,895,918,773
========================================================
NET ASSETS:
Class A $6,094,177,561
========================================================
Class B $ 705,750,126
========================================================
Class C $ 23,107,031
========================================================
Institutional Class $ 72,884,055
========================================================
CAPITAL STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE:
Class A:
Authorized 750,000,000
- --------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 280,643,682
========================================================
Class B:
Authorized 750,000,000
- --------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 33,416,157
========================================================
Class C:
Authorized 750,000,000
- --------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 1,093,306
========================================================
Institutional Class:
Authorized 200,000,000
- --------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding 3,285,920
========================================================
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price
per share $ 21.72
- --------------------------------------------------------
Offering price per share:
(Net asset value of
$21.72 divided by 94.50%) $ 22.98
========================================================
Class B:
Net asset value and offering price per
share $ 21.12
========================================================
Class C:
Net asset value and offering price per
share $ 21.14
========================================================
Institutional Class:
Net asset value, offering and
redemption price per share $ 22.18
========================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends (net of $1,357,955 foreign
withholding tax) $ 49,728,636
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Interest 26,746,186
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Total investment income 76,474,822
- ---------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Advisory fees 43,574,677
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Administrative services fees 179,633
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Custodian fees 667,786
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Directors' fees 45,123
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class A 18,567,575
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class B 6,185,890
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees-Class C 125,198
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class A 7,790,643
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class B 1,316,441
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Class C 35,743
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent fees-Institutional Class 6,988
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Other 984,467
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 79,480,164
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Less: Fees waived by advisor (2,917,461)
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Expenses paid indirectly (177,097)
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Net expenses 76,385,606
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 89,216
- ---------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM
INVESTMENT SECURITIES, FOREIGN
CURRENCIES, FUTURES AND OPTION CONTRACTS:
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Investment securities 510,689,133
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currencies 4,256,163
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Futures contracts 9,427,467
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts purchased 735,202
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts written (10,831,861)
- ---------------------------------------------------------
514,276,104
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:
Investment securities 239,037,008
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currencies (41,394)
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Futures contracts 7,020,866
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts purchased 3,182,585
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Option contracts written 6,509,630
- ---------------------------------------------------------
255,708,695
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Net gain from investment securities,
foreign currencies, futures and option
contracts 769,984,799
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations $770,074,015
=========================================================
</TABLE>
FS-32
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 82
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the years ended October 31, 1998 and 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income $ 89,216 $ 1,100,893
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain from investment securities, foreign
currencies, futures and option contracts 514,276,104 933,882,009
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investment securities,
foreign currencies, futures and option contracts 255,708,695 438,536,902
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 770,074,015 1,373,519,804
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders from net investment income:
Class A -- (14,688,010)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class -- (444,894)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains:
Class A (864,947,763) (552,547,910)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B (76,736,323) (32,151,485)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C (626,936) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class (9,231,714) (6,655,833)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net equalization credits (charges) (See Note 1):
Class A -- 436,828
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -- 62,469
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class -- (91,147)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share transactions-net:
Class A 442,079,076 126,373,106
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 240,674,117 166,861,272
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 21,194,188 2,401,569
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 12,302,794 (7,373,537)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets 534,781,454 1,055,702,232
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period 6,361,137,319 5,305,435,087
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period $6,895,918,773 $6,361,137,319
==============================================================================================
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Capital (par value and additional paid-in) $4,682,377,491 $3,937,446,869
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed net investment income 4,034,739 28,516,289
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed net realized gain from investment
securities, foreign currencies, futures and option
contracts 484,238,255 925,614,568
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized appreciation of investment securities, foreign
currencies, futures and option contracts 1,725,268,288 1,469,559,593
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$6,895,918,773 $6,361,137,319
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-33
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 83
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 1998
NOTE 1-SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
AIM Weingarten Fund (the "Fund") is a series portfolio of AIM Equity Funds, Inc.
(the "Company"). The Company is a Maryland corporation registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end
series management investment company consisting of six separate portfolios: AIM
Weingarten Fund, AIM Aggressive Growth Fund, AIM Blue Chip Fund, AIM Capital
Development Fund, AIM Charter Fund and AIM Constellation Fund. The Fund
currently offers four different classes of shares: Class A shares, Class B
shares, Class C shares and the Institutional Class. Class A shares are sold with
a front-end sales charge. Class B shares and Class C shares are sold with a
contingent deferred sales charge. Matters affecting each portfolio or class will
be voted on exclusively by the shareholders of such portfolio or class. The
assets, liabilities and operations of each portfolio are accounted for
separately. Information presented in these financial statements pertains only to
the Fund. The Fund's investment objective is to seek growth of capital.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The
following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund
in the preparation of its financial statements.
