Please read this Prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for future
reference. It sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that you
ought to know before investing.
Additional information has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is contained in a Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
dated June 30, 1998. The SAI is available free upon request to the Fund or to
Waddell & Reed, Inc., the Fund's underwriter, at the address or telephone number
stated below. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, and
you will not be aware of all facts unless you read both this Prospectus and the
SAI.
THE FUND MAY INVEST UP TO ALL OF ITS ASSETS IN BONDS ISSUED BY DOMESTIC OR
FOREIGN ISSUERS RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE, COMMONLY KNOWN AS "JUNK BONDS,"
WHICH ENTAIL GREATER RISKS, INCLUDING DEFAULT RISKS, THAN THOSE FOUND IN HIGHER
RATED SECURITIES. INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THESE RISKS BEFORE
INVESTING. SEE "ABOUT THE INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND" INCLUDED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-INVESTMENT GRADE
DEBT SECURITIES. SEE APPENDIX A FOR A DISCUSSION OF BOND RATINGS.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
Class A Shares
This Fund seeks as its primary goal a high level of current income. As a
secondary goal, the Fund seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary
goal. The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of high-yield,
high-risk, fixed-income securities, the risks of which are, in the judgment of
the Fund's investment manager, consistent with the Fund's goals.
This Prospectus describes one class of shares of the Fund -- Class A shares.
Prospectus
June 30, 1998
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
913-236-2000
800-366-5465
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
AN OVERVIEW OF THE FUND.........................................3
EXPENSES........................................................5
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS............................................6
PERFORMANCE.....................................................8
Explanation of Terms ..........................................8
ABOUT WADDELL & REED............................................9
ABOUT THE INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND....................10
Investment Goals and Principles ..............................10
Risk Considerations ........................................10
Securities and Investment Practices ..........................11
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT.............................................27
Ways to Set Up Your Account ..................................27
Buying Shares ................................................28
Minimum Investments ..........................................31
Adding to Your Account .......................................31
Selling Shares ...............................................31
Shareholder Services .........................................33
Personal Service ...........................................33
Reports ....................................................34
Exchanges ..................................................34
Automatic Transactions .....................................34
Distributions and Taxes ......................................35
Distributions ..............................................35
Taxes ......................................................35
ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND..................38
WRIMCO and Its Affiliates ....................................39
Breakdown of Expenses ........................................40
Management Fee .............................................40
Other Expenses .............................................41
APPENDIX A.....................................................42
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS ..................................42
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS .......................45
<PAGE>
An Overview of the Fund
The Fund: This Prospectus describes the Class A shares of United High Income
Fund, Inc., an open-end, diversified management investment company.
Goals and Strategies: United High Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks, as a
primary goal, a high level of current income. As a secondary goal, the Fund
seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary goal. There is no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its goals. The Fund invests primarily in a
diversified portfolio of high-yield, high-risk, fixed-income securities, the
risks of which are, in the judgment of the Fund's investment manager, consistent
with the Fund's goals. See "About the Investment Principles of the Fund" for
further information.
Management: Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company ("WRIMCO") provides
investment advice to the Fund and manages the Fund's investments. WRIMCO is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed, Inc. WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and its predecessors have provided investment management services to registered
investment companies since 1940. See "About the Management and Expenses of the
Fund" for further information about management fees.
Distributor: Waddell & Reed, Inc. acts as principal underwriter and distributor
of the shares of the Fund.
Purchases: You may buy Class A shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and its account representatives. The price to buy a Class A share of the Fund
is the net asset value of a Class A share plus a sales charge. See "About Your
Account" for information on how to purchase Class A shares.
Redemptions: You may redeem your shares at net asset value. When you sell your
shares, they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them. See "About
Your Account" for a description of redemption and reinvestment procedures.
Risk Considerations: Investments in high-yield, high-risk securities ("junk
bonds") may entail risks that are different or more pronounced than those
involved in higher-rated securities. The value of the Fund's investments and
the income generated will vary from day to day, generally reflecting changes in
interest rates, market conditions and other company and economic news.
Performance will also depend on WRIMCO's skill in selecting investments. See
"About the Investment Principles of the Fund" for information about the risks
associated with the Fund's investments.
<PAGE>
Expenses
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of a fund.
Maximum sales load
on purchases
(as a percentage of
offering price) 5.75%
Maximum sales load
on reinvested
dividends None
Deferred
sales load None
Redemption fees None
Exchange fee None
Annual Fund operating expenses (as a percentage of average net assets).
Management fees 0.55%
12b-1 fees1 0.14%
Other expenses 0.15%
Total Fund operating
expenses 0.84%
Example: You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
(1) 5% annual return2 and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
1 year $ 66
3 years $ 83
5 years $101
10 years $155
The purpose of this table is to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses that a shareholder of the Class A shares of the Fund will
bear directly or indirectly. The example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses; actual expenses may be greater or
lesser than those shown. For a more complete discussion of certain expenses and
fees, see "Breakdown of Expenses."
1It is possible that long-term shareholders of the Fund may bear 12b-1
distribution fees which are more than the maximum front-end sales charge
permitted under the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. See "Breakdown of Expenses."
2Use of an assumed annual return of 5% is for illustration purposes only and is
not a representation of the Fund's future performance, which may be greater or
lesser.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
The following information has been audited in conjunction with the annual
audits of the Financial Statements of the Fund. Financial Statements for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, and the independent auditors' report of
Deloitte & Touche LLP thereon, are included in the SAI and should be read in
conjunction with the Financial Highlights.
For a Class A share outstanding throughout each period.*
For a Class A share outstanding throughout each period.*
<TABLE>
For the fiscal year ended March 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of
period ............ $ 9.25 $9.09 $8.70 $9.20 $9.21 $8.82 $7.51 $8.51 $11.63 $12.14
------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment income 0.82 0.80 0.79 0.80 0.80 0.83 0.95 1.16 1.44 1.53
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .. 0.79 0.16 0.40 (0.51) (0.01) 0.40 1.29 (1.00) (3.08) (0.51)
------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Total from investment
operations ........ 1.61 0.96 1.19 0.29 0.79 1.23 2.24 0.16 (1.64) 1.02
------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Less distributions:
Declared from net
investment income (0.82) (0.80) (0.80) (0.79) (0.80) (0.84) (0.93) (1.16) (1.48) (1.51)
From capital gains (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.02)
------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Total distributions . (0.82) (0.80) (0.80) (0.79) (0.80) (0.84) (0.93) (1.16) (1.48) (1.53)
------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Net asset value,
end of period ..... $10.04 $9.25 $9.09 $8.70 $9.20 $9.21 $8.82 $7.51 $ 8.51 $11.63
====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Total return** ...... 18.03% 10.94% 14.16% 3.41% 8.69% 14.72% 31.72% 2.56% -15.57% 8.90%
Net assets, end of period
(000 omitted) .....$1,101,860 $983,273 $971,916 $933,576$1,006,619 $986,867 $910,917 $735,376 $874,615$1,250,504
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets ........ 0.84% 0.89% 0.85% 0.84% 0.78% 0.75% 0.79% 0.82% 0.74% 0.73%
Ratio of net investment
income to average
net assets ........ 8.38% 8.68% 8.74% 9.07% 8.51% 9.28% 11.56% 14.89% 13.72% 12.81%
Portfolio turnover rate 63.40% 53.17% 41.67% 18.94% 54.80% 58.68% 62.12% 30.43% 52.00% 87.75%
*On July 31, 1995, Fund shares outstanding were designated Class A shares.
**Total return calculated without taking into account the sales load deducted on an initial purchase.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Performance
Mutual fund performance is commonly measured as total return. The Fund may
also advertise its performance by showing yield and performance rankings.
Performance information is calculated and presented separately for each class of
Fund shares.
Explanation of Terms
Total Return is the overall change in value of an investment in the Fund
over a given period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and other
distributions. A cumulative total return reflects actual performance over a
stated period of time. An average annual total return is a hypothetical rate of
return that, if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total
return if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same as
actual year-by-year results. Non-standardized total return may not reflect
deduction of the applicable sales charge or may be for periods other than those
required to be presented or may otherwise differ from standardized total return.
Total return quotations that do not reflect the applicable sales charge will
reflect a higher rate of return.
Yield refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund over a
given period of time, expressed as an annual percentage rate. The Fund's yield
is based on a 30-day period ending on a specific date and is computed by
dividing the Fund's net investment income per share earned during the period by
the Fund's maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
Performance Rankings are comparisons of the Fund's performance to the
performance of other selected mutual funds, selected recognized market
indicators such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index and the
Dow Jones Industrial Average, or non-market indices or averages of mutual fund
industry groups. The Fund may quote its performance rankings and/or other
information as published by recognized independent mutual fund statistical
services or by publications of general interest. In connection with a ranking,
the Fund may provide additional information, such as the particular category to
which it relates, 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
information provided to present or prospective shareholders 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.
The Fund's recent performance and holdings will be detailed twice a year in
the Fund's annual and semiannual reports, which are sent to all Fund
shareholders.
<PAGE>
About Waddell & Reed
Since 1937, Waddell & Reed has been helping people make the most of their
financial future by helping them take advantage of various financial services.
Today, Waddell & Reed has over 2500 account representatives located throughout
the United States. Your primary contact in your dealings with Waddell & Reed
will be your local account representative. However, the Waddell & Reed
shareholder services department, which is part of the Waddell & Reed
headquarters operations in Overland Park, Kansas, is available to assist you and
your Waddell & Reed account representative. You may speak with a Customer
Service Representative by calling the telephone number listed on the inside back
cover of this Prospectus.
<PAGE>
About the Investment Principles of the Fund
Investment Goals and Principles
The primary goal of the Fund is to earn a high level of current income. As
a secondary goal, the Fund seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary
goal. The Fund seeks to achieve these goals by investing primarily in a
diversified portfolio of high-yield, high-risk, fixed income securities, the
risks of which are, in the judgment of WRIMCO, consistent with the Fund's goals.
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its goals.
There are three main types of securities that the Fund owns: debt
securities, preferred stock and common stock. The Fund may also own convertible
securities. In general, the high income that the Fund seeks is paid by debt
securities in the lower rating categories of the established rating services or
unrated securities that are, in the opinion of WRIMCO, of similar quality to
rated securities in these categories; these are securities rated BBB or lower by
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P"), or Baa
or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("MIS") and unrated securities. S&P
and MIS ratings are described in Appendix A.
WRIMCO may look at a number of factors in selecting securities for the
Fund's portfolio. These include an issuer's past, current and estimated future:
(i) financial strength; (ii) cash flow; (iii) management; (iv) borrowing
requirements; and (v) responsiveness to changes in interest rates and business
conditions. When WRIMCO believes that a full or partial temporary defensive
position is desirable, due to present or anticipated market or economic
conditions, WRIMCO may take any one or more of the following steps with respect
to up to all of the assets in the Fund's portfolio: (i) shortening the average
maturity of the Fund's debt portfolio; (ii) holding cash or cash equivalents
(short-term investments, such as commercial paper and certificates of deposit)
in varying amounts designed for defensive purposes; and (iii) emphasizing high-
grade debt securities. Going defensive in any one or more of these manners
might involve a reduction in the yield on the Fund's portfolio. As an
alternative to taking a temporary defensive position or in order to more quickly
participate in anticipated market changes or market conditions, the Fund may
invest in options and futures.
Risk Considerations
There are risks inherent in any investment. The Fund is subject to varying
degrees of market risk, financial risk and, in some cases, prepayment risk.
Market risk is the potential for fluctuations in the price of the security
because of market factors. Because of market risks, you should anticipate that
the share price of the Fund will fluctuate. Financial risk is based on the
financial situation of the issuer. The financial risk of the Fund depends on
the credit quality of the underlying securities. Prepayment risk is the
possibility that, during periods of falling interest rates, a debt security with
a high stated interest rate will be prepaid prior to its expected maturity date.
Certain types of instruments in which the Fund may invest, and certain
strategies WRIMCO may employ in pursuit of the Fund's goals, involve special
risks. 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 higher-quality securities and may
decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty. Foreign
securities and foreign currencies may involve risks relating to currency
fluctuations, political or economic conditions in the foreign country, and the
potentially less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of
foreign markets. These factors could make foreign investments, especially those
in developing countries, more volatile.
The Fund may also invest in certain derivative instruments, including
options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts,
swaps, caps, collars, floors, indexed securities, stripped securities and
mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. The use of derivative
instruments involves special risks. See "Risks of Derivative Instruments" for
further information on the risks of investing in these instruments.
Securities and Investment Practices
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the Fund may invest and strategies WRIMCO may employ in
pursuit of the Fund's goals. A summary of 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 to the full extent permitted by the Fund's investment policies and
restrictions unless it believes that doing so will help the Fund achieve its
goals.
Certain of the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund are also
stated below. A fundamental policy may not be changed without the approval of
the shareholders of the Fund. Operating policies may be changed by the Board of
Directors without the approval of the affected shareholders. The goals of the
Fund are fundamental policies. Unless otherwise indicated, the types of
securities and other assets in which the Fund may invest and other policies are
operating policies.
Policies and limitations are typically considered at the time of purchase;
the sale of instruments is usually not required in the event of a subsequent
change in circumstances.
Please see the SAI for further information concerning the following
instruments and associated risks and the Fund's investment policies and
restrictions.
Equity Securities. Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an
issuer. This ownership interest often gives an investor the right to vote on
measures affecting the issuer's organization and operations. 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 equity securities in which the Fund invests may include
preferred stock that converts to common stock either automatically or after a
specified period of time or at the option of the issuer.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not
purchase, or otherwise voluntarily acquire, any common stocks if, as a result,
more than 20% of its total assets would consist of common stocks.
The Fund does not intend to invest more than 10% of its total assets in
non-dividend-paying common stocks.
Debt Securities. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable
rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity. Some debt
securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are
purchased at a discount from their face values. The debt securities in which
the Fund invests may include debt securities whose performance is linked to a
specified equity security or securities index.
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 debt securities fall and,
conversely, when interest rates fall, the values of fixed-rate debt securities
rise. The values of floating and adjustable-rate debt securities are not as
sensitive to changes in interest rates as the values of fixed-rate debt
securities. Longer-term bonds are generally more sensitive to interest rate
changes than shorter-term bonds.
U.S. Government securities are high-quality instruments issued or
guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. Government ("U.S. Government Securities"). Not all
U.S. Government Securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States. Some are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury; others are backed by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to
purchase the agencies' obligations; while others are supported only by the
credit of the instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the
agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment.
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"). 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
fluctuations in response to changing interest rates than the prices of debt
obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest
in cash.
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. Nevertheless, for Federal income and excise
tax purposes the Fund annually must distribute to its shareholders substantially
all of its net investment income, including OID. Accordingly, the Fund will be
required to include in its dividends an amount equal to the income attributable
to its zero coupon and other OID securities. See "Taxes" in the SAI. 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.
