SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
Form N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 X
Pre-Effective Amendment No. _____
Post-Effective Amendment No._____
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT
OF 1940 X
Amendment No. ___
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact Name as Specified in Charter)
6300 Lamar Avenue, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
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(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code (913) 236-2000
Kristen A. Richards, P. O. Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
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(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering
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As soon as practical after effective date of Registration Statement
===============================================================================
DECLARATION REQUIRED BY RULE 24f-2 (a) (1)
The Registrant requests registration of an indefinite amount of shares
of its capital stock, $.001 per share, by this Registration Statement.
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, action pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
<PAGE>
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved the
Fund's securities, or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or
adequate. It is a criminal offense to state otherwise.
This Prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in
which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration
or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
This Fund seeks growth of capital.
Prospectus
_______________, 1999
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
An Overview of the Fund......................................................3
Performance..................................................................3
Fees and Expenses............................................................5
The Investment Principles of the Fund........................................7
Investment Goals, Principal Strategies and Other Investments..............7
Risk Considerations of Principal Strategies and Other Investments.........8
Year 2000 and Euro Issues.................................................9
Your Account................................................................10
Choosing a Share Class...................................................10
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers...................................12
Waivers for Certain Investors.........................................13
Ways to Set Up Your Account..............................................16
Buying Shares............................................................18
Minimum Investments......................................................20
Adding to Your Account...................................................21
Selling Shares...........................................................22
Telephone Transactions...................................................26
Shareholder Services.....................................................26
Personal Service......................................................26
Reports...............................................................26
Exchanges.............................................................27
Automatic Transactions for Class A Shareholders.......................27
Distributions and Taxes..................................................28
Distributions.........................................................28
Taxes.................................................................28
The Management of the Fund..................................................31
Portfolio Management.....................................................31
Management Fee...........................................................31
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
An Overview of the Fund
Goals
United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks growth of capital.
Principal Strategies
The Fund seeks to achieve its goal by investing primarily in common stocks of
companies that are relatively new or unseasoned, companies in their early stages
of development, or smaller companies positioned in new or emerging industries
where the opportunity for rapid growth is above average.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
Because the Fund owns different types of investments, a variety of factors can
affect its investment performance, such as:
o the earnings performance, credit quality and other conditions of the
companies whose securities the Fund holds;
o adverse stock and bond market conditions, sometimes in response to general
economic or industry news, that may cause the prices of the Fund's holdings
to fall as part of a broad market decline; and
o the skill of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company (WRIMCO), the
Fund's manager, in evaluating and selecting securities for the Portfolio.
Market risk for small companies may be greater than that for medium and large
companies. Smaller companies are more likely to have limited financial resources
and inexperienced management. Stock of smaller companies may experience volatile
trading and price fluctuations.
As with any mutual fund, the value of the Fund shares will change and you could
lose money on your investment. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit
and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
Who May Want to Invest
The Fund is designed for investors willing to accept greater risks than are
present with many other mutual funds. It is not intended for those investors who
desire assured income and conservation of
3
<PAGE>
capital. You should consider whether the Fund fits your investment objectives.
Performance
The performance of each class of the Fund's shares will vary from year to year.
As with all mutual funds, the Fund's past performance does not necessarily
indicate how it will perform in the future. Since the Fund has not been in
operation for a full fiscal year, no performance information is included in this
Prospectus.
4
<PAGE>
Fees and Expenses
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shareholder Fees Class A Class B Class C Class Y
(fees paid directly from Shares Shares Shares Shares
your investment) ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge (Load)
Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of
offering price) 5.75% None None None
Maximum Deferred Sales
Charge (Load)1 None 5% 1% None
(as a percentage of
amount invested)
Annual Fund Operating Expenses2
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fees 0.85% 0.85% 0.85% 0.85%
Distribution and
Service (12b-1) Fees3 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% None
Other Expenses 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.%
Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses 0.% 0.% 0.% 0.%
</TABLE>
Example: This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the shares of the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The
example assumes that (a) you invest $10,000 in the particular Class A, Class B,
Class C or Class Y shares for each time period specified, (b) your investment
has a 5% return each year, and (c) the class expenses remain the same. Although
your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs
would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF SHARES ARE REDEEMED AT END OF PERIOD: 1 year 3 years
<S> <C> <C>
Class A shares $ $
Class B shares $ $
Class C shares $ $
Class Y shares $ $
- --------
1 The contingent deferred sales charge which is imposed on redemption proceeds
of Class B shares declines from 5% of the amount invested to 0% after 6 years.
For Class C shares, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge applies to the
proceeds of redemption of Class C shares held for less than 12 months.
2 The expenses shown for Management Fees reflect the maximum annual fee payable;
however, WRIMCO has agreed to waive its investment management fee if the Fund's
net assets are less than $25 million, subject to its right to change or
terminate this waiver. The expense ratios for Other Expenses are based on
estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. Actual expenses may be greater or
less than those shown.
3 It is possible that long-term Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders of the
Fund may bear 12b-1 distribution fees that are more than the maximum asset-based
sales charge permitted under the rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc.
5
<PAGE>
IF SHARES ARE NOT REDEEMED AT END OF PERIOD: 1 year 3 years
Class A shares $ $
Class B shares $ $
Class C shares $ $
Class Y shares $ $
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
The Investment Principles of the Fund
Investment Goal, Principal Strategies and Other Investments
The goal of the Fund is growth of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its goal by
investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of common stock of companies
whose market capitalizations do not exceed $1.5 billion at the time of purchase
by the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
In selecting companies, WRIMCO may look at a number of factors relating to a
company, such as:
o aggressive or creative management;
o technological or specialized expertise;
o new or unique products or services;
o entry into new or emerging industries; and
o special situations arising our of government priorities or programs.
The Fund may occasionally invest in securities of larger companies that, in
WRIMCO's opinion, are being fundamentally changed or revitalized, have a
position that is considered strong relative to the market as a whole or
otherwise offer unusual opportunities for above-average growth.
In addition to common stocks, the Fund may also invest in securities convertible
into common stocks, preferred stocks and debt securities (mostly of investment
grade). The Fund may also buy foreign securities which present additional risks
such as currency fluctuations and political or economic conditions affecting the
foreign country.
In determining whether to sell a stock, WRIMCO will use the same type of
analysis it uses in buying stocks in order to determine whether the stock
continues to offer growth potential. As well, WRIMCO may determine more
attractive investment opportunities exist.
When WRIMCO believes that a temporary defensive position is desirable, the Fund
may invest up to all of its assets in debt securities (including commercial
paper or short-term U.S. Government securities) or preferred stocks, or both.
Taking a defensive position may reduce the potential for appreciation in the
Fund.
WRIMCO may invest in and use other types of assets in seeking to achieve the
Fund's goal. For example, the Fund may invest in options, futures contracts,
asset-backed securities and other derivative instruments if it is permitted to
invest in the type of
7
<PAGE>
asset by which the return on, or value of, the derivative is measured. You will
find more information in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") about
the Fund's permitted investments and strategies, as well as the restrictions
that apply to them.
Risk Considerations of Principal Strategies and Other Investments
Risks exist in any investment. The Fund is subject to market risk, financial
risk and, in some cases, prepayment risk.
o Market risk is the possibility of a change in the price of the security
because of market factors including changes in interest rates. Bonds with
longer maturities are more interest-rate sensitive. For example, if
interest rates increase, the value of a bond with a longer maturity is more
likely to decrease. Because of market risk, the share price of the Fund
will likely change as well.
o Financial risk is based on the financial situation of the issuer of the
security. The financial risk of the Fund may depend, for example, on the
earnings performance of the issuer of stock held by the Fund. To the extent
the Fund invests in debt securities, the financial risk of the Fund may
also depend on the credit quality of the securities in which it invests.
o Prepayment risk is the possibility that, during periods of falling interest
rates, a debt security with a high stated interest rate will be prepaid
before its expected maturity date.
Because the Fund owns different types of investments, its performance will be
affected by a variety of factors. In general, the value of the Fund's
investments and the income it may generate will vary from day to day, generally
due to changes in market conditions, interest rates and other company and
economic news. Performance will also depend on WRIMCO's skill in selecting
investments.
Certain types of the Fund's authorized investments and strategies (such as
foreign securities and derivative instruments) involve special risks. Depending
on how much the Fund invests or uses these strategies, these special risks may
become significant. For example, foreign investments may subject the Fund to
restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country,
foreign taxes, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations,
as well as fluctuations in foreign currency values and other developments that
may adversely affect a foreign country. Derivative instruments may expose the
Fund to greater volatility than an investment in a more traditional stock, bond
or other security.
8
<PAGE>
Year 2000 and Euro Issues
Like other mutual funds, financial and business organizations and individuals
around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by WRIMCO and the Fund's other service providers do not properly process
and calculate date-related information and data from and after January 1, 2000.
WRIMCO is taking steps that it believes are reasonably designed to address year
2000 computer-related problems with respect to the computer systems that it uses
and to obtain assurances that comparable steps are being taken by the Fund's
other, major service providers. Although there can be no assurances, WRIMCO
believes these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the Fund.
Similarly, the companies and other issuers in which the Fund invests could be
adversely affected by year 2000 computer-related problems, and there can be no
assurance that the steps taken, if any, by these issuers will be sufficient to
avoid any adverse impact on the Fund.
Also, the Fund could be adversely affected by the conversion of certain European
currencies into the Euro. This conversion, which is underway, is scheduled to be
completed in 2002. However, problems with the conversion process and delays
could increase volatility in world capital markets and affect European capital
markets in particular.
9
<PAGE>
Your Account
Choosing a Share Class
This Prospectus offers four classes of shares for the Fund: Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Y. Each class has its own sales charge, if any, and expense
structure. The decision as to which class of shares is best suited to your needs
depends on a number of factors that you should discuss with your financial
advisor. Some factors to consider are how much you plan to invest and how long
you plan to hold your investment. If you are investing a substantial amount and
plan to hold your shares for a long time, Class A shares may be the most
appropriate for you. If you are investing a lesser amount, you may want to
consider Class B shares (if investing for at least seven years) or Class C
shares (if investing for less than seven years). Class Y shares are designed for
institutional investors and others investing through certain intermediaries, as
described below. Since your objectives may change over time, you may want to
consider another class when you buy additional Fund shares. All of your future
investments in the Fund will be made in the class you select when you open your
account, unless you inform the Fund otherwise, in writing, when you make the
future investment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL COMPARISON OF CLASS A, B AND C SHARES
Class A Class B Class C
<S> <C> <C>
o Initial sales charge o No initial sales charge o No initial sales charge
o No deferred sales charge o Deferred sales charge on shares o A 1% deferred sales charge on
you sell within six years shares you sell within one
year
Maximum distribution and o Distribution and service o Distribution and service
service (12b-1) fee of 0.25% (12b-1) fees of 1.00% (12b-1) fees of 1.00%
o Converts to Class A shares in o Does not convert to Class A
the eighth year, thus shares, so annual expenses do
reducing future annual not decrease
expenses
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
o An investment of $300,000 o An investment of $2,000,000
or more may be placed in or more will be placed in
Class A shares due to a Class A shares due to no
reduced sales charge and sales charge and lower
lower annual expenses annual expenses
</TABLE>
THE FUND HAS ADOPTED A DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN ("Plan") pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 for each of its Class A, Class
B and Class C shares. Under the Class A Plan, the Fund may pay Waddell &
Reed, Inc. a fee of up to 0.25%, on an annual basis, of the average daily net
assets of the Class A shares. This fee is to reimburse Waddell & Reed, Inc. for
the amounts it spends for distributing the Fund's Class A shares, providing
services to Class A shareholders and/or maintaining Class A shareholder
accounts. Under the Class B Plan and the Class C Plan, the Fund may pay Waddell
& Reed, Inc., on an annual basis, a service fee of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of the class to compensate Waddell & Reed, Inc. for providing
services to shareholders of that class and/or maintaining shareholders accounts
for that class and a distribution fee of up to 0.75% of the average daily net
assets of the class to compensate Waddell & Reed, Inc. for distributing shares
of that class. Because a class's fees are paid out of the assets of that class
on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your
investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Class A shares are subject to an initial sales charge when you buy them, based
on the amount of your investment, according to the table below. Class A shares
pay an annual 12b-1 fee of up to 0.25% of average Class A net assets. The
ongoing expenses of this class are lower than those for Class B or Class C
shares and higher than those for Class Y shares.
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales
Sales Charge
Charge as
as Approx.
Percent Percent
of of
Size of Offering Amount
Purchase Price Invested
- -------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Under
$100,000 5.75% 6.10%
$100,000
to less
than
$200,000 4.75 4.99
$200,000
to less
than
$300,000 3.50 3.63
$300,000
to less
than
$500,000 2.50 2.56
$500,000
to less
than
$1,000,000 1.50 1.52
$1,000,000
to less
than
$2,000,000 1.00 1.01
$2,000,000
and over 0.00 0.00
</TABLE>
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers
Lower sales charges are available by:
o Combining additional purchases of Class A shares of any of the funds
in the United Group, except shares of United Cash Management, Inc.,
unless acquired by exchange for Class A shares, on which a sales
charge was paid (or as a dividend or distribution on such acquired
shares), with the NAV of Class A shares already held ("Rights of
Accumulation");
12
<PAGE>
o Grouping all purchases of Class A shares made during a thirteen-month
period ("Letter of Intent"); and
o Grouping purchases by certain related persons.
Additional information and applicable forms are available from Waddell & Reed
financial advisors.
Waivers for Certain Investors
Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by:
o The Directors and officers of the Fund, employees of Waddell & Reed,
Inc., employees of their affiliates, financial advisors of Waddell &
Reed, Inc. and the spouse, children, parents, children's spouses and
spouse's parents of each;
o Certain retirement plans and certain trusts for these persons; and
o A 401(k) plan having 100 or more eligible employees.
You will find more information in the SAI about sales charge reductions and
waivers.
Class B shares are not subject to an initial sales charge when you buy them.
However, you may pay a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if you sell
your Class B shares within seven years of their purchase, based on the table
below. Class B shares pay an annual 12b-1 service fee of up to 0.25% of average
net assets and distribution fee of up to 0.75% of average net assets. If you
hold your Class B shares for seven years, in the eighth year they will
automatically convert to Class A shares of the Fund, which have lower ongoing
expenses.
The Fund will redeem your Class B shares at their NAV next calculated after
receipt of a written request for redemption in good order, subject to the CDSC
stated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Deferred
Date of Sales
Redemption Charge
<S> <C>
within 1st calendar year 5%
2nd full calendar year 4%
3rd full calendar year 3%
4th full calendar year 3%
5th full calendar year 2%
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
6th full calendar year 1%
after 6th full calendar year 0%
</TABLE>
The CDSC will be applied to the total amount invested during a calendar year to
acquire Class B shares or the value of the Class B shares redeemed, whichever is
less. All Class B investments made during a calendar year are deemed a single
investment during that calendar year for purposes of calculating the CDSC.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. A CDSC may be assessed against your redemption
amount and paid to Waddell & Reed, Inc. (the "Distributor"), subject to the
limitation described under "Distribution" as further described below. The
purpose of the CDSC is to compensate the Distributor for the costs incurred by
it in connection with the sale of the Fund's Class B shares. The CDSC will not
be imposed on Class B shares representing payment of dividends or distributions
or on amounts which represent an increase in the value of a shareholder's
account resulting from capital appreciation above the amount paid for Class B
shares purchased during the CDSC period.
To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell
shares we will first sell any shares in your account that are not subject to a
CDSC. If there are not enough of these to meet your request, we will sell the
shares in the order they were purchased.
Unless instructed otherwise, the Fund, when requested to redeem a specific
dollar amount, will redeem additional Class B shares equal in value to the CDSC.
For example, should you request a $1,000 redemption and the applicable CDSC is
$27, the Fund will redeem shares having an aggregate NAV of $1,027, absent
different instructions.
The CDSC will not apply in the following circumstances:
o redemptions of Class B shares requested within one year of the
shareholder's death or disability, provided the Fund is notified of the
death or disability at the time of the request and furnished proof of such
event satisfactory to the Distributor.
o redemptions of Class B shares made to satisfy required minimum
distributions after age 70-1/2 from a qualified retirement plan, a required
minimum distribution from an individual retirement account, Keogh plan or
custodial account under section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, ("Code"), or a tax-free return of an excess contribution,
or that otherwise results from the death or disability of the employee, as
well as in
14
<PAGE>
connection with redemptions by any tax-exempt employee benefit plan for
which, as a result of a subsequent law or legislation, the continuation of
its investment would be improper.
o redemptions of Class B shares purchased by current or retired directors of
the Fund, or current or retired officers or employees of the Fund, WRIMCO,
the Distributor or their affiliated companies, registered representatives
of Waddell & Reed, Inc., and by the members of immediate families of such
persons.
o redemptions of Class B shares made pursuant to a shareholder's
participation in any systematic withdrawal plan adopted for a Fund. (The
Plan and this exclusion from the CDSC do not apply to a one-time
withdrawal.)
o redemptions the proceeds of which are reinvested in Class B shares of the
Fund within thirty days after such redemption.
o the exercise of certain exchange privileges.
o on redemptions effected pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate a
shareholder's Class B shares if the aggregate NAV of those shares is less
than $500.
o redemptions effected by another registered investment company by virtue of
a merger or other reorganization with the Fund or by a former shareholder
of such investment company of Class B shares of the Fund acquired pursuant
to such reorganization.
These exceptions may be modified or eliminated by the Fund at any time without
prior notice to shareholders, except with respect to redemptions effected
pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's shares, which requires
certain notices.
Class C shares are not subject to a sales charge when you buy them, but if you
sell your Class C shares within 12 months of buying them, you will pay a 1%
CDSC. Class C shares pay an annual 12b-1 service fee of up to 0.25% of average
net assets and an annual distribution fee of up to 0.75% of average net assets.
Class C shares do not convert to any other class.
Class Y shares are not subject to a sales charge or annual 12b-1 fees.
Class Y shares are only available for purchase by:
o participants of employee benefit plans established under section 403(b) or
section 457, or qualified under section 401, including
15
<PAGE>
401(k) plans, of the Code, when the plan has 100 or more eligible
employees and holds the shares in an omnibus account on the Fund's records;
o banks, trust institutions, investment fund administrators and other third
parties investing for their own accounts or for the accounts of their
customers where such investments for customer accounts are held in an
omnibus account on the Fund's records;
o government entities or authorities and corporations whose investment within
the first twelve months after initial investment is $10 million or more;
and
o certain retirement plans and trusts for employees and account
representatives of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its affiliates.
The different ways to set up (register) your account are listed below.
Ways to Set Up Your Account
- -------------------------------------------------
Individual or Joint Tenants
For your general investment needs
Individual accounts are owned by one person. Joint accounts have two or more
owners (tenants).
- -------------------------------------------------
Business or Organization
For investment needs of corporations, associations, partnerships, institutions
or other groups
- -------------------------------------------------
Retirement
To shelter your retirement savings from taxes
Retirement plans allow individuals to shelter investment income and capital
gains from current taxes. In addition, contributions to these accounts (other
than Roth IRAs and Education IRAs) may be tax-deductible.
o Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) allow an individual under 70-1/2,
with earned income, to invest up to $2,000 per tax year. The maximum annual
contribution for an investor and his or her
16
<PAGE>
spouse is $4,000 ($2,000 for each spouse) or, if less, the couple's
combined earned income for the taxable year.
o Rollover IRAs retain special tax advantages for certain distributions from
employer-sponsored retirement plans.
o Roth IRAs allow certain individuals to make non-deductible contributions up
to $2,000 per year. Withdrawals of earnings may be tax-free if the account
is at least five years old and certain other requirements are met.
o Education IRAs are established for the benefit of a minor, with
non-deductible contributions, and permit tax-free withdrawls to pay the
higher education expenses of the beneficiary.
o Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEP - IRAs) provide small business
owners or those with self-employed income (and their eligible employees)
with many of the same advantages as a Keogh Plan, but with fewer
administrative requirements.
o Keogh Plans allow self-employed individuals to make tax-deductible
contributions for themselves up to 25% of their annual earned income, with
a maximum of $30,000 per year.
o 401(k) Programs allow employees of corporations and non-governmental
tax-exempt organizations of all sizes to contribute a percentage of their
wages on a tax-deferred basis. These accounts need to be established by the
administrator or trustee of the plan.
o 403(b) Custodial Accounts are available to employees of public school
systems or certain types of charitable organizations.
o 457 Accounts allow employees of state and local governments and certain
charitable organizations to contribute a portion of their compensation on a
tax-deferred basis.
o Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLE Plans) can be
established by small employers to contribute to their employees' retirement
accounts and involve fewer administrative requirements than 401(k) or other
qualified plans generally.
- -------------------------------------------------
Gifts or Transfers to a Minor
To invest for a child's education or other future needs
17
<PAGE>
These custodial accounts provide a way to give money to a child and obtain tax
benefits. An individual can give up to $10,000 a year per child free of Federal
transfer tax consequences. Depending on state laws, you can set up a custodial
account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act ("UGMA") or the Uniform Transfers
to Minors Act ("UTMA").
- -------------------------------------------------
Trust
For money being invested by a trust
The trust must be established before an account can be opened, or you may use a
trust form made available by Waddell & Reed. Contact your Waddell & Reed
financial advisor for the form.
- -------------------------------------------------
Buying Shares
You may buy shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its financial
advisors. To open your account you must complete and sign an application. Your
Waddell & Reed financial advisor can help you with any questions you might have.
To purchase any class of shares by check, make your check payable to Waddell &
Reed, Inc. Mail the check, along with your completed application, to Waddell &
Reed, Inc., P.O. Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217.
To purchase Class Y shares by wire, you must first obtain an account number by
calling 1-800-366-5465, then mail a completed application to Waddell & Reed,
Inc., P.O. Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217, or fax it to
913-236-5044. Instruct your bank to wire the amount you wish to invest, along
with the account number and registration, to UMB Bank, n.a., ABA Number
101000695, W&R Underwriter Account Number 0007978, FBO Customer Name and Account
Number.
You may also buy Class Y shares of the Fund indirectly through certain
broker-dealers, banks and other third parties, some of which may charge you a
fee. These firms may have additional requirements to buy Class Y shares.
The price to buy a share of the Fund, called the offering price, is calculated
every business day.
The offering price of a share (price to buy one share of a particular class) is
the net asset value ("NAV") per share of that
18
<PAGE>
class, plus for Class A shares, the sales charge shown in the table above.
In the calculation of the Fund's NAV:
o The securities in the Fund's portfolio that are listed or traded on an
exchange are valued primarily using market prices.
o Bonds are generally valued according to prices quoted by an independent
pricing service.
o Short-term debt securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates
market value.
o Other investment assets for which market prices are unavailable are valued
at their fair value by or at the direction of the Board of Directors.
The Fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE")
is open. The Fund normally calculates the NAVs of its shares as of the close of
business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time, except that an option or
futures contract held by the Fund may be priced at the close of the regular
session of any other securities or commodities exchange on which that instrument
is traded.
The Fund may invest in securities listed on foreign exchanges which may trade on
Saturdays or on U.S. national business holidays when the NYSE is closed.
Consequently, the NAV of Fund shares may be significantly affected on days when
the Fund does not price its shares and when you are not able to purchase or
redeem the Fund's shares. Similarly, if an event materially affecting the value
of foreign investments or foreign currency exchange rates occurs prior to the
close of business of the NYSE but after the time their values are otherwise
determined, such investments or exchange rates may be valued at their fair value
as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
When you place an order to buy shares, your order will be processed at the next
offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted. Note the
following:
o Orders are accepted only at the home office of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
o All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars.
o If you buy shares by check, and then sell those shares by any method other
than by exchange to another fund in the United Group, the payment may be
delayed for up to ten days to ensure that your previous investment has
cleared.
o The Fund does not issue certificates representing shares of the Fund.
19
<PAGE>
o If you purchase Class Y shares of the Fund from certain broker-dealers,
banks or other authorized third parties, the Fund will be deemed to have
received your purchase order when that third party (or its designee) has
received your order. Your order will receive the Class Y offering price
next calculated after the order has been received in proper form by the
authorized third party (or its designee). You should consult that firm to
determine the time by which it must receive your order for you to purchase
shares of the Fund at that day's price.
When you sign your account application, you will be asked to certify that your
Social Security or other taxpayer identification number is correct and whether
you are subject to backup withholding for failing to report income to the
Internal Revenue Service.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. reserves the right to reject any purchase orders, including
purchases by exchange, and it and the Fund reserve the right to discontinue
offering Fund shares for purchase.
Minimum Investments
For Class A, Class B and Class C:
To Open an Account $500
For certain exchanges $100
20
<PAGE>
For certain retirement accounts and accounts opened with Automatic
Investment Service $50
For certain retirement accounts and accounts opened through payroll
deductions for or by employees of WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and their affiliates $25
To Add to an Account
For certain exchanges $100
For Automatic Investment Service $25
For Class Y:
To Open an Account
For a government entity or authority or for a corporation: $10 million
(within
first
twelve
months)
For other
investors: Any amount
To Add to An Account Any amount
Adding to Your Account
Subject to the minimums described under "Minimum Investments," you can make
additional investments of any amount at any time.
To add to your account, make your check payable to Waddell & Reed, Inc. Mail the
check along with:
o the detachable form that accompanies the confirmation of a prior purchase
or your year-to-date statement; or
o a letter stating your account number, the account registration and the
class of shares that you wish to purchase.
Mail to Waddell & Reed, Inc. at:
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
21
<PAGE>
To add to your Class Y account by wire: Instruct your bank to wire the amount
you wish to invest, along with the account number and registration, to UMB Bank,
n.a., ABA Number 101000695, W&R Underwriter Account Number 0007978, FBO Customer
Name and Account Number.
If you purchase Class Y shares from certain broker-dealers, banks or other
authorized third parties, additional purchases may be made through those firms.
Selling Shares
You can arrange to take money out of your Fund account at any time by selling
(redeeming) some or all of your shares.
The redemption price (price to sell one share of a particular class) is the NAV
per share of that class, subject to any CDSC applicable to Class B or Class C
shares.
To sell shares by written request: Complete an Account Service Request form,
available from your Waddell & Reed financial advisor, or write a letter of
instruction with:
o the name on the account registration;
o the Fund's name;
o the Fund account number;
o the dollar amount or number, and the class, of shares to be redeemed; and
o any other applicable requirements listed in the table below.
Deliver the form or your letter to your Waddell & Reed financial advisor, or
mail it to:
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
Unless otherwise instructed, Waddell & Reed will send a check to the address on
the account.
To sell Class Y shares by telephone or fax: If you have elected this method in
your application or by subsequent authorization, call 1-800-366-5465, or fax
your request to 913-236-5044, and give your instructions to redeem Class Y
shares and make payment by wire to your predesignated bank account or by check
to you at the address on the account.
22
<PAGE>
When you place an order to sell shares, your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after receipt of a written request for redemption in good order by
Waddell & Reed, Inc. at its home office, subject to applicable CDSC. Note the
following:
o If more than one person owns the shares, each owner must sign the written
request.
o If you recently purchased the shares by check, the Fund may delay payment
of redemption proceeds. You may arrange for the bank upon which the
purchase check was drawn to provide to the Fund telephone or written
assurance that the check has cleared and been honored. If you do not,
payment of the redemption proceeds on these shares will be delayed until
the earlier of 10 days or the date the Fund can verify that your purchase
check has cleared and been honored.
o Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates postponed on days when the
NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE
is restricted, or as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
o Payment is normally made in cash, although under extraordinary conditions
redemptions may be made in portfolio securities.
o If you purchased Class Y shares from certain broker-dealers, banks or other
authorized third parties, you may sell those shares through those firms,
some of which may charge you a fee and may have additional requirements to
sell Fund shares. The Fund will be deemed to have received your order to
sell Class Y shares when that firm (or its designee) has received your
order. Your order will receive the Class Y NAV next calculated after the
order has been received in proper form by the authorized firm (or its
designee). You should consult that firm to determine the time by which it
must receive your order for you to sell Class Y shares at that day's price.
The Fund may require a signature guarantee in certain situations such as:
o a redemption request made by a corporation, partnership or fiduciary;
o a redemption request made by someone other than the owner of record; or
o the check is made payable to someone other than the owner of record.
This requirement is intended to protect you and Waddell & Reed from fraud. You
can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks and securities dealers, but not
from a notary public.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem at NAV all your Fund shares if their
aggregate NAV is less than $500. The Fund will give you
23
<PAGE>
notice and a 60-day opportunity to purchase a sufficient number of additional
shares to bring the aggregate NAV of your shares to $500.
You may reinvest, without charge, all or part of the amount of Class A shares
you redeemed by sending to the Fund the amount you want to reinvest. The
reinvested amounts must be received by the Fund within thirty days after the
date of your redemption. You may do this only once with Class A shares of the
Fund.
The CDSC will not apply to the proceeds of Class B shares or Class C shares
which are redeemed and then reinvested in Class B shares or Class C shares, as
applicable, within thirty days after such redemption. You may do this only once
as to Class B shares of the Fund and once as to Class C shares of the Fund.
Payments of principal and interest on loans made pursuant to Waddell & Reed's
401(k) prototype plan may be reinvested, without payment of a sales charge, in
Class A shares of any United Group fund in which the plan may invest.
24
<PAGE>
Special Requirements for Selling Shares
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Account Type Special Requirements
------------ --------------------
<S> <C>
Individual or Joint Tenant The written instructions must be signed by all
persons required to sign for transactions, exactly
as their names appear on the account.
Sole Proprietorship The written instructions must be signed by the
individual owner of the business.
UGMA, UTMA The custodian must sign the written instructions
indicating capacity as custodian.
Retirement Account The written instructions must be signed by a
properly authorized person.
Trust The trustee must sign the written instructions
indicating capacity as trustee. If the trustee's
name is not in the account registration, provide a
currently certified copy of the trust document.
Business or Organization At least one person authorized by corporate
resolution to act on the account must sign the
written instructions.
Conservator, Guardian The written instructions must be signed by the
or Other Fiduciary person properly authorized by court order to act
in the particular fiduciary capacity.
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
Telephone Transactions
The Fund and its agents will not be liable for following instructions
communicated by telephone that they reasonably believe to be genuine. The Fund
will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. If the Fund fails to do so, the Fund may be liable for
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Current procedures
relating to instructions communicated by telephone include tape recording
instructions, requiring personal identification and providing written
confirmations of transactions effected pursuant to such instructions.
Shareholder Services
Waddell & Reed provides a variety of services to help you manage your account.
Personal Service
Your local Waddell & Reed financial advisor is available to provide personal
service. Additionally, one toll-free call, 1-800-366-5465, connects you to a
Customer Service Representative or TeleWaddell, our automated customer telephone
service. During normal business hours, our Customer Services staff is available
to answer your questions or update your account records. At almost any time of
the day or night, you may access TeleWaddell from a touch-tone phone to:
o obtain information about your accounts;
o obtain price information about other funds in the United Group; or
o request duplicate statements.
Reports
Statements and reports sent to you include the following:
o confirmation statements (after every purchase, other than those purchases
made through Automatic Investment Service, and after every exchange,
transfer or redemption)
o year-to-date statements (quarterly)
o annual and semiannual reports to shareholders (every six months)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of the most recent annual and semiannual
reports will be mailed to your household, even if you
26
<PAGE>
have more than one account with the Fund. Call the telephone number listed above
for Customer Service if you need copies of annual or semiannual reports or
account information.
Exchanges
You may sell your shares and buy shares of the same class of other funds in the
United Group without payment of additional sales charge, if you buy Class A
shares, or a CDSC when you exchange Class B or Class C shares. For Class B and
Class C shares, the time period for the CDSC will continue to run. As well,
exchanging Class Y shareholders may buy Class A shares of United Cash
Management, Inc. You may exchange only into funds that are legally permitted for
sale in your state of residence. Note that exchanges out of the Fund may have
tax consequences for you. Before exchanging into a fund, read its prospectus.
The Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify these exchange privileges at
any time, upon notice in certain instances.
Automatic Transactions for Class A, B and C Shareholders
Flexible withdrawal service lets you set up ongoing monthly, quarterly,
semiannual or annual redemptions from your account.
Regular Investment Plans allow you to transfer money into your Fund account
automatically. While Regular Investment Plans do not guarantee a profit and will
not protect you against loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way
to invest for retirement, a home, educational expenses and other long-term
financial goals.
Certain restrictions and fees imposed by the plan custodian may also apply for
retirement accounts. Speak with your Waddell & Reed financial advisor for more
information.
Regular Investment Plans
Automatic Investment Service
To move money from your bank account to an existing Fund account
Minimum Frequency
$25 Monthly
Funds Plus Service
To move money from United Cash Management, Inc. to the Fund whether in the same
or a different account
Minimum Frequency
$100 Monthly
27
<PAGE>
Distributions and Taxes
Distributions
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and net
capital gains to its shareholders each year. Usually the Fund distributes net
investment income semiannually in June and December. Net capital gains (and any
net gains from foreign currency transactions) usually are distributed in
December.
Distribution Options. When you open an account, specify on your application how
you want to receive your distributions. The Fund offers three options:
1. Share Payment Option. Your dividends, capital gains and other
distributions with respect to a class will be automatically paid in
additional shares of the same class of the Fund. If you do not indicate a
choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
2. Income-Earned Option. Your capital gains and other distributions with
respect to a class will be automatically paid in additional shares of the
same class, but you will be sent a check for each dividend distribution.
However, if the dividend distribution is less than ten dollars, the
distribution will be automatically paid in additional shares of the same
class of the Fund.
3. Cash Option. You will be sent a check for your dividends, capital gains
and other distributions if the total distribution is equal to or greater
than ten dollars. If the distribution is less than ten dollars, it will be
automatically paid in additional shares of the same class of the Fund.
For retirement accounts, all distributions are automatically paid in additional
shares.
Taxes
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Fund will
be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account (or you are
not otherwise exempt from income tax), you should be aware of the following tax
implications:
Taxes on distributions. Dividends from the Fund's investment company taxable
income generally are taxable to you as ordinary income whether received in cash
or paid in additional Fund shares.
28
<PAGE>
Distributions of the Fund's net capital gains, when designated as such, are
taxable to you as long-term capital gains, whether received in cash or paid in
additional Fund shares and regardless of the length of time you have owned your
shares. For Federal income tax purposes, your long-term capital gains (if you
are a noncorporate shareholder of the Fund) may be taxable at different rates
depending on how long the Fund held the assets generating the gains, but
generally are taxed at a maximum rate of 20%.
The Fund notifies you after each calendar year-end as to the amounts of
dividends and other distributions paid (or deemed paid) to you for that year.
A portion of the dividends paid by the Fund, whether received in cash or paid in
additional Fund shares, may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
allowed to corporations. The eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate
dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations. However, dividends
received by a corporate shareholder and deducted by it pursuant to the
dividends-received deduction are subject indirectly to the Federal alternative
minimum tax.
Withholding. The Fund must withhold 31% of all dividends, capital gains
distributions and redemption proceeds payable to individuals and certain other
noncorporate shareholders who do not furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer
identification number. Withholding at that rate from dividends and capital gains
distributions also is required for shareholders subject to backup withholding.
Taxes on transactions. Your redemption of Fund shares will result in a taxable
gain or loss to you, depending on whether the redemption proceeds are more or
less than what you paid for the redeemed shares (which normally includes any
sales charge paid). An exchange of Fund shares for shares of any other fund in
the United Group generally will have similar tax consequences. However, special
rules apply when you dispose of Class A Fund shares through a redemption or
exchange within ninety days after your purchase and then reacquire Class A Fund
shares or acquire Class A shares of another fund in the United Group without
paying a sales charge due to the thirty-day reinvestment privilege or exchange
privilege. See "Your Account." In these cases, any gain on the disposition of
the original Class A Fund shares would be increased, or loss decreased, by the
amount of the sales charge you paid when those shares were acquired, and that
amount will increase the adjusted basis of the shares subsequently acquired. In
addition, if you purchase Fund shares within thirty days before or after
redeeming other Fund shares (regardless of class) at a loss, part or all of that
loss will not be deductible and will increase the basis of the newly purchased
shares.
29
<PAGE>
State and local income taxes. The portion of the dividends paid by the Fund
attributable to interest earned on its U.S. Government securities generally is
not subject to state and local income taxes, although distributions by the Fund
to its shareholders of net realized gains on the sale of those securities are
fully subject to those taxes. You should consult your tax adviser to determine
the taxability of dividends and other distributions by the Fund in your state
and locality.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important Federal tax
considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders; you will find
more information in the SAI. There may be other Federal, state or local tax
considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are urged to consult
your own tax adviser.
30
<PAGE>
The Management of the Fund
Portfolio Management
The Fund is managed by WRIMCO, subject to the authority of the Fund's Board of
Directors. WRIMCO provides investment advice to the Fund and supervises the
Fund's investments. WRIMCO and its predecessors have served as investment
manager to each of the registered investment companies in the United Group of
Mutual Funds, Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc., and Target/United Funds, Inc. since
the inception of the company. WRIMCO is located at 6300 Lamar Avenue, P.O. Box
29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217.
Mark G. Seferovich and Grant P. Sarris are primarily responsible for
the management of the portfolio of the Fund. Mr. Seferovich has held his Fund
responsibilities since , 1999. He is Senior Vice President of WRIMCO, Vice
President of the Corporation and Vice President of additional investment
companies for which WRIMCO serves as investment manager. Mr. Seferovich has
served as the portfolio manager of investment companies managed by Waddell &
Reed, Inc. and its successor, WRIMCO, since February 1989 and has been an
employee of such since February 1989. From March 1996 to March 1998, Mr.
Seferovich was Vice President of, and a portfolio manager for, Waddell & Reed
Asset Management Company, a former affiliate of WRIMCO.
Mr. Sarris has held his Fund responsibilities since , 1999. He is Vice
President of WRIMCO and Vice President of additional investment companies for
which WRIMCO serves as investment manager. Mr. Sarris has served as an
investment analyst with Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its successor, WRIMCO, since
October 1, 1991 and has served as Assistant Portfolio Manager of Waddell & Reed
Funds, Inc. Growth Fund from January 1, 1996 until May, 1998. He has been an
employee of WRIMCO since October 1, 1991.
Other members of WRIMCO's investment management department provide input on
market outlook, economic conditions, investment research and other
considerations relating to the Fund's investments.
Management Fee
Like all mutual funds, the Fund pays fees related to its daily operations.
Expenses paid out of the Fund's assets are reflected in its share price or
dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor deducted from
shareholder accounts.
31
<PAGE>
The Fund pays a management fee to WRIMCO for providing investment advice and
supervising its investments. The Fund also pays other expenses, which are
explained in the SAI.
The management fee is payable by the Fund at the annual rates of: 0.85% of net
assets up to $1 billion, 0.83% of net assets over $1 billion and up to $2
billion, 0.80% of net assets over $2 billion and up to $3 billion, and 0.76% of
net assets over $3 billion. However, WRIMCO has agreed to waive its management
fee if the Fund's net assets are less than $25 million, subject to its right to
change or modify this waiver.
32
<PAGE>
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Custodian Underwriter
UMB Bank, n.a. Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri 6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Legal Counsel Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP 66201-9217
1800 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W. (913) 236-2000
Washington, D. C. 20036 (800) 366-5465
Independent Auditors Shareholder Servicing Agent
Deloitte & Touche LLP Waddell & Reed
1010 Grand Avenue Services Company
Kansas City, Missouri 6300 Lamar Avenue
64106-2232 P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Investment Manager 66201-9217
Waddell & Reed Investment (913) 236-2000
Management Company (800) 366-5465
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217 Accounting Services Agent
Shawnee Mission, Kansas Waddell & Reed
66201-9217 Services Company
(913) 236-2000 6300 Lamar Avenue
(800) 366-5465 P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
(913) 236-2000
(800) 366-5465
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
PROSPECTUS
_______________, 1999
You can get more information about the Fund in--
o its Statement of Additional Information (SAI) dated ______________, 1999,
which contains detailed information about the Fund, particularly its
investment policies and practices. You may not be aware of important
information about the Fund unless you read both the Prospectus and the SAI.
The current SAI is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) and it is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference (that is,
the SAI is legally part of the Prospectus).
o its Annual and Semiannual Reports to Shareholders, which detail the Fund's
actual investments and include financial statements as of the close of the
particular annual or semiannual period. The annual report also contains a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Fund's performance during the year covered by
the report.
To request a copy of the current SAI or copies of the Fund's most recent Annual
and Semiannual reports once available, without charge, or for other inquiries,
contact the Fund or Waddell & Reed, Inc. at the address and telephone number
below. Copies of the SAI, Annual and/or Semiannual reports may also be requested
at [email protected].
Information about the Fund (including its current SAI and most recent Annual and
Semiannual Reports once available) is available from the SEC's web site at
http://www.sec.gov and from the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.
You can find out about the operation of the Public Reference Room and applicable
copying charges by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
The Fund's SEC file number is: 811-____.
WADDELL & REED, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
913-236-2000
800-366-5465
NUP____(9-99)
34
<PAGE>
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
(913) 236-2000
(800) 366-5465
________________, 1999
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities is being filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor any
offers to buy accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective.
This Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI") is not a
prospectus. Investors should read this SAI in conjunction with the prospectus
("Prospectus") for the United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") dated
________________, 1999, which may be obtained from the Fund or its underwriter,
Waddell & Reed, Inc., at the address or telephone number shown above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Performance Information ................................... 2
Investment Strategies, Policies and Practices.............. 4
Investment Management and Other Services .................. 30
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares ................ 35
Directors and Officers .................................... 50
Payments to Shareholders .................................. 56
Taxes ..................................................... 57
<PAGE>
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage ...................... 61
Other Information ......................................... 63
Financial Statements ...................................... 65
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
United Small Cap Fund, Inc. is a mutual fund; an investment that pools
shareholders' money and invests it toward a specified goal. In technical terms,
the Fund is an open-end, diversified management company organized as a Maryland
corporation on June 3, 1999.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Waddell & Reed, Inc., the Fund's underwriter, or the Fund may, from
time to time, publish the Fund's total return information and/or performance
rankings in advertisements and sales materials.
Total Return
Total return is the overall change in the value of an investment over a
given period of time. An average annual total return quotation is computed by
finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the one-, five-, and
ten-year periods that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending
redeemable value. Standardized total return information is calculated by
assuming an initial $1,000 investment and, for Class A shares, from deducting
the maximum sales load of 5.75%. All dividends and distributions are assumed to
be reinvested in shares of the applicable class at net asset value for the class
as of the day the dividend or distribution is paid. No sales load is charged on
reinvested dividends or distributions on Class A shares. The formula used to
calculate the total return for a particular class of the Fund is
n
P(1 + T) = ERV
Where : P = $1,000 initial payment
T = Average annual total return
n = Number of years
ERV = Ending redeemable value of the $1,000
investment for the periods shown.
Non-standardized performance information may also be presented. For
example, the Fund may also compute total return for its Class A shares without
deduction of the sales load in which case the same formula noted above will be
used but the entire amount of the $1,000 initial payment will be assumed to have
been invested. If the sales charge applicable to Class A shares were reflected,
it would reduce the performance quoted for that class.
3
<PAGE>
The Fund may also quote unaveraged or cumulative total return for a
class which reflects the change in value of an investment in that class over a
stated period of time. Cumulative total returns will be calculated according to
the formula indicated above but without averaging the rate for the number of
years in the period.
Performance Rankings
Waddell & Reed, Inc. or the Fund also may, from time to time, publish
in advertisements and sales material performance rankings as published by
recognized independent mutual fund statistical services such as Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., or by publications of general interest such as
Forbes, Money, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Barron's, Fortune or
Morningstar Mutual Fund Values. Each class of the Fund may also compare its
performance to that of other selected mutual funds or selected recognized market
indicators such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index and the
Dow Jones Industrial Average. Performance information may be quoted numerically
or presented in a table, graph or other illustration. In connection with a
ranking, the Fund may provide additional information, such as the particular
category to which it related, the number of funds in the category, the criteria
upon which the ranking is based, and the effect of sales charges, fee waivers
and/or expense reimbursements.