A. Security Valuations--A security listed or traded on an exchange (except
convertible bonds) is valued at its last sales price on the exchange where
the security is principally traded, or lacking any sales on a particular
day, the security is valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked
prices on that day. Each security traded in the over-the-counter market (but
not including securities reported on the NASDAQ National Market System) is
valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices based upon quotes
furnished by market makers for such securities. Each security reported on
the NASDAQ National Market System is valued at the last sales price on the
valuation date or absent a last sales price, at the mean of the closing bid
and asked prices. Debt obligations (including convertible bonds) are valued
on the basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service. Prices
provided by the pricing service may be determined without exclusive reliance
on quoted prices, and may reflect appropriate factors such as yield, type of
issue, coupon rate and maturity date. Securities for which market quotations
are not readily available or are questionable are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Company's
officers in a manner specifically authorized by the Board of Directors of
the Company. Short-term obligations having 60 days or less to maturity are
valued at amortized cost which approximates market value. Generally, trading
in foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times
prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange. The values of such
securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are
determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also
generally determined prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange.
Occasionally, events affecting the values of such securities and such
exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are determined and
the close of the New York Stock Exchange which would not be reflected in the
computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events materially affecting
the value of such securities occur during such period, then these securities
will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by or
under the supervision of the Board of Directors.
B. Foreign Currency Translations--Portfolio securities and other assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S.
dollar amounts at date of valuation. Purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and income items denominated in foreign currencies are translated
into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.
C. Foreign Currency Contracts--A foreign currency contract is an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed-upon price at a future
date. The Fund may enter into a foreign currency contract to attempt to
minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship
between currencies. The Fund may enter into a foreign currency 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 that security. The Fund could be
exposed to risk if counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the
terms of their contracts.
D. Stock Index Futures Contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell stock index
futures contracts as a hedge against changes in market conditions. Initial
margin deposits required upon entering into futures contracts are satisfied
by the segregation of specific securities or cash, and/or by securing a
standby letter of credit from a major commercial bank, as collateral, for
the account of the broker (the Fund's agent in acquiring the futures
position). During the period the futures contracts are open, changes in the
value of the contracts are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by
"marking to market" on a daily basis to reflect the market value of the
contracts at the end of each day's trading. Variation margin payments are
made or received depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are
incurred. When the contracts are closed, the Fund recognizes a realized gain
or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from, or cost of, the
closing transaction and the Fund's basis in the contract. Risks include the
possibility of an illiquid market and that the change in the value of the
contracts may not correlate with changes in the value of the securities
being hedged.
E. Covered Call Options--The Fund may write call options, but only on a covered
basis; that is, the Fund will own the underlying security. Options written
by the Fund normally will have expiration dates between three and nine
months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may be
below, equal to, or above the current market value of the underlying
security at the time the option is written. When the Fund writes a covered
call option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded
as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is
subsequently "marked-to-
FS-34
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 84
market" to reflect the current market value of the option written. The
current market value of a written option is the mean between the last bid
and asked prices on that day. If a written call option expires on the
stipulated expiration date, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase
transaction, the Fund realizes a gain (or a loss if the closing purchase
transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was written)
without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security,
and the liability related to such option is extinguished. If a written
option is exercised, the Fund realizes a gain or a loss from the sale of the
underlying security and the proceeds of the sale are increased by the
premium originally received.
A call option gives the purchaser of such option the right to buy, and the
writer (the Fund) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the
stated exercise price during the option period. The purchaser of a call
option has the right to acquire the security which is the subject of the
call option at any time during the option period. During the option period,
in return for the premium paid by the purchaser of the option, the Fund has
given up the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price
should the market price of the underlying security increase, but has
retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security
decline. During the option period, the Fund may be required at any time to
deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. This
obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option period or at such
earlier time at which the Fund effects a closing purchase transaction by
purchasing (at a price which may be higher than that received when the call
option was written) a call option identical to the one originally written.
F. Put Options--The Fund may purchase put options. By purchasing a put option,
the Fund obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's
underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, a
Fund pays an option premium. The option's underlying instrument may be a
security, or a futures contract. Put options may be used by a Fund to hedge
securities it owns by locking in a minimum price at which the Fund can sell.