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. While the market for high-yield, high-
risk, corporate debt securities has been in existence for many years and has
weathered previous economic downturns, the 1980s brought a dramatic increase in
the use of such securities to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and
restructurings. Past experience may not provide an accurate indication of the
future performance of the high-yield, high-risk bond market, especially during
periods of economic recession. 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 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 to exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to
protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the
best interest of the Fund's shareholders.
Subject to its investment restrictions, the Fund may invest in debt
securities rated in any rating category of the established rating services,
including securities rated in the lowest rating category (such as those rated D
by S&P and C by 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. In addition, the Fund will treat unrated securities
judged by WRIMCO to be of equivalent quality to a rated security to be
equivalent to securities 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.
Policies and Restrictions: At least 80% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested to seek a high level of current income.
Debt Holdings, by Rating. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, the
percentage of the assets of the Fund invested in debt securities in each of the
rating categories of S&P and the corporate debt securities not rated by an
established rating service, determined on a dollar-weighted average, were as
follows:
Percentage of
Rated Assets of
by S&P the Fund
AAA 0.0%
AA 0.0
A 5.8
BBB 1.4
BB 15.2
B 60.3
CCC 2.5
CC 0.0
C 0.0
D 0.0
Unrated (Equivalent to)
- -------
AAA 0.0%
AA 0.0
A 0.8
BBB 0.0
BB 1.5
B 2.8
CCC 1.5
CC 0.0
C 0.0
D 0.0
The percentage of assets in each category was calculated on the basis of a
monthly dollar-weighted average. The monthly dollar-weighted average was
calculated using the market value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio at
the end of each month in the thirteen-month period ended with its last fiscal
year, averaged over its last fiscal year. The rating used for each security is
that security's rating as of the end of each month and, as ratings may change
over time, does not necessarily indicate past or future ratings of any
particular security or the ratings of securities in the portfolio in general.
Asset composition of the Fund by rating categories at any particular time does
not necessarily indicate future asset composition by rating categories.
Preferred Stock is also rated by S&P and MIS, as described in Appendix A.
The Fund may invest in preferred stock rated in any rating category by an
established rating service and unrated preferred stock judged by WRIMCO to be of
equivalent quality.
Convertible Securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note,
preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a
prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a
particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible
security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is
redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities generally have higher
yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower
yields than comparable nonconvertible securities, are less subject to
fluctuation in value than 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.
Foreign Securities and foreign currencies can involve significant risks in
addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments. 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. 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 condition 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 a greater possibility
of default by foreign governments or foreign 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. There is no assurance that WRIMCO will be able to
anticipate these potential events or counter their effects.
The considerations noted above generally are intensified for investments 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.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may purchase an unlimited amount of
foreign securities. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets
in securities issued by the government of any one foreign country.
Options, Futures and Other Strategies. The Fund may use certain options,
futures contracts, forward currency contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors,
indexed securities, mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities and
certain other strategies described herein to attempt to enhance income or yield
or to attempt to reduce the risk of its 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. The Fund may also use various techniques to increase or
decrease its exposure to changing security prices, interest rates, currency
exchange rates, commodity prices or other factors that affect security values.
The Fund's ability to use these strategies may be limited by market
conditions, regulatory limits and tax considerations. The Fund might not use
any of these strategies, and there can be no assurance that any strategy that is
used will succeed. The risks associated with such strategies are described
below. Also see the SAI for more information on these instruments and
strategies and their risk considerations.
Policies and Restrictions: Subject to the further limitations stated in
the SAI, generally, the Fund may purchase and sell any type of derivative
instrument including, without limitation, futures contracts, options, forward
contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors and indexed securities. However, the
Fund will only purchase or sell a particular derivative instrument if the Fund
is authorized to invest in the type of asset by which the return on, or value
of, the derivative instrument is primarily measured. Since the Fund is
authorized to invest in foreign securities, it may purchase and sell foreign
currency derivatives.
Options. The Fund may engage in certain strategies involving options to
attempt to enhance its income or yield or to attempt to reduce the overall risk
of its investments. A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and
obligates the writer to sell, the underlying investment at the agreed-upon
exercise 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 exercise 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.
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
investment. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for
exchange-listed options. The market for options that are not listed on an
exchange may be less active than the market for exchange-listed options. The
Fund will be able to close a position in an option it has written only if there
is a market for the offsetting put or call. If the Fund is not able to enter
into an offsetting closing transaction on an option it has written, it will be
required to maintain the securities, or cash in the case of an option on an
index, subject to the call or the collateral underlying the put until a closing
purchase transaction can be entered into or the option expires. Because index
options are settled in cash, the Fund cannot provide in advance for its
potential settlement obligations on a call it has written on an index by holding
the underlying securities. The Fund bears the risk that the value of the
securities it holds will vary from the value of the index.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. When the Fund
purchases a futures contract, it incurs an obligation to take delivery of a
specified amount of the obligation underlying the contract at a specified time
in the future for a specified price. When the Fund sells a futures contract, it
incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying
obligation at a specified time in return for an agreed-upon price.
When the Fund writes an option on a futures contract, it becomes obligated,
in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the futures contract at
a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. If the
Fund writes a call, it assumes a short futures position. If it writes a put, it
assumes a long futures position. When the Fund purchases an option on a futures
contract, it acquires the right, in return for the premium it pays, to assume a
position in the futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a
short position if the option is a put).
Forward Currency Contracts and Foreign Currencies. The Fund may enter into
forward currency contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a
specified future date either with respect to specific transactions or with
respect to portfolio positions in order to minimize the risk to the Fund from
adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and a foreign
currency. For example, when WRIMCO anticipates purchasing or selling a security
denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund may enter into a forward currency
contract in order to set the exchange rate at which the transaction will be
made. The Fund also may enter into a forward currency contract to sell an
amount of a foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the
Fund's securities positions denominated in such currency. The Fund may also use
forward currency contracts in one currency or a basket of currencies to attempt
to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a
different currency if WRIMCO anticipates that there will be a correlation
between the two currencies.
The Fund may also use forward currency contracts to shift the Fund's
exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one foreign currency to
another. For example, if the Fund owns securities denominated in a foreign
currency and WRIMCO believes that currency will decline relative to another
currency, it might enter into a forward currency contract to sell the
appropriate amount of the first foreign currency with payment to be made in the
second foreign currency. Transactions that use two foreign currencies are
sometimes referred to as "cross hedging." Use of a different foreign currency
magnifies the Fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The Fund may also purchase forward currency contracts to enhance income when
WRIMCO anticipates that the foreign currency will appreciate in value, but
securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment
opportunities.
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 investment 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 it will
hedge at an appropriate time.
The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign currency and invest in foreign
currency deposits. Currency conversion involves dealer spreads and other costs,
although commissions usually are not charged.
Indexed Securities. The Fund may purchase indexed securities, which are
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 instruments.
Swaps, Caps, Collars and Floors. The Fund may enter into swaps, caps,
collars and floors as described below. The Fund may enter into these
transactions to preserve a return or 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 income or 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
such 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 such floor. A collar combines
elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Depending on how they are used, the swap, cap, collar and floor agreements
used by the Fund may also increase or decrease the overall volatility of its
investments and its share price and yield. The most significant factor in the
performance of these agreements is the change in the specific interest rate,
currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and
from the Fund.
The Fund usually will enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case
may be, only the net amount of the two payments. If, however, an agreement
calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments
when due. The creditworthiness of firms with which the Fund enters into swaps,
caps, collars or floors will be monitored by WRIMCO in accordance with
procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. If a firm's creditworthiness
declines, the value of an 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 Fund understands that the position of the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission is that assets involved in such transactions are illiquid
and are, therefore, subject to the limitations on investment in illiquid
investments as described in the SAI.
Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities are bonds backed by
specific types of assets. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or
indirect interests in pools of underlying mortgage loans that are secured by
real property. U.S. Government mortgage-backed securities are issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest (but not as to market value) by the
Government National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae (formerly, the Federal
National Mortgage Association), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or
other government-sponsored enterprises. Other mortgage-backed securities are
sponsored or issued by private entities, including investment banking firms and
mortgage originators.
Mortgage-backed securities may be composed of one or more classes and may
be structured either as pass-through securities or collateralized debt
obligations. Multiple-class mortgage-backed securities are referred to in this
Prospectus 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
these 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.
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 payments 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 his or her 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.
When interest rates decline and homeowners refinance their mortgages,
mortgage-backed bonds may be paid off more quickly than investors expect. When
interest rates rise, mortgage-backed bonds may be paid off more slowly than
originally expected. Changes in the rate or "speed" of these prepayments can
cause the value of mortgage-backed securities to fluctuate rapidly.
Other asset-backed securities are similar to mortgage-backed securities,
except that the underlying assets securing the debt are different. These
underlying assets may be nearly any type of financial asset or receivable, such
as motor vehicle installment sales contracts, home equity loans, leases of
various types of real and personal property and receivables from credit cards.
The yield characteristics of mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
securities differ from those of traditional debt securities. Among the major
differences are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently
and that principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage
loans or other assets generally may be prepaid at any time. Generally,
prepayments on fixed-rate mortgage loans will increase during a period of
falling interest rates and decrease during a period of rising interest rates.
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities may also decrease in value as
a result of increases in interest rates and, because of prepayments, may benefit
less than other bonds from declining interest rates. Reinvestments of
prepayments may occur at lower interest rates than the original investment, thus
adversely affecting the Fund's yield. Actual prepayment experience may cause
the yield of a mortgage-backed security to differ from what was assumed when the
Fund purchased the security.
The market for privately issued mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for U.S. Government
mortgage-backed securities. CMO classes may be specially 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
significantly reduced. These changes can result in volatility in the market
value, and in some instances reduced liquidity, of the CMO class.
Risks of Derivative Instruments. The use of options, futures contracts,
options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, swaps, caps, collars
and floors, and the investment in indexed securities, stripped securities and
mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, involve special risks,
including (i) possible imperfect or no correlation between price movements of
the portfolio investments (held or intended to be purchased) involved in the
transaction and price movements of the instruments involved in the transaction,
(ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at
a particular time, (iii) the need for additional portfolio management skills and
techniques, (iv) losses due to unanticipated market price movements, (v) the
fact that, while such strategies can reduce the risk of loss, they can also
reduce the opportunity for gain, or even result in losses, by offsetting
favorable price movements in investments involved in the transaction, (vi)
incorrect forecasts by WRIMCO concerning interest or currency exchange rates or
direction of price fluctuations of the investment involved in the transaction,
which may result in the strategy being ineffective, (vii) loss of premiums paid
by the Fund on options it purchases, and (viii) the possible inability of the
Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time when it would otherwise
be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund to sell a
portfolio security at a disadvantageous time, due to the need for the Fund to
maintain "cover" or to segregate assets in connection with such transactions and
the possible inability of the Fund to close out or liquidate its position.
For a hedging strategy to be completely effective, the price change of the
hedging instrument must equal the price change of the investment being hedged.
The risk of imperfect correlation of these price changes increases as the
composition of the Fund's portfolio diverges from instruments underlying a
hedging instrument. Such equal price changes are not always possible because
the investment underlying the hedging instruments may not be the same investment
that is being hedged. WRIMCO will attempt to create a closely correlated hedge
but hedging activity may not be completely successful in eliminating market
value fluctuation.
WRIMCO may use derivative instruments for hedging purposes to adjust the
risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio of investments and may use these
instruments to adjust the return characteristics of the Fund's portfolio of
investments. The use of derivative techniques for speculative purposes can
increase investment risk. If WRIMCO judges market conditions incorrectly or
employs a strategy that does not correlate well with the Fund's investments,
these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of whether the intent was to
reduce risk or increase return. 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. In addition, these techniques could result in a loss if the
counterparty to the transaction does not perform as promised or if there is not
a liquid secondary market to close out a position that the Fund has entered
into.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to
the differences in the natures of those markets, are subject to distortion. 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 or currency exchange rate or stock market movements
or the time span within which the movements take place.
Options and futures transactions may increase portfolio turnover rates,
which results in correspondingly greater commission expenses and transaction
costs and may result in certain tax consequences.
New financial products and risk management techniques continue to be
developed. The Fund may use these instruments and techniques to the extent
consistent with its goals, investment policies and regulatory requirements
applicable to investment companies.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions are trading practices in
which payment and delivery for the securities take place at a future date. The
market value of a security could change during this period, which could affect
the Fund's yield.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, the Fund assumes
the rights and risks of ownership, including the risk of price and yield
fluctuations. When the Fund sells a security on a delayed-delivery basis, the
Fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the
security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver
or pay for the securities, the Fund could miss a favorable price or yield
opportunity, or could suffer a loss.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security
at one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or
becomes insolvent.
Restricted Securities and Illiquid Investments. Restricted securities are
securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale.
Restricted securities may be illiquid due to restrictions on their resale.
Certain restricted securities may be determined to be liquid in accordance with
guidelines adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors.
Illiquid investments may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable
price. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly
to the Fund.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may not purchase a security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would consist of illiquid investments.
Diversification. Diversifying the Fund's investment portfolio can reduce
the risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not, 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 Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (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.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not buy a security if, as a result,
more than 25% of the Fund's total assets would then be invested in securities of
companies in any one industry.
Borrowing. If the Fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to
greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off.
If the Fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding,
this may be considered a form of leverage.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may borrow
money only from banks, as a temporary measure or for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, but only up to 5% of its total assets. The Fund may not pledge its
assets in connection with any permitted borrowings; however, this policy does
not prevent the Fund from pledging its assets in connection with its purchase
and sale of futures contracts, options, forward contracts, swaps, caps, collars,
floors and other financial instruments. See the SAI for further information on
the Fund's ability to borrow.
Lending. Securities loans may be made on a short-term or long-term basis
for the purpose of increasing the Fund's income. This practice could result in
a loss or a delay in recovering the Fund's securities. Loans will be made only
to parties deemed by WRIMCO to be creditworthy.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not lend
more than 10% of its assets at any one time, and such loans must be on a
collateralized basis in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Other Instruments may include warrants and 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.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may buy
shares of other investment companies that do not redeem their shares only if it
does so in a regular transaction in the open market and only if not more than
10% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in these shares. The Fund does
not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in such securities.
<PAGE>
About Your Account
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.
. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) allow anyone of legal age and under 70
1/2 with earned income to invest up to $2,000 per tax year. The maximum for
an investor and his or her spouse is $4,000 ($2,000 for each spouse) or, if
less, the couple's combined earned income for the taxable year.
. Rollover IRAs retain special tax advantages for certain distributions from
employer-sponsored retirement plans.
. Roth IRAs enable an individual whose adjusted gross income (or combined
adjusted gross income, if married) does not exceed certain levels to make
non-deductible contributions up to $2,000 per year. Withdrawals of earnings
from a Roth IRA generally are not taxable if the account has been held at
least five years and the account holder has reached age 59 1/2 (or other
conditions are met).