All performance information that the Fund advertises or includes in
sales material is historical in nature and is not intended to represent or
guarantee future results. The value of the Fund's shares when redeemed may be
more or less than their original cost.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND PRACTICES
This SAI supplements the information contained in the Prospectus and
contains more detailed information about the investment strategies and policies
the Fund's investment manager, Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
("WRIMCO"), may employ and the types of instruments in which the Fund may
invest, in pursuit of the Fund's goal. A summary of the risks associated with
these instrument types and investment practices is included as well.
WRIMCO might not buy all of these instruments or use all of these
techniques, or use them to the full extent permitted by the Fund's investment
policies and restrictions. WRIMCO buys an instrument or uses a technique only if
it believes that doing so will help the Fund achieve its goal. See "Investment
Restrictions and Limitations" for a listing of the fundamental and non-
4
<PAGE>
fundamental (e.g., operating) investment restrictions and policies of the Fund.
The goal and investment policies of the Fund are described in the
Prospectus, which refers to the following investment methods and practices.
Securities - General
The Fund may invest in securities including common stock, preferred
stock, debt securities and convertible securities. Although common stocks and
other equity securities have a history of long-term growth in value, their
prices tend to fluctuate in the short term, particularly those of smaller
companies. The Fund may invest in preferred stock that is rated by an
established rating service or, if unrated, judged by WRIMCO to be of equivalent
quality. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in
interest rates and varying degrees of quality. As a general matter, however,
when interest rates rise, the values of fixed-rate securities fall and,
conversely, when interest rates fall, the values of fixed-rate debt rise.
Similarly, long-term bonds are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes
than shorter-term bonds.
Lower quality debt securities (commonly called "junk bonds") are
considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of default or price
changes due to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. The market prices of
these securities may fluctuate more than high-quality securities and may decline
significantly in periods of general economic difficulty. The market for
lower-rated debt securities may be thinner and less active than that for
higher-rated debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which the
former are sold. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may
decrease the values and liquidity of lower-rated debt securities, especially in
a thinly traded market. Valuation becomes more difficult and judgment plays a
greater role in valuing lower-rated debt securities than with respect to
securities for which more external sources of quotations and last sale
information are available. Since the risk of default is higher for lower-rated
debt securities, WRIMCO's research and credit analysis are an especially
important part of managing securities of this type held by the Fund. WRIMCO
continuously monitors the issuers of lower-rated debt securities in the Fund's
portfolio in an attempt to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash
flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments. The Fund may
choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or
otherwise exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to protect the
interests of security holders if it
5
<PAGE>
determines this to be in the best interest of the Fund's shareholders.
The Fund may invest in debt securities rated in any rating category of
the established rating services, including securities rated in the lowest
category (such as those rated D by Standard & Poor's ("S&P") and C by Moody's
Investor Services ("MIS")). Debt securities rated D by S&P or C by MIS are in
payment default or are regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing. Debt securities rated at least BBB by
S&P or Baa by MIS are considered to be investment grade debt securities.
Securities rated BBB or Baa may have speculative characteristics. In addition,
the Fund will treat unrated securities judged by WRIMCO to be of equivalent
quality to a rated security having that rating.
While credit ratings are only one factor WRIMCO relies on in evaluating
high-yield debt securities, certain risks are associated with credit ratings.
Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not
market value risk. Credit ratings for individual securities may change from time
to time, and the Fund may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been
changed.
The Fund may purchase debt securities whose principal amount at
maturity is dependent upon the performance of a specified equity security. The
issuer of such debt securities, typically an investment banking firm, is
unaffiliated with the issuer of the equity security to whose performance the
debt security is linked. Equity-linked debt securities differ from ordinary debt
securities in that the principal amount received at maturity is not fixed, but
is based on the price of the linked equity security at the time the debt
security matures. The performance of equity-linked debt securities depends
primarily on the performance of the linked equity security and may also be
influenced by interest rate changes. In addition, although the debt securities
are typically adjusted for diluting events such as stock splits, stock dividends
and certain other events affecting the market value of the linked equity
security, the debt securities are not adjusted for subsequent issuances of the
linked equity security for cash. Such an issuance could adversely affect the
price of the debt security. In addition to the equity risk relating to the
linked equity security, such debt securities are also subject to credit risk
with regard to the issuer of the debt security. In general, however, such debt
securities are less volatile than the equity securities to which they are
linked.
The Fund 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
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amount of common stock of the same or different issuer within a particular
period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible securities generally
have higher yields than common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower
yields than comparable nonconvertible securities, are less subject to
fluctuation in the value that the underlying stock because they have fixed
income characteristics, and provide the potential for capital appreciation if
the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in
interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and
increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and
other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security's investment
value.
The Fund may also invest in a type of convertible preferred stock that
pays a cumulative, fixed dividend that is senior to, and expected to be in
excess of, the dividends paid on the common stock of the issuer. At the
mandatory conversion date, the preferred stock is converted into not more than
one share of the issuer's common stock at the "call price" that was established
at the time the preferred stock was issued. If the price per share of the
related common stock on the mandatory conversion date is less than the call
price, the holder of the preferred stock will nonetheless receive only one share
of common stock for each share of preferred stock (plus cash in the amount of
any accrued but unpaid dividends). At any time prior to the mandatory conversion
date, the issuer may redeem the preferred stock upon issuing to the holder a
number of shares of common stock equal to the call price of the preferred stock
in effect on the date of redemption divided by the market value of the common
stock, with such market value typically determined one or two trading days prior
to the date notice of redemption is given. The issuer must also pay the holder
of the preferred stock cash in an amount equal to any accrued but unpaid
dividends on the preferred stock. This convertible preferred stock is subject to
the same market risk as the common stock of the issuer, except to the extent
that such risk is mitigated by the higher dividend paid on the preferred stock.
The opportunity for equity appreciation afforded by an investment in such
convertible preferred stock, however, is limited, because in the event the
market value of the issuer's common stock increases to or above the call price
of the preferred stock, the issuer may (and would be expected to) call the
preferred stock for redemption at the call price. This convertible preferred
stock is also subject to credit risk with regard to the ability of the issuer to
pay the dividend established upon issuance of the preferred stock. Generally,
convertible preferred stock is less volatile than the related common stock of
the issuer.
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Specific Securities and Investment Practices
U.S. Government Securities
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies
or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities") are high quality debt
instruments issued or guaranteed as to principle or interest by the U.S.
Treasury or an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government. These
securities include Treasury Bills (which mature within one year of the date they
are issued), Treasury Notes (which have maturities of one to ten years) and
Treasury Bonds (which generally have maturities of more than 10 years). All such
Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States.
U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities that issue or guarantee
securities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Housing Administration,
Fannie Mae (formerly, the Federal National Mortgage Association), Farmers Home
Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business
Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), General
Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks,
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), Farm Credit Banks,
Maritime Administration, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Resolution Funding
Corporation and the Student Loan Marketing Association.
Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities are not always supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States. Some, such as securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Banks,
are backed by the right of the agency or instrumentality to borrow from the
Treasury. Others, such as securities issued by the Fannie Mae, are supported
only by the credit of the instrumentality and by a pool of mortgage assets. If
the securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States,
the owner of the securities must look principally to the agency issuing the
obligation for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the
United States in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its
commitment.
U.S. Government securities may include mortgage-backed securities
issued by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities including, but not
limited to, Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. These mortgage-backed
securities include pass-through securities, participation certificates and
collateralized mortgage obligations. See "Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed
Securities." Timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Mae
pass-throughs is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United
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States. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are both instrumentalities of the U.S.
Government, but their obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of
the United States. It is possible that the availability and the marketability
(i.e., liquidity) of the securities discussed in this section could be adversely
affected by actions of the U.S. Government to tighten the availability of its
credit.
Money Market Instruments
Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term debt instruments
that present minimal credit risk. They may include U.S. Government securities,
commercial paper and other short-term corporate obligations, and certificates of
deposit and other financial institution obligations. These instruments may carry
fixed or variable interest rates.
Zero Coupon Securities
Zero coupon securities are debt obligations that do not entitle the
holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or that specify a
future date when the securities begin to pay current interest; instead, they are
sold at a deep discount from their face value and are redeemed at face value
when they mature. Because zero coupon securities do not pay current income,
their prices can be very volatile when interest rates change and generally are
subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changing interest rates
than prices of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest
in cash.
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities that are "stripped" U.S.
Treasury notes and bonds, zero coupon bonds of corporate issuers and other
securities that are issued with original issue discount ("OID"). The Federal tax
law requires that a holder of a security with OID accrue a ratable portion of
the OID on the security as income each year, even though the holder may receive
no interest payment on the security during the year. Accordingly, although the
Fund will receive no payments on its zero coupon securities prior to their
maturity or disposition, it will have current income attributable to those
securities and includable in the dividends paid to its shareholders. Those
dividends will be paid from the Fund's cash assets or by liquidation of
portfolio securities, if necessary, at a time when the Fund otherwise might not
have done so.
A broker-dealer creates a derivative zero by separating the interest
and principal components of a U.S. Treasury security and selling them as two
individual securities. CATS (Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities),
TIGRs (Treasury Investment Growth
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Receipts), and TRs (Treasury Receipts) are examples of derivative zeros.
The Federal Reserve Bank creates STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered
Interest and Principal of Securities) by separating the interest and principal
components of an outstanding U.S. Treasury bond and selling them as individual
securities. Bonds issued by the Resolution Funding Corporation (REFCORP) and the
Financing Corporation (FICO) can also be separated in this fashion. Original
issue zeros are zero coupon securities originally issued by the U.S. Government,
a government agency, or a corporation in zero coupon form.
Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities
Mortgage-Backed Securities. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct
or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage
loans secured by real property and include single- and multi-class pass-through
securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. Multi-class pass-through
securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are collectively referred to
in this SAI as "CMOs." Some CMOs are directly supported by other CMOs, which in
turn are supported by mortgage pools. Investors typically receive payments out
of the interest and principal on the underlying mortgages. The portions of the
payments that investors receive, as well as the priority of their rights to
receive payments, are determined by the specific terms of the CMO class.
The U.S. Government mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may
invest include mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed as to the payment
of principal and interest (but not as to market value) by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae
or Freddie Mac. Other mortgage-backed securities are issued by private issuers,
generally originators of and investors in mortgage loans, including savings
associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment bankers and special
purpose entities. Payments of principal and interest (but not the market value)
of such private mortgage-backed securities may be supported by pools of mortgage
loans or other mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed, directly or
indirectly, by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities,
or they may be issued without any government guarantee of the underlying
mortgage assets but with some form of non-government credit enhancement. These
credit enhancements do not protect investors from changes in market value.
The Fund may purchase mortgage-backed securities issued by both
government and non-government entities such as banks, mortgage lenders or other
financial institutions. Other types of
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mortgage-backed securities will likely be developed in the future, and the Fund
may invest in them if WRIMCO determines they are consistent with the Fund's goal
and investment policies.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. Stripped mortgage-backed
securities are created when a U.S. Government agency or a financial institution
separates the interest and principal components of a mortgage-backed security
and sells them as individual securities. The holder of the "principal-only"
security ("PO") receives the principal payments made by the underlying
mortgage-backed security, while the holder of the "interest-only" security
("IO") receives interest payments from the same underlying security.
For example, interest-only ("IO") classes are entitled to receive all
or a portion of the interest, but none (or only a nominal amount) of the
principal payments, from the underlying mortgage assets. If the mortgage assets
underlying an IO experience greater than anticipated principal prepayments, then
the total amount of interest allocable to the IO class, and therefore the yield
to investors, generally will be reduced. In some instances, an investor in an IO
may fail to recoup all of the investor's initial investment, even if the
security is government guaranteed or considered to be of the highest quality.
Conversely, principal-only ("PO") classes are entitled to receive all or a
portion of the principal payments, but none of the interest, from the underlying
mortgage assets. PO classes are purchased at substantial discounts from par, and
the yield to investors will be reduced if principal payments are slower than
expected. IOs, POs and other CMOs involve special risks, and evaluating them
requires special knowledge.
Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities have structural
characteristics similar to mortgage-backed securities, as discussed above.
However, the underlying assets are not first lien mortgage loans or interests
therein, but include assets such as motor vehicle installment sales contracts,
other installment sale contracts, home equity loans, leases of various types of
real and personal property and receivables from revolving credit (credit card)
agreements. Such assets are securitized through the use of trusts or special
purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest may be
guaranteed up to a certain amount and for a certain time period by a letter of
credit or pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated
with the issuer, or other credit enhancements may be present. The value of
asset-backed securities may also depend on the creditworthiness of the servicing
agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans or the financial
institution providing the credit enhancement.
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Special Characteristics of Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities.
The yield characteristics of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities differ
from those of traditional debt securities. Among the major differences are that
interest and principal payments are made more frequently, usually monthly, and
that principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans
or other obligations generally may be prepaid at any time. Prepayments on a pool
of mortgage loans are influenced by a variety of economic, geographic, social
and other factors, including changes in mortgagors' housing needs, job
transfers, unemployment, mortgagors' net equity in the mortgaged properties and
servicing decisions. Generally, however, prepayments on fixed-rate mortgage
loans will increase during a period of falling interest rates and decrease
during a period of rising interest rates. Similar factors apply to prepayments
on asset-backed securities, but the receivables underlying asset-backed
securities generally are of a shorter maturity and thus are likely to experience
substantial prepayments. Such securities, however, often provide that for a
specified time period the issuers will replace receivables in the pool that are
repaid with comparable obligations. If the issuer is unable to do so, repayment
of principal on the asset-backed securities may commence at an earlier date.
The rate of interest on mortgage-backed securities is lower than the
interest rates paid on the mortgages included in the underlying pool due to the
annual fees paid to the servicer of the mortgage pool for passing through
monthly payments to certificateholders and to any guarantor, and due to any
yield retained by the issuer. Actual yield to the holder may vary from the
coupon rate, even if adjustable, if the mortgage-backed securities are purchased
or traded in the secondary market at a premium or discount. In addition, there
is normally some delay between the time the issuer receives mortgage payments
from the servicer and the time the issuer makes the payments on the
mortgage-backed securities, and this delay reduces the effective yield to the
holder of such securities.
Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted by investment
dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the underlying instruments and the
associated average life assumption. The average life of pass-through pools
varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage loans. A pool's term may
be shortened by unscheduled or early payments of principal on the underlying
mortgages. Because prepayment rates of individual pools vary widely, it is not
possible to predict accurately the average life of a particular pool. In the
past, a common industry practice has been to assume that prepayments on pools of
fixed-rate 30-year mortgages would result in a 12-year average life for the
pool. At present, mortgage pools, particularly those with loans with other
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maturities or different characteristics, are priced on an assumption of average
life determined for each pool. In periods of declining interest rates, the rate
of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual average life of a
pool of mortgage-related securities. Conversely, in periods of rising interest
rates, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the actual
average life of the pool. Changes in the rate or "speed" of these payments can
cause the value of the mortgage backed securities to fluctuate rapidly. However,
these effects may not be present, or may differ in degree, if the mortgage loans
in the pools have adjustable interest rates or other special payment terms, such
as a prepayment charge. Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield of
mortgage-backed securities to differ from the assumed average life yield.
The market for privately issued mortgage-backed and asset-backed
securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for U.S. Government
mortgage-backed securities. CMO classes may be specifically structured in a
manner that provides any of a wide variety of investment characteristics, such
as yield, effective maturity and interest rate sensitivity. As market conditions
change, however, and especially during periods of rapid or unanticipated changes
in market interest rates, the attractiveness of some CMO classes and the ability
of the structure to provide the anticipated investment characteristics may be
reduced. These changes can result in volatility in the market value and in some
instances reduced liquidity, of the CMO class.
Foreign Securities and Currencies
The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign issuers, including
depositary receipts. In general, depositary receipts are securities convertible
into and evidencing ownership of securities of foreign corporate issuers,
although depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same
currency as the securities into which they may be converted. American depositary
receipts, in registered form, are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts typically
issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying
securities. International depositary receipts and European depositary receipts,
in bearer form, are foreign receipts evidencing a similar arrangement and are
designed for use by non-U.S. investors and traders in non-U.S. markets. Global
depositary receipts are designed to facilitate the trading of securities of
foreign issuers by U.S. and non-U.S. investors and traders..
WRIMCO believes that there are investment opportunities as well as
risks in investing in foreign securities. Individual foreign economies may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy or each other in such
matters as gross national
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product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and
balance of payments position. Individual foreign companies may also differ
favorably or unfavorably from domestic companies in the same industry. Foreign
currencies may be stronger or weaker than the U.S. dollar or than each other.
Thus, the value of securities denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies,
and of dividends and interest from such securities, can change significantly
when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. WRIMCO
believes that the Fund's ability to invest its assets abroad might enable it to
take advantage of these differences and strengths where they are favorable.
However, foreign securities and foreign currencies involve additional
significant risks, apart from the risks inherent in U.S. investments. Foreign
securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than
U.S. markets, and prices on some foreign markets can be highly volatile. Many
foreign countries lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards comparable to
those applicable to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain
reliable information regarding an issuer's financial conditions and operations.
In addition, the costs of foreign investing, including withholding taxes,
brokerage commissions and custodial costs, are generally higher than for U.S.
investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S.
markets. Foreign issuers, brokers and securities markets may be subject to less
government supervision. Foreign security trading practices, including those
involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may involve increased
risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, and
may involve substantial delays. It may also be difficult to enforce legal rights
in foreign countries.
Investing abroad also involves different political and economic risks.
Foreign investments may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to
the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of expropriation or
nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S.
investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S.
dollars, or other government intervention. There may be greater possibility of
default by foreign governments or government-sponsored enterprises. Investments
in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political, economic, or social
instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments.
These is no assurance that WRIMCO will be able to anticipate these potential
events or counter their effects.
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The considerations noted above generally are intensified in developing
countries. A developing country is a nation that, in WRIMCO's opinion, is likely
to experience long-term gross domestic product growth above that expected to
occur in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan
and Canada. Developing countries may have relatively unstable governments,
economies based on only a few industries and securities markets that trade a
small number of securities.
Certain foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the
United States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to transfer
restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign
securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency and invest in foreign
currency deposits, and may enter into forward currency contracts, as described
in the Prospectus and this SAI. The Fund may incur a transaction charge in
connection with the exchange of currency. Currency conversion involves dealer
spreads and other costs, although commissions are not usually charged. See
"Options, Futures and Other Strategies - Forward Currency Contracts" below.
Borrowing
From time to time the Fund may increase its ownership of securities by
borrowing on an unsecured basis at fixed rates of interest and investing the
borrowed funds. Any such borrowing will be made only from banks and only to the
extent that the value of the Fund's assets, less its liabilities other than
borrowings, is equal to at least 300% of all borrowings including the proposed
borrowing. This 300% limit is contained in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act"). If the value of the Fund's assets so computed
should fail to meet the 300% asset coverage requirement, it is required within
three days to reduce its bank debt to the extent necessary to meet that
requirement and may have to sell a portion of its investments at a time when
independent investment judgment would not dictate such sale.
Interest on money borrowed is an expense the Fund would not otherwise
incur, so that it may have little or no net investment income during periods of
substantial borrowings. Borrowing for investment increases both investment
opportunity and risk. Since substantially all of the Fund's assets fluctuate in
value, but borrowing obligations are fixed, the net asset value per share
correspondingly will tend to increase and decrease more when the portfolio
assets increase or decrease in value than would otherwise be the case. This
factor is known as "leverage."
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Warrants and Rights
Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at specific prices
valid for a specific period of time. The prices do not necessarily move parallel
to the prices of the underlying securities. Rights are similar to warrants, but
normally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its
shareholders. Rights and warrants have no voting rights, receive no dividends
and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer. Warrants and rights
are highly volatile and, therefore, more susceptible to sharp decline in value
than the underlying security might be.
They are also generally less liquid than an investment in the underlying shares.
Lending Securities
Securities loans may be made on a short-term or long-term basis for the
purpose of increasing the Fund's income. If the Fund lends securities, the
borrower pays the Fund an amount equal to the dividends or interest on the
securities that the Fund would have received if it had not lent the securities.
The Fund also receives additional compensation. The Fund makes loans of its
securities only to parties deemed by WRIMCO to be creditworthy.
Any securities loans that the Fund makes must be collateralized in
accordance with applicable regulatory requirements (the "Guidelines"). Under the
present Guidelines, the collateral must consist of cash, U.S. Government
securities or bank letters of credit, at least equal in value to the market
value of the securities lent on each day that the loan is outstanding. If the
market value of the lent securities exceeds the value of the collateral, the
borrower must add more collateral so that it at least equals the market value of
the securities lent. If the market value of the securities decreases, the
borrower is entitled to return of the excess collateral.
There are two methods of receiving compensation for making loans. The
first is to receive a negotiated loan fee from the borrower. This method is
available for all three types of collateral. The second method, which is not
available when letters of credit are used as collateral, is for the Fund to
receive interest on the investment of the cash collateral or to receive interest
on the U.S. Government securities used as collateral. Part of the interest
received in either case may be shared with the borrower.
The letters of credit that the Fund may accept as collateral are
agreements by banks (other than the borrowers of the Fund's securities), entered
into at the request of the borrower and for its account and risk, under which
the banks are obligated to pay
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to the Fund, while the letter is in effect, amounts demanded by the Fund if the
demand meets the terms of the letter. The Fund's right to make this demand
secures the borrower's obligations to it. The terms of any such letters and the
creditworthiness of the banks providing them (which might include the Fund's
custodian bank) must be satisfactory to the Fund. Under the Fund's current
securities lending procedures, the Fund may lend securities only to
broker-dealers and financial institutions deemed creditworthy by WRIMCO. The
Fund will make loans only under rules of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"),
which presently require the borrower to give the securities back to the Fund
within five business days after the Fund gives notice to do so. If the Fund
loses its voting rights on securities loaned, it will have the securities
returned to it in time to vote them if a material event affecting the investment
is to be voted on. The Fund may pay reasonable finder's, administrative and
custodian fees in connection with loans of securities.
There may be risks of delay in receiving additional collateral from the
borrower if the market value of the securities loaned increases, risks of delay
in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower of the securities fail financially.
Some, but not all, of these rules are necessary to meet requirements of
certain laws relating to securities loans. These rules will not be changed
unless the change is permitted under these requirements. These requirements do
not cover the present rules, which may be changed without shareholder vote, as
to (i) whom securities may be loaned; (ii) the investment of cash collateral; or
(iii) voting rights.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may purchase securities subject to repurchase agreements. The
Fund will not enter into a repurchase transaction that will cause more than 10%
of its net assets to be invested in illiquid investments, which include
repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days. See "Illiquid
Investments." A repurchase agreement is an instrument under which the Fund
purchases a security and the seller (normally a commercial bank or
broker-dealer) agrees, at the time of purchase, that it will repurchase the
security at a specified time and price. The amount by which the resale price is
greater than the purchase price reflects an agreed-upon market interest rate
effective for the period of the agreement. The return on the securities subject
to the repurchase agreement may be more or less than the return on the
repurchase agreement.
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The majority of the repurchase agreements in which the Fund would
engage are overnight transactions, and the delivery pursuant to the resale
typically will occur within one to five days of the purchase. The primary risk
is that the Fund may suffer a loss if the seller fails to pay the agreed-upon
amount on the delivery date and that amount is greater than the resale price of
the underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund. In the event of
bankruptcy or other default by the seller, there may be possible delays or
expenses in liquidating the underlying securities or other collateral, decline
in their value and loss of interest. The return on such collateral may be more
or less than that from the repurchase agreement. The Fund's repurchase
agreements will be structured so as to fully collateralize the loans. In other
words, the value of the underlying securities, which will be held by the Fund's
custodian bank or by a third party that qualifies as a custodian under Section
17(f) of the 1940 Act, is and, during the entire term of the agreement, will
remain at least equal to the value of the loan, including the accrued interest
earned thereon. Repurchase agreements are entered into only with those entities
approved by WRIMCO on the basis of criteria established by the Board of
Directors.
Investment Company Securities
The Fund may purchase securities of closed-end investment companies. As
a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its pro rata share
of that investment company's expenses, which could result in duplication of
certain fees, including management and administrative fees.
Indexed Securities
The Fund may purchase securities the value of which varies in relation
to the value of other securities, securities indices, currencies, precious
metals or other commodities, or other financial indicators, subject to its
operating policy regarding derivative instruments. Indexed securities typically,
but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose value at maturity or
coupon rate is determined by reference to a specific instrument or statistic.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the
performance of the security, currency or other instrument to which they are
indexed and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the United States
and abroad. At the same time, indexed securities are subject to the credit risks
associated with the issuer of the security and their values may decline
substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Indexed securities
may be more volatile than the underlying investments.
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Currency-indexed securities, for example, typically are short-term to
intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or interest rates are
determined by reference to the values of one or more specified foreign
currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S. dollar-denominated securities
of equivalent issuers. Currency-indexed securities may be positively or
negatively indexed; that is, their maturity value may increase when the
specified currency value increases, resulting in a security that performs
similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument, or their maturity value may
decline when foreign currencies increase, resulting in a security whose price
characteristics are similar to a put on the underlying currency.
Currency-indexed securities may also have prices that depend on the values of a
number of different foreign currencies relative to each other.
Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks, corporations,
and certain U.S. Government agencies. Certain indexed securities that are not
traded on an established market may be deemed illiquid.
Restricted Securities
Restricted securities are securities that are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale. However, restricted securities generally can
be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in a registered
public offering. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to
pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse
between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be
permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If,
during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might
obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek
registration of the security.
There are risks associated with investment in restricted securities in
that there can be no assurance of a ready market for resale. Also, the
contractual restrictions on resale might prevent the Fund from reselling the
securities at a time when such sale would be desirable. Restricted securities in
which the Fund seeks to invest need not be listed or admitted to trading on a
foreign or domestic exchange and may be less liquid than listed securities.
Certain restricted securities, e.g., Rule 144A securities, may be determined to
be liquid in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Board of Directors. See
"Illiquid Investments."
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Illiquid Investments
Illiquid investments are investments that cannot be sold or otherwise
disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at
approximately the price at which they are valued. Investments currently
considered to be illiquid include:
(i) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days;
(ii) securities for which market quotations are not readily available;
(iii) restricted securities not determined to be liquid pursuant to
guidelines established by the Board of Directors;
(iv) bank deposits, unless they are payable at principal plus accrued
interest on demand or within seven days after demand;
(v) securities involved in swap, cap, collar and floor transactions;
(vi) non-government stripped fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities; and
(vii) over-the-counter ("OTC") options and their underlying collateral.
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.
If through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the
Fund was in a position where more than 15% of its net assets were invested in
illiquid securities, it would seek to take appropriate steps to protect
liquidity.
Options, Futures and Other Strategies
General. WRIMCO may use certain options, futures contracts (sometimes
referred to as "futures"), options on futures contracts, forward currency
contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors, indexed securities and other derivative
instruments (collectively, "Financial Instruments") to attempt to enhance income
or yield or to attempt to hedge the Fund's investments. The strategies described
below may be used in an attempt to manage the Fund's foreign currency exposure
as well as other risks of the Fund's investments that can affect fluctuation in
its net asset value.
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Generally, the Fund may purchase and sell any type of Financial
Instrument. However, as an operating policy, the Fund will only purchase or sell
a particular Financial Instrument if the Fund is authorized to invest in the
type of asset by which the return on, or value of, the Financial Instrument is
primarily measured. Since the Fund is authorized to invest in foreign
securities, it may purchase and sell foreign currency derivatives.
Hedging strategies can be broadly categorized as "short hedges" and
"long hedges." A short hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument
intended partially or fully to offset potential declines in the value of one or
more investments held in the Fund's portfolio. Thus, in a short hedge, the Fund
takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in
the opposite direction of the price of the investment being hedged.
Conversely, a long hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial
Instrument intended partially or fully to offset potential increases in the
acquisition cost of one or more investments that the Fund intends to acquire.
Thus, in a long hedge, the Fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose
price is expected to move in the same direction as the price of the prospective
investment being hedged. A long hedge is sometimes referred to as an
anticipatory hedge. In an anticipatory hedge transaction, the Fund does not own
a corresponding security and, therefore, the transaction does not relate to a
security the Fund owns. Rather, it relates to a security that the Fund intends
to acquire. If the Fund does not complete the hedge by purchasing the security
it anticipated purchasing, the effect on the Fund's portfolio is the same as if
the transaction were entered into for speculative purposes.
Financial Instruments on securities generally are used to attempt to
hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions
that the Fund owns or intends to acquire. Financial Instruments on indices, in
contrast, generally are used to attempt to hedge against price movements in
market sectors in which the Fund has invested or expects to invest. Financial
Instruments on debt securities may be used to hedge either individual securities
or broad debt market sectors.
The use of Financial Instruments is subject to applicable regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the several exchanges
upon which they are traded and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the
"CFTC"). In addition, the Fund's ability to use Financial Instruments will be
limited by tax considerations. See "Taxes."
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In addition to the instruments, strategies and risks described below,
WRIMCO expects to discover additional opportunities in connection with Financial
Instruments and other similar or related techniques. These new opportunities may
become available as WRIMCO develops new techniques, as regulatory authorities
broaden the range of permitted transactions and as new Financial Instruments or
other techniques are developed. WRIMCO may utilize these opportunities to the
extent that they are consistent with the Fund's goal and permitted by the Fund's
investment limitations and applicable regulatory authorities. The Fund might not
use any of these strategies, and there can be no assurance that any strategy
used will succeed. The Fund's Prospectus or SAI will be supplemented to the
extent that new products or techniques involve materially different risks than
those described below or in the Prospectus.
Special Risks. The use of Financial Instruments involves special
considerations and risks, certain of which are described below. In general these
techniques may increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small
investment of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. Risks
pertaining to particular Financial Instruments are described in the sections
that follow.
(1) Successful use of most Financial Instruments depends upon WRIMCO's
ability to predict movements of the overall securities, currency and interest
rate markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the
prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular
strategy will succeed and use of Financial Instruments could result in a loss,
regardless of whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return.
(2) There might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation,
between price movements of a Financial Instrument and price movements of the
investments being hedged. For example, if the value of a Financial Instrument
used in a short hedge increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged
investment, the hedge would not be fully successful. Such a lack of correlation
might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being
hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which Financial
Instruments are traded. The effectiveness of hedges using Financial Instruments
on indices will depend on the degree of correlation between price movements in
the index and price movements in the securities being hedged.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options
and futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available
will not match the Fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. The Fund
may invest in
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options and futures contracts based on securities with different issuers,
maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which it typically
invests, which involves a risk that the options or futures position will not
track the performance of the Fund's other investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the Fund's
investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by such factors as
current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the
underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract,
which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may
also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets
and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and
futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation
limits or trading halts. The Fund may purchase or sell options and futures
contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge
or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in
volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be
successful in all cases. If price changes in the Fund's options or futures
positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may
fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by
gains in other investments.
(3) If successful, the above-discussed strategies can reduce risk of
loss by wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price
movements. However, such strategies can also reduce opportunity for gain by
offsetting the positive effect of favorable price movements. For example, if the
Fund entered into a short hedge because WRIMCO projected a decline in the price
of a security in the Fund's portfolio, and the price of that security increased
instead, the gain from that increase might be wholly or partially offset by a
decline in the price of the Financial Instrument. Moreover, if the price of the
Financial Instrument declined by more than the increase in the price of the
security, the Fund could suffer a loss. In either such case, the Fund would have
been in a better position had it not attempted to hedge at all.
(4) As described below, the Fund might be required to maintain assets
as "cover," maintain accounts or make margin payments when it takes positions in
Financial Instruments involving obligations to third parties (i.e., Financial
Instruments other than purchased options). If the Fund were unable to close out
its positions in such Financial Instruments, it might be required to continue to
maintain such assets or
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accounts or make such payments until the position expired or matured. These
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.
(5) The Fund's ability to close out a position in a Financial
Instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid
secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and
willingness of the other party to the transaction (the "counterparty") to enter
into a transaction closing out the position. Therefore, there is no assurance
that any position can be closed out at a time and price that is favorable to the
Fund.
Cover. Transactions using Financial Instruments, other than purchased
options, expose the Fund to an obligation to another party. The Fund will not
enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (1) an offsetting
("covered") position in securities, currencies or other options, futures
contracts or forward contracts, or (2) cash and liquid assets with a value,
marked-to-market daily, sufficient to cover its potential obligations to the
extent not covered as provided in (1) above. The Fund will comply with SEC
guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and will, if the guidelines so
require, set aside cash or liquid assets in an account with its custodian in the
prescribed amount as determined daily.
Assets used as cover or held in an account cannot be sold while the
position in the corresponding Financial Instrument is open, unless they are
replaced with other appropriate assets. As a result, the commitment of a large
portion of the Fund's assets to cover or accounts could impede portfolio
management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current
obligations.
Options. A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and
obligates the writer to sell, the underlying investment at the agreed-upon price
during the option period. A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell,
and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying investment at the agreed-upon
price during the option period. Purchasers of options pay an amount, known as a
premium, to the option writer in exchange for the right under the option
contract.
The purchase of call options can serve as a long hedge, and the
purchase of put options can serve as a short hedge. Writing put or call options
can enable the Fund to enhance income or yield by reason of the premiums paid by
the purchasers of such options. However, if the market price of the security
underlying a put
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option declines to less than the exercise price of the option, minus the premium
received, the Fund would expect to suffer a loss.
Writing call options can serve as a limited short hedge, because
declines in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of
the premium received for writing the option. However, if the security or
currency appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price of the call
option, it can be expected that the option will be exercised and the Fund will
be obligated to sell the security or currency at less than its market value. If
the call option is an OTC option, the securities or other assets used as cover
would be considered illiquid to the extent described under "Illiquid
Investments."
Writing put options can serve as a limited long hedge because increases
in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the
premium received for writing the option. However, if the security or currency
depreciates to a price lower than the exercise price of the put option, it can
be expected that the put option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated
to purchase the security or currency at more than its market value. If the put
option is an OTC option, the securities or other assets used as cover would be
considered illiquid to the extent described under "Illiquid Investments."
The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the
current market value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until
expiration, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the
underlying investment, the historical price volatility of the underlying
investment and general market conditions.
Options that expire unexercised have no value.
The Fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an
option by entering into a closing transaction. For example, the Fund may
terminate its obligation under a call or put option that it had written by
purchasing an identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase
transaction. Conversely, the Fund may terminate a position in a put or call
option it had purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is
known as a closing sale transaction. Closing transactions permit the Fund to
realize profits or limit losses on an option position prior to its exercise or
expiration. A type of put that the Fund may purchase is an "optional delivery
standby commitment," which is entered into by parties selling debt securities to
the Fund. An optional delivery standby commitment gives the Fund the right to
sell the security back to the seller on specified terms. This right is provided
as an inducement to purchase the security.
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Risks of Options on Securities. Options offer large amounts of
leverage, which will result in the Fund's net asset value being more sensitive
to changes in the value of the related instrument. The Fund may purchase or
write both exchange-traded and OTC options. Exchange-traded options in the
United States are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange
on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees completion of every
exchange-traded option transaction. In contrast, OTC options are contracts
between the Fund and its counterparty (usually a securities dealer or a bank)
with no clearing organization guarantee. Thus, when the Fund purchases an OTC
option, it relies on the counterparty from whom it purchased the option to make
or take delivery of the underlying investment upon exercise of the option.
Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any premium
paid by the Fund as well as the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in
exchange-listed options depends on the existence of a liquid market. However,
there can be no assurance that such a market will exist at any particular time.
Closing transactions can be made for OTC options only by negotiating directly
with the counterparty, or by a transaction in the secondary market if any such
market exists. There can be 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 counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close
out an OTC option position at any time prior to its expiration.
If the Fund were unable to effect a closing transaction for an option
it had purchased, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit.
The inability to enter into a closing purchase transaction for a covered call
option written by the Fund could cause material losses because the Fund would be
unable to sell the investment used as cover for the written option until the
option expires or is exercised.
Options on Indices. 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 rather than on
price movements in individual securities or futures contracts. When the Fund
writes a call on an index, it receives a premium and agrees that, prior to the
expiration date, the purchaser of the call, upon exercise of , the call, will
receive from the Fund an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon
which the call is based is greater than the exercise price of the call. The
amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index
and the exercise price of the call times a specified multiple (the
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"multiplier"), which determines the total dollar value for each point of such
difference. When the Fund buys a call on an index, it pays a premium and has the
same rights as to such call as are indicated above. When the Fund buys a put on
an index, it pays a premium and has the right, prior to the expiration date, to
require the seller of the put, upon the Fund's exercise of the put, to deliver
to the Fund an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the
put is based is less than the exercise price of the put, which amount of cash is
determined by the multiplier, as described above for calls. When the Fund writes
a put on an index, it receives a premium and the purchaser of the put has the
right, prior to the expiration date, to require the Fund to deliver to it an
amount of cash equal to the difference between the closing level of the index
and the exercise price times the multiplier if the closing level is less than
the exercise price.
Risks of Options on Indices. The risks of investment in options on
indices may be greater than options on securities. Because index options are
settled in cash, when the Fund writes a call on an index it cannot provide in
advance for its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the
underlying securities. The Fund can offset some of the risk of writing a call
index option 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 vary from the value of the index.
Even if the Fund could assemble a portfolio that exactly reproduced the
composition of the underlying index, it still would not be fully covered from a
risk standpoint because of the "timing risk" inherent in writing index options.
When an index option is exercised, the amount of cash that the holder is
entitled to receive is determined by the difference between the exercise price
and the closing index level on the date when the option is exercised. As with
other kinds of options, the Fund as the call writer will not learn that the Fund
has been assigned until the next business day at the earliest. The time lag
between exercise and notice of assignment poses no risk for the writer of a
covered call on a specific underlying security, such as a common stock, because
there the writer's obligation is to deliver the underlying security, not to pay
its value as of a fixed time in the past. So long as the writer already owns the
underlying security, it can satisfy its settlement obligations by simply
delivering it, and the risk that its value may have declined since the exercise
date is borne by the exercising holder. In contrast, even if the writer of an
index call holds securities that exactly match the composition of the underlying
index, it will not be able to
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satisfy its assignment obligations by delivering those securities against
payment of the exercise price. Instead, it will be required to pay cash in an
amount based on the closing index value on the exercise date. By the time it
learns that it has been assigned, the index may have declined, with a
corresponding decline in the value of its portfolio. This "timing risk" is an
inherent limitation on the ability of index call writers to cover their risk
exposure by holding securities positions.
If the Fund has purchased an index option and exercises it before the
closing index value for that day is available, it runs the risk that the level
of the underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the
exercised option to fall out-of-the-money, the Fund will be required to pay the
difference between the closing index value and the exercise price of the option
(times the applicable multiplier) to the assigned writer.
OTC Options. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized
with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size and
strike price, the terms of OTC options (options not traded on exchanges)
generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option
contract. While this type of arrangement allows the Fund great flexibility to
tailor the option to its needs, OTC options generally involve greater risk than
exchange-traded options, which are guaranteed by the clearing organization of
the exchanges where they are traded.
Generally, OTC foreign currency options used by the Fund are
European-style options, This means that the option is only exercisable
immediately prior to its expiration. This is in contract to American-style
options, which are exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of the
option.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. The purchase of
futures or call options on futures can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of
futures or the purchase of put options on futures can serve as a short hedge.
Writing call options on futures contracts can serve as a limited short hedge,
using a strategy similar to that used for writing call options on securities or
indices. Similarly, writing put options on futures contracts can serve as a
limited long hedge. Futures contracts and options on futures contracts can also
be purchased and sold to attempt to enhance income or yield.
In addition, futures strategies can be used to manage the average
duration of the Fund's fixed-income portfolio. If WRIMCO wishes to shorten the
average duration of the Fund's fixed-income portfolio, the Fund may sell a debt
futures contract or a call option thereon, or purchase a put option on that
futures contract. If WRIMCO wishes to lengthen the average duration of the
Fund's
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fixed-income portfolio, the Fund may buy a debt futures contract or a call
option thereon, or sell a put option thereon.
No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the
inception of a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit "initial margin"
in an amount generally equal to 10% or less of the contract value. Margin must
also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in
accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities
transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a
borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith
deposit that is returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if
all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances,
such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by an exchange to
increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin
requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.
Subsequent "variation margin" payments are made to and from the futures
broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as
"marking-to-market." Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather
represents a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a futures
broker. When the Fund purchases an option on a future, the premium paid plus
transaction costs is all that is at risk. In contrast, when the Fund purchases
or sells a futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon, it is
subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event
of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily
variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when
such sales are disadvantageous.
Purchasers and sellers of futures contracts and options on futures can
enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on
options, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the
instrument purchased or sold. Positions in futures and options on futures may be
closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market.
However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for
a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be
possible to close a futures contract or options position.
Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily
limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or an option on a
futures contract can vary from the previous day's settlement price; once that
limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit.
Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to
the daily
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limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing
liquidation of unfavorable positions.
If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract 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 futures contract or option or to maintain cash or
liquid assets in an account.
Risk of Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. The ordinary spreads
between prices in the cash and futures markets (including the options on futures
markets), due to the differences in the natures of those markets, are subject to
the following factors, which may create distortions. First, all participants in
the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements.
Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close
futures contracts through offsetting transactions, which could distort the
normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity
of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting
transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants
decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be
reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of
speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous
than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased
participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price
distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a correct forecast of general
interest rate, currency exchange rate or stock market trends by WRIMCO may still
not result in a successful transaction. WRIMCO may be incorrect in its
expectations as to the extent of various interest rate, currency exchange rate
or stock market movements or the time span within which the movements take
place.
Index Futures. The risk of imperfect correlation between movements in
the price of an index future and movements in the price of the securities that
are the subject of the hedge increases as the composition of the Fund's
portfolio diverges from the securities included in the applicable index. The
price of the index futures may move more than or less than the price of the
securities being hedged. If the price of the index future moves less than the
price of the securities that are the subject of the hedge, the hedge will not be
fully effective but, if the price of the securities being hedged has moved in an
unfavorable direction,
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the Fund would be in a better position than if it had not hedged at all. If the
price of the securities being hedged has moved in a favorable direction, this
advantage will be partially offset by the futures contract. If the price of the
futures contract moves more than the price of the securities, the Fund will
experience either a loss or a gain on the futures contract that will not be
completely offset by movements in the price of the securities that are the
subject of the hedge. To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements
in the price of the securities being hedged and movements in the price of the
index futures, the Fund may buy or sell index futures in a greater dollar amount
than the dollar amount of the securities being hedged if the historical
volatility of the prices of such securities being hedged is more than the
historical volatility of the prices of the securities included in the index. It
is also possible that, where the Fund has sold index futures contracts to hedge
against decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of the
securities held in the portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would
lose money on the futures contract and also experience a decline in value of its
portfolio securities. However, while this could occur for a very brief period or
to a very small degree, over time the value of a diversified portfolio of
securities will tend to move in the same direction as the market indices upon
which the futures contracts are based.
Where index futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase
in the price of securities before the Fund is able to invest in them in an
orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline instead. If the Fund
then concludes not to invest in them at that time because of concern as to
possible further market decline or for other reasons, it will realize a loss on
the futures contract that is not offset by a reduction in the price of the
securities it had anticipated purchasing.
To the extent that the 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" at the time
of purchase) will not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's
portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on
any contracts the Fund has entered into. (In general, a call option on a futures
contract is "in-the-money" if the value of the underlying futures contract
exceeds the strike, i.e., exercise, price of the call; a put option on a futures
contract is "in-the-money" if the value of the underlying futures contract is
exceeded by the strike price of the put.) This policy does not limit to 5% the
percentage of the Fund's
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assets that are at risk in futures contracts, options on futures contracts and
currency options.
Foreign Currency Hedging Strategies--Special Considerations. The Fund
may use options and futures contracts on foreign currencies (including the
Euro), as described above, and forward currency contracts, as described below,
to attempt to hedge against movements in the values of the foreign currencies in
which the Fund's securities are denominated or to attempt to enhance income or
yield. Currency hedges can protect against price movements in a security that
the Fund owns or intends to acquire that are attributable to changes in the
value of the currency in which it is denominated. Such hedges do not, however,
protect against price movements in the securities that are attributable to other
causes.