If security prices fall, the put option could be exercised to offset all or
a portion of the Fund's resulting losses. At the same time, because the
maximum the Fund has at risk is the cost of the option, purchasing put
options does not eliminate the potential for the Fund to profit from an
increase in the value of the securities hedged.
G. Securities Transactions, Investment Income and Distributions--Securities
transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains or
losses on sales are computed on the specific identification of securities
sold. Interest income is recorded as earned from settlement date and is
recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income and distributions to
shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. On October 31, 1998,
undistributed net investment income was increased by $4,109,681 and
undistributed net realized gains decreased by $4,109,681 in order to comply
with the requirements of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants Statement of Position 93-2. Net assets of the Fund were
unaffected by the reclassifications discussed above.
H. Federal Income Taxes--The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company
and, as such, will not be subject to federal income taxes on otherwise
taxable income (including net realized capital gains) which is distributed to
shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is recorded in
the financial statements.
I. Expenses--Distribution and transfer agency expenses directly attributable to
a class of shares are charged to that class' operations. All other expenses
which are attributable to more than one class are allocated among the
classes.
J. Equalization--The Fund previously followed the accounting practice known as
equalization by which a portion of the proceeds from sales and costs of
repurchases of Fund shares, equivalent on a per share basis to the amount of
undistributed net investment income, is credited or charged to undistributed
net income when the transaction is recorded so that the undistributed net
investment income per share is unaffected by sales or redemptions of Fund
shares. Effective November 1, 1997, the Fund discontinued equalization
accounting and reclassified the cumulative equalization credits of
$28,680,447 from undistributed net investment income to paid-in capital.
This change has no effect on the net assets, the results of operations or
the net asset value per share of the Fund.
NOTE 2-ADVISORY FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Company has entered into a master investment advisory agreement with A I M
Advisors, Inc. ("AIM"). The terms of the master investment advisory agreement
provide that the Fund shall pay an advisory fee to AIM at an annual rate of 1.0%
of the first $30 million of the Fund's average daily net assets, plus 0.75% of
the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $30 million to and including
$350 million, plus 0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of
$350 million. AIM is currently voluntarily waiving a portion of its advisory
fees payable by the Fund to AIM to the extent necessary to reduce the fees paid
by the Fund at net asset levels higher than those currently incorporated in the
present advisory fee schedule. AIM will receive a fee calculated at the annual
rate of 1.0% of the first $30 million of the Fund's average daily net assets,
plus 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $30 million to
and including $350 million, plus 0.625% of the Fund's average daily net assets
in excess of $350 million to and including $2 billion, plus 0.60% of the Fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion to and including $3 billion,
plus 0.575% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $3 billion to
and including $4 billion, plus 0.55% of the Fund's average daily net assets in
excess of $4 billion. The waiver of fees is entirely voluntary but approval is
required by the Board of Directors of the Company for any decision by AIM to
discontinue the waiver. During the year ended October 31, 1998, AIM waived fees
of $2,917,461. Under the terms of a master sub-advisory agreement between AIM
and A I M Capital Management, Inc. ("AIM Capital"), AIM pays AIM Capital 50% of
the amount paid by the Fund to AIM.
FS-35
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 85
The Fund, pursuant to a master administrative services agreement with AIM,
has agreed to reimburse AIM for certain administrative costs incurred in
providing accounting services to the Fund. During the year ended October 31,
1998, AIM was reimbursed $179,633 for such services.
The Fund, pursuant to a transfer agent and service agreement, has agreed to
pay A I M Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS") a fee for providing transfer agency and
shareholder services to the Fund. On September 20, 1997, the Board of Directors
approved appointment of AFS as transfer agent of the Institutional Class
effective December 29, 1997. During the year ended October 31, 1998, AFS was
paid $4,650,330 with respect to the Class A, Class B, and Class C shares and for
the period December 29, 1997 through October 31, 1998, AFS was paid $5,316 with
respect to the Institutional Class. Prior to the effective date of the agreement
with AFS, the Fund paid A I M Institutional Fund Services, Inc. $952 pursuant to
a transfer agency and shareholder services agreement with respect to the
Institutional Class for the period November 1, 1997 through December 28, 1997.