. Education IRAs may be established for the benefit of a minor, and
contributions up to $500 per child per year may be made by any person whose
adjusted gross income does not exceed certain levels. Generally, withdrawals
used to pay the qualified higher education expenses of the beneficiary (or a
family member) are not taxable.
. 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.
. 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.
. 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.
. 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.
. 403(b) Custodial Accounts are available to employees of public school systems
or certain types of charitable organizations.
. 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.
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Gifts or Transfers to a Minor
To invest for a child's education or other future needs
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
account representative for the form.
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Buying Shares
You may buy shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its account
representatives. To open your account you must complete and sign an
application. Your Waddell & Reed account representative can help you with any
questions you might have.
The price to buy a share of the Fund, called the offering price, is
calculated every business day.
The offering price of a Class A share (price to buy one Class A share) is
the Fund's Class A net asset value ("NAV") plus the sales charge shown in the
table below.
Sales
Sales Charge
Charge as
as Approx.
Percent Percent
of of
Size of Offering Amount
Purchase Price Invested
- -------- -------- -------
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
The Fund's Class A NAV is the value of a single share. The Class A NAV is
computed by adding, with respect to that class, the value of the Fund's
investments, cash and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and then
dividing the result by the number of Class A shares outstanding.
The securities in the Fund's portfolio that are listed or traded on an
exchange are valued primarily using market quotations or, if market quotations
are not available, at their fair value in a manner determined in good faith by
or at the direction of the Board of Directors. Bonds are generally valued
according to prices quoted by a third-party pricing service. Short-term debt
securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Other
assets 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 NYSE is open. The Fund normally
calculates the NAVs of its shares as of the later of the close of business of
the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time, or the close of the regular session of
any other securities or commodities exchange on which an option or futures
contract held by the Fund is traded.
The Fund may invest in securities listed on foreign exchanges which may
trade on Saturdays or on customary 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 have no access to
the Fund.
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:
. Orders are accepted only at the home office of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
. All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars.
. 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.
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.
Lower sales charges are available by combining additional purchases of
Class A shares of any of the funds in the United Group, to the extent otherwise
permitted, except United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., United Cash Management,
Inc., United Government Securities Fund, Inc. and United Municipal High Income
Fund, Inc., with the aggregate net asset value of Class A shares already held
("rights of accumulation") and by grouping all purchases of Class A shares made
during a thirteen-month period ("Statement of Intention"). Class A shares of
another fund purchased through a contractual plan may not be included unless the
plan has been completed. Purchases by certain related persons may be grouped.
Additional information and applicable forms are available from Waddell & Reed
account representatives.
Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by the Directors and officers of the
Fund, employees of Waddell & Reed, Inc., employees of their affiliates, account
representatives of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and the spouse, children, parents,
children's spouses and spouse's parents of each such Director, officer, employee
and account representative. Purchases of Class A shares in certain retirement
plans and certain trusts for these persons may also be made at NAV. 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 NAV. 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.
Minimum Investments
To Open an Account $500
For certain exchanges $100
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
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:
. the detachable form that accompanies the confirmation of a prior purchase by
you or your year-to-date statement; or
. a letter stating your account number, the account registration and that you
wish to purchase Class A shares of the Fund.
Mail to Waddell & Reed, Inc. at the address printed on your confirmation or
year-to-date statement.
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 Class A share) is the Fund's Class
A NAV.
To sell shares, your request must be made in writing.
Complete an Account Service Request form, available from your Waddell &
Reed account representative, or write a letter of instruction with:
. the name on the account registration;
. the Fund's name;
. the Fund account number;
. the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed; and
. any other applicable requirements listed in the table below.
Deliver the form or your letter to your Waddell & Reed account
representative, 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.
Special Requirements for Selling Shares
Account Type Special Requirements
Individual or Joint The written
Tenant 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 At least one person
Organization authorized by
corporate resolution
to act on the account
must sign the written
instructions.
Conservator, Guardian The written
or Other Fiduciary instructions must be
signed by the person
properly authorized by
court order to act in
the particular
fiduciary capacity.
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. Note the following:
. If more than one person owns the shares, each owner must sign the written
request.
. If you hold a certificate, it must be properly endorsed and sent to the Fund.
. 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,
satisfactory to the Fund, that the check has cleared and been honored. If no
such assurance is given, payment of the redemption proceeds on these shares
will be delayed until the earlier of 10 days or the date the Fund is able to
verify that your purchase check has cleared and been honored.
. 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.
. Payment is normally made in cash, although under extraordinary conditions
redemptions may be made in portfolio securities.
The Fund reserves the right to require a signature guarantee on certain
redemption requests. This requirement is designed to protect you and Waddell &
Reed from fraud. The Fund may require a signature guarantee in certain
situations such as:
. the request for redemption is made by a corporation, partnership or
fiduciary;
. the request for redemption is made by someone other than the owner of record;
or
. the check is being made payable to someone other than the owner of record.
The Fund will accept a signature guarantee from a national bank, a
federally chartered savings and loan or a member firm of a national stock
exchange or other eligible guarantor in accordance with procedures of the Fund's
transfer agent. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem at NAV all shares of the Fund owned
or held by you having an aggregate NAV of less than $500. The Fund will give
you notice of its intention to redeem your shares 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 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 as to Class A shares of the Fund.
Under the terms of the 401(k) prototype plan which Waddell & Reed, Inc. has
available, the plan may have the right to make a loan to a plan participant by
redeeming Fund shares held by the plan. Principal and interest payments on the
loan made in accordance with the terms of the plan may be reinvested by the
plan, without payment of a sales charge, in Class A shares of any of the funds
in the United Group in which the plan may invest.
Shareholder Services
Waddell & Reed provides a variety of services to help you manage your
account.
Personal Service
Your local Waddell & Reed account representative 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 Service staff is
available to respond to your inquiries or update your account records. At
almost any time of the day or night, you may access TeleWaddell from a touch-
tone phone to:
. Obtain information about your accounts;
. Obtain price information about other funds in the United Group; or
. Request duplicate statements.
Reports
Statements and reports sent to you include the following:
. confirmation statements (after every purchase, other than those purchases
made through Automatic Investment Service, and after every exchange, transfer
or redemption)
. year-to-date statements (quarterly)
. annual and semiannual reports (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 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 historical account
information.
Exchanges
You may sell your Class A shares and buy Class A shares of other funds in
the United Group. You may exchange only into funds that are legally registered
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
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 account representative
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
Distributions and Taxes
Distributions
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and net
capital gains to shareholders each year. Ordinarily, dividends are distributed
monthly from the Fund's net investment income, which includes accrued interest,
earned OID, dividends and other income earned on portfolio assets less expenses.
Net capital gains (and any net realized gains from foreign currency
transactions) ordinarily are distributed in December. The Fund may make
additional distributions if necessary to avoid Federal income or excise taxes on
certain undistributed income and capital gains.
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 dividend, capital gains and other distributions
will be automatically paid in additional Class A shares 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 will be
automatically paid in Class A shares, but you will be sent a check for each
dividend distribution.
3. Cash Option. You will be sent a check for your dividend, capital gains and
other distributions.
For retirement accounts, all distributions are automatically paid in Class
A shares.
Taxes
The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify for treatment as
a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, so that it will be relieved of Federal income tax on that part of its
investment company taxable income (consisting generally of net investment
income, net short-term capital gains and net gains from certain foreign currency
transactions) and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains
over net short-term capital losses) that it distributes to its shareholders.
There are certain tax requirements that the Fund must satisfy in order to
avoid Federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, the Fund
may have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
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, 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. 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. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act
of 1997 ("1997 Act"), different maximum tax rates apply to a noncorporate
taxpayer's net capital gain depending on the taxpayer's holding period and
marginal rate of Federal income tax -- generally, 28% for gain recognized on
securities held for more than one year but not more than 18 months and 20% (10%
for taxpayers in the 15% marginal tax bracket) for gain recognized on securities
held for more than 18 months. The Fund may divide each net capital gain
distribution into a 28% rate gain distribution and a 20% rate gain distribution
(in accordance with the Fund's holding periods for the securities it sold that
generated the distributed gain), in which case Fund shareholders must treat
those portions accordingly.
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
including the portions of capital gains distributions, if any, subject to the
different maximum rates of tax applicable under the 1997 Act. Under certain
circumstances, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders to take a credit or
deduction for foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. The Fund will notify you
of any such election.
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 alternative minimum
tax.
Withholding. The Fund is required to 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 such shareholders who
otherwise are subject to backup withholding.
Taxes on transactions. Your redemption of Fund shares will result in
taxable gain or loss to you, depending on whether the redemption proceeds are
more or less than your adjusted basis 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 Fund shares through a
redemption or exchange within ninety days after your purchase thereof and
subsequently reacquire Fund shares or acquire shares of another fund in the
United Group without paying a sales charge due to the thirty-day reinvestment
privilege or exchange privilege. See "About Your Account." In these cases, any
gain on the disposition of the original 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.
State income taxes. The portion of the dividends paid by the Fund
attributable to the 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 disposition 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; see the SAI
for a more detailed discussion. There may be other Federal, state or local tax
considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are urged to consult
your own tax adviser.
<PAGE>
About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
United High Income 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 investment company organized as
a corporation under Maryland law on January 11, 1979.
The Fund is governed by a Board of Directors, which has overall
responsibility for the management of its affairs. The majority of directors are
not affiliated with Waddell & Reed, Inc.
The Fund has two classes of shares. In addition to the Class A shares
offered by this Prospectus, the Fund has issued and outstanding Class Y shares
which are offered by Waddell & Reed, Inc. through a separate prospectus. Class
Y shares are designed for institutional investors and others investing through
certain intermediaries. Class Y shares are not subject to a sales charge on
purchases and are not subject to redemption fees. Class Y shares are not
subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee. Additional information about Class Y shares may be
obtained by calling or writing to Waddell & Reed, Inc. at the telephone number
or address on the inside back cover of this Prospectus.
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 a 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 of the Fund 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 which time 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 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. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable when purchased.
WRIMCO and Its Affiliates
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. Waddell & Reed, Inc. 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 inception of the company, whichever was later, and to TMK/United Funds, Inc.
since that fund's inception, until January 8, 1992, when it assigned its duties
as investment manager and assigned its professional staff for investment
management services to WRIMCO. 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.
Louise D. Rieke is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of
the portfolio of the Fund. Ms. Rieke has held her Fund responsibilities since
January 1990. She is Vice President of WRIMCO, Vice President of the Fund and
Vice President of other investment companies for which WRIMCO serves as
investment manager. Ms. Rieke has served as the portfolio manager for
investment companies managed by Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its successor, WRIMCO,
since July 1986 and has been an employee of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its
successor, WRIMCO, since May 1971. From November 1985 to March 1998, Ms. Rieke
was Vice President of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company, an affiliate of
WRIMCO. 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.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. serves as the Fund's underwriter and as underwriter
for each of the other funds in the United Group of Mutual Funds and Waddell &
Reed Funds, Inc. and acts as the principal underwriter and distributor of the
variable life insurance and variable annuity policies issued by United Investors
Life Insurance Company for which TMK/United Funds, Inc. is the underlying
investment vehicle.
Waddell & Reed Services Company acts as transfer agent ("Shareholder
Servicing Agent") for the Fund and processes the payments of dividends. Waddell
& Reed Services Company also acts as agent ("Accounting Services Agent") in
providing bookkeeping and accounting services and assistance to the Fund and
pricing daily the value of its shares.
WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed Services Company are subsidiaries of Waddell &
Reed, Inc. Waddell & Reed, Inc. is a direct subsidiary of Waddell & Reed
Financial Services, Inc., a holding company, and an indirect subsidiary of
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a holding company, and an indirect subsidiary of
Torchmark Corporation, a holding company.
WRIMCO places transactions for the portfolio of the Fund and in doing so
may consider sales of Fund shares as a factor in the selection of brokers to
execute portfolio transactions, subject to best execution. For further
information concerning Fund portfolio transactions, please see "Portfolio
Transactions and Brokerage" in the SAI.
Breakdown of Expenses
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.
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 below.
Management Fee
The management fee of the Fund is calculated by adding a group fee to a
specific fee. It is accrued and paid to WRIMCO daily.
The specific fee is computed on the Fund's net asset value as of the close
of business each day at the annual rate of .15 of 1% of its net assets. The
group fee is a pro rata participation based on the relative net asset size of
the Fund in the group fee computed each day on the combined net asset values of
all the funds in the United Group at the annual rates shown in the following
table:
Group Fee Rate
Annual
Group Net Group
Asset Level Fee Rate
(all dollars For Each
in millions) Level
- ------------ ---------
From $0
to $750 .51 of 1%
From $750
to $1,500 .49 of 1%
From $1,500
to $2,250 .47 of 1%
From $2,250
to $3,000 .45 of 1%
From $3,000
to $3,750 .43 of 1%
From $3,750
to $7,500 .40 of 1%
From $7,500
to $12,000 .38 of 1%
Over $12,000 .36 of 1%
Growth in assets of the United Group assures a lower group fee rate.
The combined net asset values of all of the funds in the United Group were
approximately $19.8 billion as of March 31, 1998. Management fees for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1998 were 0.55% of the Fund's average net assets.
Other Expenses
While the management fee is a significant component of the Fund's annual
operating costs, the Fund has other expenses as well.
The Fund pays the Accounting Services Agent a monthly fee based on the
average net assets of the Fund for accounting services. With respect to its
Class A shares, the Fund pays the Shareholder Servicing Agent a monthly fee for
each Class A shareholder account that was in existence at any time during the
month, and a fee for each account on which a dividend or distribution had a
record date during the month.
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan (the "Plan") pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A shares. Under the
Plan, the Fund may pay monthly a fee to Waddell & Reed, Inc. in an amount not to
exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average annual net assets of its Class A shares. The
fee is to be paid to reimburse Waddell & Reed, Inc. for amounts it expends in
connection with the distribution of the Class A shares, and/or provision of
personal services to Class A shareholders and maintenance of Class A shareholder
accounts.
There are two parts to this fee: all or a portion of the fee may be paid
to Waddell & Reed, Inc. for distribution services and distribution expenses,
including commissions paid by Waddell & Reed, Inc. to its account
representatives, account managers and/or other broker-dealers (the "distribution
fee") with respect to the Fund's Class A shares; and all or a portion of the fee
may be paid to Waddell & Reed, Inc. for the provision by Waddell & Reed, Inc.,
Waddell & Reed Services Company and/or other third parties (including broker-
dealers who may sell Class A shares) of personal services to Class A
shareholders and other services to maintain Class A shareholder accounts (the
"service fee"). However, the total amount of the distribution fee and service
fee paid by the Fund pursuant to the Plan will not exceed, on an annual basis,
0.25% of the average annual net assets of the Fund's Class A shares.
The Fund also pays other expenses, such as fees and expenses of certain
directors, audit and outside legal fees, costs of materials sent to
shareholders, taxes, brokerage commissions, interest, insurance premiums,
custodian fees, fees payable by the Fund under federal or other securities laws
and to the Investment Company Institute, and extraordinary expenses including
litigation and indemnification relative to litigation.