The Fund might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a
particular currency when no Financial Instruments on that currency are available
or such Financial Instruments are more expensive than certain other Financial
Instruments. In such cases, the Fund may seek to hedge against price movements
in that currency by entering into transactions using Financial Instruments on
another currency or a basket of currencies, the values of which WRIMCO believes
will have a high degree of positive correlation to the value of the currency
being hedged. The risk that movements in the price of the Financial Instrument
will not correlate perfectly with movements in the price of the currency subject
to the hedging transaction is magnified when this strategy is used.
The value of Financial Instruments on foreign currencies depends on the
value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign
currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve
substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of such Financial
Instruments, the Fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot
market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the
underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round
lots.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through
dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation
information generally is representative of very large transactions in the
interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates
might be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global,
round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or futures markets are
closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant
price and rate movements might
32
<PAGE>
take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the markets for
the Financial Instruments until they reopen.
Settlement of transactions involving foreign currencies might be
required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus,
the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign
currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations regarding the
maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be
required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery
assessed in the issuing country.
Forward Currency Contracts. The Fund may enter into forward currency
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies for a fixed amount of U.S.
dollars or another foreign currency. A forward currency contract involves an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may
be any fixed number of days (term) from the date of the forward currency
contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the forward
currency contract. These forward currency contracts are traded directly between
currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
Such transactions may serve as long hedges; for example, the Fund may
purchase a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a
security denominated in a foreign currency that the Fund intends to acquire.
Forward currency contract transactions may also serve as short hedges; for
example, the Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S.
dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a security,
dividend or interest payment denominated in a foreign currency.
The Fund may also use forward currency contracts to hedge against a
decline in the value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency.
For example, if the Fund owned securities denominated in Euros, it could enter
into a forward currency contract to sell Euros in return for U.S. dollars to
hedge against possible declines in the Euro's value. Such a hedge, sometimes
referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both positive and
negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values
caused by other factors. The Fund could also hedge the position by selling
another currency expected to perform similarly to the Euro. This type of hedge,
sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer advantages in terms of
cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as
effectively as a simple hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in
losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency
in which the hedged securities are denominated.
33
<PAGE>
The Fund also may use forward currency contracts to attempt to enhance
income or yield. The Fund could use forward currency contracts to increase its
exposure to foreign currencies that WRIMCO believes might rise in value relative
to the U.S. dollar, or shift its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from
one country to another. For example, if the Fund owned securities denominated in
a foreign currency and WRIMCO believed that currency would decline relative to
another currency, it might enter into a forward currency contract to sell an
appropriate amount of the first foreign currency, with payment to be made in the
second foreign currency.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies
with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period
and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts
are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are
involved. When the Fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on
the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the
maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in
the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
As is the case with futures contracts, purchasers and sellers of
forward currency contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions,
similar to closing transactions on futures contracts, by selling or purchasing,
respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold.
Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with
the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency
contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be
no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency
contract at a favorable price prior to maturity. In addition, in the event of
insolvency of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out a forward
currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In either event, the Fund would
continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would
continue to be required to maintain a position in securities denominated in the
foreign currency or to maintain cash or liquid assets in an account.
The precise matching of forward currency contract amounts and the value
of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of
such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the forward
currency contract has been established. Thus, the Fund might need to purchase or
sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such foreign
currencies are not covered by forward currency contracts. The projection of
short-term currency market movements
34
<PAGE>
is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging
strategy is highly uncertain.
Normally, consideration of the prospect for currency parities will be
incorporated into the longer term investment decisions made with regard to
overall diversification strategies. However, WRIMCO believes that it is
important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward currency contracts
when it determines that the best interests of the Fund will be served.
Successful use of forward currency contracts depends on WRIMCO's skill
in analyzing and predicting currency values. Forward currency contracts may
substantially change the Fund's exposure to changes in currency exchange rates
and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as WRIMCO
anticipates. There is no assurance that WRIMCO's use of forward currency
contracts will be advantageous to the Fund or that WRIMCO will hedge at an
appropriate time.
Combined Positions. The Fund may purchase and write options in
combination with each other, or in combination with futures or forward
contracts, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of its overall
position. For example, the Fund may purchase a put option and write a call
option on the same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined
position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures
contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option
at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to
reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price
increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they
result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close
out.
Turnover. The Fund's options and futures activities may affect its
turnover rate and brokerage commission payments. The exercise of calls or puts
written by the Fund, and the sale or purchase of futures contracts, may cause it
to sell or purchase related investments, thus increasing its turnover rate. Once
the Fund has received an exercise notice on an option it has written, it cannot
effect a closing transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the
option and must deliver or receive the underlying securities at the exercise
price. The exercise of puts purchased by the Fund may also cause the sale of
related investments, also increasing turnover; although such exercise is within
the Fund's control, holding a protective put might cause it to sell the related
investments for reasons that would not exist in the absence of the put. The Fund
will pay a brokerage commission each time it buys or sells a put or call or
purchases or sells a futures contract. Such commissions may be higher than those
that would apply to direct purchases or sales.
35
<PAGE>
Swaps, Caps, Collars and Floors. The Fund may enter into swaps, caps,
collars and floors to preserve a return or a spread on a particular investment
or portion of its portfolio, to protect against any increase in the price of
securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date or to attempt to
enhance yield. Swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of
their respective commitments to pay or receive cash flows, e.g., an exchange of
floating rate payments for fixed-rate payments. The purchase of a cap entitles
the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined
value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling
the cap. The purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a
specified index falls below a predetermined value, to receive payments on a
notional principal amount from the party selling the floor. A collar combines
elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Swap agreements, including caps, collars and floors, can be
individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of
different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure,
swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund's
investments and its share price and yield because, and to the extent, these
agreements affect the Fund's exposure to long- or short-term interest rates (in
the United States or abroad), foreign currency values, mortgage-backed security
values, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices or
inflation rates.
Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund's investment exposure from
one type of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agrees to exchange
payments in U.S. dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement
would tend to decrease the Fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase
its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Caps and floors have an
effect similar to buying or writing options.
The creditworthiness of firms with which the Fund enters into swaps,
caps or floors will be monitored by WRIMCO. If a firm's creditworthiness
declines, the value of the agreement would be likely to decline, potentially
resulting in losses. If a default occurs by the other party to such transaction,
the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to
the transaction.
The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over
its entitlements with respect to each swap will be accrued on a daily basis and
an amount of cash or liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least
equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in an account with the Fund's
custodian
36
<PAGE>
that satisfies the requirements of the 1940 Act. The Fund will also establish
and maintain such account with respect to its total obligations under any swaps
that are not entered into on a net basis and with respect to any caps or floors
that are written by the Fund. WRIMCO and the Fund believe that such obligations
do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will
not treat them as being subject to the Fund's borrowing restrictions. The Fund
understands that the position of the SEC is that assets involved in swap
transactions are illiquid and are, therefore, subject to the limitations on
investing in illiquid securities.
Investment Restrictions and Limitations
Certain of the Fund's investment restrictions and other limitations are
described in this SAI. The following are the Fund's fundamental investment
limitations set forth in their entirety, which, like the Fund's goal, cannot be
changed without shareholder approval. For this purpose, shareholder approval
means the approval, at a meeting of Fund shareholders, by the lesser of (1) the
holders of 67% or more of the Fund's shares represented at the meeting, if more
than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or
(2) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares. The Fund may not:
(i) Purchase or sell physical commodities; however, this policy shall
not prevent the Fund from purchasing and selling foreign currency,
futures contracts, options, forward contracts, swaps, caps,
collars, floors and other financial instruments;
(ii) Buy real estate nor any nonliquid interest in real estate
investment trusts;
(iii) Buy shares of other investment companies which redeem their
shares. The Fund can buy shares of investment companies that do
not redeem their shares if it does it in a regular transaction in
the open market and then does not have more than one tenth (i.e.,
10%) of its total assets in these shares. The Fund may also buy
these shares as part of a merger or consolidation;
(iv) Lend money or other assets, other than through certain limited
types of loans described herein; the Fund can buy debt securities
and other obligations consistent with its goal and its other
investment policies and restrictions; it can also lend its
portfolio securities to the extent allowed, and in accordance with
the requirements, under the 1940 Act or, except as provided
37
<PAGE>
above, enter into repurchase agreements (see "Repurchase
Agreements" above);
(v) Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of
other companies;
(vi) Participate on a joint, or a joint and several, basis in any
trading account in any securities;
(vii) Sell securities short (unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold
short) or purchase securities on margin, except that (1) this
policy does not prevent the Fund from entering into short
positions in foreign currency, futures contracts, options, forward
contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors and other financial
instruments, (2) the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as
are necessary for the clearance of transactions, and (3) the Fund
may make margin payments in connection with futures contracts,
options, forward contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors and other
financial instruments;
(viii) Engage in the underwriting of securities, that is, the selling of
securities for others;
(ix) Deviate from the percentage or other restrictions set forth above
under "Foreign Securities";
(x) With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of
any one issuer (other than cash items and "Government securities"
as defined in the 1940 Act), if immediately after and as a result
of such purchase, (a) 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 (b) the Fund owns more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer; or buy the
securities of companies in any one industry if more than 25% of
the Fund's total assets would then be in companies in that
industry; or
(xi) Issue senior securities.
The following investment restrictions are not fundamental and may be
changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval:
(i) At least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be invested during
normal market conditions in companies whose
38
<PAGE>
market capitalizations do not exceed $1.5 billion at the time
their securities are acquired by the Fund.
(ii) The Fund does not intend to invest in non-investment grade debt
securities if, as a result of such investment, more than 5% of its
assets would consist of such investments.
(iii) The Fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more than
15% of its net assets would consist of illiquid investments.
(iv) The Fund does not currently intend to invest more than 10% of its
net assets in foreign securities.
(v) The Fund does not currently intend to invest more than 5% of its
assets in the securities of other investment companies.
An investment policy or limitation that states a maximum percentage of
the Fund's assets that may be so invested or prescribes quality standards is
typically applied immediately after, and based on, the Fund's acquisition of an
asset. Accordingly, a subsequent change in the asset's value, net assets, or
other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the
investment complies with the Fund's investment policies and limitations.
Portfolio Turnover
A portfolio turnover rate is, in general, the percentage computed by
taking the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a year and
dividing it by the monthly average of the market value of such securities during
the year, excluding certain short-term securities. The Fund's turnover rate may
vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year and may be
affected by cash requirements for the redemption of its shares.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
The Management Agreement
The Fund has an Investment Management Agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with WRIMCO. Under the Management Agreement, WRIMCO is employed to
supervise the investments of the Fund and provide investment advice to the Fund.
The address of WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed, Inc. is 6300 Lamar Avenue, P.O. Box
39
<PAGE>
29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217. Waddell & Reed, Inc. is the Fund's
underwriter.
The Management Agreement permits WRIMCO or an affiliate of WRIMCO to
enter into a separate agreement for transfer agency services ("Shareholder
Servicing Agreement") and a separate agreement for accounting services
("Accounting Services Agreement") with the Fund. The Management Agreement
contains detailed provisions as to the matters to be considered by the Fund's
Board of Directors prior to approving any Shareholder Servicing Agreement or
Accounting Services Agreement.
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
WRIMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed, Inc. Waddell &
Reed, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed Financial Services,
Inc., a holding company. Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc. is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a publicly held company. The
address of these companies is 6300 Lamar Avenue, P.O. Box 29217, Shawnee
Mission, Kansas 66201-9217.
WRIMCO and its predecessors have served as investment manager to each
of the registered investment companies in the United Group of Mutual Funds,
except United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc., since 1940 or the company's inception
date, whichever was later, and to Target/United Funds, Inc. since that fund's
inception. WRIMCO has also served as investment manager for Waddell & Reed
Funds, Inc. since its inception in September 1992 and United Asset Strategy
Fund, Inc. since it commenced operations in March 1995. Waddell & Reed, Inc.
serves as principal underwriter for the investment companies in the United Group
of Mutual Funds and Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. and acts as principal underwriter
and distributor for variable life insurance and variable annuity policies for
which Target/United Funds, Inc. is the underlying investment vehicle.
Shareholder Services
Under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement entered into between the Fund
and Waddell & Reed Services Company (the "Agent"), a subsidiary of Waddell &
Reed, Inc., the Agent performs shareholder servicing functions, including the
maintenance of shareholder accounts, the issuance, transfer and redemption of
shares, distribution of dividends and payment of redemptions, the furnishing of
related information to the Fund and handling of shareholder inquiries. A new
Shareholder Servicing Agreement, or amendments to the existing one, may be
approved by the Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder approval.
40
<PAGE>
Accounting Services
Under the Accounting Services Agreement entered into between the Fund
and the Agent, the Agent provides the Fund with bookkeeping and accounting
services and assistance, including maintenance of the Fund's records, pricing of
the Fund's shares, and preparation of prospectuses for existing shareholders,
proxy statements and certain reports. A new Accounting Services Agreement, or
amendments to an existing one, may be approved by the Fund's Board of Directors
without shareholder approval.
Payments by the Fund for Management, Accounting and Shareholder Services
Under the Management Agreement, for the WRIMCO's management services,
the Fund pays WRIMCO a fee as described in the Prospectus.
For purposes of calculating the daily fee the Fund does not include
money owed to it by Waddell & Reed, Inc. for shares which it has sold but not
yet paid the Fund. The Fund accrues and pays this fee daily.
Under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement, with respect to Class A,
Class B and Class C shares the Fund pays the Agent a monthly fee of $1.3125 for
each shareholder account that was in existence at any time during the prior
month, plus $0.30 for each account on which a dividend or distribution, of cash
or shares, had a record date in that month. For Class Y shares, the Fund pays
the Agent a monthly fee equal to one-twelfth of .15 of 1% of the average daily
net assets of that class for the preceding month. The Fund also pays certain
out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent, including long distance telephone
communications costs; microfilm and storage costs for certain documents; forms,
printing and mailing costs; and legal and special services not provided by
Waddell & Reed, Inc., WRIMCO or the Agent.
Under the Accounting Services Agreement, the Fund pays the Agent a
monthly fee of one-twelfth of the annual fee shown in the following table.
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<PAGE>
Accounting Services Fee
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average
Net Asset Level Annual Fee
(all dollars in millions) Rate for Each Level
------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C>
From $ 0 to $ 10 $ 0
From $ 10 to $ 25 $ 10,000
From $ 25 to $ 50 $ 20,000
From $ 50 to $ 100 $ 30,000
From $ 100 to $ 200 $ 40,000
From $ 200 to $ 350 $ 50,000
From $ 350 to $ 550 $ 60,000
From $ 550 to $ 750 $ 70,000
From $ 750 to $1,000 $ 85,000
$1,000 and Over $100,000
</TABLE>
Since the Fund pays a management fee for investment supervision and an
accounting services fee for accounting services as discussed above, WRIMCO and
the Agent, respectively, pay all of their own expenses in providing these
services. Amounts paid by the Fund under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement are
described above. Waddell & Reed, Inc. and affiliates pay the Fund's Directors
and officers who are affiliated with WRIMCO and its affiliates. The Fund pays
the fees and expenses of the Fund's other Directors.
Waddell & Reed, Inc., under an agreement separate from the Management
Agreement, Shareholder Servicing Agreement and Accounting Services Agreement,
acts as the Fund's underwriter, i.e., sells its shares on a continuous basis.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. is not required to sell any particular number of shares,
and thus sells shares only for purchase orders received. Under this agreement,
Waddell & Reed, Inc. pays the costs of sales literature, including the costs of
shareholder reports used as sales literature, and the costs of printing the
prospectus furnished to it by the Fund.
No portion of the sales charge is reallowed to dealers. A major portion
of the sales charge for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge
for Class B and Class C shares is paid to financial advisors and managers of
Waddell & Reed, Inc. Waddell & Reed, Inc. may compensate its financial advisors
as to purchases for which there is no sales or deferred sales charge.
The Fund pays all of its other expenses. These include the costs of
materials sent to shareholders, audit and outside legal fees, taxes, brokerage
commissions, interest, insurance premiums, custodian fees, fees payable by the
Fund under Federal or other
42
<PAGE>
securities laws and to the Investment Company Institute and nonrecurring and
extraordinary expenses, including litigation and indemnification relating to
litigation.
Under the Distribution and Service Plan (the "Plan") for Class A shares
adopted by the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may pay
Waddell & Reed, Inc., the principal underwriter for the Fund, a fee not to
exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average annual net assets attributable to Class A
shares, paid monthly, to compensate Waddell & Reed, Inc. for its costs and
expenses in connection with the distribution of the Class A shares, the service
and/or maintenance of Class A shareholder accounts.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. offers the Fund's shares through its registered
representatives and sales managers (sales force) unless it elects, which is not
currently contemplated for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, to make
distribution of shares also through other broker-dealers. In distributing shares
through its sales force, Waddell & Reed, Inc. will pay commissions and
incentives to the sales force at or about the time of sale and will incur other
expenses including costs for prospectuses, sales literature, advertisements,
sales office maintenance, processing of orders and general overhead with respect
to its efforts to distribute the Fund's shares. The Class A Plan permits Waddell
& Reed, Inc. to receive compensation for these Class A-related distribution
activities through the distribution fee, subject to the limit contained in the
Plan. The Class A Plan also permits Waddell & Reed, Inc. to be compensated for
amounts it expends in compensating, training and supporting registered financial
advisors, sales managers and/or other appropriate personnel in providing
personal services to Class A shareholders of the Fund and/or maintaining Class A
shareholder accounts; increasing services provided to Class A shareholders of
the Fund by office personnel located at field sales offices; engaging in other
activities useful in providing personal service to Class A shareholders of the
Fund and/or maintenance of Class A shareholder accounts; and in compensating
broker-dealers who may regularly sell Class A shares of the Fund, and other
third parties, for providing shareholder services and/or maintaining shareholder
accounts with respect to Class A shares.
To the extent that Waddell & Reed, Inc. incurs expenses for which
compensation may be made under the Plan that relate to distribution and service
activities also involving another fund in the United Group of Funds or Waddell &
Reed Funds, Inc., Waddell & Reed, Inc. typically determines the amount
attributable to the Fund's expenses under the Plan on the basis of a combination
of the respective classes' relative net assets and number of shareholder
accounts.
43
<PAGE>
Under the Plans adopted by the Fund for Class B and Class C shares,
respectively, the Fund may pay Waddell & Reed, Inc., on an annual basis, a
service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the class to
compensate Waddell & Reed, Inc. for providing services to shareholders of that
class and/or maintaining shareholder accounts for that class and a distribution
fee of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the class to compensate
Waddell & Reed, Inc. for distributing the shares of that class. The Class B Plan
and the Class C Plan each permit Waddell & Reed, Inc. to receive compensation,
through the distribution and service fee, respectively, for its distribution
activities for that class, which are similar to the distribution activities
described with respect to the Class A Plan, and for its activities in providing
personal services to shareholders of that class and/or maintaining shareholder
accounts of that class, which are similar to the corresponding activities for
which it is entitled to compensation under the Class A Plan.
The only Directors or interested persons, as defined in the 1940 Act,
of the Fund who have a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
a Plan are the officers and Directors who are also officers of either Waddell &
Reed, Inc. or its affiliate(s) or who are shareholders of Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc., the indirect parent company of Waddell & Reed, Inc. Each Plan
is anticipated to benefit the Fund and its shareholders of the affected class
through Waddell & Reed, Inc.'s activities not only to distribute the shares of
that class but also to provide personal services to shareholders of that class
and thereby promote the maintenance of their accounts with the Fund. The Fund
anticipates that shareholders of a particular class may benefit to the extent
that Waddell & Reed's activities are successful in increasing the assets of the
Fund, through increased sales or reduced redemptions, or a combination of these,
and reducing a shareholder's share of Fund and class expenses. Increased Fund
assets may also provide greater resources with which to pursue the goal of the
Fund. Further, continuing sales of a class's shares may also reduce the
likelihood that it will be necessary to liquidate portfolio securities, in
amounts or at times that may be disadvantageous to the Fund, to meet redemption
demands. In addition, the Fund anticipates that the revenues from the Plan will
provide Waddell & Reed, Inc. with greater resources to make the financial
commitments necessary to continue to improve the quality and level of services
to the Fund and theshareholders of the affected class.
Each Plan was approved by the Fund's Board of Directors, including the
Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the
44
<PAGE>
operations of the Plan or any agreement referred to in the Plan (hereafter, the
"Plan Directors").
Among other things, each Plan provides that (i) Waddell & Reed, Inc.
will provide to the Directors of the Fund at least quarterly, and the Directors
will review, a report of amounts expended under the Plan and the purposes for
which such expenditures were made, (ii) the Plan will continue in effect only so
long as it is approved at least annually, and any material amendments thereto
will be effective only if approved, by the Directors including the Plan
Directors acting in person at a meeting called for that purpose, (iii) amounts
to be paid by the Fund under the Plan may not be materially increased without
the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the affected
class of the Fund, and (iv) while the Plan remains in effect, the selection and
nomination of the Directors who are Plan Directors will be committed to the
discretion of the Plan Directors.
Custodial and Auditing Services
The Fund's Custodian is UMB Bank, n.a., Kansas City, Missouri. In
general, the custodian is responsible for holding the Fund's cash and
securities. Deloitte & Touche LLP, Kansas City, Missouri, the Fund's independent
accountants, audits the Fund's financial statements.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
Determination of Offering Price
The net asset value of each class of the shares of the Fund is the
value of the assets of that class, less the class's liabilities, divided by the
total number of outstanding shares of that class.
Class A shares of the Fund are sold at their next determined net asset
value plus the sales charge described in the Prospectus. The sales charge is
paid to Waddell & Reed, Inc., the Fund's underwriter. The price makeup as of ,
1999 was as follows:
45
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Net asset value per Class A share
(Class A net assets divided by
Class A shares outstanding) .......................$
Add: selling commission
(5.75% of offering price) .........................
------
Maximum offering price per Class A share
(Class A net asset value divided by 94.25%) .......$
======
</TABLE>
The offering price of a Class A share is its net asset value next
determined following acceptance of a purchase order plus the sales charge. The
offering price of a Class B, Class C or a Class Y share is its net asset value
next determined following acceptance of a purchase order. The number of shares
you receive for your purchase depends on the next offering price after Waddell &
Reed, Inc. receives and accepts your order at its principal business office at
the address shown on the cover of this SAI. You will be sent a confirmation
after your purchase which will indicate how many shares you have purchased.
Shares are normally issued for cash only.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. need not accept any purchase order, and it or the
Fund may determine to discontinue offering Fund shares for purchase.
The net asset value and offering price per share are ordinarily
computed once on each day that the NYSE is open for trading as of the later of
the close of the regular session of the NYSE or the close of the regular session
of any domestic securities or commodities exchange on which an option or future
held by the Fund is traded. The NYSE annually announces the days on which it
will not be open for trading. The most recent announcement indicates that it
will not be open on the following days: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. However, it is possible that the NYSE may
close on other days. The net asset value will change every business day, since
the value of the assets and the number of shares outstanding change every day.
The securities in the portfolio of the Fund, except as otherwise noted,
that are listed or traded on a stock exchange, are valued on the basis of the
last sale on that day or, lacking any sales, at a price that is the mean between
the closing bid and asked prices. Other securities that are traded
over-the-counter are priced using the Nasdaq Stock Market, which provides
information on bid and asked prices quoted by major dealers in such stocks.
Bonds, other than convertible bonds, are valued using a third party pricing
system. Convertible bonds are valued
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using this pricing system only on days when there is no sale reported.
Short-term debt securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates
market. When market quotations are not readily available, securities and other
assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures
established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the
Fund's Board of Directors.
Puts, calls and futures contracts purchased and held by the Fund are
valued at the last sales price thereof on the securities or commodities
exchanges on which they are traded, or, if there are no transactions, at the
mean between bid and asked prices. (Ordinarily, the close of the regular session
for options trading on national securities exchanges is 4:10 p.m. Eastern time
and the close of the regular session of commodities exchanges is 4:15 p.m.
Eastern time.) Futures contracts will be valued with reference to established
futures exchanges. The value of a futures contract purchased by the Fund will be
either the closing price of that contract or the bid price. Conversely, the
value of a futures contract sold by the Fund will be either the closing price or
the asked price.
When the Fund writes a put or call, an amount equal to the premium
received is included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an
asset, and an equivalent deferred credit is included in the liability section.
The deferred credit is "marked-to-market" to reflect the current market value of
the put or call. If a call the Fund wrote is exercised, the proceeds received on
the sale of the related investment are increased by the amount of the premium
the Fund received. If the Fund exercised a call it purchased, the amount paid to
purchase the related investment is increased by the amount of the premium paid.
If a put written by the Fund is exercised, the amount that the Fund pays to
purchase the related investment is decreased by the amount of the premium it
received. If the Fund exercises a put it purchased, the amount the Fund receives
from the sale of the related investment is reduced by the amount of the premium
it paid. If a put or call written by the Fund expires, it has a gain in the
amount of the premium; if it enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will
have a gain or loss depending on whether the premium was more or less than the
cost of the closing transaction.
Optional delivery standby commitments are valued at fair value under
the general supervision and responsibility of the Fund's Board of Directors.
They are accounted for in the same manner as exchange-listed puts.
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Minimum Initial and Subsequent Investments
For Class A, Class B and Class C shares, initial investments must be at
least $500 with the exceptions described in this paragraph. A $100 minimum
initial investment pertains to certain exchanges of shares from another fund in
the United Group. A $50 minimum initial investment pertains to purchases for
certain retirement plan accounts and to accounts for which an investor has
arranged, at the time of initial investment, to make subsequent purchases for
the account by having regular monthly withdrawals of $25 or more made from a
bank account. A minimum initial investment of $25 is applicable to purchases
made through payroll deduction for or by employees of WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed,
Inc., their affiliates, or certain retirement plan accounts. Except with respect
to certain exchanges and automatic withdrawals from a bank account, a
shareholder may make subsequent investments of any amount. See "Exchanges for
Shares of Other Funds in the United Group."
For Class Y shares, investments by government entities or authorities
or by corporations must total at least $10 million within the first twelve
months after initial investment. There is no initial investment minimum for
other Class Y investors.
Reduced Sales Charges (Applicable to Class A Shares Only)
Account Grouping
Large purchases of Class A shares are subject to lower sales charges.
The schedule of sales charges appears in the Prospectus for Class A shares. For
the purpose of taking advantage of the lower sales charges available for large
purchases, a purchase in any of categories 1 through 7 listed below made by an
individual or deemed to be made by an individual may be grouped with purchases
in any other of these categories:
1. Purchases by an individual for his or her own account (includes purchases
under the United Funds Revocable Trust Form);
2. Purchases by that individual's spouse purchasing for his or her own account
(includes United Funds Revocable Trust Form of spouse);
3. Purchases by that individual or his or her spouse in their joint account;
4. Purchases by that individual or his or her spouse for the account of their
child under age 21;
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5. Purchase by any custodian for the child of that individual or spouse in a
Uniform Gift to Minors Act ("UGMA") or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
("UTMA") account;
6. Purchases by that individual or his or her spouse for his or her Individual
Retirement Account ("IRA"), salary reduction plan account under Section 457
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), provided
that such purchases are subject to a sales charge (see "Net Asset Value
Purchases"), tax-sheltered annuity account ("TSA") or Keogh Plan account,
provided that the individual and spouse are the only participants in the
Keogh Plan; and
7. Purchases by a trustee under a trust where that individual or his or her
spouse is the settlor (the person who establishes the trust).
Examples:
A. Grandmother opens a UGMA account for grandson A; Grandmother has an
account in her own name; A's father has an account in his own name;
the UGMA account may be grouped with A's father's account but may not
be grouped with Grandmother's account;
B. H establishes a trust naming his children as beneficiaries and
appointing himself and his bank as co-trustees; a purchase made in the
trust account is eligible for grouping with an IRA account of W, H's
wife;
C. H's will provides for the establishment of a trust for the benefit of
his minor children upon H's death; his bank is named as trustee; upon
H's death, an account is established in the name of the bank, as
trustee; a purchase in the account may be grouped with an account held
by H's wife in her own name.
D. X establishes a trust naming herself as trustee and R, her son, as
successor trustee and R and S as beneficiaries; upon X's death, the
account is transferred to R as trustee; a purchase in the account may
not be grouped with R's individual account. If X's spouse, Y, was
successor trustee, this purchase could be grouped with Y's individual
account.
All purchases of Class A shares made for a participant in a
multi-participant Keogh plan may be grouped only with other purchases made under
the same plan; a multi-participant Keogh plan is defined as a plan in which
there is more than one participant
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where one or more of the participants is other than the spouse of the
owner/employer.
Example A: H has established a Keogh plan; he and his wife W are the only
participants in the plan; they may group their purchases made under
the plan with any purchases in categories 1 through 7 above.
Example B: H has established a Keogh Plan; his wife, W, is a participant and
they have hired one or more employees who also become participants in
the plan; H and W may not combine any purchases made under the plan
with any purchases in categories 1 through 7 above; however, all
purchases made under the plan for H, W or any other employee will be
combined.
All purchases of Class A shares made under a "qualified" employee
benefit plan of an incorporated business will be grouped. A "qualified" employee
benefit plan is established pursuant to Section 401 of the Code. All qualified
employee benefit plans of any one employer or affiliated employers will also be
grouped. An affiliate is defined as an employer that directly, or indirectly,
controls or is controlled by or is under control with another employer. All
qualified employee benefit plans of an employer who is a franchisor and those of
its franchisee(s) may also be grouped.
Example: Corporation X sets up a defined benefit plan; its subsidiary,
Corporation Y, sets up a 401(k) plan; all contributions made under
both plans will be grouped.
All purchases of Class A shares made under a simplified employee
pension plan ("SEP"), payroll deduction plan or similar arrangement adopted by
an employer or affiliated employers (as defined above) may be grouped provided
that the employer elects to have all such purchases grouped at the time the plan
is set up. If the employer does not make such an election, the purchases made by
individual employees under the plan may be grouped with the other accounts of
the individual employees described above in "Account Grouping."
Account grouping as described above is available under the following
circumstances.
One-time Purchases
A one-time purchase of Class A shares in accounts eligible for grouping
may be combined for purposes of determining the availability of a reduced sales
charge. In order for an eligible purchase to be grouped, the investor must
advise Waddell & Reed,
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Inc. at the time the purchase is made that it is eligible for grouping and
identify the accounts with which it may be grouped.
Example: H and W open an account in the Fund and invest $75,000; at the same
time, H's parents open up three UGMA accounts for H and W's three
minor children and invest $10,000 in each child's name; the combined
purchase of $105,000 of Class A shares is subject to a reduced sales
load of 4.75% provided that Waddell & Reed, Inc. is advised that the
purchases are entitled to grouping.
Rights of Accumulation
If Class A shares are held in any account and an additional purchase is
made in that account or in any account eligible for grouping with that account,
the additional purchase is combined with the net asset value of the existing
account as of the date the new purchase is accepted by Waddell & Reed, Inc. for
the purpose of determining the availability of a reduced sales charge.
Example: H is a current Class A shareholder who invested in the Fund three
years ago. His account has a net asset value of $80,000. His wife, W,
now wishes to invest $20,000 in Class A shares of the Fund. W's
purchase will be combined with H's existing account and will be
entitled to a reduced sales charge of 4.75%. H's original purchase
was subject to a full sales charge and the reduced charge does not
apply retroactively to that purchase.
In order to be entitled to rights of accumulation, the purchaser must
inform Waddell & Reed, Inc. that the purchaser is entitled to a reduced charge
and provide Waddell & Reed, Inc. with the name and number of the existing
account with which the purchase may be combined.
If a purchaser holds shares which have been purchased under a
contractual plan the shares held under such plan may be combined with the
additional purchase only if the contractual plan has been completed.
Letter of Intent
The benefit of a reduced sales charge for larger purchases of Class A
shares is also available under a Letter of Intent. By signing a Letter of Intent
form, which is available from Waddell & Reed, Inc., the purchaser indicates an
intention to invest, over a 13-month period, a dollar amount which is sufficient
to qualify for a reduced sales charge. The 13-month period begins on the date
the first purchase made under the
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Letter of Intent is accepted by Waddell & Reed, Inc. Each purchase made from
time to time under the Letter of Intent is treated as if the purchaser were
buying at one time the total amount which he or she intends to invest. The sales
charge applicable to all purchases of Class A shares made under the terms of the
Letter of Intent will be the sales charge in effect on the beginning date of the
13-month period.
In determining the amount which the purchaser must invest in order to
qualify for a reduced sales charge under a Letter of Intent, the investor's
Rights of Accumulation (see above) will be taken into account; that is, Class A
shares already held in the same account in which the purchase is being made or
in any account eligible for grouping with that account, as described above, will
be included.
Example: H signs a Letter of Intent indicating his intent to invest in his own
name a dollar amount sufficient to entitle him to purchase Class A
shares at the sales charge applicable to a purchase of $100,000. H
has an IRA account and the Class A shares held under the IRA in the
Fund have a net asset value as of the date the Letter of Intent is
accepted by Waddell & Reed, Inc. of $15,000; H's wife, W, has an
account in her own name invested in another fund in the United Group
which charges the same sales load as the Fund, with a net asset value
as of the date of acceptance of the Letter of Intent of $10,000; H
needs to invest $75,000 in Class A shares over the 13-month period in
order to qualify for the reduced sales load applicable to a purchase
of $100,000.
A copy of the Letter of Intent signed by a purchaser will be
returned to the purchaser after it is accepted by Waddell & Reed, Inc. and will
set forth the dollar amount of Class A shares which must be purchased within the
13-month period in order to qualify for the reduced sales charge.
If a purchaser holds shares which have been purchased under a
contractual plan, the shares held under the plan will be taken into account in
determining the amount which must be invested under the Letter only if the
contractual plan has been completed.
The minimum initial investment under a Letter of Intent is 5% of the
dollar amount which must be invested under the Letter of Intent. An amount equal
to 5% of the purchase required under the Letter of Intent will be held "in
escrow." If a purchaser does not, during the period covered by the Letter of
Intent, invest the amount required to qualify
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for the reduced sales charge under the terms of the Letter of Intent, he or she
will be responsible for payment of the sales charge applicable to the amount
actually invested. The additional sales charge owed on purchases of Class A
shares made under a Letter of Intent which is not completed will be collected by
redeeming part of the shares purchased under the Letter of Intent and held "in
escrow" unless the purchaser makes payment of this amount to Waddell & Reed,
Inc. within 20 days of Waddell & Reed, Inc.'s request for payment.
If the actual amount invested is higher than the amount an investor
intends to invest, and is large enough to qualify for a sales charge lower than
that available under the Letter of Intent, the lower sales charge will apply.
A Letter of Intent does not bind the purchaser to buy, or Waddell &
Reed, Inc. to sell, the shares covered by the Letter of Intent.
With respect to Letters of Intent for $2,000,000 or purchases
otherwise qualifying for no sales charge under the terms of the Statement of
Intention, the initial investment must be at least $200,000, and the value of
any shares redeemed during the 13-month period which were acquired under the
Statement of Intention will be deducted in computing the aggregate purchases
under the Letter of Intent.
Letters of Intent are not available for purchases made under a SEP plan
where the employer has elected to have all purchases under the SEP grouped.
Other Funds in the United Group
Reduced sales charges for larger purchases of Class A shares apply to purchases
of any of the Class A shares of any of the funds in the United Group subject to
a sales charge. A purchase of Class A shares, or Class A shares held, in any of
the funds in the United Group subject to a sales charge will be treated as an
investment in the Fund in determining the applicable sales charge. For these
purposes, Class A shares of United Cash Management, Inc. that were acquired by
exchange of another United Group fund's Class A shares on which a sales charge
was paid, plus the shares paid as dividends on those acquired shares, are also
taken into account.
Net Asset Value Purchases of Class A Shares
As stated in the Prospectus, Class A shares of the Fund may be
purchased at net asset value by the Directors and officers of the Fund,
employees of Waddell & Reed, Inc., employees of their affiliates, financial
advisors of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and the spouse, children, parents, children's
spouses and spouse's parents
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of each such Director, officer, employee and financial advisor. "Child" includes
stepchild; "parent" includes stepparent. Purchases of Class A shares in an IRA
sponsored by Waddell & Reed, Inc. established for any of these eligible
purchasers may also be at net asset value. Purchases in any tax-qualified
retirement plan under which the eligible purchaser is the sole participant may
also be made at net asset value. Trusts under which the grantor and the trustee
or a co-trustee are each an eligible purchaser are also eligible for net asset
value purchases of Class A shares. "Employees" includes retired employees. A
retired employee is an individual separated from service from Waddell & Reed,
Inc. or affiliated companies with a vested interest in any Employee Benefit Plan
sponsored by Waddell & Reed, Inc. or its affiliated companies. "Employees" also
includes individuals who, on November 6, 1998, were employees (including retired
employees) of a company that on that date was an affiliate of Waddell & Reed,
Inc. "Financial advisors" includes retired financial advisors. A "retired
financial advisor" is any financial advisor who was, at the time of separation
from service from Waddell & Reed, Inc., a Senior Financial Advisor. A custodian
under UGMA or UTMA purchasing for the child or grandchild of any employee or
financial advisor may purchase Class A shares at net asset value whether or not
the custodian himself is an eligible purchaser.
Purchases of Class A shares in a 401(k) plan having 100 or more
eligible employees and purchases of Class A shares in a 457 plan having 100 or
more eligible employees may be made at net asset value.
Shares may also be issued at NAV in a merger, acquisition or exchange
offer made pursuant to a plan of reorganization to which the Fund is a party.
Reasons for Difference in Public Offering Price of Class A Shares
As described herein and in the Prospectus for Class A shares, there are
a number of instances in which the Fund's Class A shares are sold or issued on a
basis other than the maximum public offering price, that is, the net asset value
plus the highest sales charge. Some of these relate to lower or eliminated sales
charges for larger purchases of Class A shares, whether made at one time or over
a period of time as under a Letter of Intent or right of accumulation. See the
table of sales charges in the Prospectus. The reasons for these quantity
discounts are, in general, that (i) they are traditional and have long been
permitted in the industry and are therefore necessary to meet competition as to
sales of shares of other funds having such discounts, (ii) certain quantity
discounts are required by rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (as are elimination of sales charges on the reinvestment of
dividends and
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distributions), and (iii) they are designed to avoid an unduly large dollar
amount of sales charge on substantial purchases in view of reduced selling
expenses. Quantity discounts are made available to certain related persons for
reasons of family unity and to provide a benefit to tax-exempt plans and
organizations.
The reasons for the other instances in which there are reduced or
eliminated sales charges for Class A shares are as follows. Exchanges at net
asset value are permitted because a sales charge has already been paid on the
shares exchanged. Sales of Class A shares without sales charge are permitted to
Directors, officers and certain others due to reduced or eliminated selling
expenses and because such sales may aid in the development of a sound employee
organization, encourage incentive, responsibility and interest in the United
Group and an identification with its aims and policies. Limited reinvestments of
redemptions of Class A shares at no sales charge are permitted to attempt to
protect against mistaken or not fully informed redemption decisions. Class A
shares may be issued at no sales charge in plans of reorganization due to
reduced or eliminated sales expenses and since, in some cases, such issuance is
exempted in the 1940 Act from the otherwise applicable restrictions as to what
sales charge must be imposed. In no case in which there is a reduced or
eliminated sales charge are the interests of existing Class A shareholders
adversely affected since, in each case, the Fund receives the net asset value
per share of all shares sold or issued.
Flexible Withdrawal Service for Class A, Class B and Class C Shareholders
If you qualify, you may arrange to receive through the Flexible
Withdrawal Service (the "Service") regular monthly, quarterly, semiannual or
annual payments by redeeming on an ongoing basis Class A, Class B or Class C
shares that you own of the Fund or of any of the funds in the United Group. It
would be a disadvantage to an investor to make additional purchases of Class A
shares while the service is in effect because it would result in duplication of
sales charges. Class C shares purchased within the past year remain subject to
CDSC; however, Class B shares redeemed under the Service are not subject to a
CDSC. Applicable forms to start the Service are available through Waddell &
Reed, Inc.
To qualify for the Service, you must have invested at least $10,000 in
Class A, Class B or Class C shares which you still own of any of the funds in
the United Group; or, you must own Class A, Class B or Class C shares having a
value of at least $10,000. The value for this purpose is the value at the
offering price.
You can choose to have your shares redeemed to receive:
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1. a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual payment of $50 or more;
2. a monthly payment, which will change each month, equal to
one-twelfth of a percentage of the value of the shares in the account (you
select the percentage); or
3. a monthly or quarterly payment, which will change each month or
quarter, by redeeming a number of shares fixed by you (at least five shares).
Shares are redeemed on the 20th day of the month in which the payment
is to be made, or on the prior business day if the 20th is not a business day.
Payments are made within five days of the redemption.
Retirement plan accounts may be subject to a fee imposed by the plan
custodian for use of their service.
The dividends and distributions on shares of a class you have made
available for the Service are paid in additional shares of that class. All
payments under the Service are made by redeeming shares, which may involve a
gain or loss for tax purposes. To the extent that payments exceed dividends and
distributions, the number of shares you own will decrease. When all of the
shares in an account are redeemed, you will not receive any further payments.
Thus, the payments are not an annuity or an income or return on your investment.
You may, at any time, change the manner in which you have chosen to
have shares redeemed. You can change to any one of the other choices originally
available to you. You may, at any time, redeem part or all of the shares in your
account; if you redeem all of the shares, the Service is terminated. The Fund
can also terminate the Service by notifying you in writing.
After the end of each calendar year, information on shares redeemed
will be sent to you to assist you in completing your Federal income tax return.
Exchanges for Shares of Other Funds in the United Group
Class A Share Exchanges
Once a sales charge has been paid on shares of a fund in the United
Group, these shares and any shares added to them from dividends or distributions
paid in shares may be freely exchanged for corresponding shares of another fund
in the United Group. The shares you exchange must be worth at least $100 or you
must
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already own shares of the fund in the United Group into which you want to
exchange.
You may exchange Class A shares you own in another fund in the United
Group for Class A shares of the Fund without charge if (i) a sales charge was
paid on these shares, or (ii) the shares were received in exchange for shares
for which a sales charge was paid, or (iii) the shares were acquired from
reinvestment of dividends and distributions paid on such shares. There may have
been one or more such exchanges so long as a sales charge was paid on the shares
originally purchased. Also, shares acquired without a sales charge because the
purchase was $2 million or more will be treated the same as shares on which a
sales charge was paid.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., United Government Securities Fund,
Inc. and United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. shares are the exceptions and
special rules apply. Class A shares of these funds may be exchanged for Class A
shares of the Fund only if (i) you received those shares as a result of one or
more exchanges of shares on which a sales charge was originally paid, or (ii)
the shares have been held from the date of the original purchase for at least
six months.
Subject to the above rules regarding sales charges, you may have a
specific dollar amount of Class A shares of United Cash Management, Inc.
automatically exchanged each month into Class A shares of the Fund or any other
fund in the United Group. The shares of United Cash Management, Inc. which you
designate for automatic exchange must be worth at least $100 or you must own
Class A shares of the fund in the United Group into which you want to exchange.
The minimum value of shares which you may designate for automatic exchange is
$100, which may be allocated among the Class A shares of different funds in the
United Group so long as each fund receives a value of $25. Minimum initial
investment and minimum balance requirements apply to such automatic exchange
service.
You may redeem your Class A shares of a Fund and use the proceeds to
purchase Class Y shares of that Fund if you meet the criteria for purchasing
Class Y shares.
Class B Share Exchanges
You may exchange Class B shares of the Fund for Class B shares of other
funds in the United Group without charge.
The redemption of the Fund's Class B shares as part of an exchange is
not subject to the deferred sales charge. For purposes of computing the deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the redemption of the shares acquired in the
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exchange, those acquired shares are treated as having been purchased when the
original redeemed shares were purchased.
You may have a specific dollar amount of Class B shares of United Cash
Management, Inc. automatically redeemed each month and invested in Class B
shares of the Fund. The shares of United Cash Management, Inc. which you
designate must be worth at least $100, which may be allocated among different
Funds so long as each Fund receives a value of at least $25. Minimum initial
investment and minimum balance requirements apply to such service.
Class C Share Exchanges
You may exchange Class C shares of the Fund for Class C shares of other
funds in the United Group without charge.