The Company has entered into master distribution agreements with A I M
Distributors, Inc. ("AIM Distributors") to serve as the distributor for the
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. The Company has adopted
distribution plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to the
Fund's Class A shares and Class C shares (the "Class A and C Plan"), and the
Fund's Class B shares (the "Class B Plan")(collectively, the "Plans"). The Fund,
pursuant to the Class A and C Plan, pays AIM Distributors compensation at an
annual rate of 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares and
1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares. The Fund, pursuant to
the Class B Plan, pays AIM Distributors compensation at an annual rate of 1.00%
of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. Of these amounts, the
Fund may pay a service fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class
A, Class B or C shares to selected dealers and financial institutions who
furnish continuing personal shareholder services to their customers who purchase
and own the appropriate class of shares of the Fund. Any amounts not paid as a
service fee under the Plans would constitute an asset-based sales charge. The
Plans also impose a cap on the total sales charges, including asset-based sales
charges that may be paid by the respective classes. During the year ended
October 31, 1998, the Class A, Class B and Class C shares paid AIM Distributors
$18,567,575, $6,185,890, and $125,198, respectively, as compensation under the
Plans.
AIM Distributors received commissions of $1,654,675 from sales of the Class A
shares of the Fund during the year ended October 31, 1998. Such commissions are
not an expense of the Fund. They are deducted from, and are not included in, the
proceeds from sales of Class A shares. During the year ended October 31, 1998,
AIM Distributors received commissions of $55,685 in contingent deferred sales
charges imposed on redemptions of Fund shares. Certain officers and directors of
the Company are officers and directors of AIM, AIM Capital, AIM Distributors,
AFS and FMC.
During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund paid legal fees of $16,595
for services rendered by Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel as counsel to the
Company's directors. A member of that firm is a director of the Company.
NOTE 3-INDIRECT EXPENSES
During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund received reductions in transfer
agency fees from AFS (an affiliate of AIM) and reductions in custodian fees of
$71,260 and $105,837, respectively, under expense offset arrangements. The
effect of the above arrangements resulted in a reduction of the Fund's total
expenses of $177,097 during the year ended October 31, 1998.
NOTE 4-DIRECTORS' FEES
Directors' fees represent remuneration paid or accrued to each director who is
not an "interested person" of AIM. The Company invests directors' fees, if so
elected by a director, in mutual fund shares in accordance with a deferred
compensation plan.
NOTE 5-BANK BORROWINGS
The Fund is a participant in a committed line of credit facility with a
syndicate administered by The Chase Manhattan Bank. The Fund may borrow up to
the lesser of (i) $1,000,000,000 or (ii) the limits set by its prospectus for
borrowings. The Fund and other funds advised by AIM which are parties to the
line of credit may borrow on a first come, first served basis. Interest on
borrowings under the line of credit is payable on maturity or prepayment date.
Prior to an amendment of the line of credit on May 1, 1998, the Fund was limited
to borrowing up to the lesser of (i) $500,000,000 or (ii) the limits set by its
prospectus for borrowings. During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund did
not borrow under the line of credit agreement. The funds which are party to the
line of credit are charged a commitment fee of 0.05% on the unused balance of
the committed line. The commitment fee is allocated among the funds based on
their respective average net assets for the period.
NOTE 6-INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The aggregate amount of investment securities (other than short-term securities)
purchased and sold during the year ended October 31, 1998 was $7,912,654,088 and
$8,399,566,587, respectively.
The amount of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities,
on a tax basis, as of October 31, 1998 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Aggregate unrealized appreciation of
investment securities $1,717,839,274
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Aggregate unrealized (depreciation) of
investment securities (45,966,154)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investment
securities $1,671,873,120
==========================================================
</TABLE>
Cost of investments for tax purposes is $5,315,731,823.