The Fund cannot precisely predict what its portfolio turnover rate will be,
but the Fund may have a high portfolio turnover. A higher turnover will
increase transaction and commission costs and could generate taxable income or
loss.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
The following are descriptions of some of the ratings of securities which
the Fund may use. The Fund may also use ratings provided by other nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations in determining the securities
eligible for investment.
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. An S&P
corporate bond rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness of an
obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment of
creditworthiness may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors,
insurers or lessees.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer
or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does not
perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended or
withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or
based on other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
1. Likelihood of default -- capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with
the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the
event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA -- Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to
pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA -- Debt rated AA also qualifies as high quality debt. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is very strong, and debt rated AA differs from AAA
issues only in a small degree.
A -- Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB -- Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C -- Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having
predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of
speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures
to adverse conditions.
BB -- Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B -- Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BB or BB- rating.
CCC -- Debt rated CCC has a currently indefinable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
B or B- rating.
CC -- The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.
C -- The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be
used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt
service payments are continued.
CI -- The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D -- Debt rated D is in payment default. It is used when interest payments
or principal payments are not made on a due date even if the applicable grace
period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made
during such grace periods. The D rating will also be used upon a filing of a
bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or Minus (-) -- To provide more detailed indications of credit
quality, the ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
NR -- Indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Debt Obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories
are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The
ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.
Bond Investment Quality Standards: Under present commercial bank
regulations issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds rated in the top
four categories (AAA, AA, A, BBB, commonly known as "investment grade" ratings)
are generally regarded as eligible for bank investment. In addition, the laws
of various states governing legal investments may impose certain rating or other
standards for obligations eligible for investment by savings banks, trust
companies, insurance companies and fiduciaries generally.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. A brief description of the applicable MIS
rating symbols and their meanings follows:
Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Some bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
NOTE: Bonds within the above categories which possess the strongest
investment attributes are designated by the symbol "1" following the rating.
Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Caa -- Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
Ca -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C -- Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues
so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. An S&P
preferred stock rating is an assessment of the capacity and willingness of an
issuer to pay preferred stock dividends and any applicable sinking fund
obligations. A preferred stock rating differs from a bond rating inasmuch as it
is assigned to an equity issue, which issue is intrinsically different from, and
subordinated to, a debt issue. Therefore, to reflect this difference, the
preferred stock rating symbol will normally not be higher than the debt rating
symbol assigned to, or that would be assigned to, the senior debt of the same
issuer.
The preferred stock ratings are based on the following considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment - capacity and willingness of the issuer to meet the
timely payment of preferred stock dividends and any applicable sinking fund
requirements in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of, and provisions of, the issue;
3. Relative position of the issue in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization,
or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting
creditors' rights.
AAA -- This is the highest rating that may be assigned by S&P to a
preferred stock issue and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay the
preferred stock obligations.
AA -- A preferred stock issue rated AA also qualifies as a high-quality
fixed income security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very
strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.
A -- An issue rated A is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred
stock obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB -- An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to
pay the preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for a preferred
stock in this category than for issues in the 'A' category.
BB, B, CCC -- Preferred stock rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to
pay preferred stock obligations. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation
and CCC the highest degree of speculation. While such issues will likely have
some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
CC -- The rating CC is reserved for a preferred stock issue in arrears on
dividends or sinking fund payments but that is currently paying.
C -- A preferred stock rated C is a non-paying issue.
D -- A preferred stock rated D is a non-paying issue with the issuer in
default on debt instruments.
NR -- This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Plus (+) or minus (-) -- To provide more detailed indications of preferred
stock quality, the rating from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a
plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
A preferred stock rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold
a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished
to S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers
reliable. S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may,
on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be
changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of,
such information or based on other circumstances.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Because of the fundamental differences
between preferred stocks and bonds, a variation of MIS' familiar bond rating
symbols is used in the quality ranking of preferred stock. The symbols are
designed to avoid comparison with bond quality in absolute terms. It should
always be borne in mind that preferred stock occupies a junior position to bonds
within a particular capital structure and that these securities are rated within
the universe of preferred stocks.
Note: MIS applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
classification; the modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher
end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking
and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.
Preferred stock rating symbols and their definitions are as follows:
aaa -- An issue which is rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality
preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk
of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
aa -- An issue which is rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred
stock. This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance the earnings
and asset protection will remain relatively well-maintained in the foreseeable
future.
a -- An issue which is rated a is considered to be an upper-medium grade
preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the aaa
and aa classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected
to be maintained at adequate levels.
baa -- An issue which is rated baa is considered to be a medium-grade
preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and
asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any
great length of time.
ba -- An issue which is rated ba is considered to have speculative elements
and its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection
may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods.
Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.
b -- An issue which is rated b generally lacks the characteristics of a
desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other
terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.
caa -- An issue which is rated caa is likely to be in arrears on dividend
payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future
status of payments.
ca -- An issue which is rated ca is speculative in a high degree and is
likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
payments.
c -- This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock.
Issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
<PAGE>
United High Income Fund, Inc.
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
Our INTERNET address is:
http://www.waddell.com
<PAGE>
United High Income Fund, Inc.
Class A Shares
PROSPECTUS
June 30, 1998
The United Group of Mutual Funds
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.
United Cash Management, Inc.
United Continental Income Fund, Inc.
United Funds, Inc.
United Bond Fund
United Income Fund
United Accumulative Fund
United Science and Technology Fund
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
United Government Securities Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund II, Inc.
United International Growth Fund, Inc.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.
United New Concepts Fund, Inc.
United Retirement Shares, Inc.
United Vanguard Fund, Inc.
NUP1009(6-98)
printed on recycled paper
<PAGE>
Please read this Prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for future
reference. It sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that you
ought to know before investing.
Additional information has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is contained in a Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
dated June 30, 1998. The SAI is available free upon request to the Fund or to
Waddell & Reed, Inc., the Fund's underwriter, at the address or telephone number
stated below. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, and
you will not be aware of all facts unless you read both this Prospectus and the
SAI.
THE FUND MAY INVEST UP TO ALL OF ITS ASSETS IN BONDS ISSUED BY DOMESTIC OR
FOREIGN ISSUERS RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE, COMMONLY KNOWN AS "JUNK BONDS,"
WHICH ENTAIL GREATER RISKS, INCLUDING DEFAULT RISKS, THAN THOSE FOUND IN HIGHER
RATED SECURITIES. INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THESE RISKS BEFORE
INVESTING. SEE "ABOUT THE INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND" INCLUDED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-INVESTMENT GRADE
DEBT SECURITIES. SEE APPENDIX A FOR A DISCUSSION OF BOND RATINGS.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
Class Y Shares
This Fund seeks as it primary goal a high level of current income. As a
secondary goal, the Fund seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary
goal. The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of high-yield,
high-risk, fixed-income securities, the risks of which are, in the judgment of
the Fund's investment manager, consistent with the Fund's goals.
This Prospectus describes one class of shares of the Fund -- Class Y shares.
Prospectus
June 30, 1998
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
913-236-2000
800-366-5465
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
AN OVERVIEW OF THE FUND.........................................3
EXPENSES........................................................4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS............................................5
PERFORMANCE.....................................................6
Explanation of Terms ..........................................6
ABOUT WADDELL & REED............................................7
ABOUT THE INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND.....................8
Investment Goals and Principles ...............................8
Risk Considerations .........................................8
Securities and Investment Practices ...........................9
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT.............................................25
Buying Shares ................................................25
Minimum Investments ..........................................27
Adding to Your Account .......................................27
Selling Shares ...............................................27
Telephone Transactions .......................................29
Shareholder Services .........................................29
Personal Service ...........................................29
Reports ....................................................30
Exchanges ..................................................30
Distributions and Taxes ......................................30
Distributions ..............................................30
Taxes ......................................................31
ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND..................34
WRIMCO and Its Affiliates ....................................35
Breakdown of Expenses ........................................36
Management Fee .............................................36
Other Expenses .............................................37
APPENDIX A.....................................................38
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS ..................................38
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS .......................41
<PAGE>
An Overview of the Fund
The Fund: This Prospectus describes the Class Y shares of United High Income
Fund, Inc., an open-end, diversified management investment company.
Goals and Strategies: United High Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks, as a
primary goal, a high level of current income. As a secondary goal, the Fund
seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary goal. There is no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its goals. The Fund invests primarily in a
diversified portfolio of high-yield, high-risk, fixed-income securities, the
risks of which are, in the judgment of the Fund's investment manager, consistent
with the Fund's goals. See "About the Investment Principles of the Fund" for
further information.
Management: Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company ("WRIMCO") provides
investment advice to the Fund and manages the Fund's investments. WRIMCO is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed, Inc. WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and its predecessors have provided investment management services to registered
investment companies since 1940. See "About the Management and Expenses of the
Fund" for further information about management fees.
Distributor: Waddell & Reed, Inc. acts as principal underwriter and distributor
of the shares of the Fund.
Purchases: You may buy Class Y shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and its account representatives or through other authorized third parties. The
price to buy a Class Y share of the Fund is the net asset value of a Class Y
share. There is no sales charge incurred upon purchase of Class Y shares of the
Fund. See "About Your Account" for information on how to purchase Class Y
shares.
Redemptions: You may redeem your shares at net asset value. When you sell your
shares, they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them. See "About
Your Account" for a description of redemption procedures.
Risk Considerations: Investments in high-yield, high-risk securities ("junk
bonds") may entail risks that are different or more pronounced than those
involved in higher-rated securities. The value of the Fund's investments and
the income generated will vary from day to day, generally reflecting changes in
interest rates, market conditions and other company and economic news.
Performance will also depend on WRIMCO's skill in selecting investments. See
"About the Investment Principles of the Fund" for information about the risks
associated with the Fund's investments.
<PAGE>
Expenses
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of a fund.
Maximum sales load
on purchases None
Maximum sales load
on reinvested
dividends None
Deferred
sales load None
Redemption fees None
Exchange fee None
Annual Fund operating expenses (as a percentage of average net assets).
Management fees 0.55%
12b-1 fees None
Other expenses 0.22%
Total Fund operating
expenses 0.77%
Example: You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
(1) 5% annual return3 and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
1 year $ 8
3 years $25
5 years $43
10 years $95
The purpose of this table is to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses that a shareholder of the Class Y shares of the Fund will
bear directly or indirectly. The example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses; actual expenses may be greater or
lesser than those shown. For a more complete discussion of certain expenses and
fees, see "Breakdown of Expenses."
3Use of an assumed annual return of 5% is for illustration purposes only and is
not a representation of the Fund's future performance, which may be greater or
lesser.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
The following information has been audited in conjunction with the annual
audits of the Financial Statements of the Fund. Financial Statements for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, and the independent auditors' report of
Deloitte & Touche LLP thereon, are included in the SAI and should be read in
conjunction with the Financial Highlights.
For a Class Y share outstanding throughout each period:
For the
For the fiscal year period
ended March 31, from 1/4/96*
----------------------- through
1998 1997 3/31/96
-------- -------- --------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 9.25 $9.10 $9.19
------ ----- -----
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment
income .......... 0.82 0.81 0.20
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments... 0.79 0.15 (0.10)
------ ----- -----
Total from investment
operations ........ 1.61 0.96 0.10
------ ----- -----
Less dividends
from net
investment income . (0.82) (0.81) (0.19)
------ ----- -----
Net asset value,
end of period ..... $10.04 $9.25 $9.10
====== ===== =====
Total return ....... 18.13% 11.07% 1.00%
Net assets, end of
period (000
omitted) ......... $3,230 $3,114 $2,149
Ratio of expenses
to average net
assets ............ 0.77% 0.77% 0.80%**
Ratio of net
investment income
to average net
assets ............ 8.46% 8.78% 8.55%**
Portfolio
turnover rate ..... 63.40% 53.17% 41.67%**
*Commencement of operations.
**Annualized.
<PAGE>
Performance
Mutual fund performance is commonly measured as total return. The Fund may
also advertise its performance by showing yield and performance rankings.
Performance information is calculated and presented separately for each class of
Fund shares.
Explanation of Terms
Total Return is the overall change in value of an investment in the Fund
over a given period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and other
distributions. A cumulative total return reflects actual performance over a
stated period of time. An average annual total return is a hypothetical rate of
return that, if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total
return if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same as
actual year-by-year results. Non-standardized total return may be for periods
other than those required to be presented or may otherwise differ from
standardized total return.
Yield refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund over a
given period of time, expressed as an annual percentage rate. The Fund's yield
is based on a 30-day period ending on a specific date and is computed by
dividing the Fund's net investment income per share earned during the period by
the Fund's maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
Performance Rankings are comparisons of the Fund's performance to the
performance of other selected mutual funds, selected recognized market
indicators such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index and the
Dow Jones Industrial Average, or non-market indices or averages of mutual fund
industry groups. The Fund may quote its performance rankings and/or other
information as published by recognized independent mutual fund statistical
services or by publications of general interest. In connection with a ranking,
the Fund may provide additional information, such as the particular category to
which it relates, 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
information provided to present or prospective shareholders 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.
The Fund's recent performance and holdings will be detailed twice a year in
the Fund's annual and semiannual reports, which are sent to all Fund
shareholders.
<PAGE>
About Waddell & Reed
Since 1937, Waddell & Reed has been helping people make the most of their
financial future by helping them take advantage of various financial services.
Today, Waddell & Reed has over 2500 account representatives located throughout
the United States. Your primary contact in your dealings with Waddell & Reed
will be your local account representative. However, the Waddell & Reed
shareholder services department, which is part of the Waddell & Reed
headquarters operations in Overland Park, Kansas, is available to assist you and
your Waddell & Reed account representative. You may speak with a Customer
Service Representative by calling the telephone number listed on the inside back
cover of this Prospectus.
<PAGE>
About the Investment Principles of the Fund
Investment Goals and Principles
The primary goal of the Fund is to earn a high level of current income. As
a secondary goal, the Fund seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary
goal. The Fund seeks to achieve these goals by investing primarily in a
diversified portfolio of high-yield, high-risk, fixed income securities, the
risks of which are, in the judgment of WRIMCO, consistent with the Fund's goals.
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its goals.
There are three main types of securities that the Fund owns: debt
securities, preferred stock and common stock. The Fund may also own convertible
securities. In general, the high income that the Fund seeks is paid by debt
securities in the lower rating categories of the established rating services or
unrated securities that are, in the opinion of WRIMCO, of similar quality to
rated securities in these categories; these are securities rated BBB or lower by
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P"), or Baa
or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("MIS") and unrated securities. S&P
and MIS ratings are described in Appendix A.