The redemption of the Fund's Class C shares as part of an exchange is
not subject to the deferred sales charge. For purposes of computing the deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the redemption of the shares acquired in the
exchange, those acquired shares are treated as having been purchased when the
original redeemed shares were purchased.
You may have a specific dollar amount of Class C shares of United Cash
Management, Inc. automatically redeemed each month and invested in Class C
shares of the Fund. The shares of United Cash Management, Inc. which you
designate must be worth at least $100, which may be allocated among different
Funds so long as each Fund receives a value of at least $25. Minimum initial
investment and minimum balance requirements apply to such service.
Class Y Share Exchanges
Class Y shares of a Fund may be exchanged for Class Y shares of any
other fund in the United Group or for Class A shares of United Cash Management,
Inc.
General Exchange Information
When you exchange shares, the total shares you receive will have the
same aggregate net asset value as the total shares you exchange. The relative
values are those next figured after your exchange request is received in good
order.
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These exchange rights and other exchange rights concerning the other
funds in the United Group can in most instances be eliminated or modified at any
time and any such exchange may not be accepted.
Retirement Plans
As described in the Prospectus for Class A shares, your account may be
set up as a funding vehicle for a retirement plan. For individual taxpayers
meeting certain requirements, Waddell & Reed, Inc. offers model or prototype
documents for the following retirement plans. All of these plans involve
investment in shares of the Fund (or shares of certain other funds in the United
Group).
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Investors having earned income
may set up a plan that is commonly called an IRA. Under a traditional IRA, an
investor can contribute each year up to 100% of his or her earned income, up to
an annual maximum of $2,000 (provided the investor has not reached age 70 1/2).
For a married couple, the annual maximum is $4,000 ($2,000 for each spouse) or,
if less, the couple's combined earned income for the taxable year even if one
spouse had no earned income. Generally, the contributions are deductible unless
the investor (or, if married, either spouse) is an active participant in a
qualified retirement plan or if, notwithstanding that the investor or one or
both spouses so participate, their adjusted gross income does not exceed certain
levels. However, a married investor who is not an active participant, files
jointly with his or her spouse and whose combined adjusted gross income does not
exceed $150,000, is not affected by the spouse's active participant status.
An investor may also use a traditional IRA to receive a rollover
contribution that is either (a) a direct rollover distribution from an
employer's plan or (b) a rollover of an eligible distribution paid to the
investor from an employer's plan or another IRA. To the extent a rollover
contribution is made to a traditional IRA, the distribution will not be subject
to Federal income tax until distributed from the IRA. A direct rollover
generally applies to any distribution from an employer's plan (including a
custodial account under Section 403(b)(7) of the Code, but not an IRA) other
than certain periodic payments, required minimum distributions and other
specified distributions. In a direct rollover, the eligible rollover
distribution is paid directly to the IRA, not to the investor. If, instead, an
investor receives payment of an eligible rollover distribution, all or a portion
of that distribution generally may be rolled over to an IRA within 60 days after
receipt of the distribution. Because mandatory Federal income tax withholding
applies to any eligible rollover distribution which is not paid in a direct
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rollover, investors should consult their tax advisers or pension consultants as
to the applicable tax rules. If you already have an IRA, you may have the assets
in that IRA transferred directly to an IRA offered by Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Roth IRAs. Investors whose adjusted gross income (or combined adjusted
gross income, if married) does not exceed certain levels may establish and
contribute up to $2,000 per tax year to a Roth IRA. In addition, for an investor
whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $100,000 (and who is not a married
person filing a separate return), certain distributions from traditional IRAs
may be rolled over to a Roth IRA and any of the investor's traditional IRAs may
be converted into a Roth IRA; these rollover distributions and conversions are,
however, subject to Federal income tax.
Contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible; however, earnings
accumulate tax-free in the Roth IRA, and withdrawals of earnings are not subject
to Federal income tax if the account has been held for at least five years and
the account holder has reached age 59 1/2 (or certain other conditions apply).
Education IRAs. Although not technically for retirement savings,
Education IRAs provide a vehicle for saving for a child's higher education. An
Education IRA may be established for the benefit of any minor, and any person
whose adjusted gross income does not exceed certain levels may contribute up to
$500 to an Education IRA (or to each of multiple Education IRAs), provided that
no more than $500 may be contributed for any year to Education IRAs for the same
beneficiary. Contributions are not deductible and may not be made after the
beneficiary reaches age 18; however, earnings accumulate tax-free, and
withdrawals are not subject to tax if used to pay the qualified higher education
expenses of the beneficiary (or a member of his or her family).
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans. Employers can make
contributions to SEP-IRAs established for employees. An employer may contribute
up to 15% of compensation or $24,000, whichever is less, per year for each
employee.
Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLE Plans). An
employer with 100 or fewer employees who does not sponsor another active
retirement plan may sponsor a SIMPLE to contribute to its employees' retirement
accounts. A SIMPLE plan can be funded by either an IRA or a 401(k) plan. In
general, an employer can choose to match employee contributions
dollar-for-dollar (up to 3% of an employee's compensation) or may contribute to
all eligible employees 2% of their compensation, whether or not they defer
salary to their retirement plans. SIMPLE plans involve
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fewer administrative requirements than 401(k) or other qualified plans
generally.
Keogh Plans. Keogh plans, which are available to self-employed
individuals, are defined contribution plans that may be either a money purchase
plan or a profit-sharing plan. As a general rule, an investor under a defined
contribution Keogh plan can contribute each year up to 25% of his or her annual
earned income, with an annual maximum of $30,000.
457 Plans. If an investor is an employee of a state or local
government or of certain types of charitable organizations, he or she may be
able to enter into a deferred compensation arrangement in accordance with
Section 457 of the Code.
TSAs - Custodial Accounts and Title I Plans. If an investor is an
employee of a public school system or of certain types of charitable
organizations, he or she may be able to enter into a deferred compensation
arrangement through a custodian account under Section 403(b) of the Code. Some
organizations have adopted Title I plans, which are funded by employer
contributions in addition to employee deferrals.
401(k) Plans. With a 401(k) plan, employees can make tax-deferred
contributions into a plan to which the employer may also contribute, usually on
a matching basis. An employee may defer each year up to 25% of compensation,
subject to certain annual maximums, which may be increased each year based on
cost-of-living adjustments.
More detailed information about these arrangements and applicable forms
are available from Waddell & Reed, Inc. These plans may involve complex tax
questions as to premature distributions and other matters. Investors should
consult their tax adviser or pension consultant.
Redemptions
The Prospectus gives information as to redemption procedures.
Redemption payments are made within seven days unless delayed because of
emergency conditions determined by the SEC, when the NYSE is closed other than
for weekends or holidays, or when trading on the NYSE is restricted. Payment is
made in cash, although under extraordinary conditions redemptions may be made in
portfolio securities. Payment for redemption of shares of the Fund may be made
in portfolio securities when the Fund's Board of Directors determines that
conditions exist making cash payments undesirable. Securities used for payment
of redemptions are valued at the value used in figuring net asset value. There
would be brokerage costs to the redeeming shareholder in selling such
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securities. The Fund, however, has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under
the 1940 Act, pursuant to which it is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash
up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day
period for any one shareholder.
Reinvestment Privilege
The Fund offers a one-time reinvestment privilege that allows you to
reinvest without charge all or part of any amount of Class A shares you redeem
from the Fund by sending to the Fund the amount you wish to reinvest. The amount
you return will be reinvested in Class A shares at the net asset value next
determined after the Fund receives returned amount. Your written request to
reinvest and the amount to be reinvested must be received within 30 days after
your redemption request was received, and the Fund must be offering Class A
shares at the time your reinvestment request is received. You can do this only
once as to Class A shares of the Fund. You do not use up this privilege by
redeeming Class A shares to invest the proceeds at net asset value in a Keogh
Plan or an IRA.
There is also a reinvestment privilege for Class B and Class C shares
under which you may reinvest all or part of any amount of Class B or Class C
shares you redeemed and have the corresponding amount of the deferred sales
charge, if any, which you paid restored to your account by adding the amount of
that charge to the amount you are reinvesting. If Class B or Class C shares of
the Fund are then being offered, you can put all or part of your redemption
payment back into the Class B or Class C shares of the Fund at the net asset
value next determined after you have returned the amount. Your written request
to do this must be received within 30 days after your redemption. You can do
this only once as to Class B shares of the Fund and only once as to Class C
shares of the Fund. For purposes of determining future deferred sales charges,
the reinvestment will be treated as a new investment. You do not use up this
privilege by redeeming Class B or Class C shares to invest the proceeds at net
asset value in a Keogh plan or an IRA.
Mandatory Redemption of Certain Small Accounts
The Fund has the right to compel the redemption of shares held under
any account or any plan if the aggregate net asset value of such shares (taken
at cost or value as the Board of Directors may determine) is less than $500. The
Board has no intent to compel redemptions in the foreseeable future. If it
should elect to compel redemptions, shareholders who are affected will receive
prior written notice and will be permitted 60 days to
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bring their accounts up to the minimum before this redemption is processed.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The day-to-day affairs of the Fund are handled by outside organizations
selected by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has responsibility
for establishing broad corporate policies for the Fund and for overseeing
overall performance of the selected experts. It has the benefit of advice and
reports from independent counsel and independent auditors. The majority of the
Directors are not affiliated with Waddell & Reed, Inc.
The principal occupation during at least the past five years of each
Director and officer is given below. Each of the persons listed through and
including Mr. Vogel is a member of the Fund's Board of Directors. The other
persons are officers but not members of the Board of Directors. For purposes of
this section, the term "Fund Complex" includes each of the registered investment
companies in the United Group of Mutual Funds, Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. and
Target/United Funds, Inc. Each of the Fund's Directors is also a Director of
each of the other funds in the Fund Complex and each of its officers is also an
officer of one or more of the funds in the Fund Complex.
KEITH A. TUCKER*
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fund and each of the other
funds in the Fund Complex; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive
Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Director of Waddell & Reed Financial,
Inc.; President, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc.; Chairman of the Board of Directors
of WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed, Inc. and Waddell & Reed Services Company; formerly,
President of each of the funds in the Fund Complex; formerly, Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company, a former
affiliate of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Date of birth: February 11, 1945.
JAMES M. CONCANNON
950 Docking Road
Topeka, Kansas 66615
Dean and Professor of Law, Washburn University School of Law; Director,
AmVestors CBO II Inc. Date of birth: October 2, 1947.
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JOHN A. DILLINGHAM
4040 Northwest Claymont Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64116
President, JoDill Corp., an agricultural company; President and
Director of Dillingham Enterprises Inc.; formerly, Director and consultant,
McDougal Construction Company; formerly, Instructor at Central Missouri State
University; formerly, Member of the Board of Police Commissioners, Kansas City,
Missouri; formerly, Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Garney Companies,
Inc., a specialty utility contractor. Date of birth: January 9, 1939.
DAVID P. GARDNER
525 Middlefield Road, Suite 200
Menlo Park, California 94025
President of Hewlett Foundation and Chairman of George S. and Delores
Dori Eccles Foundation. Director of First Security Corp., a bank holding
company, and Director of Fluor Corp., a company with interests in coal. Date of
birth: March 24, 1933.
LINDA K. GRAVES*
1 South West Cedar Crest Road
Topeka, Kansas 66606
First Lady of Kansas. Partner, Levy and Craig, P.C., a law firm. Date
of birth: July 29, 1953.
JOSEPH HARROZ, JR.
125 South Creekdale Drive
Norman, Oklahoma 73072
General Counsel of the Board of Regents and Adjunct Professor of Law at
the University of Oklahoma College of Law; formerly, Vice President for
Executive Affairs of the University of Oklahoma; formerly, an Attorney with
Crowe & Dunlevy, a law firm. Date of birth: January 17, 1967.
JOHN F. HAYES
20 West 2nd Avenue
P. O. Box 2977
Hutchinson, Kansas 67504-2977
Director of Central Bank and Trust; Director of Central Financial
Corporation; Director of Central Properties, Inc.; Chairman of the Board of
Directors, Gilliland & Hayes, P.A., a law firm; formerly, President, Gilliland &
Hayes, P.A. Date of birth: December 11, 1919.
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ROBERT L. HECHLER*
President and Principal Financial Officer of the Fund and each of the
other funds in the Fund Complex; Executive Vice President, Chief Operating
Officer and Director of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.; Vice President, Chief
Operating Officer, Director and Treasurer of Waddell & Reed Financial Services,
Inc.; Executive Vice President, Principal Financial Officer, Director and
Treasurer of WRIMCO; President, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Financial
Officer, Director and Treasurer of Waddell & Reed, Inc.; President, Director and
Treasurer of Waddell & Reed Services Company; formerly, Vice President of each
of the funds in the Fund Complex; formerly, Director and Treasurer of Waddell &
Reed Asset Management Company, a former affiliate of Waddell & Reed Financial,
Inc. Date of birth: November 12, 1936.
HENRY J. HERRMANN*
Vice President of the Fund and each of the other funds in the Fund
Complex; President, Chief Investment Officer, Treasurer and Director of Waddell
& Reed Financial, Inc.; Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Director of
Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc.; Director of Waddell & Reed, Inc.;
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Director of
WRIMCO; formerly, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer
and Director of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company, a former affiliate of
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Date of birth: December 8, 1942.
GLENDON E. JOHNSON
13635 Deering Bay Drive
Unit 284
Miami, Florida 33158
Retired; formerly, Director and Chief Executive Officer of John Alden
Financial Corporation and subsidiaries. Date of birth: February 19, 1924.
WILLIAM T. MORGAN*
928 Glorietta Blvd.
Coronado, California 92118
Retired; formerly, Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of
each of the funds in the Fund Complex then in existence. (Mr. Morgan retired as
Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of the funds in the Fund
Complex then in existence on April 30, 1993); formerly, President, Director and
Chief Executive Officer of WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed, Inc.; formerly, Chairman
of the Board of Directors of Waddell & Reed Services Company. Date of birth:
April 27, 1928.
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RONALD C. REIMER
2601 Verona Road
Mission Hills, Kansas 66208
Retired. Co-founder and teacher at Servant Leadership School of Kansas
City; Director of Network Rehabilitation Services; formerly, Employment
Counselor and Director of McCue-Parker Center. Date of birth: August 3, 1934.
FRANK J. ROSS, JR.*
700 West 47th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
Shareholder, Polsinelli, White, Vardeman & Shalton, a law firm. Date of
birth: April 9, 1953.
ELEANOR B. SCHWARTZ
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64113
Professor of Business Administration, University of Missouri-Kansas
City; formerly, Chancellor, University of Missouri-Kansas City. Date of birth:
January 1, 1937.
FREDERICK VOGEL III
1805 West Bradley Road
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217
Retired. Date of birth: August 7, 1935.
Helge K. Lee
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Fund and each of
the other funds in the Fund Complex; Secretary and General Counsel of Waddell &
Reed Financial, Inc.; Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel and Director of
Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Secretary and
General Counsel of WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed, Inc.; Senior Vice President,
Secretary, General Counsel and Director of Waddell & Reed Services Company;
formerly, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer of
LGT Asset Management, Inc. and affiliates; formerly, Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of Strong Capital Management, Inc. and affiliates.
Date of birth: March 30, 1946.
Theodore W. Howard
Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Fund
and each of the other funds in the Fund Complex; Vice President of Waddell &
Reed Services Company. Date of birth: July 18, 1942.
Grant P. Sarris
Vice President of the Fund and two other funds in the Fund Complex, and
Vice President of WRIMCO. Date of birth: September 14, 1966.
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Mark G. Seferovich
Vice President of the Fund and two other funds in the Fund Complex and
Senior Vice President of WRIMCO; formerly, Vice President of, and a portfolio
manager for, Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company. Date of birth: April 6,
1947.
The address of each person is 6300 Lamar Avenue, P.O. Box 29217,
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217 unless a different address is given.
The Directors who may be deemed to be "interested persons" as defined
in the 1940 Act of the Fund's underwriter, Waddell & Reed, Inc., or WRIMCO are
indicated as such by an asterisk.
The Board of Directors has created an honorary position of Director
Emeritus, which position a Director may elect after resignation from the Board
provided the Director has attained the age of 70 and has served as a Director of
the Funds in the United Group for a total of at least five years. A Director
Emeritus receives fees in recognition of his or her past services whether or not
services are rendered in his or her capacity as Director Emeritus, but has no
authority or responsibility with respect to management of the Fund.
The funds in the United Group, Target/United Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed
Funds, Inc. pay to each Director a total of $48,000 per year, plus $2,500 for
each meeting of the Board of Directors attended plus reimbursement of expenses
of attending such meeting and $500 for each committee meeting attended which is
not in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting, other than Directors who
are affiliates of Waddell & Reed, Inc. The fees to the Directors who receive
them are divided among the funds in the United Group, Target/United Funds, Inc.
and Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. based on their relative size.
PAYMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
General
There are three sources for the payments the Fund makes to you as a
shareholder of a class of shares of the Fund, other than payments when you
redeem your shares. The first source is net investment income, which is derived
from the dividends, interest and earned discount on the securities the Fund
holds, less expenses (which will vary by class). The second source is net
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realized capital gains, which are derived from the proceeds received from the
Fund's sale of securities at a price higher than the Fund's tax basis (usually
cost) in such securities, less losses from sales of securities at a price lower
than the Fund's basis therein these gains can be either long-term or short-term,
depending on how long the Fund has owned the securities before it sells them.
The third source is net realized gains from foreign currency transactions. The
payments made to shareholders from net investment income, net short-term capital
gains, and net realized gains from certain foreign currency transactions are
called dividends.
The Fund pays distributions from net realized capital gains (the excess
of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). It may or
may not have such gains, depending on whether securities are sold and at what
price. If the Fund has net realized capital gains, it will pay distributions
once each year, in the latter part of the fourth calendar quarter, except to the
extent it has net capital losses carried over from a prior year or years to
offset the gains.
Choices You Have on Your Dividends and Distributions
On your application form, you can give instructions that (i) you want
cash for your dividends and distributions, however, a total dividend and/or
distribution amount less than ten dollars will be automatically paid in shares
of the Fund of the same class as that with respect to which they were paid (ii)
you want your dividends and distributions paid in shares of the Fund of the same
class as that with respect to which they were paid, or (iii) you want cash for
your dividends. However, a total dividend amount less than ten dollars will be
automatically paid in shares of the Fund of the same class as that with respect
to which it was paid and want your distributions paid in shares of the Fund of
the same class as that with respect to which they were paid. You can change your
instructions at any time. If you give no instructions, your dividends and
distributions will be paid in shares of the Fund of the same class as that with
respect to which they were paid. All payments in shares are at net asset value
without any sales charge. The net asset value used for this purpose is that
computed as of the record date for the dividend or distribution, although this
could be changed by the Board of Directors.
Even if you get dividends and distributions on Fund shares in cash, you
can thereafter reinvest them (or distributions only) in shares of the Fund at
net asset value (i.e., no sales charge) next determined after receipt by Waddell
& Reed, Inc. of the amount clearly identified as a reinvestment. The
reinvestment must be within 45 days after the payment.
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TAXES
General
The Fund intends to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment
company ("RIC") under the Code, so that it is relieved of Federal income tax on
that part of its investment company taxable income (consisting generally of
taxable net investment income, net short-term capital gains and net gains from
certain foreign currency transactions) that is distributed to its shareholders.
To qualify as a RIC, the Fund must distribute to its shareholders for each
taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income
("Distribution Requirement") and must meet several additional requirements.
These requirements include the following: (1) the Fund must derive at least 90%
of its gross income each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with
respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of
securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options,
futures contracts or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of
investing in securities or those currencies ("Income Requirement"); (2) at the
close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government
securities, securities of other RICs and other securities that are limited, in
respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of
the Fund's total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the
issuer's outstanding voting securities ("50% Diversification Test"); and (3) at
the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, not more than 25% of the
value of its total assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S.
Government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer.
If the Fund failed to qualify for treatment as a RIC for any taxable
year, (a) it would be taxed as an ordinary corporation on the full amount of its
taxable income for that year (even if it distributed that income to its
shareholders) and (b) the shareholders would treat all distributions out of its
earnings and profits, including distributions of net capital gain (the excess of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), as dividends (that
is, ordinary income). In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize
unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial
distributions before requalifying for RIC treatment.
Dividends and distributions declared by the Fund in December of any
year and payable to its shareholders of record on a date in that month are
deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by the shareholders on
December 31 of that year if they are paid by the Fund during the following
January. Accordingly, those dividends and distributions will be taxed to the
shareholders for the year in which that December 31 falls.
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or
less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss
to the extent of any distributions received on those shares. Investors also
should be aware that if shares are purchased shortly before the record date for
a dividend or distribution, the investor will receive some portion of the
purchase price back as a taxable dividend or distribution.
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The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise
Tax") to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year
substantially all of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net
income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain
other amounts. It is the Fund's policy to pay sufficient dividends and
distributions each year to avoid imposition of the Excise Tax. The Code permits
the Fund to defer into the next calendar year net capital losses incurred
between November 1 and the end of the current calendar year.
Income from Foreign Securities
Dividends and interest received, and gains realized, by the Fund may be
subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and
U.S. possessions ("foreign taxes") that would reduce the yield and/or total
returns on its securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the
United States may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, however, and many foreign
countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by
foreign investors.
The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment
companies" ("PFICs"). A PFIC is a foreign corporation other than a "controlled
foreign corporation" (i.e., a foreign corporation in which, on any day during
its taxable year, more than 50% of the total voting power of all voting stock
therein or the total value of all stock therein is owned, directly, indirectly,
or constructively, by "U.S. shareholders," defined as U.S. persons that
individually own, directly, indirectly, or constructively, at least 10% of that
voting power) as to which the Fund is a U.S. shareholder that, in general, meets
either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive;
or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the
production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, a Fund will be
subject to Federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" received
on the stock of a PFIC or of any gain on disposition of the stock (collectively
"PFIC income"), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC
income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income
will be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and,
accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent that income is distributed
to its shareholders.
If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a
"qualified electing fund" ("QEF"), then in lieu of the foregoing tax and
interest obligation, the Fund will be required to include in income each year
its pro rata share of the QEF's annual
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ordinary earnings and net capital gains -- which probably would have to be
distributed by the Fund to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid
imposition of the Excise Tax -- even if those earnings and gains were not
distributed to the Fund by the QEF. In most instances it will be very difficult,
if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements
thereof.
The Fund may elect to "mark-to-market" its stock in any PFIC.
"Marking-to-market," in this context, means including in ordinary income each
taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of a PFIC's stock over
the Fund's adjusted basis therein as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the
election, the Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not capital,
loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair
market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any
net mark-to-market gains with respect to that stock included by the Fund for
prior taxable years. The Fund's adjusted basis in each PFIC's stock with respect
to which it makes this election will be adjusted to reflect the amounts of
income included and deductions taken under the election. Regulations proposed in
1992 provide a similar election with respect to the stock of certain PFICs.
Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
Gains or losses (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies, (2)
from the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency that
are attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between
the date of acquisition of the security and the date of disposition, and (3)
that are attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates that occur between the
time the Fund accrues interest, dividends or other receivables or accrues
expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the
Fund actually collects the receivables or pays the liabilities, generally are
treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under the
Code as "section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of
the Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its
shareholders.
Income from Options, Futures and Forward Currency Contracts and Foreign
Currencies
The use of hedging and option income strategies, such as writing
(selling) and purchasing options and futures contracts and entering into forward
currency contracts, involves complex rules that will determine for income tax
purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses
the Fund
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realizes in connection therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign
currencies (except certain gains that may be excluded by future regulations),
and gains from options, futures and forward currency contracts derived by the
Fund with respect to its business of investing in securities or foreign
currencies, will qualify as permissible income under the Income Requirement.
Any income the Fund earns from writing options is treated as short-term
capital gains. If the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will
have a short-term capital gain or loss based on the difference between the
premium it received for the option it wrote and the premium it pays for the
option it buys. If an option written by the Fund lapses without being exercised,
the premium it received also will be a short-term capital gain. If such an
option is exercised and thus the Fund sells the securities subject to the
option, the premium the Fund receives will be added to the exercise price to
determine the gain or loss on the sale.
Certain options, futures contracts and forward currency contracts in
which the Fund may invest may be "section 1256 contracts." Section 1256
contracts held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year, other than contracts
subject to a "mixed straddle" election made by the Fund, are "marked-to-market"
(that is, treated as sold at that time for their fair market value) for Federal
income tax purposes, with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated
as though they were realized. Sixty percent of any net gains or losses
recognized on these deemed sales, and 60% of any net realized gains or losses
from any actual sales of section 1256 contracts, are treated as long-term
capital gains or losses, and the balance is treated as short-term capital gains
or losses. That 60% portion will qualify for the 20% (10% for taxpayers in the
15% marginal tax bracket) maximum tax rate on net capital gains enacted by the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market
for purposes of the Excise Tax and for other purposes. The Fund may need to
distribute any mark-to-market gains to its shareholders to satisfy the
Distribution Requirement and/or avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, even though
it may not have closed the transactions and received cash to pay the
distributions.
Code section 1092 (dealing with straddles) may also affect the taxation
of options and futures contracts in which the Fund may invest. That section
defines a "straddle" as offsetting positions with respect to personal property;
for these purposes, options and futures contracts are personal property. Section
1092 generally provides that any loss from the disposition of a position in a
straddle may be deducted only to the extent the loss exceeds the unrealized gain
on the offsetting position(s) of the straddle. The regulations under section
1092 also provide certain
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"wash sale" rules that apply to transactions where a position is sold at a loss
and a new offsetting position is acquired within a prescribed period, and "short
sale" rules applicable to straddles. If the Fund makes certain elections, the
amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains and losses from the
affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according
to the elections made. Because only a few of the regulations implementing the
straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences of straddle
transactions to the Fund are not entirely clear.
If the Fund has an "appreciated financial position" -- generally, an
interest (including an interest through an option, futures or forward currency
contract or short sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than
"straight debt") or partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds
its adjusted basis -- and enters into a "constructive sale" of the same or
substantially similar property, the Fund will be treated as having made an
actual sale thereof, with the result that gain will be recognized at that time.
A constructive sale generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional
principal contract or futures or forward currency contract entered into by the
Fund or a related person with respect to the same or substantially similar
property. In addition, if the appreciated financial position is itself a short
sale or such a contract, acquisition of the underlying property or substantially
similar property will be deemed a constructive sale.
Zero Coupon and Payment-in-Kind Securities
The Fund may acquire zero coupon or other securities issued with OID.
As the holder of those securities, the Fund must include in its income the OID
that accrues on the securities during the taxable year, even if the Fund
receives no corresponding payment on the securities during the year. Similarly,
the Fund must include in its gross income securities it receives as "interest"
on payment-in-kind securities. Because the Fund annually must distribute
substantially all of its investment company taxable income, including any
accrued OID and other non-cash income, in order to satisfy the Distribution
Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, it may be required in a
particular year to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the
total amount of cash it actually receives. Those distributions will be made from
the Fund's cash assets or from the proceeds of sales of portfolio securities, if
necessary. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses from those sales, which
would increase or decrease its investment company taxable income and/or net
capital gains.
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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
One of the duties undertaken by WRIMCO pursuant to the Management
Agreement is to arrange the purchase and sale of securities for the portfolio of
the Fund. Transactions in securities other than those for which an exchange is
the primary market are generally done with dealers acting as principals or
market makers. Brokerage commissions are paid primarily for effecting
transactions in securities traded on an exchange and otherwise only if it
appears likely that a better price or execution can be obtained. The individuals
who manage the Fund may manage other advisory accounts with similar investment
objectives. It can be anticipated that the managers will frequently place
concurrent orders for all or most accounts for which the managers have
responsibility or WRIMCO may otherwise combine orders for the Fund with those of
other funds in the United Group, Target/United Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed
Funds, Inc. or other accounts for which it has investment discretion.
Transactions effected pursuant to such combined orders are averaged as to price
and allocated in accordance with the purchase or sale orders actually placed for
each fund or advisory account, except where the combined order is not filled
completely. In this case, WRIMCO will ordinarily allocate the transaction pro
rata based on the orders placed. Sharing in large transactions could affect the
price the Fund pays or receives or the amount it buys and sells. However,
sometimes a better negotiated commission is available through combined orders.
To effect the portfolio transactions of the Fund, WRIMCO is authorized
to engage broker-dealers ("brokers") which, in its best judgment based on all
relevant factors, will implement the policy of the Fund to seek "best execution"
(prompt and reliable execution at the best price obtainable) for reasonable and
competitive commissions. WRIMCO need not seek competitive commission bidding but
is expected to minimize the commissions paid to the extent consistent with the
interests and policies of the Fund. Subject to review by the Board of Directors,
such policies include the selection of brokers which provide execution and/or
research services and other services including pricing or quotation services
directly or through others ("research and brokerage services") considered by
WRIMCO to be useful or desirable for its investment management of the Fund
and/or the other funds and accounts over which WRIMCO has investment discretion.
Research and brokerage services are, in general, defined by reference
to Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as including (i) advice,
either directly or through publications or writings, as to the value of
securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities
and the
74
<PAGE>
availability of securities and purchasers or sellers, (ii) furnishing analyses
and reports, or (iii) effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement and custody). "Investment
discretion" is, in general, defined as having authorization to determine what
securities shall be purchased or sold for an account, or making those decisions
even though someone else has responsibility.
The commissions paid to brokers that provide such research and/or
brokerage services may be higher than another qualified broker would charge for
effecting comparable transactions if a good faith determination is made by
WRIMCO that the commission is reasonable in relation to the research or
brokerage services provided. Subject to the foregoing considerations WRIMCO may
also consider sales of Fund shares as a factor in the selection of
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions. No allocation of brokerage or
principal business is made to provide any other benefits to WRIMCO.
The investment research provided by a particular broker may be useful
only to one or more of the other advisory accounts of WRIMCO, and investment
research received for the commissions of those other accounts may be useful both
to the Fund and one or more of such other accounts. To the extent that
electronic or other products provided by such brokers to assist WRIMCO in making
investment management decisions are used for administration of other
non-research purposes, a reasonable allocation of the cost of the product
attributable to its non-research use is made by WRIMCO.
Such investment research (which may be supplied by a third party at the
instance of a broker) includes information on particular companies and
industries as well as market, economic or institutional activity areas. It
serves to broaden the scope and supplement the research activities of WRIMCO;
serves to make available additional views for consideration and comparisons; and
enables WRIMCO to obtain market information on the price of securities held in
the Fund's portfolio or being considered for purchase.
The Fund may also use its brokerage to pay for pricing or quotation
services to value securities.
The Fund, WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed, Inc. have adopted a Code of Ethics
which imposes restrictions on the personal investment activities of their
employees, officers and interested directors.
75
<PAGE>
OTHER INFORMATION
The Shares of the Fund
The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Y. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and
differ as follows: each class of shares has exclusive voting rights on matters
pertaining to matters appropriately limited to that class; Class A shares are
subject to an initial sales charge and to an ongoing distribution and/or service
fee; Class B and Class C are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and
to ongoing distribution and service fees; Class B shares convert in the eighth
year to Class A shares; and Class Y shares, which are designated for
institutional investors, have no sales charge nor ongoing distribution and/or
service fee; each class may bear differing amounts of certain class-specific
expenses; and each class has a separate exchange privilege. The Fund does not
anticipate that there will be any conflicts between the interests of holders of
the different classes of shares of the Fund by virtue of those classes. On an
ongoing basis, the Board of Directors will consider whether any such conflict
exists and, if so, take appropriate action. Each share of the Fund is entitled
to equal voting, dividend, liquidation and redemption rights, except that due to
the differing expenses borne by the four classes, dividends and liquidation
proceeds of Class B shares and Class C shares are expected to be lower than for
Class A shares, which in turn are expected to be lower than for Class Y shares
of the Fund. Each fractional share of a class has the same rights, in
proportion, as a full share of that class. Shares are fully paid and
nonassessable when purchased.
The Fund does not hold annual meetings of shareholders; however,
certain significant corporate matters, such as the approval of a new investment
advisory agreement or a change in fundamental investment policy, which require
shareholder approval will be presented to shareholders at a meeting called by
the Board of Directors for such purpose.
Special meetings of shareholders may be called for any purpose upon
receipt by the Fund of a request in writing signed by shareholders holding not
less than 25% of all shares entitled to vote at such meeting, provided certain
conditions stated in the bylaws are met. There will normally be no meeting of
the shareholders for the purpose of electing directors until such time as less
than a majority of directors holding office have been elected by shareholders,
at time which the directors then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for
the election of directors. To the extent that Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act
applies to the Fund, the directors are required to call a meeting
76
<PAGE>
of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any
director when requested in writing to do so by the shareholders of record of not
less than 10% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
Each share (regardless of class) has one vote. All shares of the Fund
vote together as a single class, except as to any matter for which a separate
vote of any class is required by the 1940 Act, and except as to any matter which
affects the interests of one or more particular classes, in which case only the
shareholders of the affected classes are entitled to vote, each as a separate
class.
Initial Investment and Organizational Expenses
On _______________, ___________________ purchased for investment shares
of the Fund at a net asset value of $_______ per share. As of the date of this
SAI, it was the sole shareholder of the Fund.
The Fund's organizational expenses in the amount of $__________ have
been advanced by _____________________ and are an obligation to be paid by the
Fund. In the event that all or part of ___________________`s initial investment
in the Fund's shares is redeemed prior to the full reimbursement of the
organizational expenses, the Fund's obligation to make reimbursement will cease.
77
<PAGE>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
23. Exhibits:
(a) Articles of Incorporation attached hereto as
EX-99.B(a)-charter
(b) Bylaws attached hereto as EX-99.B(b)-scbylaw
(c) Not applicable
(d) Investment Management Agreement attached hereto as
EX-99.B(d)-scima
(e) Underwriting Agreement attached hereto as EX-99.B(e)-scua
(f) Not applicable
(g) Custodian Agreement attached hereto as EX-99.B(g)-scca
(h) Shareholder Servicing Agreement attached hereto as
EX-99.B(h)-scssa
Fund Class A, Class B and Class C application to be
filed with the first amendment to this initial
Registration Statement as EX-99.B(h)-scapps
Fund Class Y application to be filed with the first
amendment to this initial Registration Statement as
EX-99.B(h)-scapp-y
Fund NAV application to be filed with the first
amendment to this initial Registration Statement as
EX-99.B9-scappnav
Accounting Services Agreement attached hereto as
EX-99.B(h)-scasa
(i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel attached hereto as
EX-99.B(i)sclegopn
(j) Not applicable
(k) Not applicable
(l) Agreement with initial shareholder, Waddell & Reed,
Inc., to be filed with the first amendment to this
initial Registration Statement
(m) Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares attached
hereto as EX-99.B(m)-scdspa
Distribution and Service Plan for Class B shares attached
hereto as EX-99.B(m)scdspb
Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares attached
hereto as EX-99.B(m)scdspc
(n) Not Applicable
(o) Multiple Class Plan attached hereto as EX-99.B(o)-scmcp
24. Persons Controlled by or under common control with Registrant
-------------------------------------------------------------
None
25. Indemnification
---------------
Reference is made to Article TENTH Section 10.2 of the Articles of
Incorporation of Registrant attached hereto as EX-99.B(a)-charter,
Article VIII of the Bylaws attached hereto as EX-99.B(b)scbylaw and to
Article V of the Underwriting Agreement attached hereto as
EX-99.B(e)-scua, both of which provide indemnification. Also refer to
section 2-418 of the Maryland Corporation Law regarding indemnification
of directors, officers, employees and agents.
26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Manager
----------------------------------------------------
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company is the investment manager
of the Registrant. Under the terms of an Investment Management
Agreement between Waddell & Reed, Inc. and the Registrant, Waddell &
Reed, Inc. is to provide investment management services to the
Registrant. Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company is a
corporation which is not engaged in any business other than the
provision of investment management services to those registered
investment companies described in Part A and Part B of this
Registration Statement and to other investment advisory clients.
Each director and executive officer of Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company has had as his sole business, profession, vocation
or employment during the past two years only his duties as an executive
officer and/or employee of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
or its predecessors, except as to persons who are directors and/or
officers of the Registrant and have served in the capacities shown in
the Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant. The address
of the officers is 6300 Lamar Avenue, Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66202-4200.
As to each director and officer of Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company, reference is made to the Prospectus and SAI of this
Registrant.
27. Principal Underwriter
---------------------
(a) Waddell & Reed, Inc. is the principal underwriter of the
Registrant. It is also the principal underwriter to the
following investment companies:
United Funds, Inc.
United Continental Income Fund, Inc.
United Vanguard Fund, Inc.
United Retirement Shares, Inc.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
United International Growth Fund, Inc.
United Cash Management, Inc.
United Government Securities Fund, Inc.
United New Concepts Fund, Inc.
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund II, Inc.
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.
Advantage I
Advantage II
Advantage Plus
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc.
(b) The information contained in the underwriter's application on
Form BD, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is herein
incorporated by reference.
(c) No compensation was paid by the Registrant to any principal
underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant
or any affiliated person of such affiliated person.
28. Location of Accounts and Records
--------------------------------
The accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act and
rules promulgated thereunder are under the possession of Mr. Robert L.
Hechler and Ms. Kristen A. Richards, as officers of the Registrant,
each of whose business address is Post Office Box 29217, Shawnee
Mission, Kansas 66201-9217.
29. Management Services
-------------------
There is no service contract other than as discussed in Part A and B of
this Registration Statement and as listed in response to Items 23.(h)
and 23.(m) hereof.
30. Undertakings
-----------
Not applicable
- ---------------------------------
*Incorporated herein by reference
EX-99.B(a)-charter
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
(As Amended and Restated)
THIS IS TO CERTIFY:
FIRST: The undersigned, Kristen A. Richards, whose post office address
is 6300 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66202-4200, being at least eighteen
years of age, under and by virtue of the General Laws of the State of Maryland
authorizing the formation of corporations, is acting as sole incorporator with
the intention of forming a corporation.
SECOND: The name of the corporation is UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
(the "Corporation").
THIRD: The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to act as
an open-end investment management company under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), and to exercise and enjoy all of the powers,
rights and privileges granted to, or conferred upon, corporations of a similar
character by the General Laws of the State of Maryland now or hereafter in
force, including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) To hold, invest and reinvest its funds, and in connection
therewith to hold part or all of its funds in cash, and to
purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, hold for
investment or otherwise, to trade and deal in, write, sell,
assign, negotiate, transfer, exchange, lend, pledge or
otherwise dispose of or turn to account or realize upon,
securities (which term "securities" shall, for the purposes
of these Articles of Incorporation, without limiting the
generality thereof, be deemed to include any stocks, shares,
bonds, debentures, bills, notes, mortgages or other
obligations or evidences of indebtedness, and any options,
certificates, receipts, warrants or other instruments
representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for
the same, or evidencing or representing any other rights or
interests therein, or in any property or assets; and any
negotiable or non-negotiable instruments and money market
instruments, including bank certificates of deposit, finance
paper, commercial paper, bankers' acceptances and all kinds
of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements) created or
issued by any United States or foreign issuer (which term
"issuer" shall, for the purpose of these Articles of
Incorporation, without limiting the generality thereof, be
deemed to include any persons, firms, associations,
partnerships, corporations, syndicates, combinations,
organizations, governments or subdivisions, agencies or
instrumentalities of any government); and to exercise, as
owner or holder of any securities, all rights, powers and
privileges in respect thereof including the right to vote
thereon; to aid by further investment any issuer, any
obligation of or interest in which is held by the
Corporation or in the affairs of which the Corporation has
any direct or indirect interest; to guarantee or become
surety on any or all of the contracts, stocks, bonds, notes,
debentures and other obligations of any corporation,
company, trust, association or firm; and to do any and all
acts and things for the preservation, protection,
improvement and enhancement in value of any and all such
securities.
(b) To acquire all or any part of the goodwill, rights, property
and business of any person, firm, association or corporation
heretofore or hereafter engaged in any business similar to any
business which the Corporation has the power to conduct, and
to hold, utilize, enjoy and in any manner dispose of the whole
or any part of the rights, property and business so acquired,
and to assume in connection therewith any liabilities of any
such person, firm, association or corporation.
(c) To apply for, obtain, purchase or otherwise acquire, any
patents, copyrights, licenses, trademarks, trade names and the
like, which may be capable of being used for any of the
purposes of the Corporation; and to use, exercise, develop,
grant licenses in respect of, sell and otherwise turn to
account, the same.
(d) To issue and sell shares of its own capital stock and
securities convertible into such capital stock in such amounts
and on such terms and conditions, for such purposes and for
such amount or kind of consideration (including without
limitation thereto, securities) now or hereafter permitted by
the laws of the State of Maryland, by the 1940 Act and by
these Articles of Incorporation, as its Board of Directors may
determine.
(e) To purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, dispose of, resell,
transfer, reissue or cancel (all without the vote or consent
of the stockholders of the Corporation) shares of its capital
stock in any manner and to the extent now or hereafter
permitted by the laws of the State of Maryland, by the 1940
Act and by these Articles of Incorporation.
(f) To conduct its business in all its branches at one or more
offices in Maryland and elsewhere in any part of the world,
without restriction or limit as to extent.
(g) To exercise and enjoy, in Maryland and in any other states,
territories, districts and United States dependencies and in
foreign countries, all of the powers, rights and privileges
granted to, or conferred upon, corporations by the General
Laws of the State of Maryland now or hereafter in force.
(h) In general to carry on any other business in connection with
or incidental to its corporate purposes, to do everything
necessary, suitable or proper for the accomplishment of such
purposes or for the attainment of any object or the
furtherance of any power hereinbefore set forth, either alone
or in association with others, to do every other act or thing
incidental or appurtenant to or growing out of or connected
with its business or purposes, objects or powers, and, subject
to the foregoing, to have and exercise all the powers, rights
and privileges conferred upon corporations by the laws of the
State of Maryland as in force from time to time.
The foregoing objects and purposes shall, except as otherwise expressly
provided, be in no way limited or restricted by reference to, or inference from,
the terms of any other clause of this or any other Article of these Articles of
Incorporation, and shall each be regarded as independent and construed as a
power as well as an object and a purpose, and the enumeration of specific
purposes, objects and powers shall not be construed to limit or restrict in any
manner the meaning of general terms or the general powers of the Corporation now
or hereafter conferred by the laws of Maryland, nor shall the expression of one
thing be deemed to exclude another though it be of like nature, not expressed;
provided however, that the Corporation shall not have power to carry on within
the State of Maryland any business whatsoever the carrying on of which would
preclude it from being classified as an ordinary business corporation under the
laws of said State; nor shall it carry on any business, or exercise any powers,
in any other state, territory, district or country except to the extent that the
same may lawfully be carried on or exercised under the laws thereof.
Incident to meeting the purposes specified above, the Corporation also
shall have the power:
(1) To acquire (by purchase, lease or otherwise) and to hold, use,
maintain, develop and dispose of (by sale or otherwise) any
property, real or personal, and any interest therein.
(2) To borrow money and, in this connection, issue notes or other
evidence of indebtedness.
(3) To buy, hold, sell, and otherwise deal in and with
commodities, indices of commodities or securities, and foreign
exchange, including the purchase and sale of futures contracts
and options on futures contracts related thereto, subject to
any applicable provisions of law.
FOURTH: The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the
state of Maryland is 32 South Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name of the
resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is The Corporation
Trust Incorporated, whose post office address is 32 South Street, Baltimore,
Maryland 21202. The resident agent is incorporated in the State of Maryland.
FIFTH: Section 5.1.
(a) Capital Stock. (a) Pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of
Directors of the Corporation by Article FIFTH of these Articles on
Incorporation of the Corporation, the Board of Directors has heretofore
duly designated the aggregate number of shares of capital stock which
the Corporation is authorized to issue at One Billion (1,000,000,000)
shares of capital stock (par value $0.001 per share)("Shares"),
amounting in the aggregate to a par value of One Million Dollars
($1,000,000.00). All authorized Shares that have not been designated or
classified remain available for future designation or classification.
(b) Pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors of
the Corporation by Article FIFTH of the Articles of
Incorporation of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, in
accordance with Maryland General Corporation Law, now duly
designates and classifies the capital stock of the Corporation
as follows:
Class A (500,000,000 Shares)
Class B (150,000,000 Shares)
Class C (150,000,000 Shares)
Class Y (200,000,000 Shares)
All authorized shares that have been designated and classified
but have not been issued may be redesignated and reclassified
by the Board of Directors.