NOTE 7-FUTURES CONTRACTS
On October 31, 1998, $7,665,000 principal amount of U.S. Treasury obligations
were pledged as collateral to cover margin requirements for open futures
contracts. Open futures contracts were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. OF UNREALIZED
CONTRACTS CONTRACTS MONTH/COMMITMENT APPRECIATION
- --------------------- --------- ---------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
S&P 500 Index 511 Dec. 98/Buy $6,756,866
====================================================================
</TABLE>
FS-36
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 86
NOTE 8-CALL OPTION CONTRACTS
Transactions in call options written during the year ended October 31, 1998 are
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALL OPTION CONTRACTS
-------------------------
NUMBER OF PREMIUMS
CONTRACTS RECEIVED
--------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Beginning of period 3,000 $ 1,216,939
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written 298,491 124,583,917
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closed (159,249) (64,917,081)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercised (36,794) (8,353,416)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expired (29,215) (8,021,943)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period 76,233 $ 44,508,416
=======================================================================================
</TABLE>
Open call option contracts written at October 31, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31, UNREALIZED
CONTRACT STRIKE NUMBER OF PREMIUMS 1998 APPRECIATION
MONTH PRICE CONTRACTS RECEIVED MARKET VALUE (DEPRECIATION)
ISSUE -------- ------ --------- ----------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
America Online, Inc. Jan-99 120 3,375 $ 4,922,273 $ 5,906,250 $ (983,977)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amp, Inc. Feb-99 35 10,000 6,560,980 8,312,500 (1,751,520)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Dec-98 110 13,038 6,498,312 7,170,900 (672,588)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Nov-98 25 6,000 1,143,861 262,500 881,361
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Sciences Corp. Dec-98 70 6,855 4,770,920 407,015 4,363,905
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costco Companies, Inc. Jan-99 55 7,250 4,411,478 4,168,750 242,728
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dell Computer Corp. Jan-99 70 17,000 9,706,674 10,306,250 (599,576)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Furniture Brands International, Inc. Jan-99 20 959 200,904 272,716 (71,812)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Furniture Brands International, Inc. Jan-99 25 959 284,813 80,916 203,897
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucent Technologies, Inc. Jan-99 110 3,625 3,111,958 90,625 3,021,333
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schering-Plough Corp. Nov-98 110 7,172 2,896,243 403,425 2,492,818
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76,233 $44,508,416 $37,381,847 $ 7,126,569
==========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
NOTE 9-CAPITAL STOCK
Changes in the capital stock outstanding during the years ended October 31, 1998
and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------------------------ ------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
----------- --------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sold:
Class A 62,788,326 $ 1,368,867,407 36,066,523 $ 748,100,033
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 12,056,594 257,385,548 9,401,446 192,004,936
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C* 1,204,025 25,772,311 117,736 2,708,502
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 593,328 13,533,791 377,655 7,900,669
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued as a reinvestment of dividends:
Class A 41,795,514 813,441,370 29,415,559 528,061,835
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 3,831,332 73,061,374 1,715,350 30,687,644
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C* 31,251 600,022 -- --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class 456,144 9,035,386 313,585 5,650,803
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reacquired:
Class A (79,734,776) (1,740,229,701) (56,267,501) (1,149,788,762)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B (4,228,997) (89,772,805) (2,748,694) (55,831,308)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C* (246,074) (5,178,145) (13,632) (306,933)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class (458,838) (10,266,383) (951,830) (20,925,009)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38,087,829 $ 716,250,175 17,426,197 $ 288,262,410
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
* Class C shares commenced sales on August 4, 1997.
FS-37
WEINGARTEN
<PAGE> 87
NOTE 10-FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Shown below are the financial highlights for a share of the Institutional Class
capital stock outstanding during each of the years in the five-year period ended
October 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of
period $ 23.05 $ 20.46 $ 20.48 $ 17.94 $ 17.69
- -------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment income 0.10 0.08 0.17 0.10 0.17
- -------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net gains on securities (both
realized and unrealized) 2.43 4.90 2.52 4.35 0.58
- -------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment
operations 2.53 4.98 2.69 4.45 0.75
- -------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment
income -- (0.15) -- (0.13) (0.17)
- -------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Distributions from net
realized gains (3.40) (2.24) (2.71) (1.78) (0.33)
- -------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total distributions (3.40) (2.39) (2.71) (1.91) (0.50)
- -------------------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.18 $ 23.05 $ 20.46 $ 20.48 $ 17.94
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Total return 12.79% 27.37% 15.34% 28.69% 4.37%
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Ratios/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (000s
omitted) $72,884 $62,124 $ 60,483 $ 54,332 $ 40,486
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets(a) 0.62%(b) 0.64% 0.65% 0.70% 0.65%
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets(e) 0.49%(b) 0.50% 0.80% 0.45% 1.00%
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover rate 125% 128% 159% 139% 136%
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Borrowings for the period:
Amount of debt outstanding at
end of period (000s omitted) -- -- -- -- --
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Average amount of debt
outstanding during the period
(000s omitted)(d) -- -- -- $ 6 --
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Average number of shares
outstanding during the period
(000s omitted)(d) 3,126 3,146 2,908 2,526 2,256
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Average amount of debt per share
during the period -- -- -- $ 0.0024 --
================================ ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
(a) After fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Ratios of expenses to
average net assets prior to fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements were
0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.72% and 0.68% for 1998-1994.
(b) Ratios are based on average net assets of $69,647,808.
(c) After fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Ratios of net investment
income to average net assets prior to fee waivers and/or expense
reimbursements were 0.44%, 0.46%, 0.77%, 0.43% and 0.98% for 1998-1994.
(d) Averages computed on a daily basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FS-38
WEINGARTEN