WRIMCO may look at a number of factors in selecting securities for the
Fund's portfolio. These include an issuer's past, current and estimated future:
(i) financial strength; (ii) cash flow; (iii) management; (iv) borrowing
requirements; and (v) responsiveness to changes in interest rates and business
conditions. When WRIMCO believes that a full or partial temporary defensive
position is desirable, due to present or anticipated market or economic
conditions, WRIMCO may take any one or more of the following steps with respect
to up to all of the assets in the Fund's portfolio: (i) shortening the average
maturity of the Fund's debt portfolio; (ii) holding cash or cash equivalents
(short-term investments, such as commercial paper and certificates of deposit)
in varying amounts designed for defensive purposes; and (iii) emphasizing high-
grade debt securities. Going defensive in any one or more of these manners
might involve a reduction in the yield on the Fund's portfolio. As an
alternative to taking a temporary defensive position or in order to more quickly
participate in anticipated market changes or market conditions, the Fund may
invest in options and futures.
Risk Considerations
There are risks inherent in any investment. The Fund is subject to varying
degrees of market risk, financial risk and, in some cases, prepayment risk.
Market risk is the potential for fluctuations in the price of the security
because of market factors. Because of market risks, you should anticipate that
the share price of the Fund will fluctuate. Financial risk is based on the
financial situation of the issuer. The financial risk of the Fund depends on
the credit quality of the underlying securities. Prepayment risk is the
possibility that, during periods of falling interest rates, a debt security with
a high stated interest rate will be prepaid prior to its expected maturity date.
Certain types of instruments in which the Fund may invest, and certain
strategies WRIMCO may employ in pursuit of the Fund's goals, involve special
risks. 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 higher-quality securities and may
decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty. Foreign
securities and foreign currencies may involve risks relating to currency
fluctuations, political or economic conditions in the foreign country, and the
potentially less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of
foreign markets. These factors could make foreign investments, especially those
in developing countries, more volatile.
The Fund may also invest in certain derivative instruments, including
options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts,
swaps, caps, collars, floors, indexed securities, stripped securities and
mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. The use of derivative
instruments involves special risks. See "Risks of Derivative Instruments" for
further information on the risks of investing in these instruments.
Securities and Investment Practices
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the Fund may invest and strategies WRIMCO may employ in
pursuit of the Fund's goals. A summary of 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 to the full extent permitted by the Fund's investment policies and
restrictions unless it believes that doing so will help the Fund achieve its
goals.
Certain of the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund are also
stated below. A fundamental policy may not be changed without the approval of
the shareholders of the Fund. Operating policies may be changed by the Board of
Directors without the approval of the affected shareholders. The goals of the
Fund are fundamental policies. Unless otherwise indicated, the types of
securities and other assets in which the Fund may invest and other policies are
operating policies.
Policies and limitations are typically considered at the time of purchase;
the sale of instruments is usually not required in the event of a subsequent
change in circumstances.
Please see the SAI for further information concerning the following
instruments and associated risks and the Fund's investment policies and
restrictions.
Equity Securities. Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an
issuer. This ownership interest often gives an investor the right to vote on
measures affecting the issuer's organization and operations. 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 equity securities in which the Fund invests may include
preferred stock that converts to common stock either automatically or after a
specified period of time or at the option of the issuer.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not
purchase, or otherwise voluntarily acquire, any common stocks if, as a result,
more than 20% of its total assets would consist of common stocks.
The Fund does not intend to invest more than 10% of its total assets in
non-dividend-paying common stocks.
Debt Securities. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable
rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity. Some debt
securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are
purchased at a discount from their face values. The debt securities in which
the Fund invests may include debt securities whose performance is linked to a
specified equity security or securities index.
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 debt securities fall and,
conversely, when interest rates fall, the values of fixed-rate debt securities
rise. The values of floating and adjustable-rate debt securities are not as
sensitive to changes in interest rates as the values of fixed-rate debt
securities. Longer-term bonds are generally more sensitive to interest rate
changes than shorter-term bonds.
U.S. Government securities are high-quality instruments issued or
guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. Government ("U.S. Government Securities"). Not all
U.S. Government Securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States. Some are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury; others are backed by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to
purchase the agencies' obligations; while others are supported only by the
credit of the instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the
agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment.
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"). 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
fluctuations in response to changing interest rates than the prices of debt
obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest
in cash.
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. Nevertheless, for Federal income and excise
tax purposes the Fund annually must distribute to its shareholders substantially
all of its net investment income, including OID. Accordingly, the Fund will be
required to include in its dividends an amount equal to the income attributable
to its zero coupon and other OID securities. See "Taxes" in the SAI. 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.
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. While the market for high-yield, high-
risk, corporate debt securities has been in existence for many years and has
weathered previous economic downturns, the 1980s brought a dramatic increase in
the use of such securities to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and
restructurings. Past experience may not provide an accurate indication of the
future performance of the high-yield, high-risk bond market, especially during
periods of economic recession. 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 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 to exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to
protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in the
best interest of the Fund's shareholders.
Subject to its investment restrictions, the Fund may invest in debt
securities rated in any rating category of the established rating services,
including securities rated in the lowest rating category (such as those rated D
by S&P and C by 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. In addition, the Fund will treat unrated securities
judged by WRIMCO to be of equivalent quality to a rated security to be
equivalent to securities 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.
Policies and Restrictions: At least 80% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested to seek a high level of current income.
Debt Holdings, by Rating. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, the
percentage of the assets of the Fund invested in debt securities in each of the
rating categories of S&P and the corporate debt securities not rated by an
established rating service, determined on a dollar-weighted average, were as
follows:
Percentage of
Rated Assets of
by S&P the Fund
AAA 0.0%
AA 0.0
A 5.8
BBB 1.4
BB 15.2
B 60.3
CCC 2.5
CC 0.0
C 0.0
D 0.0
Unrated (Equivalent to)
- -------
AAA 0.0%
AA 0.0
A 0.8
BBB 0.0
BB 1.5
B 2.8
CCC 1.5
CC 0.0
C 0.0
D 0.0
The percentage of assets in each category was calculated on the basis of a
monthly dollar-weighted average. The monthly dollar-weighted average was
calculated using the market value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio at
the end of each month in the thirteen-month period ended with its last fiscal
year, averaged over its last fiscal year. The rating used for each security is
that security's rating as of the end of each month and, as ratings may change
over time, does not necessarily indicate past or future ratings of any
particular security or the ratings of securities in the portfolio in general.
Asset composition of the Fund by rating categories at any particular time does
not necessarily indicate future asset composition by rating categories.
Preferred Stock is also rated by S&P and MIS, as described in Appendix A.
The Fund may invest in preferred stock rated in any rating category by an
established rating service and unrated preferred stock judged by WRIMCO to be of
equivalent quality.
Convertible Securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note,
preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a
prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a
particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible
security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is
redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities generally have higher
yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower
yields than comparable nonconvertible securities, are less subject to
fluctuation in value than 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.
Foreign Securities and foreign currencies can involve significant risks in
addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments. 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. 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 condition 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 a greater possibility
of default by foreign governments or foreign 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. There is no assurance that WRIMCO will be able to
anticipate these potential events or counter their effects.
The considerations noted above generally are intensified for investments 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.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may purchase an unlimited amount of
foreign securities. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets
in securities issued by the government of any one foreign country.
Options, Futures and Other Strategies. The Fund may use certain options,
futures contracts, forward currency contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors,
indexed securities, mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities and
certain other strategies described herein to attempt to enhance income or yield
or to attempt to reduce the risk of its 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. The Fund may also use various techniques to increase or
decrease its exposure to changing security prices, interest rates, currency
exchange rates, commodity prices or other factors that affect security values.
The Fund's ability to use these strategies may be limited by market
conditions, regulatory limits and tax considerations. The Fund might not use
any of these strategies, and there can be no assurance that any strategy that is
used will succeed. The risks associated with such strategies are described
below. Also see the SAI for more information on these instruments and
strategies and their risk considerations.
Policies and Restrictions: Subject to the further limitations stated in
the SAI, generally, the Fund may purchase and sell any type of derivative
instrument including, without limitation, futures contracts, options, forward
contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors and indexed securities. However, the
Fund will only purchase or sell a particular derivative instrument if the Fund
is authorized to invest in the type of asset by which the return on, or value
of, the derivative instrument is primarily measured. Since the Fund is
authorized to invest in foreign securities, it may purchase and sell foreign
currency derivatives.
Options. The Fund may engage in certain strategies involving options to
attempt to enhance its income or yield or to attempt to reduce the overall risk
of its investments. A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and
obligates the writer to sell, the underlying investment at the agreed-upon
exercise 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 exercise 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.
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
investment. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for
exchange-listed options. The market for options that are not listed on an
exchange may be less active than the market for exchange-listed options. The
Fund will be able to close a position in an option it has written only if there
is a market for the offsetting put or call. If the Fund is not able to enter
into an offsetting closing transaction on an option it has written, it will be
required to maintain the securities, or cash in the case of an option on an
index, subject to the call or the collateral underlying the put until a closing
purchase transaction can be entered into or the option expires. Because index
options are settled in cash, the Fund cannot provide in advance for its
potential settlement obligations on a call it has written on an index by holding
the underlying securities. The Fund bears the risk that the value of the
securities it holds will vary from the value of the index.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. When the Fund
purchases a futures contract, it incurs an obligation to take delivery of a
specified amount of the obligation underlying the contract at a specified time
in the future for a specified price. When the Fund sells a futures contract, it
incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying
obligation at a specified time in return for an agreed-upon price.
When the Fund writes an option on a futures contract, it becomes obligated,
in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the futures contract at
a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. If the
Fund writes a call, it assumes a short futures position. If it writes a put, it
assumes a long futures position. When the Fund purchases an option on a futures
contract, it acquires the right, in return for the premium it pays, to assume a
position in the futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a
short position if the option is a put).
Forward Currency Contracts and Foreign Currencies. The Fund may enter into
forward currency contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a
specified future date either with respect to specific transactions or with
respect to portfolio positions in order to minimize the risk to the Fund from
adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and a foreign
currency. For example, when WRIMCO anticipates purchasing or selling a security
denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund may enter into a forward currency
contract in order to set the exchange rate at which the transaction will be
made. The Fund also may enter into a forward currency contract to sell an
amount of a foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the
Fund's securities positions denominated in such currency. The Fund may also use
forward currency contracts in one currency or a basket of currencies to attempt
to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a
different currency if WRIMCO anticipates that there will be a correlation
between the two currencies.
The Fund may also use forward currency contracts to shift the Fund's
exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one foreign currency to
another. For example, if the Fund owns securities denominated in a foreign
currency and WRIMCO believes that currency will decline relative to another
currency, it might enter into a forward currency contract to sell the
appropriate amount of the first foreign currency with payment to be made in the
second foreign currency. Transactions that use two foreign currencies are
sometimes referred to as "cross hedging." Use of a different foreign currency
magnifies the Fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The Fund may also purchase forward currency contracts to enhance income when
WRIMCO anticipates that the foreign currency will appreciate in value, but
securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment
opportunities.
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 investment 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 it will
hedge at an appropriate time.
The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign currency and invest in foreign
currency deposits. Currency conversion involves dealer spreads and other costs,
although commissions usually are not charged.
Indexed Securities. The Fund may purchase indexed securities, which are
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 instruments.
Swaps, Caps, Collars and Floors. The Fund may enter into swaps, caps,
collars and floors as described below. The Fund may enter into these
transactions to preserve a return or 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 income or 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
such 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 such floor. A collar combines
elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Depending on how they are used, the swap, cap, collar and floor agreements
used by the Fund may also increase or decrease the overall volatility of its
investments and its share price and yield. The most significant factor in the
performance of these agreements is the change in the specific interest rate,
currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and
from the Fund.
The Fund usually will enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case
may be, only the net amount of the two payments. If, however, an agreement
calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments
when due. The creditworthiness of firms with which the Fund enters into swaps,
caps, collars or floors will be monitored by WRIMCO in accordance with
procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. If a firm's creditworthiness
declines, the value of an 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 Fund understands that the position of the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission is that assets involved in such transactions are illiquid
and are, therefore, subject to the limitations on investment in illiquid
investments as described in the SAI.
Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities are bonds backed by
specific types of assets. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or
indirect interests in pools of underlying mortgage loans that are secured by
real property. U.S. Government mortgage-backed securities are issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest (but not as to market value) by the
Government National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae (formerly, the Federal
National Mortgage Association), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or
other government-sponsored enterprises. Other mortgage-backed securities are
sponsored or issued by private entities, including investment banking firms and
mortgage originators.
Mortgage-backed securities may be composed of one or more classes and may
be structured either as pass-through securities or collateralized debt
obligations. Multiple-class mortgage-backed securities are referred to in this
Prospectus 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
these 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.
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 payments 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 his or her 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.
When interest rates decline and homeowners refinance their mortgages,
mortgage-backed bonds may be paid off more quickly than investors expect. When
interest rates rise, mortgage-backed bonds may be paid off more slowly than
originally expected. Changes in the rate or "speed" of these prepayments can
cause the value of mortgage-backed securities to fluctuate rapidly.
Other asset-backed securities are similar to mortgage-backed securities,
except that the underlying assets securing the debt are different. These
underlying assets may be nearly any type of financial asset or receivable, such
as motor vehicle installment sales contracts, home equity loans, leases of
various types of real and personal property and receivables from credit cards.
The yield characteristics of mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
securities differ from those of traditional debt securities. Among the major
differences are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently
and that principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage
loans or other assets generally may be prepaid at any time. Generally,
prepayments on fixed-rate mortgage loans will increase during a period of
falling interest rates and decrease during a period of rising interest rates.
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities may also decrease in value as
a result of increases in interest rates and, because of prepayments, may benefit
less than other bonds from declining interest rates. Reinvestments of
prepayments may occur at lower interest rates than the original investment, thus
adversely affecting the Fund's yield. Actual prepayment experience may cause
the yield of a mortgage-backed security to differ from what was assumed when the
Fund purchased the security.
The market for privately issued mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for U.S. Government
mortgage-backed securities. CMO classes may be specially 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
significantly reduced. These changes can result in volatility in the market
value, and in some instances reduced liquidity, of the CMO class.
Risks of Derivative Instruments. The use of options, futures contracts,
options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, swaps, caps, collars
and floors, and the investment in indexed securities, stripped securities and
mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, involve special risks,
including (i) possible imperfect or no correlation between price movements of
the portfolio investments (held or intended to be purchased) involved in the
transaction and price movements of the instruments involved in the transaction,
(ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at
a particular time, (iii) the need for additional portfolio management skills and
techniques, (iv) losses due to unanticipated market price movements, (v) the
fact that, while such strategies can reduce the risk of loss, they can also
reduce the opportunity for gain, or even result in losses, by offsetting
favorable price movements in investments involved in the transaction, (vi)
incorrect forecasts by WRIMCO concerning interest or currency exchange rates or
direction of price fluctuations of the investment involved in the transaction,
which may result in the strategy being ineffective, (vii) loss of premiums paid
by the Fund on options it purchases, and (viii) the possible inability of the
Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time when it would otherwise
be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund to sell a
portfolio security at a disadvantageous time, due to the need for the Fund to
maintain "cover" or to segregate assets in connection with such transactions and
the possible inability of the Fund to close out or liquidate its position.