(c) To the extent not otherwise set forth in the Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation, each Class or Series of the
Corporation shall have such preferences, conversion and other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of
redemption as shares of capital stock as are determined by the
Corporation's Board of Directors and described in the
Corporation's registration statement under the Securities Act
of 1933 ("1933 Act") or any amendment thereto or any
supplement to a prospectus or statement of additional
information contained therein.
Section 5.2. Establishment of Series or Class. The establishment of any
Series or Class shall be effective upon the adoption of a resolution by a
majority of the then Directors setting forth such establishment and designation
and the relative rights and preferences of the Shares of such Series or Class.
At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of any particular Series or
Class previously established and designated, the Directors may, by a majority
vote, abolish that Series or Class and the establishment and designation
thereof.
Section 5.3. Dividends. Dividends and distributions on Shares with
respect to each Series or Class may be declared and paid with such frequency, in
such form and in such amount as the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine. Dividends or distributions on Shares of any Class or Series, whether
payable in cash or stock, shall be paid out of earnings, surplus or other assets
belonging to such Class or Series. Dividends may be declared daily or otherwise
pursuant to a standing resolution or resolutions adopted only once or with such
frequency as the Board of Directors may determine.
The Board of Directors shall have the power, in its sole discretion, to
distribute in any fiscal year as dividends (including dividends designated in
whole or in part as capital gain distributions) amounts sufficient, in the
opinion of the Board of Directors, to enable the Corporation, or where
applicable each Series of the Corporation, to qualify as a regulated investment
company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor or
comparable statute thereto, and regulations promulgated thereunder, and to avoid
liability of the Corporation, or each Series of the Corporation, for Federal
income tax in respect of that year. However, nothing in the foregoing shall
limit the authority of the Board of Directors to make distributions greater than
or less than the amount necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company
and to avoid liability of the Corporation, or any Series of the Corporation, for
such tax.
Dividends and distributions may be paid in cash, property or Shares, or
a combination thereof, as determined by the Board of Directors or pursuant to
any program that the Board of Directors may have in effect at the time. Any such
dividend or distribution paid in Shares will be paid at the current net asset
value thereof as defined in Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Assets and Liabilities of Series or Class. All
consideration received by the Corporation for the issue or sale of Shares of a
particular Series, together with all assets in which such consideration is
invested or reinvested, all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof,
including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such
assets, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds
in whatever form the same may be, shall be referred to as "assets belonging to"
that Series. In addition, any assets, income, earnings, profits, and proceeds
thereof, funds, or payments which are not readily identifiable as belonging to
any particular Series shall be allocated by the Board of Directors between and
among one or more of the Series in such manner as the Board of Directors, in its
sole discretion, deems fair and equitable. Each such allocation shall be
conclusive and binding upon the Stockholders of all Series for all purposes, and
shall be referred to as assets belonging to that Series. The assets belonging to
a particular Series shall be so recorded upon the books of the Corporation. The
assets belonging to each particular Series or Class shall be charged with the
liabilities of that Series or Class and all expenses, costs, charges and
reserves attributable to that Series or Class. Any general liabilities,
expenses, costs, charges or reserves of the Corporation which are not readily
identifiable as belonging to any particular Series shall be allocated and
charged by the Board of Directors between or among any one or more of the Series
or Classes in such a manner as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion
deems fair and equitable. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and binding
upon the Stockholders of all Series or Class for all purposes.
Section 5.5. Voting. On each matter submitted to a vote of the
Stockholders, each holder of a Share shall be entitled to one vote for each
Share and fractional votes for fractional Shares standing in his or her name on
the books of the Corporation; provided, however, that when required by the 1940
Act or rules thereunder or when the Board of Directors has determined that the
matter affects only the interests of one Series or Class, matters may be
submitted to a vote of the Stockholders of a particular Series or Class, and
each holder of Shares thereof shall be entitled to votes equal to the full and
fractional Shares of the Series or Class standing in his or her name on the
books of the Corporation. The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of
one-third of the Shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a Stockholders' meeting,
except that where any provision of law or of these Articles of Incorporation
permit or require that holders of any Series or Class shall vote as a Series or
Class, then one-third of the aggregate number of Shares of that Series or Class
outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, in person or by proxy, shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by that Series or Class.
Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, in lieu of any greater
proportion required under the General Laws of the State of Maryland, the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on a matter
shall be sufficient to decide the matter.
Section 5.6. Redemption by Stockholders. Each holder of Shares shall
have the right at such times as may be permitted by the Corporation to require
the Corporation to redeem all or any part of his or her Shares at a redemption
price per Share equal to the net asset value per Share as of such time as the
Board of Directors shall have prescribed by resolution. In the absence of such
resolution, the redemption price per Share shall be the net asset value next
determined (in accordance with Section 5.7) after receipt by the Corporation of
a request for redemption in proper form less such charges as are determined by
the Board of Directors and described in the Corporation's registration statement
under the 1933 Act. The Board of Directors may specify conditions, prices, and
places of redemption, and may specify binding requirements for the proper form
or forms of requests for redemption. Payment of the redemption price may be
wholly or partly in securities or other assets at the value of such securities
or assets used in such determination of net asset value, or may be in cash.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may postpone payment of
the redemption price and may suspend the right of the holders of Shares to
require the Corporation to redeem Shares during any period or at any time when
and to the extent permissible under the 1940 Act.
Section 5.7. Net Asset Value per Share. The net asset value of each
Share of the Corporation, or each Series or Class, shall be the quotient
obtained by dividing the value of the net assets of the Corporation, or if
applicable of the Series or Class (being the value of the assets of the
Corporation or of the particular Series or Class less its actual and accrued
liabilities exclusive of Capital Stock and Surplus) by the total number of
outstanding Shares of the Corporation, or of the Series or Class. The Board of
Directors shall have the power and duty to determine from time to time the net
asset value per Share at such times and by such methods as it shall determine
subject to any restrictions or requirements under the 1940 Act and the rules,
regulations and interpretations thereof promulgated or issued by the Securities
and Exchange Commission or insofar as permitted by any order of the Securities
and Exchange Commission applicable to the Corporation. The Board of Directors
may delegate such power and duty to any one or more of the directors and
officers of the Corporation, to the Corporation's manager or investment adviser,
to the custodian or depository of the Corporation's assets, or to another agent
of the Corporation.
Section 5.8. Redemption by the Corporation. The Board of Directors may
cause the Corporation to redeem at current net asset value all Shares owned or
held by any one Stockholder having an aggregate current net asset value of less
than five hundred dollars ($500). No such redemption shall be effected unless
the Corporation has given the Stockholder at least sixty (60) days' notice of
its intention to redeem the Shares and an opportunity to purchase a sufficient
number of additional Shares to bring the aggregate current net asset value of
his or her Shares to five hundred dollars ($500). Upon redemption of Shares
pursuant to this Section, the Corporation shall promptly cause payment of the
full redemption price to be made to the holder of Shares so redeemed.
SIXTH: Section 6.1. Issuance of New Stock. The Board of Directors is
authorized to issue and sell or cause to be issued and sold from time to time
(without the necessity of offering the same or any part thereof to existing
stockholders) all or any portion or portions of the entire authorized but
unissued Shares of the Corporation, and all or any portion or portions of the
Shares of the Corporation from time to time in its treasury, for cash or for any
other lawful consideration or considerations and on or for any terms,
conditions, or prices consistent with the provisions of law and of the Articles
of Incorporation at the time in force; provided, however, that in no event shall
Shares of the Corporation having a par value be issued or sold for a
consideration or considerations less in amount or value than the par value of
the Shares so issued or sold, and provided further that in no event shall any
Shares of the Corporation be issued or sold, except as a stock dividend
distributed to stockholders, for a consideration (which shall be net to the
Corporation after underwriting discounts or commissions) less in amount or value
than the net asset value of the Shares so issued or sold determined as of such
time as the Board of Directors shall have by resolution prescribed. In the
absence of such a resolution, such net asset value shall be that next determined
after an unconditional order in proper form to purchase such Shares is accepted,
except that Shares may be sold to an underwriter at (a) the net asset value next
determined after such orders are received by a dealer with whom such underwriter
has a sales agreement or (b) the net asset value determined at a later time.
Section 6.2. Fractional Shares. The Corporation may issue and sell
fractions of Shares having pro rata all the rights of full Shares, including,
without limitation, the right to vote and to receive dividends, and wherever the
words "Share" or "Shares" are used in these Articles or in the By-Laws they
shall be deemed to include fractions of Shares, where the context does not
clearly indicate that only full Shares are intended.
SEVENTH: Notwithstanding any provision of law requiring a greater
proportion than a majority of the votes of all Shares of the Corporation or of
all Series or Classes (or of any Series or Class entitled to vote thereon as a
separate Series or Class) to take or authorize any action, in accordance with
the authority granted by Section 2-lO4(b)(5) of the Maryland General Corporation
Law, the Corporation is hereby authorized to take such action upon the
concurrence of a majority of the aggregate number of Shares entitled to vote
thereon (or of a majority of the aggregate number of Shares of a Series or Class
entitled to vote thereon as a separate Series or Class). The right to cumulate
votes in the election of directors is expressly prohibited.
EIGHTH: Section 8.1. Board of Directors. All corporate powers and
authority of the Corporation (except as otherwise provided by statute, by these
Articles of Incorporation, or by the By-Laws of the Corporation) shall be vested
in and exercised by the Board of Directors. The number of directors constituting
the Board of Directors shall be such number as may from time to time be fixed in
or in accordance with the By-Laws of the Corporation, provided that after stock
is issued to more than one stockholder, such number shall not be less than
three. Except as provided in the By-Laws, the election of directors may be
conducted in any way approved at the meeting (whether of stockholders or
directors) at which the election is held, provided that such election shall be
by ballot whenever requested by any person entitled to vote. The name of the
person who shall act as initial director until stock is issued to more than one
shareholder or the first meeting of stockholders, which ever shall occur first,
and until his successor(s) have been duly chosen and qualified is Helge K. Lee.
Section 8.2. By-Laws. Except as may otherwise be provided in the
By-Laws, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to
make, alter, amend and repeal By-Laws or to adopt new By-Laws of the
Corporation, without any action on the part of the Stockholders; but the By-Laws
made by the Board of Directors and the power so conferred may be altered or
repealed by the Stockholders.
NINTH: Section 9.1. Contracts. The Board of Directors may in its
discretion from time to time enter into an exclusive or nonexclusive
distribution contract or contracts providing for the sale of Shares whereby the
Corporation may either agree to sell Shares to the other party to the contract
or appoint such other party its sales agent for such shares (such other party
being herein sometimes called the "underwriter"), and in either case on such
terms and conditions as may be prescribed in the By-Laws, if any, and such
further terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may in its discretion
determine not inconsistent with the provisions of these Articles of
Incorporation and such contract may also provide for the repurchase of Shares of
the Corporation by such other party or parties as agent of the Corporation. The
Board of Directors may also in its discretion from time to time enter into an
investment advisory or management contract or contracts, and any such other
contracts, whereby the other party(ies) to such contract(s) shall undertake to
furnish to the Board of Directors such management, investment advisory,
statistical and research facilities and services and such other facilities and
services, if any, and all upon such terms and conditions, as the Board of
Directors may in its discretion determine.
Section 9.2. Parties to Contracts. Any contract of the character
described in Section 9.1 and/or for services as administrator, custodian,
transfer agent or disbursing agent or related services may be entered into with
any corporation, firm, trust or association, although any one or more of the
directors or officers of the Corporation may be an officer, director, trustee,
stockholder or member of such other party to the contract, and no such contract
shall be invalidated or rendered voidable by reason of the existence of any such
relationship, nor shall any person holding such relationship be liable merely by
reason of such relationship for any loss or expense to the Corporation under or
by reason of said contract or accountable for any profit realized directly or
indirectly therefrom, provided that the contract when entered into was
reasonable and fair and not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article
NINTH. The same person (including a firm, corporation, trust, or association)
may be the other party to contracts entered into pursuant to Section 9.1 above,
and any individual may be financially interested or otherwise affiliated with
persons who are parties to any or all of the contracts mentioned in this Section
9.2.
TENTH: Section 10.1. Liability. To the maximum extent permitted by
applicable law (including Maryland law and the 1940 Act) as currently in effect
or as may hereafter be amended, no director or officer of the Corporation shall
be liable to the Corporation or its Stockholders for money damages.
Section 10.2. Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by
applicable law (including Maryland law and the 1940 Act) currently in effect or
as may hereafter be amended, the Corporation shall indemnify and advance
expenses as provided in the By-Laws to its present and past directors, officers,
employees and agents, and persons who are serving or have served at the request
of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent in similar
capacities for other entities.
Section 10.3. Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against
him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity or arising out of his
or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to
indemnify him or her against such liability.
Section 10.4. Modification. Any repeal or modification of this Article
TENTH by the Stockholders of the Corporation, or adoption or modification of any
other provision of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws inconsistent with
this Article TENTH, shall be prospective only, to the extent that such repeal or
modification would, if applied retrospectively, adversely affect any limitation
on the liability of any director or officer of the Corporation or
indemnification available to any person covered by these provisions with respect
to any act or omission which occurred prior to such repeal, modification or
adoption.
ELEVENTH: The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make
any amendment of these Articles of Incorporation, now or hereafter authorized by
law, including any amendment which alters contract rights, as expressly set
forth in these Articles of Incorporation, of any outstanding Shares. Any
amendment to these Articles of Incorporation may be adopted at a meeting of the
Stockholders upon receiving an affirmative vote of a majority of all votes
entitled to be cast thereon.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned incorporator of UNITED SMALL CAP
FUND, INC. has executed the foregoing Articles of Incorporation and hereby
acknowledges the same to be her act and further acknowledges that, to the best
of her knowledge, information, and belief, the matters and facts set forth
therein are true in all material respects under the penalties of perjury.
On the 2nd day of June, 1999.
By:_______________________
Kristen A. Richards
EX-99.B(b)-scbylaw
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
A Maryland Corporation
BY-LAWS
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I NAME OF CORPORATION, LOCATION OF
OFFICES AND SEAL
1.01 Name
1.02 Principal offices
1.03 Seal
ARTICLE II STOCKHOLDERS
2.01 Annual Meetings
2.02 Special Meetings
2.03 Place of Meetings
2.04 Notice of Meetings
2.05 Voting - In General
2.06 Stockholders Entitled to Vote
2.07 Voting - Proxies
2.08 Concerning Validity of Proxies, Ballots,
Etc.
2.09 Organization
2.10 Quorum
2.11 Absence of Quorum
2.12 Stock Ledger and List of Stockholders
2.13 Action Without Meeting
ARTICLE III BOARD OF DIRECTORS
3.01 Number and Term of Office
3.02 Election of Directors
3.03 Removal of Directors
3.04 Vacancies and Newly Created
Directorships
3.05 General Powers
3.06 Power to Issue and Sell Stock
3.07 Power to Declare Dividends and/or
Distributions
3.08 Annual and Regular Meetings
3.09 Special meetings
3.10 Notice
3.11 Waiver of Notice
3.12 Quorum and Voting
3.13 Compensation
3.14 Action Without a Meeting
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OTHER COMMITTEES
4.01 How Constituted
4.02 Powers of the Executive Committee
4.03 Proceedings, Quorum and Manner of
Acting
4.04 Other Committees
ARTICLE V OFFICERS
5.01 General
5.02 Election, Term of Office and
Qualifications
5.03 Resignation
5.04 Removal
5.05 Vacancies and Newly Created Offices
5.06 Powers
5.07 Subordinate Officers
5.08 Remuneration
5.09 Surety Bonds
ARTICLE VI EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS, VOTING OF SECURITIES
6.01 General
6.02 Checks, Notes, Drafts, Etc.
6.03 Voting of Securities
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL STOCK
7.01 Share Certificates
7.02 Transfer of Capital Stock
7.03 Transfer Regulations
7.04 Fixing of Record Date
7.05 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates
ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
8.01 Indemnification of Officers,
Directors, Employees and Agents
8.02 Insurance of Officers, Directors,
Employees and Agents
8.03 Non-exclusivity
8.04 Amendment
ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS
9.01 Fiscal Year
9.02 Books and Records
9.03 Waiver of Notice
ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS
10.01 General
<PAGE>
ARTICLE I
NAME OF CORPORATION, LOCATION OF OFFICES
AND SEAL
Section 1.01. Name: The name of the Corporation is United Small Cap
Fund, Inc.
Section 1.02. Principal Offices: The principal office of the
Corporation in the State of Maryland shall be located in the City of Baltimore.
The Corporation may establish and maintain such other offices and places of
business as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, determine.
Section 1.03. Seal: The corporate seal of the Corporation shall be
circular in form and shall bear the name of the Corporation, the year of its
incorporation, and the words "Corporate Seal, Maryland." The form of the seal
shall be subject to alteration by the Board of Directors and the seal may be
used by causing it or a facsimile to be impressed or affixed or printed or
otherwise reproduced. Any officer or director of the Corporation shall have
authority to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation to any document
requiring the same.
ARTICLE II
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 2.01. Annual Meetings: There shall be no stockholders'
meetings for the election of directors and the transaction of other proper
business except as required by law or as hereinafter provided.
Section 2.02. Special Meetings: Special meetings of the stockholders
may be called at any time by the chairman of the board, the president or by a
majority of the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the stockholders shall
be called by the secretary upon the written request of the holders of shares
entitled to vote not less than 25% of all the shares entitled to be voted at
such meeting, provided that (a) such request shall state the purposes of such
meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on, and (b) the stockholders
requesting such meeting shall have paid to the Corporation the reasonably
estimated cost of preparing and mailing the notice thereof, which the secretary
shall determine and specify to such stockholders. No special meeting need be
called upon the request of the holders of shares entitled to vote less than a
majority of all the shares entitled to be voted at such meeting to consider any
matter which is substantially the same as a matter voted upon at any special
meeting of the stockholders held during the preceding twelve months.
Section 2.03. Place of Meetings: All stockholders' meetings shall be
held at such place within the United States as designated by the Board of
Directors in each notice or waiver of notice of the meeting, and the Corporation
may keep the books of the Corporation at any other place within the United
States as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
Section 2.04. Notice of Meetings: The secretary shall cause notice of
the place, date and hour, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or
purposes for which the meeting is called, to be mailed, not less than ten nor
more than ninety days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder
entitled to vote at such meeting, at his or her address as it appears on the
records of the Corporation at the time of such mailing. Notice of any
stockholders' meeting need not be given to any stockholder who shall sign a
written waiver of such notice whether before or after the time of such meeting,
which waiver shall be filed with the record of such meeting, or to any
stockholder who shall attend such meeting in person or by proxy. Notice of
adjournment of a stockholders' meeting to another time or place need not be
given, if such time and place are announced at the meeting.
Section 2.05. Voting - In General: At every stockholders' meeting each
stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share and a fractional vote
for each fraction of a share of stock of the Corporation validly issued and
outstanding and held by such stockholder, except that no shares held by the
Corporation shall be entitled to a vote. Except as otherwise specifically
provided in the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws or as required by
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time
("1940 Act"), all matters shall be decided by a vote of the majority of the
votes validly cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The vote upon any
question shall be by ballot whenever requested by any person entitled to vote,
but, unless such a request is made, voting may be conducted in any way approved
by the meeting.
Section 2.06. Stockholders Entitled to Vote: If, pursuant to Section
8.05 hereof, a record date has been fixed for the determination of stockholders
entitled to notice of or to vote at any stockholders' meeting, each stockholder
of the Corporation shall be entitled to vote, in person or by proxy, each share
of stock and fraction of a share of stock standing in his or her name on the
books of the Corporation on such record date and outstanding at the time of the
meeting. If no record date has been fixed for the determination of stockholders,
the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or
to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be (a) at the close of business (i)
on the day ten days before the day on which notice of the meeting is mailed or
(ii) on the day 90 days before the meeting, whichever is the closer date to the
meeting; or, (b) if notice is waived by all stockholders, at the close of
business on the tenth day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.
Section 2.07. Voting - Proxies: At all meetings of the stockholders,
every stockholder of record entitled to vote thereat shall be entitled to vote
either in person or by proxy, which term shall include proxies provided by such
stockholder, or his duly authorized attorney, through written, electronic,
telephonic, computerized, facsimile, telecommunications, telex or oral
communication or by any other form of communication, each pursuant to such
voting procedures and through such systems as are authorized by the Board of
Directors or one or more executive officers of the Corporation. No proxy which
is dated or, if otherwise provided as permitted by these Bylaws and applicable
Maryland law, provided more than three months before the meeting at which it is
offered shall be accepted, unless such proxy shall, on its face, name or, if
otherwise provided as permitted by these Bylaws and applicable Maryland law,
provide a longer period for which it is to remain in force.
Section 2.08. Concerning Validity of Proxies, Ballots, Etc.: At every
meeting of the stockholders, all proxies shall be received and taken in charge
of and all ballots shall be received and canvassed by the secretary of the
meeting, who shall decide all questions touching the qualification of voters,
the validity of proxies, and the acceptance or rejection of votes, unless
inspectors of election shall have been appointed as provided below in this
section, in which event such inspectors of election shall decide all such
questions.
At any election of directors, the Board of Directors prior thereto may,
or, if they have not so acted, the Chairman of the meeting may, and upon the
request of the holders of ten per cent (10%) of the stock entitled to vote at
such election shall, appoint two inspectors of election who shall first
subscribe an oath or affirmation to execute faithfully the duties of inspectors
at such election with strict impartiality and according to the best of their
ability, and shall after the election make a certificate of the result of the
vote taken. No candidate for the office of director shall be appointed such
inspector.
The chairman of the meeting may cause a vote by ballot to be taken upon
any election or matter, and such vote shall be taken upon the request of the
holders of ten per cent (10%) of all the shares entitled to vote on such
election or matter.
Section 2.09. Organization: At every meeting of stockholders, the
president, or in his or her absence, a vice-president, or in the absence of any
of the foregoing officers, a chairman chosen by majority vote of the
stockholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereat, shall
act as chairman. The secretary, or in his or her absence, an assistant
secretary, shall act as secretary at all meetings of stockholders.
Section 2.10. Quorum: Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of
Incorporation, the presence at any stockholders' meeting, in person or by proxy,
of stockholders entitled to cast one third of the votes thereat shall be
necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 2.11. Absence of Quorum: In the absence of a quorum, the
holders of a majority of the shares present at the meeting in person or by
proxy, or, if no stockholder entitled to vote is present thereat in person or by
proxy, any officer present thereat entitled to preside or act as secretary of
such meeting, may adjourn the meeting without determining the date of the new
meeting or, from time to time, without further notice to a date not more than
120 days after the original record date. Any business that might have been
transacted at the meeting originally called may be transacted at any such
adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present.
Section 2.12. Stock Ledger and List of Stockholders: It shall be the
duty of the assistant secretary of the Corporation or such other person or
entity named by the Board of Directors to cause an original or duplicate stock
ledger to be maintained at the office of the Corporation's transfer agent. Such
stock ledger may be in written form or any other form capable of being converted
into written form within a reasonable time for visual inspection.
Section 2.13. Action Without Meeting: Any action to be taken by
stockholders may be taken without a meeting if all stockholders entitled to vote
on the matter consent to the action in writing and the written consents are
filed with the records of the meetings of stockholders. Such consent shall be
treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.
ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 3.01. Number and Term of Office: The Board of Directors shall
consist of fifteen directors, which number may be increased or decreased by a
resolution of a majority of the entire Board of Directors; provided that the
number of directors shall not be less than three nor more than seventeen; and
further provided that if there is no stock outstanding the number of directors
may be less than three but not less than one, and if there is stock outstanding
and so long as there are less than three stockholders, the number of directors
may be less than three but not less than the number of stockholders. Each
director (whenever selected) shall hold office until his or her successor is
elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 3.02. Election of Directors: Initially the director or
directors of the Corporation shall be that person or those persons named as such
in the Articles of Incorporation. Thereafter, except as otherwise provided in
Section 3.04 and 3.05 hereof, the directors shall be elected by the stockholders
as required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland, the 1940
Act and other governing laws. A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting at
which a quorum is present in person or by proxy is sufficient to elect a
director.
Section 3.03. Removal of Directors: At any stockholders' meeting duly
called, provided a quorum is present, any director may be removed (either with
or without cause) by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares
represented at the meeting, and at the same meeting a duly qualified person may
be elected in his or her stead by a majority of the votes validly cast.
Section 3.04. Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships: If any
vacancies shall occur in the Board of Directors by reason of death, resignation,
removal or otherwise, or if the authorized number of directors shall be
increased, the directors then in office shall continue to act, and such
vacancies (if not previously filled by the stockholders) may be filled by a
majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, except
that a newly created directorship may be filled only by a majority vote of the
entire Board of Directors, provided that in either case immediately after
filling such vacancy, at least two-thirds of the directors then holding office
shall have been elected to such office by the stockholders of the Corporation.
In the event that at any time, other than the time preceding the first
stockholders' meeting, less than a majority of the directors of the Corporation
holding office at that time were so elected by the stockholders, a meeting of
the stockholders shall be held promptly and in any event within 60 days for the
purpose of electing directors to fill any existing vacancies in the Board of
Directors unless the Securities and Exchange Commission shall by order extend
such period.
Section 3.05. General Powers:
(a) The property, affairs and business of the Corporation shall be
managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise
all the powers of the Corporation except those powers vested solely in the
stockholders of the Corporation by statute, by the Articles of Incorporation, or
by these Bylaws.
(b) All acts done by any meeting of the directors or by any person
acting as a director, so long as his or her successor shall not have been duly
elected or appointed, shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered
that there was some defect in the election of the directors or of such person
acting as aforesaid or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid
as if the directors or such other person, as the case may be, had been duly
elected and were or was qualified to be directors or a director of the
Corporation.
Section 3.06. Power to Issue and Sell Stock: The Board of Directors may
from time to time issue and sell or cause to be issued and sold any of the
Corporation's authorized shares to such persons and for such consideration as
the Board of Directors shall deem advisable, subject to the provisions of
Article Sixth of the Articles of Incorporation.
Section 3.07. Power to Declare Dividends and/or Distributions:
(a) The Board of Directors, from time to time as it may deem advisable,
may declare and pay dividends and/or distributions in shares of the Corporation,
cash or other property of the Corporation, as determined by resolution of the
Board of Directors out of any source available for dividends and/or
distributions, to the stockholders according to their respective rights and
interests in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation.
(b) The Board of Directors shall cause to be accompanied by a written
statement any dividend payment wholly or partly from any source other than:
(i) the Corporation's accumulated undistributed net income
(determined in accordance with good accounting practice and
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission then in effect) and not including profits or losses
realized upon the sale of securities or other properties; or
(ii) the Corporation's net income so determined for the current or
preceding fiscal year. Such statement shall adequately
disclose the source or sources of such payment and the basis
of calculation, and shall be in such form as the Securities
and Exchange Commission may prescribe.
Section 3.08. Annual and Regular Meetings: The annual meeting of the
Board of Directors for choosing officers and transacting other proper business
shall be held at such time and place as the Board may determine. The Board of
Directors from time to time may provide by resolution for the holding of regular
meetings and fix their time and place within or outside the State of Maryland.
Except as otherwise provided under the 1940 Act, notice of such annual and
regular meetings need not be given, provided that notice of any change in the
time or place of such meetings shall be sent promptly to each director not
present at the meeting at which such change was made in the manner provided for
notice of special meetings. Except as otherwise provided under the 1940 Act,
members of the Board of Directors or any committee designated thereby may
participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time; and
participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.
Section 3.9. Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Board of
Directors shall be held whenever called by the chairman of the board, the
president or by any two directors, at the time and place within or outside the
State of Maryland specified in the respective notices or waivers of notice of
such meetings.
Section 3.10. Notice: Except as otherwise provided, notice of any
special meeting shall be given by the secretary to each director, by mailing to
him or her, postage prepaid, addressed to him or her at his or her address as
registered on the books of the Corporation or, if not so registered, at his or
her last known address, a written or printed notification of such meeting at
least two days before the meeting, or by delivering such notice to him or her at
least two days before the meeting, or by sending such notice by facsimile
transmission to him or her at least two days before the meeting, or by sending
to him or her at least 24 hours before the meeting, by prepaid telegram,
addressed to him or her at his or her said registered address, if any, or if he
or she has no such registered address, at his or her last known address, notice
of such meeting.
Section 3.11. Waiver of Notice: No notice of any meeting need be given
to any director who attends such meeting in person or to any director who waives
notice of such meeting in writing (which waiver shall be filed with the records
of such meeting), whether before or after the time of the meeting.
Section 3.12. Quorum and Voting: At all meetings of the Board of
Directors the presence of a majority or more of the number of directors then in
office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, provided that
there shall be present no fewer than two directors except when there is no stock
outstanding, at which time the initial director will constitute a quorum. In the
absence of a quorum, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the
meeting, from time to time, until a quorum shall be present. The action of a
majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present
shall be the action of the Board of Directors unless the concurrence of a
greater proportion is required for such action by law, by the Articles of
Incorporation or by these Bylaws.
Section 3.13. Compensation: Each director may receive such
remuneration for his or her services as shall be fixed from time to time by
resolution of the Board of Directors.
Section 3.14. Action Without a Meeting: Except as otherwise provided
under the 1940 Act, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting
of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if written consents
thereto are signed by all members of the Board and such written consents are
filed with the records of the meetings of the Board.
ARTICLE IV
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OTHER COMMITTEES
Section 4.01. How Constituted: By resolution adopted by the Board of
Directors, the Board may designate an executive committee, consisting of not
less than two directors.
Section 4.02. Powers of the Executive Committee: Except as further
limited by the Board of Directors, when the Board of Directors is not in session
the executive committee shall have and may exercise all powers of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation that
may lawfully be exercised by an executive committee, except the power to declare
a dividend, to authorize the issuance of stock, to recommend to stockholders any
matter requiring stockholders' approval, to amend the Bylaws, or to approve any
merger or share exchange which does not require shareholder approval.
Section 4.03. Proceedings, Quorum and Manner of Acting: In the absence
of an appropriate resolution of the Board of Directors, the executive committee
and any committee appointed under section 4.04 may adopt such rules and
regulations governing its proceedings, quorum and manner of acting as it shall
deem proper and desirable, provided that the quorum shall not be less than two
directors. In the absence of any member of any such committee, the members
thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may
appoint a member of the Board of Directors to act in the place of such absent
member. All action by any committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors
at its next meeting following such action.
Section 4.04. Other Committees: The Board of Directors may appoint
other committees, each consisting of one or more persons, who need not be
directors. Each such committee shall have such powers and perform such duties as
may be assigned to it from time to time by the Board of Directors, but shall not
exercise any power which may lawfully be exercised only by the Board of
Directors or a committee thereof.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 5.01. General: The officers of the Corporation shall be a
president, one or more vice-presidents, a secretary and a treasurer. The Board
of Directors may elect, but shall not be required to elect, a chairman of the
board and a comptroller.
Section 5.02. Election, Term of Office and Qualifications: The officers
of the Corporation (except those appointed pursuant to Section 5.07 hereof)
shall be chosen by the Board of Directors at its first meeting or such
subsequent meetings as shall be held prior to its first annual meeting, and
thereafter annually at its annual meeting. If any officers are not chosen at any
annual meeting, such officers may be chosen at any subsequent regular or special
meeting of the Board. Except as provided in Sections 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 hereof,
each officer chosen by the Board of Directors shall hold office until the next
annual meeting of the Board of Directors and until his or her successor shall
have been chosen and qualified. The chairman of the board and the president
shall be chosen from among the directors of the Corporation and may each hold
such office only so long as he or she continues to be a director. No other
officer need be a director. Any person may hold one or more offices of the
Corporation except that the president may not hold the office of vice president,
the secretary may not hold the office of assistant secretary, and the treasurer
may not hold the office of assistant treasurer; provided further that a person
who holds more than one office may not act in more than one capacity to execute,
acknowledge or verify an instrument required by law to be executed, verified or
acknowledged by more than one officer.
Section 5.03. Resignation: Any officer may resign his or her office at
any time by delivering a written resignation to the Board of Directors, the
chairman of the board, the president, the secretary, or any assistant secretary.
Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon
delivery.
Section 5.04. Removal: Any officer may be removed from office with or
without cause by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors given at the
regular meeting or any special meeting called for such purpose. In addition, any
officer or agent appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.07
hereof may be removed, either with or without cause, by any officer upon whom
such power of removal shall have been conferred by the Board of Directors.
Section 5.05. Vacancies and Newly Created Offices: If any vacancy shall
occur in any office by reason of death, resignation, removal, disqualification
or other cause, or if any new office shall be created, such vacancies or newly
created offices may be filled by the Board of Directors at any regular or
special meeting or, in the case of any office created pursuant to Section 5.07
hereof, by any officer upon whom such power shall have been conferred by the
Board of Directors.
Section 5.06. Powers: The officers of the Corporation shall have such
powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, as well as
such powers and duties as may be assigned to them from time to time by the Board
of Directors or the executive committee.
Section 5.07. Subordinate Officers: The Board of Directors from time to
time may appoint such other officers or agents as it may deem advisable,
including one or more assistant treasurers and one or more assistant
secretaries, each of whom shall have such title, hold office for such period,
have such authority and perform such duties as the Board of Directors may
determine. The Board of Directors from time to time may delegate to one or more
officers or agents the power to appoint any such subordinate officers or agents
and to prescribe their respective rights, terms of office, authorities and
duties.
Section 5.08. Remuneration: The salaries or other compensation of the
officers of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of
the Board of Directors, except that the Board of Directors may by resolution
delegate to any person or group of persons the power to fix the salaries or
other compensation of any officers or agents.
Section 5.09. Surety Bonds: The Board of Directors may require any
officer or agent of the Corporation to execute a bond (including, without
limitation, any bond required by the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission) to the Corporation in such sum and with
such surety or sureties as the Board of Directors may determine, conditioned
upon the faithful performance of his or her duties to the Corporation, including
responsibility for negligence and for the accounting of any of the Corporation's
property, funds or securities that may come into his or her hands.
ARTICLE VI
EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS, VOTING OF SECURITIES
Section 6.01. General: Subject to the provisions of Sections 5.07, 7.02
and 8.03 hereof, all deeds, documents, transfers, contracts, agreements and
other instruments requiring execution by the Corporation shall be signed by the
president or a vice president and by the treasurer or secretary or an assistant
treasurer or an assistant secretary, or as the Board of Directors may otherwise,
from time to time, authorize. Any such authorization may be general or confined
to specific instances.
Section 6.02. Checks, Notes, Drafts, Etc.: So long as the Corporation
shall employ a custodian to keep custody of the cash and securities of the
Corporation, all checks and drafts for the payment of money by the Corporation
may be signed in the name of the Corporation by the custodian. Except as
otherwise authorized by the Board of Directors, all requisitions or orders for
the assignment of securities standing in the name of the custodian or its
nominee, or for the execution of powers to transfer the same, shall be signed in
the name of the Corporation by the president or a vice president and by the
treasurer or an assistant treasurer. Promissory notes, checks or drafts payable
to the Corporation may be endorsed only to the order of the custodian or its
nominee and only by the treasurer or president or a vice president or by such
other person or persons as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors.
Section 6.03. Voting of Securities: Unless otherwise ordered by the
Board of Directors, the president or any vice president shall have full power
and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend and to act and to vote, or
in the name of the Corporation to execute proxies to vote, at any meeting of
stockholders of any company in which the Corporation may hold stock. At any such
meeting such officer shall possess and may exercise (in person or by proxy) any
and all rights, powers and privileges incident to the ownership of such stock.
The Board of Directors may by resolution from time to time confer like powers
upon any other person or persons.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL STOCK
Section 7.01. Share Certificates: Certificates for shares of the
capital stock of the Corporation shall not be issued unless otherwise determined
pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors. If issued, certificates
shall be in such form as the Board of Directors shall approve and shall be
numbered and shall be entered in the books of the Corporation as they are
issued. They shall exhibit the holder's name and certify the number of shares
owned by him or her and shall be signed by, or in the name of the Corporation
by, the president or a vice-president and the treasurer or an assistant
treasurer or the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation;
provided, however, that where any certificate is signed by a transfer agent or
assistant transfer agent or by a transfer clerk acting on behalf of the
Corporation, the signature of any such president, vice president, treasurer,
assistant treasurer, secretary or assistant secretary may be facsimile, printed
or engraved. If any officer or officers who shall have signed, or whose
facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used on, any certificate or
certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Corporation,
whether because of death, resignation or otherwise, before such certificate or
certificates shall have been delivered by the Corporation, such certificate or
certificates shall nevertheless be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and
delivered as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or
certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used
thereon had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the Corporation.
Section 7.02. Transfer of Capital Stock:
(a) Transfers of shares of the capital stock of the Corporation shall
be made on the books of the Corporation by the holder of record thereof (in
person or by his or her attorney thereunto duly authorized by a power of
attorney duly executed in writing and filed with the secretary of the
Corporation) (i) if a certificate or certificates have been issued, upon the
surrender of the certificate or certificates, properly endorsed or accompanied
by proper instruments of transfer, representing such shares, or (ii) as
otherwise prescribed by the Board of Directors, with such proof of authenticity.
(b) The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of
any share of stock as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes, and
accordingly shall not be bound to recognize any legal, equitable or other claim
or interest in such share on the part of any other person, whether or not it
shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly
provided by the statutes of the State of Maryland.
Section 7.03. Transfer Regulations: Except as provided in the Articles
of Incorporation and Section 7.02, the shares of the Corporation may be freely
transferred, subject to the charging of customary transfer fees, and the Board
of Directors may, from time to time, adopt rules and regulations with reference
to the method of transfer of the shares of the Corporation.
Section 7.04. Fixing of Record Date: The Board of Directors may fix in
advance a date as a record date for the determination of the stockholders
entitled to notice of or to vote at any stockholders' meeting or any adjournment
thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting,
or to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any
rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or
exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action; provided that
such record date shall be a date not more than 90 nor less than 10 days prior to
the date on which the particular action requiring such determination of
stockholders of record will be taken.
Section 7.05. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates: Before issuing a
new certificate for shares of the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen
or destroyed, the Board of Directors or any officer authorized by the Board may,
in its discretion, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate (or his or her legal representative) to give the Corporation a bond
or other indemnity, in such form and in such amount as the Board or any such
officer may direct and with such surety or sureties as may be satisfactory to
the Board or any such officer, sufficient to indemnify the Corporation against
any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or
destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
Section 8.01. Indemnification of Officers, Directors, Employees and
Agents: The Corporation shall indemnify each person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
("Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against all
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with
such Proceeding to the maximum extent permitted by law, now existing or
hereafter adopted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following provisions shall
apply with respect to indemnification of the Corporation's directors, officers,
and investment adviser (as defined in the 1940 Act):
(A) Whether or not there is an adjudication of liability in such
Proceeding, the Corporation shall not indemnify any such
person for any liability arising by reason of such person's
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her
office or under any contract or agreement with the Corporation
("disabling conduct").
(B) The Corporation shall not indemnify any such person unless
(1) the court or other body before which the Proceeding
was brought (a) dismisses the Proceeding for
insufficiency of evidence of any disabling conduct,
or (b) reaches a final decision on the merits that
such person was not liable by reason of disabling
conduct; or
(2) absent such a decision, a reasonable determination is
made, based upon a review of the facts, by (a) the
vote of a majority of a quorum of the directors of
the Corporation who are neither interested persons of
the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act, nor
parties to the Proceeding, or (b) if such quorum is
not obtainable, or even if obtainable, if a majority
of a quorum of directors described above so directs,
based upon a written opinion by independent legal
counsel, that such person was not liable by reason of
disabling conduct.
(C) The Corporation may advance expenses in connection with the
preparation and presentation of a defense to any Proceeding
from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon
receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person that
such amount will be paid over by him or her to the Corporation
if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled
to indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that either
(1) such person shall provide adequate security for his or
her undertaking;
(2) the Corporation shall be insured against losses arising
by reason of such advance; or
(3) a majority of a quorum of the directors of the
Corporation who are neither interested persons of the
Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act, nor parties to
the Proceeding, or independent legal counsel in a written
opinion, shall determine, based on a review of readily
available facts that there is reason to believe that such
person will be found to be entitled to indemnification.
Section 8.02. Insurance of Officers, Directors, Employees and Agents:
The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance or other sources of
reimbursement to the extent permitted by law on behalf of any person who is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him
or her in or arising out of his or her position.
Section 8.03. Non-exclusivity: The indemnification and advancement of
expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article X shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or
advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Articles of Incorporation,
these Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or directors, or otherwise, both
as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another
capacity while holding such office.
Section 8.04. Amendment: No amendment, alteration or repeal of this
Article or the adoption, alteration or amendment of any other provision of the
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article, shall
adversely affect any right or protection of any person under this Article with
respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment,
alteration, repeal or adoption.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.01. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end
on such date as the Board of Directors may by resolution specify, and the Board
of Directors may by resolution change such date for future fiscal years at any
time and from time to time.
Section 9.02. Books and Records:
(a) The books and records of the Corporation may be kept outside the
State of Maryland at such place or places as the Board of Directors may from
time to time determine, except as otherwise required by law.
(b) The Board of Directors shall, subject to the laws of Maryland, have
power to determine, from time to time, whether and to what extent and at what
times and places and under what conditions and regulations any accounts and
books of the Corporation, or any of them, shall be open to the inspection of the
stockholders; and no stockholder shall have any right to inspect any account or
book or document of the Corporation, except as conferred by the laws of
Maryland, unless and until authorized so to do by resolution of the Board of
Directors or of the stockholders.
Section 9.03. Waiver of Notice: Whenever any notice whatever is
required to be given by these Bylaws or the Articles of Incorporation or the
laws of the State of Maryland, a waiver thereof in writing, or by facsimile
transmission, telegraph, cable, radio or wireless by the person or persons
entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall
be deemed equivalent thereto.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS
Section 10.01. General: Except as provided in Section 11.02 hereof, all
Bylaws of the Corporation, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or the
stockholders, shall be subject to amendment, alteration or repeal, and new
Bylaws may be made, by the affirmative vote of a majority of either:
(a) the holders of record of the outstanding shares of stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote, at any meeting, the notice or waiver of notice of
which shall have specified or summarized the proposed amendment, alteration,
repeal or new Bylaw; or
(b) the directors, at any regular or special meeting the notice or
waiver of notice of which shall have specified or summarized the proposed
amendment, alteration, repeal or new Bylaw.
END OF BYLAWS
EX-99.B(d)-scima
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this __th day of _________, 1999, by and between UNITED
SMALL CAP FUND, INC. (hereinafter called "United"), and WADDELL & REED
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY,
WITNESSETH:
In consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein contained and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, it is hereby agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:
I. In General
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
agrees to act as investment adviser to United with respect to the investment of
its assets and in general to supervise the investments of United, subject at all
times to the direction and control of the Board of Directors of United, all as
more fully set forth herein.
II. Duties of Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company with respect to investment of assets of United
A. Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company shall regularly provide investment advice to United and shall, subject
to the succeeding provisions of this section, continuously supervise the
investment and reinvestment of cash, securities or other property comprising the
assets of the investment portfolios of United; and in furtherance thereof,
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall:
1. obtain and evaluate pertinent
information about significant developments and economic, statistical and
financial data, domestic, foreign or otherwise, whether affecting the economy
generally or one or more of the portfolios of United, and whether concerning the
individual companies whose securities are included in one or more of United's
portfolios or the industries in which they engage, or with respect to securities
which Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company considers desirable for
inclusion in one or more of United's portfolios;
2. furnish continuously an
investment program for each of the portfolios of United;
3. determine what securities shall
be purchased or sold by United;
4. take, on behalf of United, all
actions which appear to Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company necessary
to carry into effect such investment programs and supervisory functions as
aforesaid, including the placing of purchase and sale orders.
B. Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company shall make appropriate and regular reports to the Board of Directors of
United on the actions it takes pursuant to Section II.A. above. Any investment
programs furnished by Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company under this
section, or any supervisory function taken hereunder by Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company shall at all times conform to and be in accordance
with any requirements imposed by:
1. the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and any rules or regulations in force thereunder;
2. any other applicable provision
of law;
3. the provisions of the Articles
of Incorporation of United as amended from time to time;
4. the provisions of the Bylaws of
United as amended from time to time;
5. the terms of the registration
statement of United, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act of
1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, including any supplements to the
prospectus(es) and statement of additional information contained in such
registration statement.
C. Any investment programs furnished by
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company under this section or any
supervisory functions taken hereunder by Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company shall at all times be subject to any directions of the Board of
Directors of United, its Executive Committee, or any committee or officer of
United acting pursuant to authority given by the Board of Directors.
III. Allocation of Expenses
The expenses of United and the expenses of
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company in performing its functions under
this Agreement shall be divided into two classes, to wit: (i) those expenses
which will be paid in full by Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company as
set forth in subparagraph "A" hereof, and (ii) those expenses which will be paid
in full by United, as set forth in subparagraph "B" hereof.
A. With respect to the duties of Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company under Section II above, it shall pay in full,
except as to the brokerage and research services acquired through the allocation
of commissions as provided in Section IV hereinafter, for (a) the salaries and
employment benefits of all employees of Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company who are engaged in providing these advisory services; (b) adequate
office space and suitable office equipment for such employees; and (c) all
telephone and communications costs relating to such functions. In addition,
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall pay the fees and expenses of
all directors of United who are affiliated with Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company or an affiliated corporation and the salaries and employment
benefits of all officers of United who are affiliated persons of Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company.
B. United shall pay in full for all of its
expenses which are not listed above (other than those assumed by Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company or one of its affiliates in its capacity as
principal underwriter of the shares of United, as Shareholder Servicing Agent or
as Accounting Services Agent for United), including (a) the costs of preparing
and printing prospectuses and reports to shareholders of United, including
mailing costs; (b) the costs of printing all proxy statements and all other
costs and expenses of meetings of shareholders of United (unless United and
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall otherwise agree); (c)
interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and premiums on fidelity and other
insurance; (d) audit fees and expenses of independent accountants and legal fees
and expenses of attorneys, but not of attorneys who are employees of Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company or an affiliated company; (e) fees and
expenses of its directors not affiliated with Waddell & Reed, Inc.; (f)
custodian fees and expenses; (g) fees payable by United under the Securities Act
of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the securities or "Blue-Sky"
laws of any jurisdiction; (h) fees and assessments of the Investment Company
Institute or any successor organization; (i) such nonrecurring or extraordinary
expenses as may arise, including litigation affecting United, and any
indemnification by United of its officers, directors, employees and agents with
respect thereto; (j) the costs and expenses provided for in any Shareholder
Servicing Agreement or Accounting Services Agreement, including amendments
thereto, contemplated by subsection C of this Section III. In the event that any
of the foregoing shall, in the first instance, be paid by Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company, United shall pay the same to Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company on presentation of a statement with respect
thereto.
C. Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company, or an affiliate of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company, may
also act as (i) transfer agent or shareholder servicing agent of United and/or
as (ii) accounting services agent of United if at the time in question there is
a separate agreement, "Shareholder Servicing Agreement" and/or "Accounting
Services Agreement," covering such functions between United and Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company, or such affiliate. The corporation, whether
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company, or its affiliate, which is the
party to either such Agreement with United is referred to as the "Agent." Each
such Agreement shall provide in substance that it shall go into effect, or be
amended, or a new agreement covering the same topics between United and the
Agent may be entered into, only if the terms of such Agreement, such amendment
or such new agreement have been approved by the Board of Directors of United,
including the vote of a majority of the directors who are not "interested
persons" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, of either party to
the Agreement, such amendment or such new agreement (considering Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company to be such a party even if at the time in question
the Agent is an affiliate of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company), cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Such a
vote is referred to as a "disinterested director" vote. Each such Agreement
shall also provide in substance for its continuance, unless terminated, for a
specified period which shall not exceed two years from the date of its execution
and from year to year thereafter only if such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by a disinterested director vote, and that any
disinterested director vote shall include a determination that (i) the
Agreement, amendment, new agreement or continuance in question is in the best
interests of United and its shareholders; (ii) the services to be performed
under the Agreement, the Agreement as amended, new agreement or agreement to be
continued are services required for the operation of United; (iii) the Agent can
provide services the nature and quality of which are at least equal to those
provided by others offering the same or similar services; and (iv) the fees for
such services are fair and reasonable in light of the usual and customary
charges made by others for services of the same nature and quality. Any such
Agreement may also provide in substance that any disinterested director vote may
be conditioned on the favorable vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in
or under the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the outstanding shares of each
class or series of United. Any such Agreement shall also provide in substance
that it may be terminated by the Agent at any time without penalty upon giving
United one hundred twenty (120) days' written notice (which notice may be waived
by United) and may be terminated by United at any time without penalty upon
giving the Agent sixty (60) days' written notice (which notice may be waived by
the Agent), provided that such termination by United shall be directed or
approved by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of United in office
at the time or by the vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in or under
the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the outstanding shares of each class or
series of United.
IV. Brokerage
(a) Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company may select brokers to effect the portfolio transactions of United on the
basis of its estimate of their ability to obtain, for reasonable and competitive
commissions, the best execution of particular and related portfolio
transactions. For this purpose, "best execution" means prompt and reliable
execution at the most favorable price obtainable. Such brokers may be selected
on the basis of all relevant factors including the execution capabilities
required by the transaction or transactions, the importance of speed,
efficiency, or confidentiality, and the willingness of the broker to provide
useful or desirable investment research and/or special execution services.
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall have no duty to seek advance
competitive commission bids and may select brokers based solely on its current
knowledge of prevailing commission rates.
(b) Subject to the foregoing, Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company shall have discretion, in the interest of
United, to direct the execution of its portfolio transactions to brokers who
provide brokerage and/or research services (as such services are defined in
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) for United and/or other
accounts for which Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company exercises
"investment discretion" (as that term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934); and in connection with such transactions, to
pay commission in excess of the amount another adequately qualified broker would
have charged if Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company determines, in good
faith, that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker, viewed in terms of
either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company with respect to the accounts for which it
exercises investment discretion. In reaching such determination, Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company will not be required to attempt to place a
specified dollar amount on the brokerage and/or research services provided by
such broker; provided that Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall be
prepared to demonstrate that such determinations were made in good faith, and
that all commissions paid by United over a representative period selected by its
Board of Directors were reasonable in relation to the benefits to United.
(c) Subject to the foregoing provisions of
this Paragraph "IV," Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company may also
consider sales of United's shares and shares of investment companies distributed
by Waddell & Reed, Inc. or one of its affiliates, and portfolio valuation or
pricing services as a factor in the selection of brokers to execute brokerage
and principal portfolio transactions.
V. Compensation of Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company
As compensation in full for services
rendered and for the facilities and personnel furnished under sections I, II,
and IV of this Agreement, United will pay to Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company for each day the fee specified in Exhibit A hereto.
The amounts payable to Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company shall be determined as of the close of business
each day; shall, except as set forth below, be based upon the value of net
assets computed in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation of United; and
shall be paid in arrears whenever requested by Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company. In computing the value of the net assets of United, there
shall be excluded the amount owed to United with respect to shares which have
been sold but not yet paid to United by Waddell & Reed, Inc.
VI. Undertakings of Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company; Liabilities
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
shall give to United the benefit of its best judgment, efforts and facilities in
rendering advisory services hereunder.
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
shall at all times be guided by and be subject to United's investment policies,
the provisions of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as each shall from
time to time be amended, and to the decision and determination of United's Board
of Directors.
This Agreement shall be performed in
accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, to the extent that the subject matter of this Agreement is
within the purview of such Acts. Insofar as applicable to Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company, as an investment adviser and affiliated person of
United, Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall comply with the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of
1940 and the respective rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder.
In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder
on the part of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company, it shall not be
subject to liability to United or to any stockholder of United for any act or
omission in the course of or connected with rendering services thereunder or for
any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any
security.
VII. Duration of this Agreement
This Agreement shall become effective at the
start of business on the date hereof and shall continue in effect, unless
terminated as hereinafter provided, for a period of one year and from
year-to-year thereafter only if such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually by the Board of Directors, including the vote of a majority of
the directors who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of any such party, cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or by the vote
of the holders of a majority (as so defined) of the outstanding voting
securities of a series of United with respect to that series and by the vote of
a majority of the directors who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested
persons" (as so defined) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval.
VIII. Termination
This Agreement may be terminated by Waddell
& Reed Investment Management Company at any time without penalty upon giving
United one hundred twenty (120) days' written notice (which notice may be waived
by United) and may be terminated by United at any time without penalty upon
giving Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company sixty (60) days' written
notice (which notice may be waived by Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company), provided that such termination by United shall be directed or approved
by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of United in office at the
time or by the vote of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940) of the outstanding voting securities of United. This Agreement shall
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment, the term "assignment"
for this purpose having the meaning defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused the foregoing instrument to
be executed by their duly authorized officers and their corporate seal to be
hereunto affixed, all as of the day and year first above written.
(Seal) UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
By:_____________________________
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
ATTEST:
By:_________________________
Kristen A. Richards, Assistant Secretary
(Seal) WADDELL & REED INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
By:___________________________
Robert L. Hechler
Executive Vice President
ATTEST:
By:_________________________
Helge K. Lee, Secretary
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A TO INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
FEE SCHEDULE
A cash fee computed each day on the net assets of the Fund at the annual rates
listed below:
Net Assets Fee
- ---------- ---
Up to $1 billion 0.85% of net assets
Over $1 billion and up to $2 billion 0.83% of net assets
Over $2 billion and up to $3 billion 0.80% of net assets
Over $3 billion 0.76% of net assets
EX-99.B(e)-scua
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this __th day of _________, 1999, by and between
United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (hereinafter the "Company"), a Maryland corporation,
and Waddell & Reed, Inc. (hereinafter "W&R"), a Delaware corporation;
I. REPRESENTATIONS
A. The Company represents that
1) it is a registered open-end management investment
company (mutual fund), and
2) the shares of each of its classes of shares
("Fund") and of each sub-class thereof ("Class"), if any, are, as of the date of
the effectiveness of this Agreement as to each such Fund or Class, registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and qualified or otherwise
authorized for sale in all states of the United States as may be agreed upon.
(As to any Fund or Class not registered with the SEC and qualified or otherwise
authorized for sale in all states of the United States as may be agreed upon,
this Agreement shall become effective as to such Fund or Class upon such
registration and qualification or authorization.)
B. W&R represents that
1) it is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and
is duly qualified to offer shares of the Company in all states in which the
shares are currently qualified or otherwise authorized for offer for sale;
2) it is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD");
3) it maintains a retail securities and insurance
sales organization consisting in part of a number of representatives authorized
under Federal and state securities laws to solicit as representatives of W&R
orders for Company shares and other securities;
4) it maintains and enforces procedures to enable it
to supervise its representatives and associated persons in accordance with
applicable securities laws, rules and regulations including the Rules of the
NASD; and
5) it maintains and enforces procedures to review
for compliance with applicable securities laws, rules and regulations all sales
literature and promotional materials used by it and authorized to be used by its
representatives in solicitation of orders to buy Company shares, and it files,
when applicable, such literature and materials with the NASD.
<PAGE>
II. APPOINTMENT OF UNDERWRITER and OBLIGATIONS
The Company hereby appoints W&R, and W&R agrees to act, as the
Company's principal underwriter under the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
A. Company agrees
1) to use its best efforts to register from time to
time under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") adequate amounts of
its shares for sale by W&R to the public and to qualify or to permit W&R to
qualify such shares for offering to the public in such states as may from time
to time be agreed upon;
2) to immediately advise W&R (i) when any
post-effective amendment to its registration statement or any further amendment
or supplement thereto or any further registration statement or amendment or
supplement thereto becomes effective, (ii) of any request by the SEC for
amendments to the registration statement(s) or any then effective prospectus or
for additional information, (iii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop-order
suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement or the initiation of
any proceedings for that purpose, and (iv) of the happening of any event which
makes untrue any material statement made in the registration statement or any
then effective prospectus or which, in the opinion of counsel for the Company,
requires the making of a change in the registration statement or any then
effective prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading; in
case of the happening at any time of any event which materially affects the
Company or its securities and which should be set forth in a supplement to or an
amendment of any then effective prospectus in order to make the statements
therein not misleading, to prepare and furnish to W&R such amendment or
amendments to that prospectus as will correct the prospectus so that as
corrected it will not contain, or such supplement or supplements to that
prospectus which when read in conjunction with that prospectus will make the
combined information not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any
omission to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements in
that prospectus not misleading; if any time the SEC shall issue any stop-order
suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement, to make every
reasonable effort to obtain the prompt lifting of such order; and, before filing
any amendment to the registration statement or to any then effective prospectus,
to furnish W&R with a copy of the proposed amendment;
3) to advise W&R of the net asset value of the
shares of each of its Funds and Classes, as applicable, as often as computed and
to furnish to W&R as soon as practical such information as may be reasonably
requested by W&R in order that it may know all of the facts necessary to sell
shares of the Company;
4) to make delivery of its shares subject to the
provisions of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to W&R as ordered by W&R
as soon as reasonably possible after receipt of the orders and against payment
of the consideration to be received by the Company therefor from W&R;
5) to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident
to the issuance, transfer, registration and delivery of its shares, all taxes in
connection therewith, costs and expenses incident to preparing and filing any
registration statements and prospectuses and any amendments or supplements to a
registration statement or a prospectus, statutory fees incidental to the
registration of additional shares with the SEC, statutory fees and expenses
incurred in connection with any Blue Sky law qualifications undertaken by or at
the request of W&R, and the fees and expenses of the Company's counsel,
accountants or any other experts used in connection with the foregoing; and
6) not without the consent of W&R to offer any of
its shares for sale directly or to any persons or corporations other than W&R,
except only:
a) the reinvestment of dividends and/or
distributions or their declaration in shares of the Company, in optional form or
otherwise;
b) the issuance of additional shares to
stock splits or stock dividends;
c) sale of shares to another investment or
securities holding company in the process of purchasing all or a portion of its
assets;
d) in connection with an exchange of shares
of the Company for shares in another investment or securities holding company;
e) the sale of shares to registered unit
investment trusts; or
f) in connection with the exchange of one
Fund's shares for shares of another Fund of the Company.
B. W&R agrees
1) to offer Company shares in such states as may be
agreed upon through its retail account representatives and, at its sole
discretion, through broker-dealers which are members of the NASD on such terms
as are not inconsistent with this Agreement;
2) to order shares from the Company only after it
has received a purchase order therefor;
3) to pay to the Company the net asset value of
shares sold within two business days after the day payment is received by W&R at
its principal place of business from the investor or broker-dealer, or pay the
Company at such other time as may be agreed upon hereafter by the Company and
W&R, or as may be prescribed by law or the Rules of the NASD;
4) in offering shares to comply with the provisions
of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company and with the
provisions stated in its applicable then current prospectus(es) and statement of
additional information;
5) timely to inform the Company of any action or
proceeding to terminate, revoke or suspend W&R's registration as a broker-dealer
with the SEC, membership in the NASD, or authority with any state securities
commission to offer Company shares; and
6) to pay the cost of all sales literature,
advertising and other materials which it may at its discretion use in connection
with the sale of Company shares, including the cost of reports to the
shareholders of the Company in excess of the cost of reports to existing
shareholders and the cost of printing the prospectus(es) furnished to it by the
Company.
III. TERMS FOR SALE OF SHARES
A. It is mutually agreed that
1) W&R shall act as principal in all matters
relating to promotion and sale of Company shares, including the preparation and
use of all advertising, sales literature and other promotional materials, and
shall make and enter into all other arrangements, agreements and contracts as
principal on its own account and not as agent for the Company. Title to shares
issued and sold by the Company through W&R shall pass directly from the Company
to the dealer or investor, or shall first pass to W&R as it may from time to
time be determined by W&R and the Company; except provided, however, that W&R
may, if so agreed by W&R and the Company, act as agent of the Company without
commission on repurchase of shares of the Company;
2) certificates for shares shall not be created or
delivered by the Company in any case in which the purchase is pursuant to any
provisions of the Company described in its applicable then current
prospectus(es) and statement of additional information under the terms of which
certificates are not to be issued to the shareholder. Shares sold by W&R shall
be registered in such name or names and amounts as W&R may request from time to
time, and all shares when so paid for and issued shall be fully paid and
non-assessable;
3) the offering price at which shares of the Company
may be sold by W&R shall include such selling commission as may be applicable to
that Class and as may be fixed from time to time by W&R but shall not be in
excess of 8.5 percent of the offering price. W&R shall retain any such sales
commission and may re-allow all or any part of the sales commission to its
account representatives and to selected brokers and dealers who sell shares of
the Company; and
4) W&R may designate, reduce or eliminate its
selling commissions in certain sales or exchanges to the extent described in the
applicable then current prospectus(es) and statement of additional information
of the Company and in accordance with Section 22(d) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940 and any rules, regulations or orders of the SEC thereunder.
IV. THE PLAN
A. It is mutually acknowledged that the Company has adopted a
plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (a "Plan"),
which Plan is applicable to certain shares and that the Company may in the
future adopt Plans applicable to certain Funds and Classes, respectively.
B. With respect to any Fund or Class as to which the Company
has adopted a Plan, pursuant to that Plan, each day the Company shall pay to W&R
a distribution fee and/or a service fee at the maximum rates and under the terms
and conditions set forth in the applicable Plan, as amended from time to time,
or such lesser amount as the Company and W&R may agree.
C. The Company shall, after excluding from the redemption
proceeds that portion represented by the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions and the appreciation of the value of Fund shares being redeemed,
promptly pay W&R an amount, if any, equal to the percent of the amount invested
as determined by W&R and as is then stated in the Company's current prospectus
and statement of additional information applicable to the shares redeemed (the
"contingent deferred sales charge"). For purposes of determining the applicable
contingent deferred sales charge, if any: the redemptions shall be deemed in
order of investment made when more than one investment has been made; and when
the shares being redeemed were acquired by exchange of shares of another Fund or
Class of the Company, or corresponding class of another registered investment
company for which W&R or its affiliate serves as principal underwriter, the
investment shall be deemed as if it had been made when the Company's shares were
first purchased, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charges, if any,
shall be with respect to the amount originally invested in Company shares; and
provided that any contingent deferred sales charge shall be determined in
accordance with and in the manner set forth in the applicable then current
prospectus and statement of additional information and any applicable Order or
Rule issued by the SEC.
D. It is contemplated that W&R may pay commissions to its
field sales force at the time of sale of the Company's shares and may incur
other expenses substantially in advance of receiving the distribution fee, if
any, that may be applicable to the payment of such commissions and expenses. W&R
recognizes that such payments are at its risk and that this Agreement may be
terminated or not continued as hereinafter provided without the payment to it of
any further distribution fees or service fees whatsoever and without the payment
of any penalty. The contingent deferred sales charges, if any, shall, however,
be payable to W&R with respect to all subject sales made prior to the
termination of this Agreement.
E. W&R shall at least quarterly provide to the Company's board
of directors a written report with respect to each Fund or Class, as applicable,
of the amounts of the distribution and/or service fees expended and the purposes
for which these expenditures were made. W&R shall in addition furnish to the
board of directors of the Company such information as may be requested or as may
be necessary to an informed determination by the directors of whether or not the
directors should continue the Company's Plan(s) and continue this Agreement and
to determine whether there is reasonable likelihood that the Plan(s) and this
Agreement will benefit the Company and its shareholders affected by such
Plan(s).
V. INDEMNIFICATION
A. The Company agrees with W&R for the benefit of W&R and each
person, if any, who controls W&R within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act and each and all and any of them, to indemnify and hold harmless
W&R and any such controlling person from and against any and all losses, claims,
damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may
become subject under the Securities Act, under any other statute, at common law
or otherwise, and to reimburse the underwriter and such controlling persons, if
any, for any legal or other expenses (including the cost of any investigation
and preparation) reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with
any litigation whether or not resulting in any liability, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation arise out of or are based
upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any registration statement or any prospectus or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto or arise out of or are based upon the omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however,
that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of
any such litigation if such settlement is effected without the consent of the
Company or to any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation
arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of
a material fact contained in any registration statement or prospectus or any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arising out of or based upon the
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, which
statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished in writing
to the Company by W&R for inclusion in any registration statement or any
prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto. W&R and each such
controlling person shall promptly, after the complaint shall have been served
upon W&R or such controlling person in any litigation against W&R or such
controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought from the Company
on account of its agreement contained in this paragraph, notify the Company in
writing of the commencement thereof. The omission of W&R or such controlling
person so to notify the Company of any such litigation shall relieve the Company
from any liability which it may have to W&R or such controlling person on
account of the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph but shall not
relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to W&R or controlling
person otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph. In case any such litigation shall be brought against W&R or any such
controlling person and the underwriter or such controlling person shall notify
the Company of the commencement thereof, the Company shall be entitled to
participate in (and, to the extent that it shall wish, to direct) the defense
thereof at its own expense but such defense shall be conducted by counsel of
good standing and satisfactory to W&R or such controlling person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the litigation. The indemnity agreement of the
Company contained in this paragraph shall remain operative and in full force and
effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of W&R or any such
controlling person and shall survive any delivery of shares of the Company. The
Company agrees to notify W&R promptly of the commencement of any litigation or
proceeding against it or any of its officers or directors of which it may be
advised in connection with the issue and sale of its shares.
B. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the
agreement in Section A of this article, insofar as it constitutes a basis for
reimbursement by the Company for liabilities (other than payment by the Company
of expenses incurred or paid in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) arising under the Securities Act, shall not extend to the extent of
any interest therein of any person who is an underwriter or a partner or
controlling person of an underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or who, at the date of this Agreement, is a director of the
Company, except to the extent that an interest of such character shall have been
determined by a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether or not
such interest is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act.
C. W&R agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and
its directors and such officers as shall have signed any registration statement
from and against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or
several, to which the Company or such directors or officers may become subject
under the Securities Act, under any other statute, at common law or otherwise,
and will reimburse the Company or such directors or officers for any legal or
other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation)
reasonably incurred by it or them or any of them in connection with any
litigation, whether or not resulting in any liability insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or litigation arise out of, or are based upon, any
untrue statement or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
which statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished in
writing to the Company by W&R for inclusion in any registration statement or any
prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or which statement
was made in, or the alleged omission was from, any advertising or sales
literature (including any reports to shareholders used as such) which relate to
the Company.
W&R shall not be liable for amounts paid in settlement of any
such litigation if such settlement was effected without its consent. The Company
and its directors and such officers, defendant or defendants, in any such
litigation shall, promptly after the complaint shall have been served upon the
Company or any such director or officer in any litigation against the Company or
any such director or officer in respect of which indemnity may be sought from
W&R on account of its agreement contained in this paragraph, notify W&R in
writing of the commencement thereof. The omission of the Company or such
director or officer so to notify the underwriter of any such litigation shall
relieve W&R from any liability which it may have to the Company or such director
or officer on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph,
but shall not relieve W&R from any liability which it may have to the Company or
such director or officer otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement
contained in this paragraph. In case any such litigation shall be brought
against the Company or any such officer or director and notice of the
commencement thereof shall have been so given to W&R, W&R shall be entitled to
participate in (and, to the extent that it shall wish, to direct) the defense
thereof at its own expense, but such defense shall be conducted by counsel of
good standing and satisfactory to the Company. The indemnity agreement of W&R
contained in this paragraph shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company and shall
survive any delivery of shares of the Company. W&R agrees to notify the Company
promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any
of its officers or directors or against any such controlling person of which it
may be advised, in connection with the issue and sale of the Company's shares.
D. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement,
no party hereto and no person or persons in control of any party hereto shall be
protected against any liability to the Company or its security holders to which
they would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or
gross negligence in the performance of their duties or by reason of their
reckless disregard of their obligations and duties under this Agreement.
VI. OTHER TERMS
A. This Agreement shall not be deemed to limit W&R from acting
as underwriter and/or dealer for any other mutual fund, from engaging in any
other aspects of the securities business, whether or not such may be deemed in
competition with the sale of shares of the Company, and to carry on any other
lawful business whatsoever.
B. Except as expressly provided in Article V and hereinabove,
the agreements herein set forth have been made and are made solely for the
benefit of the Company and W&R, and the persons expressly provided for in
Article V, their respective heirs and successors, personal representatives and
assigns, and except as so provided, nothing expressed or mentioned herein is
intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation other
than the Company, W&R and the persons expressly provided for in Article V any
legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement
or any representation, warranty or agreement herein contained. Except as so
provided, the term "heirs, successors, personal representatives and assigns"
shall not include any purchaser of shares merely because of such purchase.
C. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless terminated
as hereinafter provided, for a period of one (1) year and thereafter only if
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of
Directors, including the vote of a majority of the directors who are not parties
to the Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940) or any such party and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of any Plan or any agreement relating to that Plan
(hereafter the "Plan directors"), cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement may be terminated by W&R at
any time without penalty upon giving the Company sixty (60) days' written notice
(which notice may be waived by the Company) and may be terminated by the Company
at any time without penalty upon giving W&R sixty (60) days' written notice
(which notice may be waived by W&R), provided that such termination by the
Company shall be directed or approved by the vote of a majority of the Plan
directors, or by the vote of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940) of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund with respect to that
Fund. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment, the term "assignment" for this purpose having the meaning defined in
Section 2(a)(4) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
D. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of Kansas.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their respective duly authorized officers and their corporate seals to be
affixed as of the day and year first above written.
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
By:_____________________________
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
ATTEST:
By:_____________________
Kristen A. Richards
Assistant Secretary
WADDELL & REED, INC.
By:____________________________
Robert L. Hechler, President
ATTEST:
By:________________________
Helge K. Lee, Secretary
EX-99.B(g)-scca
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
Dated as of ____________, 1999
Between
UMB BANK, n.a.
and
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
ARTICLE
I. Appointment of Custodian
II. Powers and Duties of Custodian
2.01 Safekeeping
2.02 Manner of Holding Securities
2.03 Purchase of Assets
2.04 Exchanges of Securities
2.05 Sales of Securities
2.06 Depositary Receipts
2.07 Exercise of Rights, Tender Offers, Etc.
2.08 Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc.
2.09 Options
2.10 Futures Contracts
2.11 Borrowing
2.12 Interest Bearing Deposits
2.13 Foreign Exchange Transactions
2.14 Securities Loans
2.15 Collections
2.16 Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions
2.17 Proceeds from Shares Sold
2.18 Proxies, Notices, Etc.
2.19 Bills and Other Disbursements
2.20 Nondiscretionary Functions
2.21 Bank Accounts
2.22 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System
2.23 Other Transfers
2.24 Establishment of Segregated Account
2.25 Custodian's Books and Records
2.26 Opinion of Fund's Independent
Certified Public Accountants
2.27 Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants
2.28 Overdraft Facility
III. Proper Instructions, Special Instructions
and Related Matters
3.01 Proper Instruction and Special Instructions
3.02 Authorized Persons
3.03 Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios
3.04 Actions of Custodian Based on Proper
Instructions and Special Instructions
<PAGE>
IV. Subcustodians
4.01 Domestic Subcustodians
4.02 Foreign Sub-Subcustodians and
Interim Sub-Subcustodians
4.03 Special Subcustodians
4.04 Termination of a Subcustodian
4.05 Certification Regarding Foreign Sub-Subcustodians
V. Standard of Care, Indemnification
5.01 Standard of Care
5.02 Liability of the Custodian for Actions
of Other Person
5.03 Indemnification by Fund
5.04 Investment Limitations
5.05 Fund's Right to Proceed
5.06 Indemnification by Custodian
5.07 Custodian's Right to Proceed
VI. Compensation
VII. Termination
VIII. Defined Terms
IX. Miscellaneous
9.01 Execution of Documents, Etc.
9.02 Representations and Warranties
9.03 Entire Agreement
9.04 Waivers and Amendments
9.05 Interpretation
9.06 Captions
9.07 Governing Law
9.08 Notices
9.09 Assignment
9.10 Counterparts
9.11 Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations
Appendix "B"
<PAGE>
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the ______ day of _________, 1999 between United
Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") and UMB Bank, n.a. (the "Custodian").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint the Custodian as custodian on
behalf of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and the rules and regulations
thereunder, under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the
Custodian has agreed so to act as custodian.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
Subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Fund hereby
employs and appoints the Custodian as a custodian of the cash, securities and
other assets owned by the Fund and deposited from time to time with the
Custodian ("Assets"). The Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, or shall cause to
be delivered to the Custodian, Assets during the term of this Agreement. The
Custodian is authorized to act under the terms and conditions of this Agreement
as the Fund's agent and shall be representing the Fund when acting within the
scope of this Agreement. The Custodian hereby accepts such appointment as
custodian and shall perform the duties and responsibilities set forth herein on
the terms and conditions set forth herein.
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN
As custodian, the Custodian shall have and perform the powers and
duties set forth in this Article II. Pursuant to and in accordance with Article
IV hereof, the Custodian may appoint one or more Subcustodians (as hereinafter
defined) to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Custodian set
forth in this Article II and references to the Custodian in this Article II
shall include any Subcustodian so appointed.
Section 2.01. Safekeeping. The Custodian shall accept delivery of
and keep safely the Assets in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof on
behalf of the Fund.
Section 2.02. Manner of Holding Securities.
(a) The Custodian shall at all times hold securities of the Fund
either: (i) by physical possession of the share certificates or other
instruments representing such securities in registered or bearer form; or (ii)
in book-entry form by a Securities System (as hereinafter defined) in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2.22 below.
(b) The Custodian may at all times hold registered securities of the
Fund in the name of the Fund or the Fund's nominee, or in the nominee name of
the Custodian unless specifically directed by Proper Instructions (as
hereinafter defined) to hold such registered securities in so-called street
name; provided that, in any event, all Assets shall be held in an account of the
Custodian containing only assets of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
unless it receives Proper Instructions to the contrary, the Custodian shall
register all securities in the name of the Custodian's nominee as authorized by
the Fund. All securities held directly or indirectly by the Custodian hereunder
shall at all times be identifiable on the records of the Custodian. Except as
otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall keep the Assets physically
segregated from those of other persons or entities. The Custodian shall execute
and deliver all certificates and documents in connection with registration of
securities as may be required by the applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, the laws of any State or territory of the United States and the
laws of any jurisdiction in which the securities are held.
Section 2.03. Purchase of Assets.
(a) Security Purchases. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall pay for and receive securities purchased for the account of the
Fund, provided that payment shall be made by Custodian only upon receipt of the
securities: (a) by the Custodian; (b) by a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) by a Securities
System. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon receipt of Proper Instructions: (i)
in the case of a repurchase agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a
Securities System prior to the receipt of advice from the Securities System that
the securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred by
book-entry into the Account (as hereinafter defined) maintained with such
Securities System by the Custodian, provided that the Custodian's instructions
to the Securities System require that the Securities System may make payment of
such funds to the other party to the repurchase agreement only upon transfer by
book-entry of the securities underlying the repurchase agreement into the
Account; (ii) in the case of time deposits, call account deposits, currency
deposits and other deposits, foreign exchange transactions, futures contracts or
options, pursuant to Sections 2.09, 2.10, 2.12 and 2.13 hereof, the Custodian
may make payment therefor before receipt of an advice or transaction; and (iii)
in the case of the purchase of securities, the settlement of which occurs
outside of the United States of America, the Custodian may make payment therefor
and receive delivery of such securities in accordance with local custom and
practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients (as hereinafter defined) in
the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject to the
standard of care set forth in Article V hereof. For purposes of this Agreement,
an "Institutional Client" shall mean a major commercial bank, corporation,
insurance company, or substantially similar institution, which, as a substantial
part of its business operations, purchases or sells securities and makes use of
custodial services.
(b) Other Asset Purchases. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and
except as otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall pay for and receive
other Assets for the account of the Fund as provided in Proper Instructions.
Section 2.04. Exchanges of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall exchange securities held by it for the account
of the Fund for other securities in connection with any reorganization,
recapitalization, split-up of shares, change of par value, conversion or other
event relating to the securities or the issuer of such securities, and shall
deposit any such securities in accordance with the terms of any reorganization
or protective plan. The Custodian shall, without receiving Proper Instructions:
surrender securities for transfer into the name of the Fund, the Fund's nominee
or the nominee name of the Custodian as permitted by Section 2.02(b); and
surrender securities for a different number of certificates or instruments
representing the same number of shares or same principal amount of indebtedness,
provided that the securities to be issued will be delivered to the Custodian.
Section 2.05. Sales of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall make delivery of securities which have been sold for the
account of the Fund, but only against payment therefor in the form of: (a) cash,
certified check, bank cashier's check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer; (b)
credit to the account of the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) credit to the
Account of the Custodian with a Securities System, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2.22 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in the
case of the sale of securities, the settlement of which occurs outside of the
United States of America, such securities shall be delivered and paid for in
accordance with local custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional
Clients in the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject
to the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; and (ii) in the case of
securities held in physical form, such securities shall be delivered and paid
for in accordance with "street delivery custom" to a broker or its clearing
agent, against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for such securities,
provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable steps to ensure prompt
collection of the payment for, or return of, such securities by the broker or
its clearing agent, and provided further that, subject to the standard of care
set forth in Article V hereof, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the
selection of or the failure or inability to perform of such broker or its
clearing agent.
Section 2.06. Depositary Receipts. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall surrender securities to the depositary used for such
securities by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International
Depositary Receipts (hereinafter referred to, collectively , as "ADRs"), against
a written receipt therefor adequately describing such securities and written
evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the depositary has acknowledged
receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with respect to such securities in the
name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for delivery to the
Custodian at such place as the Custodian may from time to time designate. Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender ADRs to the issuer
thereof, against a written receipt therefor adequately describing the ADRs
surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the issuer
of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depository to
deliver the securities underlying such ADRs to the Custodian.
Section 2.07. Exercise of Rights, Tender Offers, Etc. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver warrants, puts, calls,
rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof (or to the agent
of such issuer or trustee) for the purpose of exercise or sale, provided that
the new securities, cash or other Assets, if any, acquired as a result of such
actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and (b) deposit securities upon
invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the consideration for such
securities is to be paid or delivered to the Custodian, or the tendered
securities are to be returned to the Custodian. Notwithstanding any provision of
this Agreement to the contrary, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in
writing of (i) any default in payment of funds on securities; (ii) any
securities that have matured, been called or redeemed; and (iii) to the extent
the Custodian has notice which is contained in services to which it normally
subscribes for such purposes, or actual knowledge if not contained in such
services, any other default involving securities; and all announcements of
defaults, bankruptcies, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations,
recapitalizations or rights or privileges to subscribe, convert, exchange, put,
redeem or tender securities held subject to this Agreement. The Custodian shall,
following receipt or knowledge, convey such information to the Fund in a timely
manner based upon the circumstances of each particular case. Whenever any such
rights or privileges exist, the Fund will, in a timely manner based upon the
circumstances of each particular case, provide the Custodian with Proper
Instructions. Absent the Custodian's timely receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall not be liable for not taking any action or not exercising such
rights prior to their expiration unless such failure is due to Custodian's
failure to give timely notice to the Fund in accordance with this Section 2.07.
Section 2.08. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. The Custodian shall receive
and collect all stock dividends, rights and other items of like nature and, upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, take action with respect to the same as directed
in such Proper Instructions.
Section 2.09. Options. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement between the Custodian, any
registered broker-dealer and, if necessary, the Fund relating to compliance with
the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC") or of any registered
national securities exchange or similar organization(s), the Custodian shall:
(a) receive and retain confirmations or other documents, if any, evidencing the
purchase or writing of an option by the Fund; (b) deposit and maintain in a
segregated account, securities (either physically or by book-entry in a
Securities System), cash or other Assets; and (c) pay, release and/or transfer
such securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any such agreement and
with notices or other communications evidencing the expiration, termination or
exercise of such options furnished by the OCC, the securities or options
exchange on which such options are traded or such other organization as may be
responsible for handling such option transactions. The Fund and the
broker-dealer shall be responsible for determining the sufficiency of assets
held in any segregated account established in compliance with applicable margin
maintenance requirements and the performance of other terms of any option
contract; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be liable for performance
of its duties under this Agreement and in accordance with Proper Instructions,
and shall be liable for performance of its duties under any other agreement
between the Custodian, any registered broker-dealer and, if necessary, the Fund.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Fund issues Proper
Instructions to sell a naked option (including stock index options), then as
part of the transaction, the Custodian, the Fund and the broker-dealer shall
have entered into a tri-party agreement, as described above.
Section 2.10. Futures Contracts. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
or pursuant to the provisions of any futures margin procedural agreement among
the Fund, the Custodian and any futures commission merchant (a "Procedural
Agreement"), the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations, if any
evidencing the purchase of or sale of a futures contract or an option on a
futures contract by the Fund; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated account
cash, securities and other Assets designated as initial, maintenance or
variation "margin" deposits intended to secure the Fund's performance of its
obligations under any futures contracts purchased or sold or any options on
futures contracts written by the Fund, in accordance with the provisions of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any commodity exchange or contract
market (such as the Chicago Board of Trade), or any similar organization(s),
regarding such margin deposits; and (c) release assets from and/or transfer
assets into such margin accounts only in accordance with any such Procedural
Agreements. The Fund and such futures commission merchant shall be responsible
for determining the sufficiency of assets held in the segregated account in
compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the performance
of any futures contract or option on a futures contract in accordance with its
terms; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be liable for performance of
its duties under this Agreement and in accordance with Proper Instructions, and
shall be liable for performance of its duties under any Procedural Agreement.
Section 2.11. Borrowing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall deliver securities of the Fund to lenders or their agents, or
otherwise establish a segregated account as agreed to by the Fund and the
Custodian, as collateral for borrowings effected by the Fund, provided that such
borrowed money is payable by the lender (a) to or upon the Custodian's order, as
Custodian for the Fund, and (b) concurrently with delivery of such securities.
Section 2.12. Interest Bearing Deposits. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions directing the Custodian to purchase interest bearing fixed term and
call deposits (hereinafter referred to collectively, as "Interest Bearing
Deposits") for the account of the Fund, the Custodian shall purchase such
Interest Bearing Deposits in the name of the Fund with such banks or trust
companies (including the Custodian, any Subcustodian or any subsidiary or
affiliate of the Custodian) (hereinafter referred to as "Banking Institutions")
and in such amounts as the Fund may direct pursuant to Proper Instructions. Such
Interest Bearing Deposits may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or other
currencies, as the Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Proper
Instructions. The Custodian shall include in its records with respect to the
Assets of the Fund appropriate notation as to the amount and currency of each
such Interest Bearing Deposit, the accepting Banking Institution and all other
appropriate details, and shall retain such forms of advice or receipt evidencing
such account, if any, as may be forwarded to the Custodian by the Banking
Institution. The responsibilities of the Custodian to the Fund for Interest
Bearing Deposits accepted on the Custodian's books in the United States shall be
that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing
Deposits other than those accepted on the Custodian's books, (a) the Custodian
shall be responsible for the collection of income as set forth in Section 2.15
and the transmission of cash and instructions to and from such accounts; and (b)
the Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the Banking
Institution or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with Proper
Instructions and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the failure of
such Banking Institution to pay upon demand. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall take such reasonable actions as the Fund deems
necessary or appropriate to cause each such Interest Bearing Deposit account to
be insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit insurers
including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.13. Foreign Exchange Transactions.
(a) Foreign Exchange Transactions Other than as Principal. Upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall settle foreign exchange contracts or
options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on
behalf of and for the account of the Fund with such currency brokers or Banking
Institutions as the Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Proper
Instructions. The Fund accepts full responsibility for its use of third party
foreign exchange brokers (any dealer other than the Foreign Subcustodian) (as
hereinafter defined) and for execution of said foreign exchange contracts and
understands that the Fund shall be responsible for any and all costs and
interest charges which may be incurred as a result of the failure or delay of
its third party broker to deliver foreign exchange unless such loss, damage, or
expense is caused by, or results from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct
of the Custodian. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall be
responsible for the transmission of cash and instructions to and from the
currency broker or Banking Institution with which the contract or option is
made, the safekeeping of all certificates and other documents and agreements
evidencing or relating to such foreign exchange transactions and the maintenance
of proper records as set forth in Section 2.25. The Custodian shall have no duty
with respect to the selection of the currency brokers or Banking Institutions
with which the Fund deals or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with
Proper Instructions, for the failure of such brokers or Banking Institutions to
comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(b) Foreign Exchange Contracts as Principal. The Custodian shall not be
obligated to enter into foreign exchange transactions as principal. However, if
the Custodian has made available to the Fund its services as a principal in
foreign exchange transactions, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall enter into foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on
behalf of and for the account of the Fund with the Custodian as principal. The
Custodian shall be responsible for the selection of the currency brokers or
Banking Institutions and the failure of such currency brokers or Banking
Institutions to comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(c) Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, upon receipt of Proper Instructions the Custodian may, in connection
with a foreign exchange contract, make free outgoing payments of cash in the
form of U.S. Dollars or foreign currency prior to receipt of confirmation of
such foreign exchange contract or confirmation that the countervalue currency
completing such contract has been delivered or received.
Section 2.14. Securities Loans. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall, in connection with loans of securities by the Fund, deliver
securities of the Fund to the borrower thereof and may, except as otherwise
provided below, deliver such securities prior to receipt of the collateral, if
any, for such borrowing; provided that, in cases of loans of securities secured
by cash collateral, the Custodian's instructions to the Securities System shall
require that the Securities System deliver the securities of the Fund to the
borrower thereof only upon receipt of the collateral for such borrowing. The
Custodian shall retain on the Fund's behalf the right to any dividends, interest
or distribution on such loaned securities and any other rights specified in
Proper Instructions. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and the loaned
securities, the Custodian will release the collateral to the borrower.
Section 2.15. Collections. The Custodian shall: (a) collect amounts due
and payable to the Fund with respect to portfolio securities and other Assets;
(b) promptly credit to the account of the Fund all income and other payments
relating to portfolio securities and other Assets held by the Custodian
hereunder upon Custodian's receipt of such income or payments or as otherwise
agreed in writing by the Custodian and the Fund; (c) promptly endorse and
deliver any instruments required to effect such collection; and (d) promptly
execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal, state,
local and foreign tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to portfolio securities and other Assets, or in connection
with the transfer of such securities or other Assets; provided, however, that
with respect to portfolio securities registered in so-called street name, or
physical securities with variable interest rates, the Custodian shall use its
best efforts to collect amounts due and payable to the Fund. The Custodian shall
promptly notify the Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other
manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable with
respect to portfolio securities or other Assets is not received by the Custodian
when due. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the collection of amounts
due and payable with respect to portfolio securities or other Assets that are in
default.
Section 2.16. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions. To enable the
Fund to pay dividends or other distributions to shareholders of the Fund and to
make payment to shareholders who have requested repurchase or redemption of
their shares of the Fund (collectively, the "Shares"), the Custodian shall
promptly release cash or securities (a) in the case of cash, upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, to one or more Distribution Accounts (as hereinafter
defined) designated by the Fund in such Proper Instructions; or (b) in the case
of securities, upon the receipt of Special Instructions (as hereinafter defined)
to such entity or account designated by the Fund in such Special Instructions.
For purposes of this Agreement, a "Distribution Account" shall mean an account
established at a Banking Institution designated by the Fund in Special
Instructions.
Section 2.17. Proceeds from Shares Sold. The Custodian shall receive
funds representing cash payments received for Shares issued or sold from time to
time by the Fund, and shall promptly credit such funds to the account of the
Fund. The Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund of Custodian's receipt of
cash in payment for Shares issued by the Fund by facsimile transmission or in
such other manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing. Upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver all federal funds
received by the Custodian in payment for Shares in payment for such investments
as may be set forth in such Proper Instructions and at a time agreed upon
between the Custodian and the Fund; and (b) make federal funds available to the
Fund as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the
Custodian, in the amount of checks received in payment for Shares which are
deposited to the accounts of the Fund.
Section 2.18. Proxies, Notices, Etc. The Custodian shall deliver or
cause to be delivered to the Fund, in the most expeditious manner practicable,
all forms of proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or
announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by the Fund that are
received by the Custodian, any Subcustodian, or any nominee of either of them,
and, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and
deliver, or cause such Subcustodian or nominee to execute and deliver, such
proxies or other authorizations as may be required. Except as directed pursuant
to Proper Instructions, neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian or nominee
shall vote upon any such securities, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or
give any consent or take any other action with respect thereto. The Custodian
will not release the identity of the Fund to an issuer which requests such
information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985, for the
specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer and the Fund
unless the Fund directs the Custodian otherwise in writing.