For a hedging strategy to be completely effective, the price change of the
hedging instrument must equal the price change of the investment being hedged.
The risk of imperfect correlation of these price changes increases as the
composition of the Fund's portfolio diverges from instruments underlying a
hedging instrument. Such equal price changes are not always possible because
the investment underlying the hedging instruments may not be the same investment
that is being hedged. WRIMCO will attempt to create a closely correlated hedge
but hedging activity may not be completely successful in eliminating market
value fluctuation.
WRIMCO may use derivative instruments for hedging purposes to adjust the
risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio of investments and may use these
instruments to adjust the return characteristics of the Fund's portfolio of
investments. The use of derivative techniques for speculative purposes can
increase investment risk. If WRIMCO judges market conditions incorrectly or
employs a strategy that does not correlate well with the Fund's investments,
these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of whether the intent was to
reduce risk or increase return. 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. In addition, these techniques could result in a loss if the
counterparty to the transaction does not perform as promised or if there is not
a liquid secondary market to close out a position that the Fund has entered
into.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to
the differences in the natures of those markets, are subject to distortion. 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 or currency exchange rate or stock market movements
or the time span within which the movements take place.
Options and futures transactions may increase portfolio turnover rates,
which results in correspondingly greater commission expenses and transaction
costs and may result in certain tax consequences.
New financial products and risk management techniques continue to be
developed. The Fund may use these instruments and techniques to the extent
consistent with its goals, investment policies and regulatory requirements
applicable to investment companies.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions are trading practices in
which payment and delivery for the securities take place at a future date. The
market value of a security could change during this period, which could affect
the Fund's yield.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, the Fund assumes
the rights and risks of ownership, including the risk of price and yield
fluctuations. When the Fund sells a security on a delayed-delivery basis, the
Fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the
security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver
or pay for the securities, the Fund could miss a favorable price or yield
opportunity, or could suffer a loss.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security
at one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or
becomes insolvent.
Restricted Securities and Illiquid Investments. Restricted securities are
securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale.
Restricted securities may be illiquid due to restrictions on their resale.
Certain restricted securities may be determined to be liquid in accordance with
guidelines adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors.
Illiquid investments may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable
price. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly
to the Fund.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may not purchase a security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would consist of illiquid investments.
Diversification. Diversifying the Fund's investment portfolio can reduce
the risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not, 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 Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (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.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not buy a security if, as a result,
more than 25% of the Fund's total assets would then be invested in securities of
companies in any one industry.
Borrowing. If the Fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to
greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off.
If the Fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding,
this may be considered a form of leverage.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may borrow
money only from banks, as a temporary measure or for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, but only up to 5% of its total assets. The Fund may not pledge its
assets in connection with any permitted borrowings; however, this policy does
not prevent the Fund from pledging its assets in connection with its purchase
and sale of futures contracts, options, forward contracts, swaps, caps, collars,
floors and other financial instruments. See the SAI for further information on
the Fund's ability to borrow.
Lending. Securities loans may be made on a short-term or long-term basis
for the purpose of increasing the Fund's income. This practice could result in
a loss or a delay in recovering the Fund's securities. Loans will be made only
to parties deemed by WRIMCO to be creditworthy.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not lend
more than 10% of its assets at any one time, and such loans must be on a
collateralized basis in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Other Instruments may include warrants and 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.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may buy
shares of other investment companies that do not redeem their shares only if it
does so in a regular transaction in the open market and only if not more than
10% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in these shares. The Fund does
not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in such securities.
<PAGE>
About Your Account
Class Y shares are designed for institutional investors or others investing
through certain intermediaries. Class Y shares are available for purchase by:
. 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, as amended (the "Code"), when the plan has 100
or more eligible employees and holds the shares in an omnibus account on the
Fund's records;
. 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;
. government entities or authorities and corporations whose investment within
the first twelve months after initial investment is $10 million or more; and
. certain retirement plans and trusts for employees and account representatives
of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its affiliates.
Buying Shares
You may buy shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its account
representatives. To open your account you must complete and sign an
application. Your Waddell & Reed account representative can help you with any
questions you might have.
The price to buy a share of the Fund, called the offering price, is
calculated every business day.
The offering price of a Class Y share (price to buy one Class Y share) is
the Fund's Class Y net asset value ("NAV"). The Fund's Class Y shares are sold
without a sales charge.
To purchase 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 to UMB Bank, n.a., ABA
Number 101000695, W&R Underwriter Account Number 0007978, FBO Customer Name and
Account Number.
To purchase 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.
You may also buy 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 shares.
The Fund's Class Y NAV is the value of a single share. The Class Y NAV is
computed by adding, with respect to that class, the value of the Fund's
investments, cash and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and then
dividing the result by the number of Class Y shares outstanding.
The securities in the Fund's portfolio that are listed or traded on an
exchange are valued primarily using market quotations or, if market quotations
are not available, at their fair value in a manner determined in good faith by
or at the direction of the Board of Directors. Bonds are generally valued
according to prices quoted by a third party pricing service. Short-term debt
securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Other assets 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 NYSE is open. The Fund normally
calculates the NAVs of its shares as of the later of the close of business of
the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time, or the close of the regular session of
any other securities or commodities exchange on which an option or futures
contract held by the Fund is traded.
The Fund may invest in securities listed on foreign exchanges which may
trade on Saturdays or on customary 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 have no access to
the Fund.
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:
. Orders are accepted only at the home office of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
. All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars.
. 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.
. The Fund does not issue certificates representing Class Y shares of the Fund.
. If you purchase Fund shares 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 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 Fund shares 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
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
Adding to Your Account
You can make additional investments of any amount at any time.
To add to your 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.
To add to your account by mail: Make your check payable to Waddell & Reed,
Inc. Mail the check along with a letter stating your account number, the
account registration and that you wish to purchase Class Y shares of the Fund,
to:
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
If you purchase Fund shares from certain broker-dealers, banks or other
authorized third parties, additional purchases may be made through these 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 Class Y share) is the Fund's Class
Y NAV.
To sell 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 shares and make
payment by wire to your pre-designated bank account or by check to you at the
address on the account.
To sell shares by written request: Complete an Account Service Request
form, available from your Waddell & Reed account representative, or write a
letter of instruction with:
. the name on the account registration;
. the Fund's name;
. the Fund account number;
. the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed; and
. any other applicable requirements listed in the table below.
Deliver the form or your letter to your Waddell & Reed account
representative, 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.
Special Requirements for Selling Shares
Account Type Special Requirements
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 At least one person
Organization authorized by
corporate resolution
to act on the account
must sign the written
instructions.
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. Note the following:
. If more than one person owns the shares, each owner must sign the written
request.
. 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,
satisfactory to the Fund, that the check has cleared and been honored. If no
such assurance is given, payment of the redemption proceeds on these shares
will be delayed until the earlier of 10 days or the date the Fund is able to
verify that your purchase check has cleared and been honored.
. 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.
. Payment is normally made in cash, although under extraordinary conditions
redemptions may be made in portfolio securities.
. If you purchased Fund 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
shares when that firm (or its designee) has received your order. Your order
will receive the offering price 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 Fund shares at that day's price.
The Fund reserves the right to require a signature guarantee on certain
redemption requests. This requirement is designed to protect you and Waddell &
Reed from fraud. The Fund may require a signature guarantee in certain
situations such as:
. the request for redemption is made by a corporation, partnership or
fiduciary;
. the request for redemption is made by someone other than the owner of record;
or
. the check is being made payable to someone other than the owner of record.
The Fund will accept a signature guarantee from a national bank, a
federally chartered savings and loan or a member firm of a national stock
exchange or other eligible guarantor in accordance with procedures of the Fund's
transfer agent. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem at NAV all shares of the Fund owned
or held by you having an aggregate NAV of less than $500. The Fund will give
you notice of its intention to redeem your shares and a 60-day opportunity to
purchase a sufficient number of additional shares to bring the aggregate NAV of
your shares to $500.
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 account representative 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 Service staff is
available to respond to your inquiries or update your account records. At
almost any time of the day or night, you may access TeleWaddell from a touch-
tone phone to:
. Obtain information about your accounts;
. Obtain price information about other funds in the United Group; or
. Request duplicate statements.
Reports
Statements and reports sent to you include the following:
. confirmation statements (after every purchase, exchange, transfer or
redemption)
. year-to-date statements (quarterly)
. annual and semiannual reports (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 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 historical account
information.
Exchanges
You may sell your Class Y shares and buy Class Y shares of other funds in
the United Group or Class A shares of United Cash Management, Inc. You may
exchange only into funds that are legally registered 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.
Distributions and Taxes
Distributions
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and net
capital gains to shareholders each year. Ordinarily, dividends are distributed
monthly from the Fund's net investment income, which includes accrued interest,
earned OID, dividends and other income earned on portfolio assets less expenses.
Net capital gains (and any net gains from foreign currency transactions)
ordinarily are distributed in December. The Fund may make additional
distributions if necessary to avoid Federal income or excise taxes on certain
undistributed income and capital gains.
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 dividend, capital gains and other distributions
will be automatically paid in additional Class Y shares 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 will be
automatically paid in Class Y shares, but you will be sent a check for each
dividend distribution.
3. Cash Option. You will be sent a check for your dividend, capital gains and
other distributions.
For retirement accounts, all distributions are automatically paid in Class
Y shares.
Taxes
The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify for treatment as
a regulated investment company under the Code so that it will be relieved of
Federal income tax on that part of its investment company taxable income
(consisting generally of net investment income, net short-term capital gains and
net gains from certain foreign currency transactions) and net capital gains (the
excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) that
it distributes to its shareholders.
There are certain tax requirements that the Fund must satisfy in order to
avoid Federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, the Fund
may have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
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, 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. 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. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act
of 1997 ("1997 Act"), different maximum tax rates apply to a noncorporate
taxpayer's net capital gain depending on the taxpayer's holding period and
marginal rate of Federal income tax -- generally, 28% for gain recognized on
securities held for more than one year but not more than 18 months and 20% (10%
for taxpayers in the 15% marginal tax bracket) for gain recognized on securities
held for more than 18 months. The Fund may divide each net capital gain
distribution into a 28% rate gain distribution and a 20% rate gain distribution
(in accordance with the Fund's holding periods for the securities it sold that
generated the distributed gain), in which case Fund shareholders must treat
those portions accordingly.
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
including the portions of capital gains distributions, if any, subject to the
different maximum rates of tax applicable under the 1997 Act. Under certain
circumstances, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders to take a credit or
deduction for foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. The Fund will notify you
of any such election.
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 alternative minimum
tax.
Withholding. The Fund is required to 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 such shareholders who
otherwise are subject to backup withholding.
Taxes on transactions. Your redemption of Fund shares will result in
taxable gain or loss to you, depending on whether the redemption proceeds are
more or less than your adjusted basis 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. 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.
State income taxes. The portion of the dividends paid by the Fund
attributable to the 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 disposition 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; see the SAI
for a more detailed discussion. There may be other Federal, state or local tax
considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are urged to consult
your own tax adviser.
<PAGE>
About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
United High Income 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 investment company organized as
a corporation under Maryland law on January 11, 1979.
The Fund is governed by a Board of Directors, which has overall
responsibility for the management of its affairs. The majority of directors are
not affiliated with Waddell & Reed, Inc.
The Fund has two classes of shares. In addition to the Class Y shares
offered by this Prospectus, the Fund has issued and outstanding Class A shares
which are offered by Waddell & Reed, Inc. through a separate prospectus. Class
A shares are subject to a sales charge on purchases but are not subject to
redemption fees. Class A shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee at an annual
rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's average net assets attributable to Class A
shares. Additional information about Class A shares may be obtained by calling
or writing to Waddell & Reed, Inc. at the telephone number or address on the
inside back cover of this Prospectus.
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 a 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 of the Fund 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 which time 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 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. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable when purchased.
WRIMCO and Its Affiliates
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. Waddell & Reed, Inc. 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 inception of the company, whichever was later, and to TMK/United Funds, Inc.
since that fund's inception, until January 8, 1992, when it assigned its duties
as investment manager and assigned its professional staff for investment
management services to WRIMCO. 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.
Louise D. Rieke is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of
the portfolio of the Fund. Ms. Rieke has held her Fund responsibilities since
January 1990. She is Vice President of WRIMCO, Vice President of the Fund and
Vice President of other investment companies for which WRIMCO serves as
investment manager. Ms. Rieke has served as the portfolio manager for
investment companies managed by Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its successor, WRIMCO,
since July 1986 and has been an employee of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its
successor, WRIMCO, since May 1971. From November 1985 to March 1998, Ms. Rieke
was Vice President of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company, an affiliate of
WRIMCO. 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.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. serves as the Fund's underwriter and as underwriter
for each of the other funds in the United Group of Mutual Funds and Waddell &
Reed Funds, Inc. and acts as the principal underwriter and distributor of the
variable life insurance and variable annuity policies issued by United Investors
Life Insurance Company for which TMK/United Funds, Inc. is the underlying
investment vehicle.
Waddell & Reed Services Company acts as transfer agent ("Shareholder
Servicing Agent") for the Fund and processes the payments of dividends. Waddell
& Reed Services Company also acts as agent ("Accounting Services Agent") in
providing bookkeeping and accounting services and assistance to the Fund and
pricing daily the value of its shares.
WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed Services Company are subsidiaries of Waddell &
Reed, Inc. Waddell & Reed, Inc. is a direct subsidiary of Waddell & Reed
Financial Services, Inc., a holding company, and an indirect subsidiary of
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a holding company, and an indirect subsidiary of
Torchmark Corporation, a holding company.
WRIMCO places transactions for the portfolio of the Fund and in doing so
may consider sales of Fund shares as a factor in the selection of brokers to
execute portfolio transactions, subject to best execution. For further
information concerning Fund portfolio transactions, please see "Portfolio
Transactions and Brokerage" in the SAI.
Breakdown of Expenses
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.
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 below.
Management Fee
The management fee of the Fund is calculated by adding a group fee to a
specific fee. It is accrued and paid to WRIMCO daily.
The specific fee is computed on the Fund's net asset value as of the close
of business each day at the annual rate of .15 of 1% of its net assets. The
group fee is a pro rata participation based on the relative net asset size of
the Fund in the group fee computed each day on the combined net asset values of
all the funds in the United Group at the annual rates shown in the following
table:
Group Fee Rate
Annual
Group Net Group
Asset Level Fee Rate
(all dollars For Each
in millions) Level
- ------------ -------
From $0
to $750 .51 of 1%
From $750
to $1,500 .49 of 1%
From $1,500
to $2,250 .47 of 1%
From $2,250
to $3,000 .45 of 1%
From $3,000
to $3,750 .43 of 1%
From $3,750
to $7,500 .40 of 1%
From $7,500
to $12,000 .38 of 1%
Over $12,000 .36 of 1%
Growth in assets of the United Group assures a lower group fee rate.