Section 2.19. Bills and Other Disbursements. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall pay or cause to be paid, all bills,
statements, or other obligations of the Fund.
Section 2.20. Nondiscretionary Functions. The Custodian shall attend to
all nondiscretionary details not specifically covered by this Agreement in
accordance with industry standards in connection with the sale, exchange,
substitution, purchase, transfer or other dealings with securities or other
Assets held by the Custodian, except as otherwise directed from time to time
pursuant to Proper Instructions.
Section 2.21. Bank Accounts.
(a) Accounts with the Custodian. The Custodian shall open and operate a
bank account or accounts (hereinafter referred to collectively, as "Bank
Accounts") on the books of the Custodian; provided that such Bank Account(s)
shall be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee thereof, for the account of
the Fund, and shall be subject only to draft or order of the Custodian. The
responsibilities of the Custodian to the Fund for deposits accepted on the
Custodian's books shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit.
(b) Deposit Insurance. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall take such action as the Fund deems necessary or appropriate to
cause each deposit account established by the Custodian pursuant to this Section
2.21 to be insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit
insurers, including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
Section 2.22. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by the Fund in:
(a) The Depository Trust Company; (b) the Participants Trust Company; (c) any
book-entry system as provided in (i) Subpart O of Treasury Circular No. 300, 31
CFR 306.115 (ii) Subpart B of Treasury Circular Public Debt Series No. 27-76, 31
CFR 350.2, or (iii) the book-entry regulations of federal agencies substantially
in the form of 31 CFR 306.115; or (d) any other domestic clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under Section 17A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or as may otherwise be authorized by the
Securities and Exchange Commission to serve in the capacity of depository or
clearing agent for the securities or other assets of investment companies) which
acts as a securities depository; provided, however, that no such deposit or
maintenance of securities may be made except with respect to those agencies and
entities the use of which the Fund has previously approved by Special
Instructions (each of the foregoing being referred to in this Agreement as a
"Securities System"). Use of a Securities System shall be in accordance with
applicable Federal Reserve Board and SEC rules and regulations, if any, and
subject to the following provisions:
(A) The Custodian or any Subcustodian may deposit and/or maintain
securities held hereunder in a Securities System, provided that such securities
are represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities
System which Account shall not contain any assets of the Custodian other than
assets held as fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers.
(B) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times identify
those securities belonging to the Fund which are maintained in a Securities
System.
(C) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Fund only upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and
transfer for the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities
sold for the account of the Fund only upon (iii) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that payment for such securities has been transferred to the
Account of the Custodian, and (iv) the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the Fund.
Copies of all advices from the Securities System relating to transfers of
securities for the account of the Fund shall identify the Fund, and shall be
maintained for the Fund by the Custodian. The Custodian shall deliver to the
Fund on the next succeeding business day daily transaction reports which shall
include each day's transactions in the Securities System for the account of the
Fund. Such transaction reports shall be delivered to the Fund or any agent
designated by the Fund pursuant to Proper Instructions, by computer or in such
other manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing.
(D) The Custodian shall, if requested by the Fund pursuant to Proper
Instructions, provide the Fund with all reports obtained by the Custodian or any
Subcustodian with respect to a Securities System's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the
Securities System.
(E) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall terminate
the use of any Securities System (except the federal book-entry system) on
behalf of the Fund as promptly as practicable and shall take all actions
reasonably practicable to safeguard the securities of the Fund maintained with
such Securities System.
Section 2.23. Other Transfers. Upon receipt of Special Instructions,
the Custodian shall make such other dispositions of securities, funds, or other
Assets of the Fund in a manner or for purposes other than as expressly set forth
in this Agreement, provided that the Special Instructions relating to such
disposition shall include a statement of the purposes for which the delivery is
to be made, the amount of funds, Assets and/or securities to be delivered and
the name of the person or persons to whom delivery is to be made, and shall
otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof.
Section 2.24. Establishment of Segregated Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain on its books a
segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account
or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities or other Assets of the
Fund, including securities maintained by the Custodian in a Securities System
pursuant to Section 2.22 hereof, said account or accounts to be maintained: (a)
for the purposes set forth in Section 2.09, 2.10 and 2.11 hereof; (b) for the
purposes of compliance by the Fund with the procedures required by Investment
Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the SEC
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies; or (c) for such other purposes as may be set forth, from time to
time, in Special Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the
determination of the type or amount of Assets to be held in any segregated
account referred to in this Section 2.24.
Section 2.25. Custodian's Books and Records. The Custodian shall
provide any assistance reasonably requested by the Fund in the preparation of
reports to Fund shareholders and others, audits of accounts, and other
ministerial matters of like nature. The Custodian shall maintain complete and
accurate records with respect to securities and other Assets held for the
accounts of the Fund as required by the rules and regulations of the SEC
applicable to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, including, but
not limited to: (a) journals or other records of original entry containing a
detailed and itemized daily record of all receipts and deliveries of securities
(including certificate and transaction identification numbers, if any), and all
receipts and disbursements of cash; (b) ledgers or other records reflecting (i)
securities in transfer, (ii) securities in physical possession, (iii) securities
borrowed, loaned or collateralizing obligations of the Fund, (iv) monies
borrowed and monies loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor
and substitutions of such collateral), and (v) dividends and interest received;
and (c) cancelled checks and bank records relating thereto. The Custodian shall
keep such other books and records of the Fund as the Fund shall reasonably
request. All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall be
maintained in a form acceptable to the Fund and in compliance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC, including, but not limited to, books and records
required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations from time to time adopted thereunder. All books and records
maintained by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement shall at all times be the
property of the Fund and shall be available during normal business hours for
inspection and use by the Fund and its agents, including without limitation, its
independent certified public accountants. Notwithstanding the preceding
sentence, the Funds shall not take any actions or cause the Custodian to take
any actions which would knowingly cause, either directly or indirectly, the
Custodian to violate any applicable laws, regulations or orders. Notwithstanding
the provisions of this Section 2.25, in the event the Fund purchases cash,
securities and other Assets requiring the use of a Domestic Subcustodian or
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon and use
the books, records and accountings of the Domestic Subcustodian as its means of
accounting to the Fund for all cash, securities and other Assets deposited with
such entities; provided however, that such books, records and accountings on
which the Bank may rely must be maintained in the United States by such Domestic
Subcustodian and, provided further, that any agreement between the Custodian and
such Domestic Subcustodian must state that the Domestic Subcustodian agrees to
make any records available upon request and preserve, for the periods described
in Rule 31a-2 of the 1940 Act, the records required to be maintained by Rule
31a-1 of the 1940 Act. In no event shall the Custodian be entitled to rely upon
and use books, records and accountings which are maintained outside of the
United States.
Section 2.26. Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public
Accountants. The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as the Fund may
request to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's
independent certified public accountants with respect to the Custodian's
activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A
and the Fund's Form N-SAR or other periodic reports to the SEC and with respect
to any other requirements of the SEC.
Section 2.27. Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants. At
the request of the Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a written
report prepared by the Custodian's independent certified public accountants with
respect to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement,
including, without limitation, the Custodian's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding cash, securities and other
assets, including cash, securities and other assets deposited and/or maintained
in a Securities System or with a Subcustodian. Such report shall be of
sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably be required by the
Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the Custodian.
Section 2.28. Overdraft Facility. In the event that the Custodian is
directed by Proper Instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on
behalf of the Fund for which there would be, at the close of business on the
date of such payment or transfer, insufficient funds held by the Custodian on
behalf of the Fund, the Custodian may, in its sole discretion, provide an
overdraft (an "Overdraft") to the Fund in an amount sufficient to allow the
completion of such payment. Any Overdraft provided hereunder: (a) shall be
payable on the next business day, unless otherwise agreed by the Fund and the
Custodian; and (b) shall accrue interest from the date of the Overdraft to the
date of payment in full by the Fund at a rate agreed upon in writing, from time
to time, by the Custodian and the Fund. The purpose of such Overdrafts is to
temporarily finance extraordinary or emergency expenses not reasonably
foreseeable by the Fund. The Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in writing
("Overdraft Notice") of any Overdraft by facsimile transmission or in such other
manner as the Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing. The Custodian shall
have a right of set-off against all Assets (except for Assets held in a
segregated margin account or otherwise pledged in connection with options or
futures contracts held for the benefit of the Fund and for Assets allocated to
any other Overdraft or loan made hereunder); provided, however, the Custodian
shall promptly notify the Fund in writing of any intent to exercise a right of
set-off against Assets hereunder and shall not exercise any such right of
set-off against Assets hereunder unless and until the Fund has failed to pay
(within ten (10) days after the Fund's receipt of such notice of intent to
exercise a right of set-off), any Overdraft, together with all accrued interest
thereon. Notwithstanding the provisions of any applicable law, including,
without limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code, the only rights or remedies
which the Custodian is entitled to with respect to Overdrafts is the right of
set-off granted herein.
ARTICLE III
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
AND RELATED MATTERS
Section 3.01. Proper Instructions and Special Instructions.
(a) Proper Instructions. As used herein, the term "Proper Instructions"
shall mean: (i) a tested telex, a written (including, without limitation,
facsimile transmission) request, direction, instruction or certification signed
or initialed by or on behalf of the Fund by two or more Authorized Persons (as
hereinafter defined); (ii) a telephonic or other oral communication by one or
more Authorized Persons; or (iii) a communication effected directly between an
electro-mechanical or electronic device or system (including, without
limitation, computers) by or on behalf of the Fund by one or more Authorized
Persons; provided, however, that communications of the types described in
clauses (ii) and (iii) above purporting to be given by an Authorized Person
shall be considered Proper Instructions only if the Custodian reasonably
believes such communications to have been given by an Authorized Person with
respect to the transaction involved. Proper Instructions in the form of oral
communications shall be confirmed by the Fund by tested telex or in writing in
the manner set forth in clause (i) above, but the lack of such confirmation
shall in no way affect any action taken by the Custodian in reliance upon such
oral instructions prior to the Custodian's receipt of such confirmation. The
Fund and the Custodian are hereby authorized to record any and all telephonic or
other oral instructions communicated to the Custodian. Proper Instructions may
relate to specific transactions or to types or classes of transactions, and may
be in the form of standing instructions.
(b) Special Instructions. As used herein, the term "Special
Instructions" shall mean Proper Instructions countersigned or confirmed in
writing by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the Fund or any other
person designated by the Treasurer of the Fund in writing, which
countersignature or confirmation shall be (i) included on the same instrument
containing the Proper Instructions or on a separate instrument relating thereto,
and (ii) delivered by hand, by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as
the Fund and the Custodian agree in writing.
(c) Address for Proper Instructions and Special Instructions. Proper
Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian at the
address and/or telephone, telecopy or telex number agreed upon from time to time
by the Custodian and the Fund.
Section 3.02. Authorized Persons. Concurrently with the execution of
this Agreement and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian, duly certified as appropriate by a Treasurer or
Assistant Treasurer of the Fund, a certificate setting forth: (a) the names,
titles, signatures, and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give
Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction,
certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund (collectively, the "Authorized
Persons" and individually, an "Authorized Person"); and (b) the names, titles
and signatures of those persons authorized to issue Special Instructions. Such
certificate may be accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive
evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full
force and effect until delivery to the Custodian of a similar certificate to the
contrary. Upon delivery of a certificate which deletes or does not include the
name(s) of a person previously authorized to give Proper Instructions or to
issue Special Instructions, such persons shall no longer be considered an
Authorized Person or authorized to issue Special Instructions.
Section 3.03. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no
Authorized Person, Director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund shall have
physical access to the Assets of the Fund held by the Custodian nor shall the
Custodian deliver any Assets of the Fund to an account of such person; provided,
however, that nothing in this Section 3.03 shall prohibit (a) any Authorized
Person from giving Proper Instructions, or any person authorized to issue
Special Instructions from issuing Special Instructions, so long as such action
does not result in delivery of or access to Assets of the Fund prohibited by
this Section 3.03; or (b) the Fund's independent certified public accountants
from examining or reviewing the Assets of the Fund held by the Custodian. The
Fund will deliver from time to time a written certificate executed by two
Authorized Persons identifying such Authorized Persons, Directors, officers,
employees and agents of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent
that the person acting on behalf of the Custodian in making such delivery has
actual knowledge that any person is an Authorized Person, Director, officer,
employee or agent of the Fund, the Custodian will comply with this Section 3.03
as if the name of such Authorized Person, Director, officer, employee or agent
had been contained in a written certificate provided pursuant to this Section
3.03.
Section 3.04. Actions of Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and
Special Instructions. So long as and to the extent that the Custodian acts in
accordance with (a) Proper Instructions or Special Instructions, as the case may
be, and (b) the terms of this Agreement, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title, validity or genuineness of any property, or evidence of title
thereof, received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
SUBCUSTODIANS
From time to time, in accordance with the relevant provisions of this
Agreement, (i) the Custodian may appoint one or more Domestic Subcustodians and
Special Subcustodians (each, as hereinafter defined) to act on behalf of the
Fund; and (ii) any Domestic Subcustodian so appointed and which has been
designated as a Foreign Custody Manager (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5
of the 1940 Act) by the Custodian and approved by the Fund's board ("Approved
Foreign Custody Manager") may appoint a Foreign Sub-Subcustodian or Interim
Sub-Subcustodian (as each are hereinafter defined) in accordance with this
Article IV; provided that the Fund's board also has approved the agreement
between the Custodian and the Foreign Custody Manager specifying the Foreign
Custody Manager's duties ("Delegation Agreement"). For purposes of this
Agreement, all Domestic Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, Foreign
Sub-Subcustodians and Interim Sub-Subcustodians shall be referred to
collectively as "Subcustodians".
Section 4.01. Domestic Subcustodians. The Custodian may, at any time
and from time to time, appoint any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the
1940 Act or any trust company or other entity any of which meet requirements of
a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, to act as agent for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund as a
subcustodian for purposes of holding cash, securities and other Assets of the
Fund and performing other functions of the Custodian within the United States (a
"Domestic Subcustodian"); provided, that, the Custodian shall notify the Fund in
writing of the identity and qualifications of any proposed Domestic Subcustodian
at least sixty (60) days prior to the desired appointment of such Domestic
Subcustodian, and the Fund will notify the Custodian, in writing signed by two
or more Authorized Persons, of approval or disapproval of the appointment of the
proposed Domestic Subcustodian; and provided, further, that the Custodian may
not appoint any such Domestic Subcustodian without such prior written approval
of the Fund by such Authorized Persons. Each such duly approved Domestic
Subcustodian and the countries where, Foreign Sub-Subcustodians and the
securities depositories and clearing agencies through which they may hold
securities and other Assets of the Fund shall be as agreed upon by the parties
hereto in writing, from time to time, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 9.04 hereof (the "Subcustodian List").
Section 4.02. Foreign Sub-Subcustodians and Interim
Sub-Subcustodians.
(a) Foreign Sub-Subcustodians. Provided that the Custodian of a
Domestic Subcustodian is an Approved Foreign Custody Manager, the Custodian or
any such Domestic Subcustodian, as applicable, may appoint any (1)(a) "Qualified
Foreign Bank" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) meeting the requirements
of an "Eligible Foreign Custodian" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) or by
SEC order exempt therefrom; (b) majority-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of
a "U.S. bank" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) or bank holding company
meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian or exempt by SEC order
therefrom; or (c) any bank (as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the
1940 Act) meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (each a "Foreign
Sub-Subcustodian") or (2) any "Securities Depository" (as such term is defined
in Rule 17f-5) or clearing agency meeting the requirements of an Eligible
Foreign Custodian or exempt by SEC order therefrom ("Securities Depositories and
Clearing Agencies"), provided that the Foreign Custody Manager's appointments of
such Eligible Foreign Custodians shall at all times be governed by the
Delegation Agreement.
(b) Interim Sub-Subcustodians. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event that the Fund shall invest in a security or other Asset to be held in a
country in which the Foreign Custody Manager has not appointed an Eligible
Foreign Custodian, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the Domestic Subcustodian
to, promptly notify the Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such
other manner as the Fund and Custodian shall agree in writing of the
unavailability of an approved Foreign Sub-Subcustodian in such country; and upon
the receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the
Domestic Subcustodian to, appoint or approve any Person (as hereinafter defined)
designated by the Fund in such Special Instructions, to hold such security or
other Asset. (Any Person appointed or approved as a sub-subcustodian pursuant to
this Section 4.02(b) is hereinafter referred to as an "Interim
Sub-Subcustodian.")
Section 4.03. Special Subcustodians. Upon receipt of Special
Instructions, the Custodian shall, on behalf of the Fund, appoint one or more
banks, trust companies or other entities designated in such Special Instructions
to act as a subcustodian for the purpose of (i) effecting third-party repurchase
transactions with banks, brokers, dealers or other entities, (ii) providing
depository and clearing agency services with respect to certain variable rate
demand note securities; and (iii) effecting any other transactions designated by
the Fund in Special Instructions. (Each such designated subcustodian is
hereinafter referred to as a "Special Subcustodian.") Each such duly appointed
Special Subcustodian shall be listed on the Subcustodian List. In connection
with the appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian shall enter into
a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian in form and substance
approved by the Fund, provided that such agreement shall in all events comply
with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and
the terms and provisions of this Agreement. The Custodian shall not amend any
subcustodian agreement entered into with a Special Subcustodian, or agree to
change or permit any changes thereunder, or waive any rights under such
agreement, except upon prior approval pursuant to Special Instructions.
Section 4.04. Termination of a Subcustodian. The Custodian shall (i)
cause each Domestic Subcustodian to, and (ii) use its best efforts to cause each
Interim Sub-Subcustodian and Special Subcustodian to, perform all of its
obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the subcustodian
agreement between the Custodian and such Domestic Subcustodian and Special
Subcustodian or between the Domestic Subcustodian and a Foreign Sub-Subcustodian
or Interim Sub-Subcustodian. In the event that the Custodian is unable to cause
such subcustodian or sub-subcustodian to fully perform its obligations
thereunder, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in writing and
forthwith, upon the receipt of Special Instructions, terminate or cause the
termination of such Subcustodian or Sub-Subcustodian with respect to the Fund
and, if necessary or desirable, appoint or cause the appointment of a
replacement Subcustodian or Sub-Subcustodian in accordance with the provisions
of this Article IV. In addition to the foregoing, the Custodian (A) may, at any
time in its discretion, upon written notification to the Fund, terminate any
Domestic Subcustodian which is not an approved Foreign Custody Manager, and (B)
shall, upon receipt of Special Instructions, terminate any Special Subcustodian
or Domestic Subcustodian which is an Approved Foreign Custody Manager with
respect to the Fund, in accordance with the termination provisions under the
applicable subcustodian agreement, and (C) shall, upon receipt of Special
Instructions, cause the Domestic Subcustodian to terminate any Foreign
Sub-Subcustodian or Interim Sub-Subcustodian as to its use of such entities with
respect to the Fund, in accordance with the termination provisions under the
applicable sub-subcustodian agreement.
Section 4.05. Certification Regarding Foreign Sub-Subcustodians. Upon
request of the Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a certificate
stating: (i) the identity of each Foreign Sub-Subcustodian then acting on behalf
of the Custodian; (ii) the countries in which and the Securities Depositories
and Clearing Agents through which each such Foreign Sub-Subcustodian is then
holding cash, securities and other Assets of the Fund; and (iii) such other
information as may be requested by the Fund to ensure compliance with rules and
regulations under the 1940 Act.
ARTICLE V
STANDARD OF CARE: INDEMNIFICATION
Section 5.01. Standard of Care.
(a) General Standard of Care. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable
care and diligence in carrying out all of its duties and obligations under this
Agreement, and shall be liable to the Fund for all loss, damage and expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund resulting from the failure of the Custodian to
exercise such reasonable care and diligence.
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Etc. In no event shall the
Custodian incur liability hereunder if the Custodian or any Subcustodian or
Securities System, or any subcustodian, Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
utilized by any such Subcustodian, or any nominee of the Custodian or any
Subcustodian (individually, a "Person") is prevented, forbidden or delayed from
performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this Agreement provides
shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of: (i) any provision
of any present or future law or regulation or order of the United States of
America, or any state thereof, or of any foreign country, or political
subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction (and the Custodian
nor any other Person shall not be obligated to take any action contrary
thereto); or (ii) any act of God or war or other similar circumstance beyond the
control of the Custodian unless in each case, such delay or nonperformance is
caused by the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
(c) Mitigation by Custodian. Upon the occurrence of any event which
causes or may cause any loss, damage or expense to the Fund, (i) the Custodian
shall, (ii) the Custodian shall cause any applicable Domestic Subcustodian or
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian to, and (iii) the Custodian shall use its best efforts
to cause any applicable Interim Sub-Subcustodian or Special Subcustodian to, use
all commercially reasonable efforts and take all reasonable steps under the
circumstances to mitigate the effects of such event and to avoid continuing harm
to the Fund.
(d) Advice of Counsel. The Custodian shall be without liability for any
action reasonably taken or omitted in good faith pursuant to the written advise
of (i) counsel for the Fund, or (ii) at the expense of the Custodian, such other
counsel as the Fund and the Custodian may agree upon in writing; provided,
however, with respect to the performance of any action or omission of any action
upon such advice, the Custodian shall be required to conform to the standard of
care set forth in Section 5.01 (a).
(e) Expenses of the Fund. In addition to the liability of the Custodian
under this Article V, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for all
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with any claim
by the Fund against the Custodian arising from the obligations of the Custodian
hereunder including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses incurred by the Fund in asserting any such claim, and all expenses
incurred by the Fund in connection with any investigations, lawsuits or
proceedings relating to such claim; provided however, that the Fund has
recovered from the Custodian for such claim.
(f) Liability for Past Records. The Custodian shall have no liability
in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by the Fund, insofar as such
loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the Custodian in reliance
upon records that were maintained for the Fund by entities other than the
Custodian prior to the Custodian's employment hereunder which the Custodian has
no reason to believe are inaccurate or incomplete after reasonable inquiry.
Section 5.02. Liability of the Custodian for Actions of Other
Persons.
(a) Domestic Subcustodian and Foreign Sub-Subcustodian. The Custodian
shall be liable for the actions or omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian (excluding any Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
appointed by them) to the same extent as if such actions or omissions were
performed by the Custodian itself. In the event of any loss, damage or expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund caused by or resulting from the actions or
omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign Sub-Subcustodian for which the
Custodian would otherwise be liable, the Custodian shall promptly reimburse the
Fund in the amount of any such loss, damage or expense.
(b) Special Subcustodians, Interim Sub-Subcustodians, Security Systems,
Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies. The Custodian shall not be liable
to the Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Fund
resulting from the actions or omissions of a Special Subcustodian, Interim
Sub-Subcustodian, Securities System, Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided, however, in
the event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all
reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against such Special
Subcustodian, Interim Sub-Subcustodian, Security System, Securities Depository
or Clearing Agency to protect the interest of the Fund.
(c) Reimbursement of Expenses. The Fund agrees to reimburse the
Custodian for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Custodian in
connection with the fulfillment of its obligations under Section 5.01(c) as it
relates to Interim Sub-Subcustodians and Special Subcustodians and 5.02(b);
provided however, that such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned
by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.03. Indemnification by Fund.
(a) Indemnification Obligations of Fund. Subject to the limitations set
forth in this Agreement, the Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian and its nominees from all loss, damage and expense (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by the Custodian or its nominee
caused by or arising from actions taken by the Custodian, its employees or
agents in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement;
provided, however, that such indemnity shall not apply to loss, damage and
expense occasioned by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or
misconduct of the Custodian or its nominee. In addition, the Fund agrees to
indemnify any Person against liability incurred by reason of taxes assessed to
such Person resulting from the fact that securities and other property of the
Fund are registered in the name of such Person in accordance with the provisions
of this Agreement; provided, however, that in no event shall such
indemnification be applicable to income, franchise or similar taxes which may be
imposed or assessed against any Person. It is also understood that the Fund
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominee for any loss
arising from a foreign currency transaction or contract, where the loss results
from a Sovereign Risk (as hereinafter defined) or where any Person maintaining
securities, currencies, deposits or other Assets of the Fund in connection with
any such transactions has exercised reasonable care maintaining such property or
in connection with any such transaction involving such Assets. A "Sovereign
Risk" shall mean nationalization, expropriation, devaluation, revaluation,
confiscation, seizure, cancellation, destruction or similar action by any
governmental authority, de facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation,
imposition or enforcement by any such governmental authority of currency
restrictions, exchange controls, taxes, levies or other charges affecting the
Fund's property; or acts of war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution.
(b) Notice of Litigation. Right to Prosecute, Etc. The Fund shall not
be liable for indemnification under this Section 5.03 unless a Person shall have
promptly notified the Fund in writing of the commencement of any litigation or
proceeding brought against the Custodian or other Person in respect of which
indemnity may be sought under this Section 5.03. With respect to claims in such
litigation or proceedings for which indemnity by the Fund may be sought and
subject to applicable law and the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction,
the Fund shall be entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding
with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the
litigation for which the Fund may be subject to an indemnification obligation;
provided, however, a Person shall be entitled to participate in (but not
control) at its own cost and expense, the defense of any such litigation or
proceeding if the Fund has not acknowledged in writing it obligation to
indemnify the Person with respect to such litigation or proceeding. If the Fund
is not permitted to participate or control such litigation or proceeding under
applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction, or if the
Fund chooses not to so participate, the Custodian or other Person shall not
consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement in any such
litigation or proceeding without providing the Fund with adequate notice of any
such settlement or judgment, and without the Fund's prior written consent which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. All Persons shall submit
written evidence to the Fund with respect to any cost or expense for which they
are seeking indemnification in such form and detail as the Fund may reasonably
request.
Section 5.04. Investment Limitations. If the Custodian has otherwise
complied with the terms and conditions of this Agreement in performing its duty
generally, and more particularly in connection with the purchase, sale or
exchange of securities made by or for the Fund, the Custodian shall not be
liable to the Fund and the Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian and its
nominees, for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Custodian
and its nominees arising out of any violation of any investment or other
limitation to which the Fund is subject except for violations of which the
Custodian has actual knowledge. For purposes of this Section 5.04 the term
"actual knowledge" shall mean knowledge gained by the Custodian by means other
than from any prospectus published by the Fund or contained in any filing by the
Fund with the SEC.
Section 5.05. Fund's Right to Proceed. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, the Fund shall have, at its election upon reasonable
notice to the Custodian, the right to enforce, to the extent permitted by any
applicable agreement and applicable law, the Custodian's rights against any
Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person for loss, damage or expense
caused the Fund by such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person, which
the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage or expense, if
and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss,
expense or damage. If the Custodian makes the Fund whole for any such loss,
expense or damage, the Custodian shall retain the ability to enforce its rights
directly against such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person. Upon the
Fund's election to enforce any rights of the Custodian under this Section 5.05,
the Fund shall reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly
relating to the rights of the Custodian in respect of the loss, damage or
expense incurred by the Fund; provided that, so long as the Fund has
acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Custodian under Section
5.03 hereof with respect to such claim, the Fund shall retain the right to
settle, compromise and/or terminate any action or proceeding in respect of the
loss, damage or expense incurred by the Fund without the Custodian's consent and
provided further, that if the Fund has not made an acknowledgement of its
obligation to indemnify, the Fund shall not settle, compromise or terminate any
such action or proceeding without the written consent of the Custodian, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Custodian agrees to
cooperate with the Fund and take all actions reasonably requested by the Fund in
connection with the Fund's enforcement of any rights of the Custodian. Nothing
contained in this Section 5.05 shall be construed as an obligation of the Fund
to enforce the Custodian's rights. The Fund agrees to reimburse the Custodian
for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with the fulfillment of
its obligations under this Section 5.05; provided, however, that such
reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from the
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.06. Indemnification by Custodian.
(a) Indemnification Obligations of Custodian. Subject to the
limitations set forth in this Agreement and in addition to the reimbursement
obligations provided in Section 5.02(a), the Custodian agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Fund and its nominees from all loss, damage and expense
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by the Fund or its
nominee caused by or arising from the failure of the Custodian, its nominee,
employees or agents to comply with the terms or conditions of this Agreement or
arising out of the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or its
nominee.
(b) Notice of Litigation, Right to Prosecute, Etc. The Custodian shall
not be liable for indemnification under this Section 5.06 unless the Fund shall
have promptly notified the Custodian in writing of the commencement of any
litigation or proceeding brought against the Fund in respect of which indemnity
may be sought under this Section 5.06. With respect to claims in such litigation
or proceedings for which indemnity by the Custodian may be sought and subject to
applicable law and the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction, the
Custodian shall be entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding
with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the
litigation for which the Custodian may be subject to an indemnification
obligation; provided, however, the Fund shall be entitled to participate in (but
not control) at its own cost and expense, the defense of any such litigation or
proceeding if the Custodian has not acknowledged in writing its obligation to
indemnify the Fund with respect to such litigation or proceeding. If the
Custodian is not permitted to participate or control such litigation or
proceeding under applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent
jurisdiction, or if the Custodian chooses not to so participate, the Fund shall
not consent to the entry of any judgement or enter into any settlement in any
such litigation or proceeding without providing the Custodian with adequate
notice of any such settlement or judgement, and without the Custodian's prior
written consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The
Fund shall submit written evidence to the Custodian with respect to any cost or
expense for which it is seeking indemnification in such form and detail as the
Custodian may reasonably request.
Section 5.07. Custodian's Right to Proceed. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained herein, the Custodian shall have, at its election upon
reasonable notice to the Fund, the right to enforce, to the extent permitted by
any applicable agreement and applicable law, the Fund's rights against any
Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person for loss, damage or expense
caused the Custodian by such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person,
which the Fund may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage or expense, if
and to the extent that the Custodian has not been made whole for any such loss,
expense or damage. If the Fund makes the Custodian whole for any such loss,
expense or damage, the Fund shall retain the ability to enforce its rights
directly against such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person. Upon the
Custodian's election to enforce any rights of the Fund under this Section 5.07,
the Custodian shall reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly
relating to the rights of the Fund in respect of the loss, damage and expense
incurred by the Custodian; provided that, so long as the Custodian has
acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Fund under Section 5.06
hereof with respect to such claim, the Custodian shall retain the right to
settle, compromise and/or terminate any action or proceeding in respect of the
loss, damage or expense incurred by the Custodian without the Fund's consent and
provided further, that if the Custodian has not made an acknowledgement of its
obligation to indemnify, the Custodian shall not settle, compromise or terminate
any such action or proceeding without the written consent of the Fund, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Fund agrees to
cooperate with the Custodian and take all actions reasonably requested by the
Custodian in connection with the Custodian's enforcement of any rights of the
Fund. Nothing contained in this Section 5.07 shall be construed as an obligation
of the Custodian to enforce the Fund's rights. The Custodian agrees to reimburse
the Fund for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with the
fulfillment of its obligations under this Section 5.07; provided, however, that
such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from
the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Fund.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION
For the initial three year period beginning on the effective date of
this Agreement, the Fund shall compensate the Custodian in the amount and at the
times specified in Appendix "B" attached hereto. Thereafter, the Fund shall
compensate the Custodian in the amount, and at times, as may be agreed upon in
writing, from time to time, by the Custodian and the Fund.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first
to occur of: (a) termination by the Custodian by an instrument in writing
delivered or mailed (certified mail, return receipt requested) to the Fund, such
termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days after the date of
such delivery or receipt; (b) termination by the Fund by an instrument in
writing delivered or mailed (certified mail, return receipt requested) to the
Custodian, such termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days
after the date of such delivery or receipt; or (c) termination by the Fund by an
instrument in writing delivered to the Custodian, based upon the Fund's
determination that there is reasonable basis to conclude that the Custodian is
insolvent or that the financial condition of the Custodian is deteriorating in
any material respect, in which case termination shall take effect upon the
Custodian's receipt of such notice or at such later time as the Fund shall
designate. In the event of termination pursuant to this Article VII, the Fund
shall make payment of all accrued fees and unreimbursed expenses within a
reasonable time following termination and delivery of a statement to the Fund
setting forth such fees and expenses. The Fund shall identify in any notice of
termination a successor custodian to which the cash, securities and other Assets
of the Fund shall, upon termination of this Agreement, be delivered. In the
event that securities and other Assets remain in the possession of the Custodian
after the date of termination hereof owing to failure of the Fund to appoint a
successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its
services in accordance with the fee schedule most recently in effect, for such
period as the Custodian retains possession of such securities and other Assets,
and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of
the Custodian and the Fund shall remain in full force and effect for such
period. In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, the cash,
securities and other Assets owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian, any
Subcustodian or nominee shall be delivered, at the terminating party's expense,
to the successor custodian; and the Custodian agrees to cooperate with the Fund
in the execution of documents and performance of other actions necessary or
desirable in order to substitute the successor custodian for the Custodian under
this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
DEFINED TERMS
The following terms are defined in the following sections:
Term Section
- ---- -------
Account 2.22(A)
ADRs 2.06
Approved Foreign Custody Manager Article IV
Assets Article I
Authorized Person 3.02
Banking Institution 2.12
Bank Accounts 2.21
Clearing Agency 4.02(a)
Delegation Agreement Article IV
Distribution Account 2.16
Domestic Subcustodian 4.01
Eligible Foreign Custodian 4.02(a)
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian 4.02(a)
Institutional Client 2.03
Interest Bearing Deposit 2.12
Interim Sub-Subcustodian 4.02(b)
OCC 2.09
Overdraft 2.28
Overdraft Notice 2.28
Person 5.01(b)
Procedural Agreement 2.10
Proper Instruction 3.01(a)
SEC 2.22
Securities Depositories 4.02(a)
Securities System 2.22
Shares 2.16
Sovereign Risk 5.03(a)
Special Instruction 3.01(b)
Special Subcustodian 4.03
Subcustodian Article IV
1940 Act Preamble
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.01. Execution of Documents, Etc.
(a) Actions by the Fund. Upon request, the Fund shall execute and
deliver to the Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments
as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection with the
performance by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of their respective obligations
under this Agreement or any applicable subcustodian agreement, provided that the
exercise by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of any such rights shall in all
events be in compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Actions by Custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall execute and deliver to the Fund or to such other parties as the
Fund may designate in such Proper Instructions, all such documents, instruments
or agreements as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in order to
effectuate any of the transactions contemplated hereby and designated therein.
Section 9.02. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Representations and Warranties of the Fund. The Fund hereby
represents and warrants that each of the following shall be true, correct and
complete as of the date of execution of this Agreement and, unless notice to the
contrary is provided by the Fund to the Custodian, at all times during the term
of this Agreement: (i) the Fund is duly organized under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization and is registered as an open-end management
investment company under the 1940 Act or is a series of portfolio of such
entity; and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of this
Agreement are (w) within its power, (x) have been duly authorized by all
necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a breach of or
default under or conflict with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of
any governmental or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision
of the Fund's corporate charter or other organizational document, or bylaws, or
any amendment thereof or any provision of its most recent Prospectus or
Statement of Additional Information.
(b) Representations and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian
hereby represents and warrants that each of the following shall be true, correct
and complete as of the date of execution of this Agreement and, unless notice to
the contrary is provided by the Custodian to the Fund, at all times during the
term of this Agreement: (i) the Custodian is duly organized under the laws of
its jurisdiction of organization and qualifies to serve as a custodian to
open-end management investment companies under the provisions of the 1940 Act;
and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Custodian of this
Agreement are (w) within its power (x) have been duly authorized by all
necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a breach of or
default under or conflict with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of
any governmental or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision
of the Custodian's corporate charter, or other organizational document, or
bylaws, or any amendment thereof. The Custodian acknowledges receipt of a copy
of the Fund's most recent Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Section 9.03. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof and accordingly, supersedes as of the effective date of this
Agreement any custodian agreement heretofore in effect between the Fund and the
Custodian.
Section 9.04. Waivers and Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement
may be waived, amended or deleted except by a statement in writing signed by the
party against which enforcement of such waiver, amendment or deletion is sought.
Section 9.05. Interpretation. In connection with the operation of this
Agreement, the Custodian and the Fund may agree in writing from time to time on
such provisions interpretative of or in addition to the provisions of this
Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of
this Agreement. No interpretative or additional provisions made as provided in
the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.
Section 9.06. Captions. Headings contained in this Agreement, which are
included as convenient references only, shall have no bearing upon the
interpretation of the terms of the Agreement or the obligations of the parties
hereto.
Section 9.07. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, in each case
without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
Section 9.08. Notices. Except in the case of Proper Instructions or
Special Instructions, and as otherwise provided in this Agreement, notices and
other writings contemplated by this Agreement shall be delivered by hand or by
facsimile transmission or as otherwise agreed to by the Fund and the Custodian
in writing (provided that in the case of delivery by facsimile transmission,
notice shall also be mailed postage prepaid) to the parties at the following
addresses:
(a) If to the Fund:
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
6300 Lamar Avenue
Overland Park, Kansas 66202
Attn: Fund Treasurer
Telephone: 913-236-2000
Telefax: 913-236-1595
(b) If to the Custodian:
UMB Bank, n.a.
928 Grand Avenue, 10th Floor
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Attn: Securities Administration
Telephone: 816-860-7764
Telefax: 816-860-4869
or such other address as either party may have designated in writing to the
other party hereto.
Section 9.09. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding on and shall
inure to the benefit of the Fund and the Custodian and their respective
successors and assigns, provided that, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01
hereof, neither party hereto may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or
obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party.
Section 9.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. This
Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed
and delivered by each of the parties.
Section 9.11. Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations. The parties
hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions of
this Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other regarding
its business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party
hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of
rendering services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in
carrying out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party without
the prior consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be applicable
to any information that is publicly available when provided or thereafter
becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement, or
that is required to be disclosed by any bank examiner of the Custodian or any
Subcustodians, any auditor or examiner of the parties hereto, by judicial or
administrative process or otherwise by applicable law or regulation. The
provisions of this Section 9.11 and Section 9.01, 9.07, Section 2.28, Section
3.04, Section 4.05, Section 7.01, Article V and Article VI hereof and any other
rights or obligations incurred or accrued by any party hereto prior to
termination of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC. UMB BANK, n.a.
By: _______________________ By: ______________________________
Name: Helge K. Lee Name: Ralph Santoro
Title: Vice President Title: Senior Vice President
<PAGE>
APPENDIX "B"
TO
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
AND
UMB BANK, N.A.
Dated as of __________, 1999
The Fund shall be responsible for providing the Custodian the net asset
levels the Custodian requires to calculate the net asset portion of the
Custodian's fees. Such determinations shall be based upon the average monthly
assets of each Fund and shall specify the level of domestic assets and foreign
assets by country, as appropriate. Domestic assets shall include all assets held
in the United States including but not limited to American Depositary Receipts.
Foreign assets shall include all assets held outside the United States including
but not limited to securities which clear through Euroclear or CEDEL. The
Custodian will provide as soon as practicable after receiving the information
provided by the Fund with respect to the net asset level numbers, a bill for the
Fund, including such reasonable detail in support of each bill as may be
reasonably requested by the Fund. As used in this Appendix "B", "United Funds"
shall mean all funds in the United Group of Funds, Target/United Funds, Inc. and
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc.
DOMESTIC CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
A. Annual Fee (combining all domestic assets):
An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each month of
the Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the bill issued to each Fund
based upon its portion of domestic assets), at the annual rate of:
.00005 for the first $5,000,000,000 of the net assets of all the United
Funds, plus .00004 for any net assets exceeding $5,000,000,000 of the
assets of all the United Funds.
B. Portfolio Transaction Fees (billed to each Fund):
(a) For each portfolio transaction* processed through
a Depository (DTC, PTC or Fed) $ 7.00
(b) For each portfolio transaction* processed through
the New York office (physical settlement) $20.00
(c) For each futures/option contract written $25.00
(d) For each principal/interest paydown $ 6.00
(e) For each interfund note transaction $ 5.00
* A portfolio transaction includes a receive, delivery, maturity, free
security movement and corporate action.
C. Earnings Credits:
Positive earnings credits will be applied on all collected custody and
cash management balances of each Fund at the Custodian to earn the
Custodian's daily repurchase agreement rate less reserve requirements
and FDIC premiums. Negative earnings credits will be charged on all
uncollected custody and cash management balances of each Fund at the
Custodian's prime rate less 150 basis points on each day a negative
balance occurs. Positive and/or negative earnings credits will be
monitored daily for each Fund and the net positive or negative amount
for each Fund will be included in the monthly statements. Excess
positive credits for each Fund will be carried forward indefinitely.
D. Out-of-Pocket Expenses (passed directly from Special Subcustodians):
Includes all charges by any Special Subcustodian to the Custodian as
Custodian for any Assets held at the Special Subcustodian.
GLOBAL CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
A. Global Fee Schedule:
Market: Annual Asset Fees Transaction Fees
Argentina .0037 $85
Australia .0009 $85
Austria .0011 $70
Belgium .0011 $60
Brazil .0035 $60
Canada .0008 $35
Chile .0045 $85
China .0045 $75
Czech Republic .0055 $135
Denmark .0011 $60
Finland .0011 $85
France .0011 $85
Germany .0008 $60
Hong Kong .0009 $85
Hungary .0065 $210
India .0055 $135
Indonesia .0009 $85
Ireland .0011 $60
Israel .0035 $160
Italy .0011 $70
Japan .0008 $40
Korea .0035 $60
Malaysia .0009 $85
Mexico .0016 $60
Netherlands .0011 $35
New Zealand .0009 $85
Norway .0011 $85
Peru .0070 $160
Phillippines .0035 $95
Poland .0060 $110
Portugal .0035 $145
Singapore .0009 $85
Spain .0009 $85
Sweden .0011 $70
Switzerland .0009 $85
Taiwan .0035 $85
Thailand .0009 $85
Turkey .0045 $110
U.K. .0011 $60
Note: Fee Schedule eliminates sub-custodian asset and transaction-based
out-of-pocket expenses. Other sub-custodian out-of-pocket expenses
(i.e. Scrip fees, stamp duties, certificate fees, etc.)
B. Out-of-Pocket Expenses (passed directly from Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co.):
Includes, but is not limited to telex, legal, telephones, postage, and
direct expenses including but not limited to tax reclaim, customized
systems programming, certificate fees, duties, and registration fees.
C. Short-term Dollar Denominated Global Assets
Eurodollar CDs, Time Deposits:
(1) An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each
month of the Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the bill
issued to the Fund based upon its portion of short-term dollar
denominated assets), at the annual rate of:
.0004 on all short-term dollar denominated assets of the
United Funds.
(2) Portfolio Transaction Fees:
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Trades with Members $136.00
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Trades with Non-members $153.00
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Income Collection $ 64.00
D. Euroclear Eligible Issues:
(1) An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each
month of the Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the bill
issued to the Fund based upon its portion of Euroclear
issues), at the annual rate of:
2.5 basis points on all United Funds Euroclear assets held in
account at UMB Bank, n.a.
(2) Portfolio Transaction Fees:
Euroclear $60.00
<PAGE>
SUBCUSTODIAN LIST
PURSUANT TO CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
AND
UMB BANK, n.a.
Dated as of ______________, 1999
This Subcustodian List relates to the Custodian Agreements between UMB
Bank, n.a. and each of the following funds dated the date specified by the
fund's name, as subsequently amended and restated:
Fund Date
---- ----
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc. February 22, 1995
United Cash Management, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Continental Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Government Securities Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United High Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United High Income Fund II, Inc. November 26, 1991
United International Growth Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United New Concepts Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Retirement Shares, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Vanguard Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Funds, Inc.
United Bond Fund November 26, 1991
United Income Fund November 26, 1991
United Accumulative Fund November 26, 1991
United Science and Technology Fund November 26, 1991
Target/United Funds, Inc.*
High Income Portfolio November 26, 1991
Money Market Portfolio November 26, 1991
Bond Portfolio November 26, 1991
Income Portfolio November 26, 1991
Growth Portfolio November 26, 1991
Balanced Portfolio April 29, 1994
International Portfolio April 29, 1994
Limited-Term Bond Portfolio April 29, 1994
Small Cap Portfolio April 29, 1994
Small Cap Portfolio May 1, 1995
Science and Technology Portfolio April 4, 1997
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc.
Total Return Fund April 24, 1992
Municipal Bond Fund April 24, 1992
Limited-Term Bond Fund April 24, 1992
International Growth Fund April 24, 1992
Growth Fund April 24, 1992
Small Cap Fund April 20, 1995
High Income Fund July 31, 1997
Science and Technology Fund July 31, 1997
United Small Cap Fund, Inc. _____________
*Formerly, TMK/United Funds, Inc.
The following is a list of Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodian and
Special Subcustodians under the Custodian Agreement as amended:
<PAGE>
A. Domestic Custodians:
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
United Missouri Trust Company of New York
B. Foreign Sub-Custodians
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Country Sub-Custodian Depository
<S> <C> <C>
Argentina Citibank, n.a. CDV; CRYL
Australia National Australia Bank Ltd. AUSTRACLEAR, RITs
Austria Creditanstalt Bankverein KONTROLLBANK (OEKB)
Belgium Banque Bruxelles Lambert CIK, BNB
Brazil First National Bank of Boston, BOVESPA, CLC
Brazil
Canada Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CDS; The Bank of Canada
Chile Citibank, n.a. None
China Standard Chartered Bank SSCCRC; SSCC
Czech Republic Ceskoslovenska Obchodni CNB; SCP
Banka A.S.
Denmark Den Danske Bank VP
Finland Merita Securities Association; Finnish
Central
Securities Depository Ltd.
France Banque Indosuez SICOVAM; Banque de France
Germany Deutsche Bank KASSENVEREIN
Hungary Citibank, N.A. KELER Ltd.
Hong Kong HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. HongKong Securities Clearing Company
India Citibank, N.A., Mumbai National Securities Depository
Limited
Indonesia Citibank, n.a. None
Ireland Allied Irish Banks PLC Gilt Settlement Office
Israel Bank Hapoalim B.M. TASE Clearinghouse Ltd.
Italy Banca Commerciale Italiana MONTE TITOLI, Banca D'Italia
Japan The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd. JASDEC, Bank of Japan
Korea Citibank, n.a. Korean Securities Depository
Corporation (KSD)
Malaysia Hong Kong Bank Malaysia Berhad MCD; Bank Negara Malaysia
Mexico Citibank Mexico, s.a. INDEVAL; Banco De Mexico
Netherlands ABN - Amro Bank NECIGER; De Nederlandsche Bank
Norway Christiana Bank VPS
Peru Citibank, n.a. Caja De Valores (CAVAL)
Philippines Citibank, n.a. Phillipines Central Depository, Inc.
Poland Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A. NPB
Portugal Banco Espirito Santo E Comercial Interbolsa
De Lisboa
Singapore HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. CDP
Spain Banco Santander SCLV; Banco De Espana
Sweden Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken VPC
Switzerland Union Bank of Switzerland SEGA
Taiwan Standard Chartered Bank, Taipei TSCD
Thailand HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. Share Depository Center (SDC)
Turkey Citibank, n.a. TvS, Central Bank of Turkey
United Kingdom Midland Securities PLC CMO; CGO; CrestCo
</TABLE>
C. Special Subcustodians:
Wilmington Trust Co.
The Bank of New York, n.a.
Euroclear
EX-99.B(h)-scssa
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made as of the __th day of ________, 1999, by and
between UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC. (the "Company"), and Waddell & Reed Services
Company (the "Agent"),
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, The Company wishes, as applicable, to appoint the Agent or to
continue the appointment of the Agent to be its shareholder servicing agent
upon, and subject to, the terms and provisions of this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in
this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Agent as Shareholder Servicing Agent for the
Company; Acceptance.
(1) The Company hereby appoints the Agent to act as
Shareholder Servicing Agent for the Company upon, and subject to, the terms and
provisions of this Agreement.
(2) The Agent hereby accepts the appointment as Shareholder
Servicing Agent for the Company and agrees to act as such upon, and subject to,
the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
(3) The Agent may appoint an entity or entities approved by
the Company in writing to perform any portion of Agent's duties hereunder (the
"Subagent").
2. Definitions.
(1) In this Agreement -
(a) The term the "Act" means the Investment Company
Act of 1940 as amended from time to time;
(b) The term "account" means the shares of the
Company registered on the books of the Company in the name of a shareholder
under a particular account registration number and includes shares subject to
instructions by the shareholder with respect to periodic redemptions and/or
reinvestment in additional shares of any dividends payable on said shares;
(c) The term "affiliate" of a person shall mean a
person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with that person;
(d) The term "Class" shall mean each separate
sub-class of a class of shares of the Company, as may now or in the future
exist;
(e) The term "Fund" shall mean each separate class of
shares of the Company, as may now or in the future exist;
(f) The term "officers' instruction" means an
instruction given on behalf of the Company to the Agent and signed on behalf of
the Company by any one or more persons authorized to do so by the Company's
Board of Directors;
(g) The term "prospectus" means the prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information of the applicable Fund or Class from time to
time in effect;
(h) The term "shares" means shares including
fractional shares of capital stock of the Company, whether or not such shares
are evidenced by an outstanding stock certificate issued by the Company;
(i) The term "shareholder" shall mean the owner of
record of shares of the Company;
(j) The term "stock certificate" means a certificate
representing shares in the form then currently in use by the Company.
3. Duties of the Agent.
The Agent shall perform such duties as shall be set forth in
this paragraph 3 and in accordance with the practice stated in Exhibit A of this
Agreement or any amendment thereof, any or all of which duties may be delegated
to or performed by one or more Subagents pursuant to Paragraph (3) above.
(1) Transfers.
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement the Agent
hereby agrees to perform the following functions as transfer agent for the
Company:
(a) Recording the ownership, transfer, exchange and
cancellation of ownership of shares of the Company on the books of the Company;
(b) Causing the issuance, transfer, exchange and
cancellation of stock certificates;
(c) Establishing and maintaining records of accounts;
(d) Computing and causing to be prepared and mailed
or otherwise delivered to shareholders payment checks and notices of
reinvestment in additional shares of dividends, stock dividends or stock splits
declared by the Company on shares and of redemption proceeds due by the Company
on redemption of shares;
(e) Furnishing to shareholders such information as
may be reasonably required by the Company, including appropriate income tax
information;
(f) Addressing and mailing to shareholders
prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports and proxy materials for shareholder
meetings prepared by or on behalf of the Company;
(g) Replacing allegedly lost, stolen or destroyed
stock certificates in accordance with and subject to procedures and conditions
agreed upon and set out in officers' instructions;
(h) Maintaining such books and records relating to
transactions effected by the Agent pursuant to this Agreement as are required by
the Act, or by rules or regulations thereunder, or by any other applicable
provisions of law, to be maintained by the Company or its transfer agent with
respect to such transactions; preserving, or causing to be preserved, any such
books and records for such periods as may be required by any such law, rule or
regulation; furnishing the Company such information as to such transactions and
at such time as may be reasonably required by it to comply with applicable laws
and regulations;
(i) Providing such services and carrying out such
responsibilities on behalf of the Company, or imposed on the Agent as the
Company's transfer agent, not otherwise expressly provided for in this Paragraph
3, as may be required by or be reasonably necessary to comply with any statute,
act, governmental rule, regulation or directive or court order, including,
without limitation, the requirements imposed by the Tax Equity and Fiscal
Responsibility Act of 1982 and the Income and Dividend Tax Compliance Act of
1983 relating to the withholding of tax from distributions to shareholders.
(2) Correspondence.
The Agent agrees to deal with and answer all
correspondence from or on behalf of shareholders relating to its functions under
this Agreement.
4. Compensation of the Agent.
The Company agrees to pay the Agent for its services under
this Agreement in accordance with the schedule as then in effect set forth in
Exhibit B of this Agreement or any amendment thereof. In addition, the Company
agrees to reimburse the Agent for the following "out-of-pocket" expenses of the
Agent within five days after receipt of an itemized statement of such expenses,
to the extent that payment of such expenses has not been or is not to be made
directly by the Company: (i) costs of stationery, appropriate forms, envelopes,
checks, postage, printing (except cost of printing prospectuses, annual and
semi-annual reports and proxy materials) and mailing charges, including returned
mail and proxies, incurred by the Agent with respect to materials and
communications sent to shareholders in carrying out its duties to the Company
under this Agreement; (ii) long distance telephone costs incurred by the Agent
for telephone communications and microfilm and storage costs for transfer agency
records and documents; (iii) costs of all ancillary and supporting services and
related expenses (other than insurance premiums) reasonably required by and
provided to the Agent, other than by its employees or employees of an affiliate,
with respect to functions of the Company being performed by it in its capacity
as Agent hereunder, including legal advice and representation in litigation to
the extent that such payments are permitted under Paragraph 7 of this Agreement
and charges to Agent made by any Subagent; (iv) costs for special reports or
information furnished on request pursuant to this Agreement and not specifically
required by the Agent by Paragraph 3 of this Agreement; and (v) reasonable costs
and expenses incurred by the Agent in connection with the duties of the Agent
described in Paragraph (3)(1)(i). In addition, the Company agrees to promptly
pay over to the Agent any fees or payment of charges it may receive from a
shareholder for services furnished to the shareholder by the Agent.
Services and operations incident to the sale and distribution
of the Company's shares, including sales communications, confirmations of
investments (not including reinvestment of dividends) and the clearing or
collection of payments will not be for the account or at the expense of the
Company under this Agreement.
5. Right of Company to Inspect Records, etc.
The Company will have the right under this Agreement to
perform on site inspection of records and accounts and to perform audits
directly pertaining to the Company shareholder accounts serviced by the Agent
hereunder at the Agent's or any Subagent's facilities in accordance with
reasonable procedures at the frequency necessary to assure proper administration
of the Agreement. The Agent will cooperate with the Company's auditors or
representatives of appropriate regulatory agencies and furnish all reasonably
requested records and data.
6. Insurance.
The Agent now has the insurance coverage described in Exhibit
C, attached hereto, and the Agent will not take any action to eliminate or
decrease such coverage during the term of this Agreement without receiving the
approval of the Fund in advance of any change, except the Agent, after giving
reasonable notice to the Company, may eliminate or decrease any coverage if the
premiums for such coverage are substantially increased.
7. Standard of Care; Indemnification.
The Agent will at all times exercise due diligence and good
faith in performing its duties hereunder. The Agent will make every reasonable
effort and take all reasonably available measures to assure the adequacy of its
personnel and facilities as well as the accurate performance of all services to
be performed by it hereunder within, at a minimum, the time requirements of any
applicable statutes, rules or regulations or as set forth in the prospectus.
The Agent shall not be responsible for, and the Company agrees
to indemnify the Agent for any losses, damages or expenses (including reasonable
counsel fees and expenses) (i) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit
not resulting from the Agent's failure to exercise good faith or due diligence
and arising out of or in connection with the Agent's duties on behalf of the
Company hereunder; (ii) for any delay, error or omission by reason of
circumstances beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority,
national emergencies, labor difficulties (except with respect to the Agent's
employees), fire, mechanical breakdown beyond its control, flood or catastrophe,
acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of
transportation, communication or power supply; or (iii) for any action taken or
omitted to be taken by the Agent in good faith in reliance on (a) the
authenticity of any instrument or communication reasonably believed by it to be
genuine and to have been properly made and signed or endorsed by an appropriate
person, (b) the accuracy of any records or information provided to it by the
Company, (c) any authorization or instruction contained in any officers'
instruction, or (d) with respect to the functions performed for the Company
listed under Paragraph 3(1) of this Agreement, any advice of counsel approved by
the Company who may be internally employed counsel or outside counsel, in either
case for the Company and/or the Agent.
In order for the rights to indemnification to apply, it is
understood that if in any case the Company may be asked to indemnify or hold the
Agent harmless, the Company shall be advised of all pertinent facts concerning
the situation in question, and it is further understood that the Agent will use
reasonable care to identify and notify the Company promptly concerning any
situation which presents or appears likely to present a claim for
indemnification against the Company. The Company shall have the option to defend
the Agent against any claim which may be the subject of this indemnification
and, in the event that the Company so elects, it will so notify the Agent and
thereupon the Company shall take over complete defense of the claim and the
Agent shall sustain no further legal or other expenses in such situation for
which the Agent shall seek indemnification under this paragraph. The Agent will
in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the
Company will be asked to indemnify the Agent except with the Company's prior
written consent.
8. Term of the Agreement; Taking Effect; Amendments.
This Agreement shall become effective at the start of business
on the date hereof and shall continue, unless terminated as hereinafter
provided, for a period of one year and from year to year thereafter, provided
that such continuance shall be specifically approved as provided below.
This Agreement shall go into effect, or may be continued, or
may be amended or a new agreement between the Company and the Agent covering the
substance of this Agreement may be entered into only if the terms of this
Agreement, such continuance, the terms of such amendment or the terms of such
new agreement have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company,
including the vote of a majority of the directors who are not "interested
persons," as defined in the Act, of either party to this Agreement or of Waddell
& Reed Investment Management Company, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. Such a vote is hereinafter referred to as a
"disinterested director vote."
Any disinterested director vote shall include a determination
that: (i) the Agreement, amendment, new agreement or continuance in question is
in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders; (ii) the services to
be performed under the Agreement, the Agreement as amended, new agreement or
agreement to be continued, are services required for the operation of the
Company; (iii) the Agent can provide services the nature and quality of which
are at least equal to those provided by others offering the same or similar
services; and (iv) the fees for such services are fair and reasonable in the
light of the usual and customary charges made by others for services of the same
nature and quality.
9. Termination.
(1) This Agreement may be terminated by the Agent at any time
without penalty upon giving the Company 120 days' written notice (which notice
may be waived by the Company) and may be terminated by the Company at any time
without penalty upon giving the Agent sixty (60) days' written notice (which
notice may be waived by the Agent), provided that such termination by the
Company shall be directed or approved by the vote of a majority of the Board of
Directors of the Company in office at the time or by the vote of the holders of
a majority (as defined in or under the Act) of the outstanding voting securities
of the Company.
(2) On termination, the Agent will deliver to the Company or
its designee all files, documents and records of the Company used, kept or
maintained by the Agent in the performance of its services hereunder, including
such of the Company's records in machine readable form as may be maintained by
the Agent, as well as such summary and/or control data relating thereto used by
or available to the Agent.
(3) In the event of any termination which involves the
appointment of a new shareholder servicing agent, including the Company's acting
as such on its own behalf, the Company shall have the non-exclusive right to the
use of the data processing programs used by the Agent in connection with the
performance of its duties under this Agreement without charge.
(4) In addition, on such termination or in preparation
therefore, at the request of the Company and at the Company's expense the Agent
shall provide to the extent that its capabilities then permit such
documentation, personnel and equipment as may be reasonably necessary in order
for a new agent or the Company to fully assume and commence to perform the
agency functions described in this Agreement with a minimum disruption to the
Company's activities.
10. Construction; Governing Law.
The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only
and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof. Whenever the context
requires, words denoting singular shall be read to include the plural. This
Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall be
construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Kansas,
except to the extent that the laws of the State of Maryland apply with respect
to share transactions.
11. Representations and Warranties of Agent.
Agent represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly
organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Missouri, that it is duly qualified to carry on its business in the State of
Kansas and wherever its duties require, that it has the power and authority
under laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to enter into this
Shareholder Servicing Agreement and to perform the services contemplated by this
Agreement.
12. Entire Agreement.
This Agreement and the Exhibits annexed hereto constitutes the
entire and complete agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject
matter hereof, supersedes and merges all prior discussions between the parties
hereto, and may not be modified or amended orally.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereto caused this
Agreement to be duly executed on the day and year first above written.
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
By:_________________________________
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
ATTEST:
By:____________________________
Kristen A. Richards, Assistant Secretary
WADDELL & REED SERVICES COMPANY
By:________________________________
Robert L. Hechler, President
ATTEST:
By:___________________________
Helge K. Lee, Secretary
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
A. DUTIES IN SHARE TRANSFERS AND REGISTRATION
1. The Agent in carrying out its duties shall follow general commercial
practices and the Rules of the Stock Transfer Association, Inc. except as they
may conflict or be inconsistent with the specific provisions of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, prospectus, applicable Federal and state
laws and regulations and this Agreement.
2. The Agent shall not require that the signature of the appropriate
person be guaranteed, witnessed or verified in order to effect a redemption,
transfer, exchange or change of address except as may from time to time be
directed by the Company as set forth in an officers' instruction. In the event a
signature guarantee is required by the Company, the Agent shall not inquire as
to the genuineness of the guarantee.
3. The Agent shall not replace a lost, stolen or misplaced stock
certificate without requiring and being furnished with an open penalty surety
bond protecting the Company and the Agent against loss.
B. The practices, procedures and requirements specified in A above may be
modified, altered, varied or supplemented as from time to time may be mutually
agreed upon by the Company and the Agent and evidenced on behalf of the Company
by an officers' instruction. Any such change shall not be deemed to be an
amendment to the Agreement within the meaning of Paragraph 8 of the Agreement.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
COMPENSATION
Class A Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month of $1.3125 for each account of
the Company which was in existence during any portion of the immediately
preceding month and, in addition, to pay to the Agent the sum of $0.30 for each
account for which, during such month, a record date was established for payment
of a dividend, in cash or otherwise (which term includes a distribution),
irrespective of whether such dividend was payable in that month or later or was
payable directly or was to be reinvested.
Class B Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month of $1.3125 for each account of
the Company which was in existence during any portion of the immediately
preceding month and, in addition, to pay to the Agent the sum of $0.30 for each
account for which, during such month, a record date was established for payment
of a dividend, in cash or otherwise (which term includes a distribution),
irrespective of whether such dividend was payable in that month or later or was
payable directly or was to be reinvested.
Class C Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month of $1.3125 for each account of
the Company which was in existence during any portion of the immediately
preceding month and, in addition, to pay to the Agent the sum of $0.30 for each
account for which, during such month, a record date was established for payment
of a dividend, in cash or otherwise (which term includes a distribution),
irrespective of whether such dividend was payable in that month or later or was
payable directly or was to be reinvested.
Class Y Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month equal to 1/12 of .15 of 1% of
the average daily net assets of the Class for the preceding month.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
Name of Bond Bond or
Insurer Policy No.
Investment Company 87015198B
ICI Mutual Insurance Company
Blanket Bond Form
Fidelity $20,400,000
Audit Expense 50,000
On Premises 20,400,000
In Transit 20,400,000
Forgery or Alteration 20,400,000
Securities 20,400,000
Counterfeit Currency 20,400,000
Uncollectible Items of
Deposit 25,000
Phone-Initiated Transactions 500,000
Total Limit 20,400,000
ICI Mutual Insurance Company
Directors and Officers/ 87015198D
Errors and Omissions Liability
Insurance Form
Total Limit $ 5,000,000
Blanket Lost Instrument Bond (Mail Loss) 30S100639551
Aetna Life & casualty
Blanket Undertaking Lost Instrument
Waiver of Probate 42SUN339806
Hartford Casualty Insurance
EX-99.B(h)-scasa
ACCOUNTING SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made as of the __th day of _________, 1999, by and
between United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), a Maryland corporation and
Waddell & Reed Services Company ("Agent"), a Missouri corporation,
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to appoint the Agent to be its Accounting
Services Agent upon and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in
this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
A. Appointment of the Agent as Accounting Services Agent for the
Fund; Acceptance.
(1) The Fund hereby appoints the Agent to act as Accounting
Services Agent for the Fund upon and subject to the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
(2) Agent hereby accepts the appointment as Accounting
Services Agent for the Fund and agrees to act as such upon and subject to the
terms and provisions of this Agreement.
B. Duties of the Agent.
The Agent shall perform such duties as set forth in this
Paragraph B as agent for and on behalf of the Fund.
(1) Agent shall provide bookkeeping and accounting services
and assistance by providing to the Fund the necessary personnel and facilities
to maintain the Fund's portfolio records and general accounting records, to
price daily the value of shares of the Fund, and with the assistance and advice
of the Fund's attorneys and independent accountants, to prepare or assist the
Fund's attorneys and independent accountants to prepare, as may be applicable,
reports required to be filed by the Fund with regulatory agencies including the
preparation of proxy statements, prospectuses, shareholder reports and other
reports as required by law.
(2) Agent shall maintain and keep current the accounts, books,
records, and other documents relating to the Fund's financial and portfolio
transactions as may be required by rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission adopted under Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "Act").
(3) Agent shall cause the subject records of the Fund to be
maintained and preserved pursuant to the requirements under the Act.
(4) In pricing daily the value of shares of the Fund, Agent
may make arrangements to and obtain the value of portfolio securities from
pricing services or quotation services that are compensated by the Fund directly
or indirectly through the placement of portfolio transactions with
broker-dealers who provide such valuation or quotation services to the Agent.
(5) The Agent shall maintain duplicate copies of, or
information from which copies of, the records necessary to the preparation of
the Fund's financial statements and valuations of its assets may be
reconstructed. Such duplicate copies or information shall be maintained at a
location other than where the Agent performs its normal duties hereunder so that
in the event the records established and maintained pursuant to the foregoing
provisions of this Section B are damaged or destroyed, the Agent shall be able
to provide the bookkeeping and accounting services and assistance specified in
this Section B.
(6) In the event any of the Agent's facilities or equipment
necessary for the performance of its duties hereunder is damaged, destroyed or
rendered inoperable by reason of fire, vandalism, riot, natural disaster or
otherwise, Agent will use its best efforts to restore all services hereunder to
the Fund and will not seek from the Fund additional compensation to repair or
replace damaged or destroyed facilities or equipment. The Agent shall also make
and maintain arrangements for emergency use of alternative facilities for use in
the event of the aforesaid destruction of or damage to its facilities.
C. Compensation of the Agent.
The Fund agrees to pay to the Agent for its services under
this Agreement, an amount payable on the first day of the month as shown on the
following table pertinent to the average daily net assets of the Fund during the
prior month:
Fund's Average Daily Net Assets for Monthly
the Month Fee
$ 0 - $ 10 million $ 0
$ 10 - $ 25 million $ 833
$ 25 - $ 50 million $ 1,667
$ 50 - $ 100 million $ 2,500
$100 - $ 200 million $ 3,333
$200 - $ 350 million $ 4,167
$350 - $ 550 million $ 5,000
$550 - $ 750 million $ 5,833
$750 - $ 1.0 billion $ 7,083
$1.0 billion and over $ 8,333
D. Right of Fund to Inspect; Ownership of Records.
The Fund will have the right under this Agreement to perform on-site
inspection of records and accounts, and audits directly pertaining to the Fund's
accounting and portfolio records maintained by the Agent hereunder at the
Agent's facilities. The Agent will cooperate with the Fund's independent
accountants or representatives of appropriate regulatory agencies and furnish
all reasonably requested records and data. Agent acknowledges that these records
are the property of the Fund, and that it will surrender to the Fund all such
records promptly on request.
E. Standard of Care; Indemnification.
The Agent will at all times exercise due diligence and good
faith in performing its duties hereunder. The Agent will make every reasonable
effort and take all reasonably available measures to assure the adequacy of its
personnel, facilities and equipment as well as the accurate performance of all
services to be performed by it hereunder within, at a minimum, the time
requirements of any applicable statutes, rules or regulations and in conformity
with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and representations made in
the Fund's current registration statement as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including any supplements to the prospectus(es) and
statement of additional information contained in such registration statement.
The Agent shall not be responsible for, and the Fund agrees to
indemnify the Agent for, any losses, damages or expenses (including reasonable
counsel fees and expenses): (i) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit
not resulting from the Agent's failure to exercise good faith or due diligence
and arising out of or in connection with the Agent's duties on behalf of the
Fund hereunder; (ii) for any delay, error or omission by reason of circumstances
beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority, national
emergencies, labor difficulties (except with respect to the Agent's employees),
fire, mechanical breakdown beyond its control, flood or catastrophe, acts of
God, insurrection, war, riots or failure beyond its control of transportation,
communication or power supply; or (iii) for any action taken or omitted to be
taken by the Agent in good faith in reliance on the accuracy of any information
provided to it by the Fund or its directors or in reliance on any advice of
counsel who may be internally employed counsel or outside counsel for the Fund
or advice of any independent accountant or expert employed by the Fund with
respect to the preparation and filing of any document with a governmental agency
or authority.
In order for the rights to indemnification to apply, it is
understood that if in any case the Fund may be asked to indemnify or hold the
Agent harmless, the Fund shall be advised of all pertinent facts concerning the
situation in question, and it is further understood that the Agent will use
reasonable care to identify and notify the Fund promptly concerning any
situation which presents or appears likely to present a claim for
indemnification against the Fund. The Fund shall have the option to defend the
Agent against any claim which may be the subject of this indemnification and, in
the event that the Fund so elects, it will so notify the Agent, and thereupon
the Fund shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the Agent shall
sustain no further legal or other expenses in such situation for which the Agent
shall seek indemnification under this paragraph. The Agent will in no case
confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the Fund will be
asked to indemnify the Agent except with the Fund's prior written consent.
F. Term of the Agreement; Taking Effect; Amendments.
This Agreement shall become effective at the start of business
on the date hereof and shall continue, unless terminated as hereinafter
provided, for a period of one (1) year and from year-to-year thereafter,
provided that such continuance shall be specifically approved as provided below.
This Agreement shall go into effect, or may be continued, or
may be amended, or a new agreement covering the same topics between the Fund and
the Agent may be entered into only if the terms of this Agreement, such
continuance, the terms of such amendment or the terms of such new agreement have
been approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, including the vote of a
majority of the directors who are not "interested persons," as defined in the
Act, of either party to this Agreement, the agreement to be continued, amendment
or new agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
on such approval. Such a vote is hereinafter referred to as a "disinterested
director vote."
Any disinterested director's vote shall, in favor of
continuance, amendment or execution of a new agreement, include a determination
that: (i) the Agreement, amendment, new agreement or continuance in question is
in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders; (ii) the services to be
performed under the Agreement, the Agreement as amended, new agreement or
agreement to be continued, are services required for the operation of the Fund;
(iii) the Agent can provide services, the nature and quality of which are at
least equal to those provided by others offering the same or similar services;
and (iv) the fees for such services are fair and reasonable in the light of the
usual and customary charges made by others for services of the same nature and
quality.
Nothing herein contained shall prevent any disinterested
director vote from being conditioned on the favorable vote of the holders of a
majority (as defined in or under the Act) of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund.
G. Termination.
(1) This Agreement may be terminated by the Agent at any time
without penalty upon giving the Fund at least one hundred twenty (120) days'
written notice (which notice may be waived by the Fund) and may be terminated by
the Fund at any time without penalty upon giving the Agent at least sixty (60)
days' written notice (which notice may be waived by the Agent), provided that
such termination by the Fund shall be directed or approved by the vote of a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund in office at the time or by the
vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in or under the Act) of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
(2) On termination, the Agent will deliver to the Fund or its
designee all files, documents and records of the Fund used, kept or maintained
by the Agent in the performance of its services hereunder, including such of the
Fund's records in machine readable form as may be maintained by the Agent, as
well as such summary and/or control data relating thereto used by or available
to the Agent.
(3) In addition, on such termination or in preparation
therefore at the request of the Fund and at the Fund's expense, the Agent shall
provide, to the extent that its capabilities then permit, such documentation,
personnel and equipment as may be reasonably necessary in order for a new agent
or the Fund to fully assume and commence to perform the agency functions
described in this Agreement with a minimum disruption to the Fund's activities.
(4) This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event
of its assignment, the term "assignment" for this purpose having the meaning
defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed on the date and year first above written.
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
By:___________________________________
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
ATTEST:
By:_______________________
Kristen A. Richards
Assistant Secretary
WADDELL & REED SERVICES COMPANY
By: __________________________________
Robert L. Hechler, President
ATTEST:
By:_______________________
Helge K. Lee, Secretary
EX-99.B(i)-sclegopn
July 7, 1999
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
RE: United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Dear Sir or Madam:
In connection with the public offering of shares of Capital Stock of United
Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), I have examined such corporate records and
documents and have made such further investigation and examination as I deemed
necessary for the purpose of this opinion.
It is my opinion that the indefinite number of shares of such Capital Stock
covered by the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, when issued and paid
for in accordance with the terms of the offering, as set forth in the Prospectus
and Statement of Additional Information forming a part of the Registration
Statement, will be, when such Registration shall have become effective, legally
issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Fund.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the said
Registration Statement and to the reference to me in such Statement of
Additional Information.
Yours truly,
Helge K. Lee
General Counsel
HKL/fr
EX-99.B(m)-scdspa
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
FOR CLASS A SHARES
(Adopted on August 18, 1999)
This Plan is adopted by United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") to
provide for payment by the Fund of certain expenses in connection with the
distribution of the Fund's Class A shares, provision of personal services to the
Fund's Class A shareholders and/or maintenance of its Class A shareholder
accounts. Payments under the Plan are to be made to Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R")
which serves as the principal underwriter for the Fund under the terms of the
Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which W&R offers and sells the shares of the
Fund.
Distribution Fee and Service Fee
The Fund is authorized to pay to W&R an amount not to exceed on an annual basis
.25 of 1% of the Fund's average net assets of the Class A shares as either (1) a
"distribution fee" to finance the distribution of the Fund's Class A shares, or
(2) a "service fee" to finance shareholder servicing by W&R, its affiliated
companies, broker-dealers who may sell Class A shares and other third-parties to
encourage and foster the maintenance of Class A shareholder accounts, or as a
combination of the two fees. The amounts shall be payable to W&R monthly or at
such other intervals as the board of directors may determine to reimburse W&R
for costs and expenses incurred.
NASD Definition
For purposes of this Plan, the "distribution fee" may be considered as a sales
charge that is deducted from the Class A net assets of the Fund and does not
include the service fee. The "service fee" shall be considered a payment made by
the Fund for personal service and/or maintenance of Class A shareholder
accounts, as such is now defined by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), provided, however, if the NASD adopts a definition of
"service fee" for purposes of Rule 2830 of the NASD Conduct Rules that differs
from the definition of "service fee" as presently used, or if the NASD adopts a
related definition intended to define the same concept, the definition of
"service fee" as used herein shall be automatically amended to conform to the
NASD definition.
<PAGE>
Quarterly Reports
W&R shall provide to the board of directors of the Fund and the board of
directors shall review at least quarterly a written report of the amounts so
expended of the distribution fee and/or service fee paid or payable to it under
this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
Approval of Plan
This Plan shall become effective when it has been approved by a vote of the
board of directors of the Fund and of the directors who are not interested
persons of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Plan or any agreement related to this Plan (other than as
directors or shareholders of the Fund) ("independent directors") cast in person
at a meeting called for the purposes of voting on such Plan.
Continuance
This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of one (1) year and thereafter
from year to year only so long as such continuance is approved by the directors,
including the independent directors, as specified hereinabove for the adoption
of the Plan by the directors and independent directors.
Director Continuation
In considering whether to adopt, continue or implement this Plan, the directors
shall have a duty to request and evaluate, and W&R shall have a duty to furnish,
such information as may be reasonably necessary to an informed determination of
whether this Plan should be adopted, implemented or continued.
Termination
This Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the
independent directors of the Fund or by a vote of the majority of the
outstanding Class A voting securities of the Fund without penalty. On
termination, the payment of all distribution fees and service fees shall cease,
and the Fund shall have no obligation to W&R to reimburse it for any cost or
expenditure it has made or may make to distribute the Class A shares or service
Class A shareholder accounts.
Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for
distribution of Class A shares, personal service and/or maintenance of
shareholder accounts without approval of the Class A shareholders, and all
material amendments of this Plan must be approved in the manner prescribed for
the adoption of the Plan as provided hereinabove. The distribution and service
fees may be reduced by action of the board of directors without shareholder
approval.
Directors
While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the directors who
are not interested persons of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion of
the directors who are not interested persons of the Fund.
Records
Copies of this Plan, the Underwriting Agreement and reports made pursuant to
this Plan shall be preserved as provided in Rule 12b-1(f) under the Act.
EX-99.B(m)-scdspb
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
FOR CLASS B SHARES
(Adopted on August 18, 1999)
This Plan is adopted by United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") to
provide for payment by the Fund of certain expenses in connection with the
distribution of the Fund's Class B shares, provision of personal services to the
Fund's Class B shareholders and/or maintenance of its Class B shareholder
accounts. Payments under the Plan are to be made to Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R")
which serves as the principal underwriter for the Fund under the terms of the
Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which W&R offers and sells the shares of the
Fund.
Distribution Fee
The Fund is authorized to pay to W&R an amount not to exceed on an annual basis
.75 of 1% of the Fund's average net assets of its Class B shares as a
"distribution fee" to finance the distribution of the Fund's Class B shares
payable to W&R daily or at such other intervals as the board of directors may
determine.
Service Fee
The Fund is authorized to pay to W&R an amount not to exceed on an annual basis
.25 of 1% of the Fund's average net assets of its Class B shares as a "service
fee" to finance shareholder servicing by W&R or its affiliated companies to
encourage and foster the maintenance of shareholder accounts of the Fund's Class
B shares. The amounts shall be payable to W&R daily or at such other intervals
as the board of directors may determine.
NASD Definition
For purposes of this Plan, the "distribution fee" may be considered as a sales
charge that is deducted from the Class B net assets of the Fund and does not
include the service fee. The "service fee" shall be considered a payment made by
the Fund for personal service and/or maintenance of Class B shareholder
accounts, as such is now defined by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), provided, however, if the NASD adopts a definition of
"service fee" for purposes of Rule 2830 of the NASD Conduct Rules that differs
from the definition of "service fee" as presently used, or if the NASD adopts a
related definition intended to define the same concept, the definition of
"service fee" as used herein shall be automatically amended to conform to the
NASD definition.
<PAGE>
Quarterly Reports
W&R shall provide to the board of directors of the Fund and the board of
directors shall review at least quarterly a written report of the amounts so
expended of the distribution fee and/or service fee paid or payable to it under
this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
Approval of Plan
This Plan shall become effective when it has been approved by a vote of the
board of directors of the Fund and of the directors who are not interested
persons of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Plan or any agreement related to this Plan (other than as
directors or shareholders of the Fund) ("independent directors") cast in person
at a meeting called for the purposes of voting on such Plan.
Continuance
This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of one (1) year and thereafter
from year to year only so long as such continuance is approved by the directors,
including the independent directors, as specified hereinabove for the adoption
of the Plan by the directors and independent directors.
Director Continuation
In considering whether to adopt, continue or implement this Plan, the directors
shall have a duty to request and evaluate, and W&R shall have a duty to furnish,
such information as may be reasonably necessary to an informed determination of
whether this Plan should be adopted, implemented or continued.
Termination
This Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the
independent directors of the Fund or by a vote of the majority of the
outstanding Class B voting securities of the Fund without penalty. On
termination, the payment of all distribution fees and service fees shall cease,
and the Fund shall have no obligation to W&R to reimburse it for any cost or
expenditure it has made or may make to distribute the Class B shares or service
Class B shareholder accounts.
Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for
distribution of Class B shares, personal service and/or maintenance of
shareholder accounts without approval of the Class B shareholders, and all
material amendments of this Plan must be approved in the manner prescribed for
the adoption of the Plan as provided hereinabove. The distribution and service
fees may be reduced by action of the board of directors without shareholder
approval.
Directors
While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the directors who
are not interested persons of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion of
the directors who are not interested persons of the Fund.
Records
Copies of this Plan, the Underwriting Agreement and reports made pursuant to
this Plan shall be preserved as provided in Rule 12b-1(f) under the Act.
EX-99.B(m)-scdspc
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
FOR CLASS C SHARES
(Adopted on August 18, 1999)
This Plan is adopted by United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") to
provide for payment by the Fund of certain expenses in connection with the
distribution of the Fund's Class C shares, provision of personal services to the
Fund's Class C shareholders and/or maintenance of its Class C shareholder
accounts. Payments under the Plan are to be made to Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R")
which serves as the principal underwriter for the Fund under the terms of the
Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which W&R offers and sells the shares of the
Fund.
Distribution Fee
The Fund is authorized to pay to W&R an amount not to exceed on an annual basis
.75 of 1% of the Fund's average net assets of its Class C shares as a
"distribution fee" to finance the distribution of the Fund's Class C shares
payable to W&R daily or at such other intervals as the board of directors may
determine.
Service Fee
The Fund is authorized to pay to W&R an amount not to exceed on an annual basis
.25 of 1% of the Fund's average net assets of its Class C shares as a "service
fee" to finance shareholder servicing by W&R or its affiliated companies to
encourage and foster the maintenance of shareholder accounts of the Fund's Class
C shares. The amounts shall be payable to W&R daily or at such other intervals
as the board of directors may determine.
NASD Definition
For purposes of this Plan, the "distribution fee" may be considered as a sales
charge that is deducted from the Class C net assets of the Fund and does not
include the service fee. The "service fee" shall be considered a payment made by
the Fund for personal service and/or maintenance of Class C shareholder
accounts, as such is now defined by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), provided, however, if the NASD adopts a definition of
"service fee" for purposes of Rule 2830 of the NASD Conduct Rules that differs
from the definition of "service fee" as presently used, or if the NASD adopts a
related definition intended to define the same concept, the definition of
"service fee" as used herein shall be automatically amended to conform to the
NASD definition.
<PAGE>
Quarterly Reports
W&R shall provide to the board of directors of the Fund and the board of
directors shall review at least quarterly a written report of the amounts so
expended of the distribution fee and/or service fee paid or payable to it under
this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
Approval of Plan
This Plan shall become effective when it has been approved by a vote of the
board of directors of the Fund and of the directors who are not interested
persons of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Plan or any agreement related to this Plan (other than as
directors or shareholders of the Fund) ("independent directors") cast in person
at a meeting called for the purposes of voting on such Plan.
Continuance
This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of one (1) year and thereafter
from year to year only so long as such continuance is approved by the directors,
including the independent directors, as specified hereinabove for the adoption
of the Plan by the directors and independent directors.
Director Continuation
In considering whether to adopt, continue or implement this Plan, the directors
shall have a duty to request and evaluate, and W&R shall have a duty to furnish,
such information as may be reasonably necessary to an informed determination of
whether this Plan should be adopted, implemented or continued.
Termination
This Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the
independent directors of the Fund or by a vote of the majority of the
outstanding Class C voting securities of the Fund without penalty. On
termination, the payment of all distribution fees and service fees shall cease,
and the Fund shall have no obligation to W&R to reimburse it for any cost or
expenditure it has made or may make to distribute the Class C shares or service
Class C shareholder accounts.
Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for
distribution of Class C shares, personal service and/or maintenance of
shareholder accounts without approval of the Class C shareholders, and all
material amendments of this Plan must be approved in the manner prescribed for
the adoption of the Plan as provided hereinabove. The distribution and service
fees may be reduced by action of the board of directors without shareholder
approval.
Directors
While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the directors who
are not interested persons of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion of
the directors who are not interested persons of the Fund.
Records
Copies of this Plan, the Underwriting Agreement and reports made pursuant to
this Plan shall be preserved as provided in Rule 12b-1(f) under the Act.
EX-99.B(o)-scmcp
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3
This Multiple Class Plan ("Plan") pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), sets forth the multiple
class structure of United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"). The Fund's initial
multiple class structure was approved by the Board of Directors of United Small
Cap Fund, Inc. on August 18, 1999, and adopted pursuant to Rule 18f-3 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940. This Plan describes the classes of shares of
stock of the Fund -- Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class Y
shares -- that are offered to the public on or after the effectiveness of the
Fund's registration statement.
General Description of the Classes:
Class A Shares. Class A shares will be sold to the general public
subject to an initial sales charge. The maximum sales charge is 5.75% of the
amount invested and declines to 0% based on discounts for volume purchases. The
initial sales charge is waived for certain eligible purchasers.
Class A shares also will be subject to a distribution and/or service
fee charged pursuant to a Distribution and Service Plan adopted pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1") that provides for a maximum fee of 0.25%
of the average annual net assets of the Class A shares of the Fund.
Class B Shares. Class B shares will be sold subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge, which will be imposed on redemption proceeds. The maximum
contingent deferred sales charge will be 5.0% and will decline 1% per year after
the first full calendar year after investment to 0% after seven years, as
follows: in the first year, the contingent deferred sales charge will be 5%; in
the second year, 4%; in the third and fourth years, 3%; in the fifth year, 2%;
in the sixth year, 1%; and in the seventh year, 0%. Class B shares will also be
subject to distribution and service fees charged pursuant to a Distribution and
Service Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 that provides for a maximum service
fee of 0.25% and a maximum distribution fee of 0.75% of the average annual net
assets of the Class B shares of the Fund. Class B shares convert automatically
into Class A shares in the eighth year held.
Class C Shares. Class C shares will be sold without an initial sales
charge and will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% if the
shares are redeemed within twelve months of purchase. Class C shares will be
subject to distribution and service fees charged pursuant to a Distribution and
Service Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 that provides for a maximum service
fee of 0.25% and a maximum distribution fee of 0.75% of the average annual net
assets of the Class C shares of the Fund.
Class Y Shares. Class Y shares will be sold without an initial sales
charge and without a Rule 12b-1 fee. Class Y shares are designed for
institutional investors and will be available for purchase by: (i) participants
of employee benefit plans established under section 403(b) or section 457, or
qualified under section 401, including 401(k) plans, of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, when the plan has 100 or more eligible employees and holds the
shares in an omnibus account on the Fund's records; (ii) banks, trust
institutions, investment fund administrators and other third parties investing
for their own accounts or for the accounts of their customers where such
investments for customer accounts are held in an omnibus account on the Fund's
records; (iii) government entities or authorities and corporations whose
investment within the first twelve months after initial investment is $10
million or more; and (iv) certain retirement plans and trusts for employees and
sales representatives of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its affiliates.
Expense Allocations of Each Class:
In addition to the differences with respect to 12b-1 fees, Class A,
Class B, and Class C shares differ from Class Y shares of the Fund with respect
to the applicable shareholder servicing fees. Class A, Class B and Class C
shares, respectively, pay a monthly shareholder servicing fee of $1.0208 for
each Class A, Class B or Class C shareholder account which was in existence
during the prior month, plus $0.30 for each Class A, Class B or Class C account
on which a dividend or distribution had a record date in that month. Class Y
shares pay a monthly shareholder servicing fee equal to one-twelfth of .15 of 1%
of the average daily net Class Y assets for the preceding month.
Each Class may also pay a different amount of the following other
expenses:
(a) stationary, printing, postage and delivery expenses related to
preparing and distributing materials such as shareholder reports, prospectuses,
and proxy statements to current shareholders of a specific Class of shares;
(b) Blue Sky registration fees incurred by a specific Class of shares;
(c) SEC registration fees incurred by a specific Class of shares;
(d) expenses of administrative personnel and services required to
support the shareholders of a specific Class of shares;
(e) Directors' fees or expenses incurred as a result of issues relating
to a specific Class of shares;
(f) accounting expenses relating solely to a specific Class of shares;
(g) auditors' fees, litigation expenses, and legal fees and expenses
relating to a specific Class of shares; and
(h) expenses incurred in connection with shareholders meetings as a
result of issues relating to a specific Class of shares.
These expenses may, but are not required to, be directly attributed and
charged to a particular Class. The shareholder servicing fees and other expenses
listed above that are attributed and charged to a particular Class are borne on
a pro rata basis by the outstanding shares of that Class.
Certain expenses that may be attributable to the Fund, but not a
particular Class, are allocated based on the relative daily net assets of that
Class.
Exchange Privileges:
Class A shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Class A shares of any
other fund in the United Group of Mutual Funds.
Class B shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Class B shares of any
other fund in the United Group of Mutual Funds.
Class C shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Class C shares of any
other fund in the United Group of Mutual Funds.
Class Y shares of the fund may be exchanged for Class Y shares of any
other fund in the United Group of Mutual Funds.
These exchange privileges may be modified or terminated by the Fund,
and exchanges may only be made into funds that are legally registered for sale
in the investor's state of residence.
Additional Information:
This Plan is qualified by and subject to the terms of the then current
prospectus for the applicable Class after the Implementation Date; provided,
however, that none of the terms set forth in any such prospectus shall be
inconsistent with the terms of the Classes contained in this Plan. The
prospectus for each Class contains additional information about that Class and
the Fund's multiple class structure.
Adopted August 18, 1999