The combined net asset values of all of the funds in the United Group were
approximately $19.8 billion as of March 31, 1998. Management fees for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1998 were 0.55% of the Fund's average net assets.
Other Expenses
While the management fee is a significant component of the Fund's annual
operating costs, the Fund has other expenses as well.
The Fund pays the Accounting Services Agent a monthly fee based on the
average net assets of the Fund for accounting services. With respect to its
Class Y shares, the Fund pays the Shareholder Servicing Agent a monthly fee
based on the average daily net assets of the class for the preceding month.
The Fund also pays other expenses, such as fees and expenses of certain
directors, audit and outside legal fees, costs of materials sent to
shareholders, taxes, brokerage commissions, interest, insurance premiums,
custodian fees, fees payable by the Fund under federal or other securities laws
and to the Investment Company Institute, and extraordinary expenses including
litigation and indemnification relative to litigation.
The Fund cannot precisely predict what its portfolio turnover rate will be,
but the Fund may have a high portfolio turnover. A higher turnover will
increase transaction and commission costs and could generate taxable income or
loss.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
The following are descriptions of some of the ratings of securities which
the Fund may use. The Fund may also use ratings provided by other nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations in determining the securities
eligible for investment.
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. An S&P
corporate bond rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness of an
obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment of
creditworthiness may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors,
insurers or lessees.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer
or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does not
perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended or
withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or
based on other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
1. Likelihood of default -- capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with
the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the
event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA -- Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to
pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA -- Debt rated AA also qualifies as high quality debt. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is very strong, and debt rated AA differs from AAA
issues only in a small degree.
A -- Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB -- Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C -- Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having
predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of
speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures
to adverse conditions.
BB -- Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B -- Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BB or BB- rating.
CCC -- Debt rated CCC has a currently indefinable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
B or B- rating.
CC -- The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.
C -- The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be
used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt
service payments are continued.
CI -- The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D -- Debt rated D is in payment default. It is used when interest payments
or principal payments are not made on a due date even if the applicable grace
period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made
during such grace periods. The D rating will also be used upon a filing of a
bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or Minus (-) -- To provide more detailed indications of credit
quality, the ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
NR -- Indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Debt Obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories
are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The
ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.
Bond Investment Quality Standards: Under present commercial bank
regulations issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds rated in the top
four categories (AAA, AA, A, BBB, commonly known as "investment grade" ratings)
are generally regarded as eligible for bank investment. In addition, the laws
of various states governing legal investments may impose certain rating or other
standards for obligations eligible for investment by savings banks, trust
companies, insurance companies and fiduciaries generally.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. A brief description of the applicable MIS
rating symbols and their meanings follows:
Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Some bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
NOTE: Bonds within the above categories which possess the strongest
investment attributes are designated by the symbol "1" following the rating.
Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Caa -- Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
Ca -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C -- Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues
so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. An S&P
preferred stock rating is an assessment of the capacity and willingness of an
issuer to pay preferred stock dividends and any applicable sinking fund
obligations. A preferred stock rating differs from a bond rating inasmuch as it
is assigned to an equity issue, which issue is intrinsically different from, and
subordinated to, a debt issue. Therefore, to reflect this difference, the
preferred stock rating symbol will normally not be higher than the debt rating
symbol assigned to, or that would be assigned to, the senior debt of the same
issuer.
The preferred stock ratings are based on the following considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment - capacity and willingness of the issuer to meet the
timely payment of preferred stock dividends and any applicable sinking fund
requirements in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of, and provisions of, the issue;
3. Relative position of the issue in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization,
or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting
creditors' rights.
AAA -- This is the highest rating that may be assigned by S&P to a
preferred stock issue and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay the
preferred stock obligations.
AA -- A preferred stock issue rated AA also qualifies as a high-quality
fixed income security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very
strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.
A -- An issue rated A is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred
stock obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB -- An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to
pay the preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for a preferred
stock in this category than for issues in the 'A' category.
BB, B, CCC -- Preferred stock rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to
pay preferred stock obligations. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation
and CCC the highest degree of speculation. While such issues will likely have
some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
CC -- The rating CC is reserved for a preferred stock issue in arrears on
dividends or sinking fund payments but that is currently paying.
C -- A preferred stock rated C is a non-paying issue.
D -- A preferred stock rated D is a non-paying issue with the issuer in
default on debt instruments.
NR -- This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Plus (+) or minus (-) -- To provide more detailed indications of preferred
stock quality, the rating from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a
plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
A preferred stock rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold
a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished
to S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers
reliable. S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may,
on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be
changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of,
such information or based on other circumstances.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Because of the fundamental differences
between preferred stocks and bonds, a variation of MIS' familiar bond rating
symbols is used in the quality ranking of preferred stock. The symbols are
designed to avoid comparison with bond quality in absolute terms. It should
always be borne in mind that preferred stock occupies a junior position to bonds
within a particular capital structure and that these securities are rated within
the universe of preferred stocks.
Note: MIS applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
classification; the modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher
end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking
and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.
Preferred stock rating symbols and their definitions are as follows:
aaa -- An issue which is rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality
preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk
of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
aa -- An issue which is rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred
stock. This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance the earnings
and asset protection will remain relatively well-maintained in the foreseeable
future.
a -- An issue which is rated a is considered to be an upper-medium grade
preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the aaa
and aa classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected
to be maintained at adequate levels.
baa -- An issue which is rated baa is considered to be a medium-grade
preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and
asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any
great length of time.
ba -- An issue which is rated ba is considered to have speculative elements
and its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection
may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods.
Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.
b -- An issue which is rated b generally lacks the characteristics of a
desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other
terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.
caa -- An issue which is rated caa is likely to be in arrears on dividend
payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future
status of payments.
ca -- An issue which is rated ca is speculative in a high degree and is
likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
payments.
c -- This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock.
Issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
<PAGE>
United High Income Fund, Inc.
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
Our INTERNET address is:
http://www.waddell.com
<PAGE>
United High Income Fund, Inc.
Class Y Shares
PROSPECTUS
June 30, 1998
The United Group of Mutual Funds
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.
United Cash Management, Inc.
United Continental Income Fund, Inc.
United Funds, Inc.
United Bond Fund
United Income Fund
United Accumulative Fund
United Science and Technology Fund
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
United Government Securities Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund II, Inc.
United International Growth Fund, Inc.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.
United New Concepts Fund, Inc.
United Retirement Shares, Inc.
United Vanguard Fund, Inc.
NUP1009-Y(6-98)
printed on recycled paper
<PAGE>
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
(913) 236-2000
(800) 366-5465
June 30, 1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI") is not a prospectus.
Investors should read this SAI in conjunction with a prospectus ("Prospectus")
for the Class A shares or the Class Y shares, as applicable, of United High
Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") dated June 30, 1998, which may be obtained from
the Fund or its underwriter, Waddell & Reed, Inc., at the address or telephone
number shown above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Performance Information ............................ 2
Goals and Investment Policies ...................... 4
Investment Management and Other Services ........... 31
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares ......... 36
Directors and Officers ............................. 52
Payments to Shareholders ........................... 58
Taxes .............................................. 59
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage ............... 62
Other Information .................................. 64
Financial Statements ............................... 66
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Waddell & Reed, Inc., the Fund's underwriter, or the Fund may, from time to
time, publish the Fund's total return information, yield information and/or
performance information in advertisements and sales materials.
Total Return
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 which the maximum sales load of
5.75% is deducted. 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.
The average annual total return quotations for Class A shares as of March
31, 1998, which is the most recent balance sheet included in this SAI, for the
periods shown were as follows:
With Without
Sales LoadSales Load
Deducted Deducted
One-year period from April 1, 1997 to
March 31, 1998: 11.24% 18.03%
Five-year period from April 1, 1993 to
March 31, 1998: 9.63% 10.94%
Ten-year period from April 1, 1988 to
March 31, 1998: 8.48% 9.12%
Prior to July 31, 1995, the Fund offered only one class of shares to the
public. Shares outstanding on that date were designated as Class A shares.
Since that date, Class Y shares of the Fund have been available to certain
institutional investors.
The average annual total return quotations for Class Y shares as of March
31, 1998, which is the most recent balance sheet included in this SAI, for the
period shown were as follows:
One year period from April 1, 1997 to
March 31, 1998 18.13%
Period from January 4, 1996* to
March 31, 1998: 13.41%
*Date of inception.
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.
Yield
A yield quoted for a class of the Fund is computed by dividing the net
investment income per share of that class earned during the period for which the
yield is shown by the maximum offering price per share of that class on the last
day of that period according to the following formula:
6
Yield = 2((((a - b)/cd)+1) -1)
Where, with respect to a particular class of the Fund:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
c = the average daily number of shares of the class outstanding during
the period that were entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share of the class on the last day
of the period.
The yield for Class A shares of the Fund computed according to the formula
for the 30-day period ended on March 31, 1998, the date of the most recent
balance sheet included in this SAI, is 7.12%. The yield for Class Y shares of
the Fund computed according to the formula for the 30-day period ended on March
31, 1998, the date of the most recent balance sheet included in this SAI, is
7.64%.
Change in yields primarily reflect different interest rates received by the
Fund as its portfolio securities change. Yield is also affected by portfolio
quality, portfolio maturity, type of securities held and operating expenses of
the applicable class.
Performance Rankings
Waddell & Reed, Inc. or the Fund also may from time to time publish in
advertisements or 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.
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.
GOALS AND INVESTMENT POLICIES
The goals 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
and debt securities, as described in the Prospectus. These securities may
include the following described securities from time to time.
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 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.
Specific Securities and Investment Practices
Common Stocks
As a fundamental policy, the Fund will not purchase, or otherwise
voluntarily acquire, any common stocks unless, after such purchase or
acquisition, not more than 20% of the value of its total assets would be
invested in common stocks. This 20% limit includes common stocks acquired on
conversion of convertible securities, on exercise of warrants or call options,
or in any other voluntary manner. It does not include premiums paid or received
in connection with put or call options, or the amount of any margin deposits as
to options or futures contracts. If the Fund is invested up to 20% in common
stocks, it may still purchase or sell futures and options relating to common
stocks. The common stocks that the Fund purchases will be selected to try to
achieve either a combination of the Fund's primary and secondary goals, in which
case they will be dividend-paying, or its secondary goal, in which case they may
not be dividend-paying; however, the Fund does not intend to invest more than
10% of its total assets in non-dividend-paying common stocks.
U.S. Government Securities
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities ("U.S. Government 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 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 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.
Zero Coupon Securities
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 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 security 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." 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 mortgage-backed securities will likely be
developed in the future, and the Fund may invest in them if Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company ("WRIMCO"), the Fund's investment manager,
determines they are consistent with the Fund's goals 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.
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.
Special Characteristics of Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities.
The yield characteristics of mortgage- 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
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. 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.
Variable or Floating Rate Instruments
Variable or floating rate instruments (including notes purchased directly
from issuers) bear variable or floating interest rates and may carry rights that
permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued
interest from the issuers or certain financial intermediaries on dates prior to
their stated maturities. Floating rate securities have interest rates that
change whenever there is a change in a designated base rate while variable rate
instruments provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate.
These formulas are designed to result in a market value for the instrument that
approximates its par value.
Foreign Securities and Currency
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 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. WRIMCO believes that the Fund's ability to invest a
substantial portion of its assets abroad might enable it to take advantage of
these differences and strengths where they are favorable.
Further, an investment in foreign securities may be affected by changes in
currency rates and in exchange control regulations (i.e., currency blockage).
The Fund may bear a transaction charge in connection with the exchange of
currency. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company than about a domestic company. Foreign companies are not generally
subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
comparable to those applicable to domestic companies. Most foreign stock
markets have substantially less volume than the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable domestic companies. There is generally
less government regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than
in the United States. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries,
there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or
social instability or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect
investments in securities of issuers located in those countries. If it should
become necessary, the Fund would normally encounter greater difficulties in
commencing a lawsuit against the issuer of a foreign security than it would
against a U.S. issuer.
Restricted Securities
Restricted securities are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on
resale because they are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"). Restricted securities generally can be sold in
privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration
under the 1933 Act, 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. See "Illiquid
Investments" below.
Lending Securities
One of the ways in which the Fund may try to realize income is by lending
its securities. If the Fund does this, 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 loaned the securities. The Fund also receives additional
compensation.
Any securities loans that the Fund makes must be collateralized in
accordance with applicable regulatory requirements (the "Guidelines"). This
policy can only be changed by shareholder vote. 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 loaned
on each day that the loan is outstanding. If the market value of the loaned
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 loaned.
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 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 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 goes up, 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.
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 and
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 Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (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.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
The Fund may purchase any securities in which it may invest on a when-
issued or delayed-delivery basis or sell them on a delayed-delivery basis. The
securities so purchased or sold by the Fund are subject to market fluctuation;
their value may be less or more when delivered than the purchase price paid or
received. For example, delivery to the Fund and payment by the Fund in the case
of a purchase by it, or delivery by the Fund and payment to it in the case of a
sale by the Fund, may take place a month or more after the date of the
transaction. The purchase or sale price is fixed on the transaction date. The
Fund will enter into when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions in order to
secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of
entering into the transaction. No interest accrues to the Fund until delivery
and payment is completed. When the Fund makes a commitment to purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, it will record the
transaction and thereafter reflect the value of the securities in determining
its net asset value per share. The securities so sold by the Fund on a delayed-
delivery basis are also subject to market fluctuation; their value when the Fund
delivers them may be more than the purchase price the Fund receives. When the
Fund makes a commitment to sell securities on a delayed basis, it will record
the transaction and thereafter value the securities at the sales price in
determining the Fund's net asset value per share.
Ordinarily the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or delayed-
delivery basis with the intention of actually taking delivery of the securities.
However, before the securities are delivered to the Fund and before it has paid
for them (the "settlement date"), the Fund could sell the securities if WRIMCO
decided it was advisable to do so for investment reasons. The Fund will hold
aside or segregate cash or liquid assets, other than those purchased on a when-
issued or delayed-delivery basis, at least equal to the amount it will have to
pay on the settlement date; these other securities may, however, be sold at or
before the settlement date to pay the purchase price of the when-issued or
delayed-delivery securities.
Illiquid Investments
The Fund has an operating policy, which may be changed without shareholder
approval, which provides that, the Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net
assets in illiquid investments. Investments currently considered to be illiquid
include: (i) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days; (ii)
restricted securities not determined to be liquid pursuant to guidelines
established by the Fund's Board of Directors; (iii) securities for which market
quotations are not readily available; (iv) securities involved in swap, cap,
collar and floor transactions; (v) non-government stripped fixed-rate mortgage-
backed securities; and (vi) 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.
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. Gold-indexed
securities, for example, typically provide for a maturity value that depends on
the price of gold, resulting in a security whose price tends to rise and fall
together with gold prices. Currency-indexed securities 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.
Warrants and Rights
Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at specific prices valid
for a specific period of time. Their 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 a sharp decline
in value than the underlying security might be. They are also generally less
liquid than an investment in the underlying shares.
Real Estate
The Fund has an operating policy, which may be changed without shareholder
approval, which provides that the Fund may not invest in real estate or any non-
liquid interest in real estate trusts. The Fund may, however, buy obligations
or instruments which it may otherwise buy even though the issuer invests in real
estate or interests in real estate.
Options, Futures and Other Strategies
General. As discussed in the Prospectus, WRIMCO may use certain options,
futures contracts (sometimes referred to as "futures"), options on futures
contracts, forward currency contracts, swaps, caps, collars, floors and indexed
securities (collectively, "Financial Instruments") to attempt to enhance income
or yield or to attempt to hedge the Fund's investments. 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."
In addition to the instruments, strategies and risks described below and in
the Prospectus, 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 goals
and permitted by the Fund's investment limitations and applicable regulatory
authorities. 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. 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.
(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 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 segregated 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 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. 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 ("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. 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 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.
Risks of Options on Securities. The Fund may purchase or write both
exchange-traded and OTC options. Exchange markets for options on debt
securities exist, but these instruments are primarily traded on the OTC market.
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
"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 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 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 contrast 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
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 in
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 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.
Risks of Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. The ordinary spreads
between prices in the cash and futures markets (including the options on futures
market), 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
future 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 futures 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 futures 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, 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 contracts 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 on 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 contracts that is not offset by a reduction in the price of the common
stocks 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 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, 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 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 pounds sterling, it could
enter into a forward currency contract to sell pounds sterling in return for
U.S. dollars to hedge against possible declines in the pound'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 pound sterling,
for example, by entering into a forward currency contract to sell Deutsche Marks
or European Currency Units in return for U.S. dollars. 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.
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 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.
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.
Swaps, Caps, Collars and Floors. 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 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 in accordance with procedures adopted by
the Fund's Board of Directors. 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 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.
Investment Restrictions
Certain of the Fund's investment restrictions are described in the
Prospectus. The following are fundamental policies and, together with certain
restrictions described in the Prospectus, cannot be changed without shareholder
approval. Under these additional restrictions, 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; or invest in minerals-related
programs or leases;
(ii) 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;
(iii) Buy shares of other investment companies that redeem their shares.
The Fund can buy shares of investment companies that do not redeem
their shares if it does so 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) Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of other
companies;
(v) Participate on a joint, or a joint and several, basis in any trading
account in any securities;
(vi) Sell securities short (unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short)
or buy 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;
(vii) Engage in the underwriting of securities, except to the extent it may
be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of
restricted securities;
(viii) Borrow for investment purposes, that is, to purchase securities. The
Fund may borrow money from banks, as a temporary measure or for
extraordinary or emergency purposes but only up to 5% of its total
assets; or
(ix) Make loans other than certain limited types of loans; the Fund may buy
debt securities and other obligations consistent with its goals and
its other investment policies and restrictions. The Fund may also
enter into repurchase agreements (see "Repurchase Agreements" above)
and lend its securities (see "Lending Securities" above).
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.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended March 31,
1998 and 1997 was 63.40% and 53.17%, respectively.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
The Management Agreement
The Fund has an Investment Management Agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with Waddell & Reed, Inc. On January 8, 1992, subject to the
authority of the Fund's Board of Directors, Waddell & Reed, Inc. assigned the
Management Agreement and all related investment management duties (and related
professional staff) to WRIMCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
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 29217, Shawnee Mission,
Kansas 66201-9217. Waddell & Reed, Inc. is the Fund's underwriter.
The Management Agreement permits Waddell & Reed, Inc. or an affiliate of
Waddell & Reed, Inc. 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.
Torchmark Corporation and 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. Waddell & Reed Financial,
Inc. is a subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation. Torchmark Corporation is a
publicly held company. The address of Torchmark Corporation is 2001 Third
Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its predecessors 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 TMK/United Funds, Inc. since that fund's
inception, until January 8, 1992 when it assigned its duties as investment
manager for these funds (and the related professional staff) to WRIMCO. 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 issued by United Investors
Life Insurance Company for which TMK/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.
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 WRIMCO's management services, the Fund
pays WRIMCO a fee as described in the Prospectus. The management fees paid by
the Fund to WRIMCO during the Fund's fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996 were $5,773,843, $5,445,319 and $5,455,292, respectively.
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, for the Class A 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
costs of 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.
Accounting Services Fee
Average
Net Asset Level Annual Fee
(all dollars in millions) Rate for Each Level
------------------------- -------------------
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
Fees paid to the Agent for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996 were $98,750, $88,750 and $85,000, respectively.
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. The aggregate dollar amounts of
underwriting commissions for Class A shares for the fiscal years ended March 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996 were $2,719,457, $2,037,706 and $1,968,791, respectively,
and the amounts retained by Waddell & Reed, Inc. were $1,147,748, $876,800 and
$856,803, respectively.
A major portion of the sales charge for Class A shares is paid to account
representatives and managers of Waddell & Reed, Inc. Waddell & Reed, Inc. may
compensate its account representatives as to purchases for which there is no
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 securities laws and to the Investment Company
Institute and nonrecurring and extraordinary expenses, including litigation and
indemnification relating to litigation.
Under a Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares (the "Plan")
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 .25% of the Fund's average annual net assets attributable to Class A
shares, paid monthly, to reimburse Waddell & Reed, Inc. for its costs and
expenses in connection with the distribution of the Class A shares, and 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 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 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 Plan permits Waddell & Reed, Inc. to receive
reimbursement for these Class A-related distribution activities through the
distribution fee, subject to the limit contained in the Plan.
The Plan also permits Waddell & Reed, Inc. to be reimbursed for amounts it
expends in compensating, training and supporting registered account
representatives, 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. Service fees in the amount of
$1,501,001 were paid (or accrued) by the Fund with respect to Class A shares for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998.
The 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 operations of the Plan or any agreement
referred to in the Plan (hereafter, the "Plan Directors"). The Plan was also
approved by the affected shareholders of the Fund.
Among other things, the 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 Class A shares 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 auditors,
audits the Fund's financial statements.
Year 2000 Issue
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. This is commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem." WRIMCO is
taking steps that it believes are reasonably designed to address the Year 2000
Problem 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.
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 liabilities of that class, 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 price makeup as of
March 31, 1998 was as follows:
Net asset value per Class A share (Class A
net assets divided by Class A shares
outstanding) ............................. $10.04
Add: selling commission (5.75% of offering
price) ................................... .61
-----
Maximum offering price per Class A share
(Class A net asset value divided by 94.25%) $10.65
=====
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 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
daily 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 the NYSE 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 using this pricing system only on days when there is no sale
reported. Short-term debt securities and other assets 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 Board of Directors.
Options 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 by reference to established futures exchanges. The
value of a futures contract purchased by the Fund will be either the closing
purchase price of the 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" (that is, treated as sold for its fair
market value) 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 received 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.
Foreign currency exchange rates are generally determined prior to the close
of trading of the regular session of the NYSE. Occasionally events affecting
the value of foreign investments and such exchange rates occur between the time
at which they are determined and the close of the regular session of trading on
the NYSE, which events will not be reflected in a computation of the Fund's net
asset value on that day. If events materially affecting the value of such
investments or currency exchange rates occur during such time period,
investments will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the direction of the Board of Directors. The foreign currency exchange
transactions of the Fund conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis are valued at
the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing on the foreign
exchange market. This rate under normal market conditions differs from the
prevailing exchange rate in an amount generally less than one-tenth of one
percent due to the costs of converting from one currency to another.
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.
Minimum Initial and Subsequent Investments
For Class A 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 $50
minimum initial investment also pertains 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;
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"), Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), salary reduction plan account 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 an 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 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.
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, 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.
Statement of Intention
The benefit of a reduced sales charge for larger purchases of Class A
shares is also available under a Statement of Intention. By signing a Statement
of Intention 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 Statement of Intention is accepted
by Waddell & Reed, Inc. Each purchase made from time to time under the
Statement of Intention 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 Statement of
Intention 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 Statement of Intention, 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 Statement of Intention 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 Statement of
Intention 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 Statement 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 Statement of Intention 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 Statement of Intention only if the
contractual plan has been completed.
The minimum initial investment under a Statement of Intention is 5% of the
dollar amount which must be invested under the Statement of Intention. An
amount equal to 5% of the purchase required under the Statement of Intention
will be held "in escrow." If a purchaser does not, during the period covered by
the Statement of Intention, invest the amount required to qualify for the
reduced sales charge under the terms of the Statement of Intention, 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 Statement of Intention which is not completed will be
collected by redeeming part of the shares purchased under the Statement of
Intention 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 Statement of Intention, the lower sales charge will apply.
A Statement of Intention does not bind the purchaser to buy, or Waddell &
Reed, Inc. to sell, the shares covered by the Statement of Intention.
With respect to Statements of Intention 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 Statement of Intention.
Statements of Intention are not available for purchases made under an SEP
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 funds in the United Group which are subject to a sales
charge. A purchase of, or shares held, in any of the funds in the United Group
which are subject to the same sales charge as the Fund will be treated as an
investment in the Fund for the purpose of determining the applicable sales
charge. The following funds in the United Group have shares that are subject to
a maximum 5.75% ("full") sales charge as described in the prospectus of each
Fund: United Funds, Inc., United International Growth Fund, Inc., United
Continental Income Fund, Inc., United Vanguard Fund, Inc., United Retirement
Shares, Inc., United High Income Fund, Inc., United New Concepts Fund, Inc.,
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc., United High Income Fund II, Inc. and United
Asset Strategy Fund, Inc. The following funds in the United Group have shares
that are subject to a "reduced" sales charge as described in the prospectus of
each fund: United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., United Government Securities Fund,
Inc. and United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. For the purposes of obtaining
the lower sales charge which applies to large purchases, purchases in a fund in
the United Group of shares that are subject to a full sales charge may not be
grouped with purchases of shares in a fund in the United Group that are subject
to a reduced sales charge; conversely, purchases of shares in a fund with a
reduced sales charge may not be grouped or combined with purchases of shares of
a fund that are subject to a full sales charge.
United Cash Management, Inc. is not subject to a sales charge. Purchases
in that fund are not eligible for grouping with purchases in any other fund.
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, account representatives of Waddell
& Reed, Inc. and the spouse, children, parents, children's spouses and spouse's
parents of each such Director, officer, employee and account representative.
"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. "Account representatives" includes retired account representatives.
A "retired account representative" is any account representative who was, at the
time of separation from service from Waddell & Reed, Inc., a Senior Account
Representative. A custodian under the UGMA or UTMA purchasing for the child or
grandchild of any employee or account representative 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.
Reasons for Differences 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 Statement of Intention 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 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 since 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 by 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 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 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 shares while a withdrawal program is
in effect because it would result in duplication of sales charges. 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 shares which you still own of any of the funds in the United Group; or,
you must own Class A 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:
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 fixed number of shares (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 its service.
If you have a share certificate for the shares you want to make available
for the Service, you must enclose the certificate with the form initiating the
Service.
The dividends and distributions on shares you have made available for the
Service are paid in additional Class A shares. All payments under the Service
are made by redeeming Class A shares, which may involve a gain or loss for tax
purposes. To the extent that payments under the Service exceed dividends and
distributions, the number of Class A shares you own will decrease. When all of
the shares in your 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 to any 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 already own shares of the fund in the United Group into which you want to
exchange.
You may exchange corresponding 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 at least $25. Minimum initial
investment and minimum balance requirements apply to such automatic exchange
service.
You may redeem your Class A shares of the Fund and use the proceeds to
purchase Class Y shares of the Fund if you meet the criteria for purchasing
Class Y shares.
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.
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
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 after 1997 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 (or
in the case of earnings attributable to rollover contributions or conversions of
a traditional IRA, the rollover or conversion occurred more than five years
prior to the withdrawal) 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 to an
Education IRA, 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 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
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 Prospectus for Class A shares discusses the reinvestment privilege for
Class A shares under which, if you redeem your Class A shares and then decide it
was not a good idea, you may reinvest. If Class A shares of the Fund are then
being offered, you can put all or part of your redemption payment back into
Class A shares of the Fund without any sales charge 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 request was 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.
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 of Directors 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 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 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. Wise is a member of the Fund's Board of Directors. The other
persons are officers but not Board members. 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 TMK/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.
RONALD K. RICHEY*
2001 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fund and each of the other funds
in the Fund Complex; Director of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.; Chairman of the
Board of Directors of United Investors Life Insurance Company; Chairman of the
Executive Committee and Director of Torchmark Corporation; Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Vesta Insurance Group, Inc.; Director of Full House Resorts,
Inc., a developer of resorts and gaming casinos; formerly, Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Waddell & Reed, Inc.; formerly, Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Torchmark Corporation; formerly, Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc. Father of Linda Graves, Director of
the Fund and each of the other funds in the Fund Complex. Date of birth: June
16, 1926.
KEITH A. TUCKER*
President of the Fund and each of the other funds in the Fund Complex;
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., Waddell & Reed Services Company and Waddell & Reed
Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of Waddell & Reed, Inc.; Chairman of the Board
of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal
Financial Officer of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.; Director of Southwestern
Life Corporation; formerly, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director
of Torchmark Corporation; formerly, Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Director of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company; formerly, partner in
Trivest, a private investment concern; formerly, Director of Atlantis Group,
Inc., a diversified company. 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.
JOHN A. DILLINGHAM
4040 Northwest Claymont Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64116
Director and consultant, McDougal Construction Company; President, JoDill
Corp., an agricultural company; formerly Senior Vice President-Sales and
Marketing, Garney Companies, Inc., a specialty utility contractor. Date of
birth: January 9, 1939.
LINDA GRAVES*
1 South West Cedar Crest Road
Topeka, Kansas 66606
First Lady of Kansas; formerly, partner, Levy and Craig, P.C., a law firm.
Daughter of Ronald K. Richey, Director of the Fund and each of the other funds
in the Fund Complex. Date of birth: July 29, 1953.
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, Gilliland & Hayes,
P.A., a law firm; formerly, President, Gilliland & Hayes, P.A. Date of birth:
December 11, 1919.
GLENDON E. JOHNSON
7300 Corporate Center Drive
P. O. Box 020270
Miami, Florida 33126-1208
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 the
Fund and each fund 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; formerly, Director
of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company, Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and
United Investors Life Insurance Company, affiliates of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Date of birth: April 27, 1928.
FRANK J. ROSS, JR.*
700 West 47th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
Partner, Polsinelli, White, Vardeman & Shalton, a law firm. Date of birth:
April 9, 1953.
ELEANOR B. SCHWARTZ
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64113
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.
PAUL S. WISE
P. O. Box 5248
8648 Silver Saddle Drive
Carefree, Arizona 85377
Director of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, a fertilizer company. Date
of birth: July 16, 1920.
Robert L. Hechler
Vice President and Principal Financial Officer of the Fund and each of the
other funds in the Fund Complex; Vice President, Chief Operations 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; President, Treasurer and Director of Waddell & Reed
Distributors, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer and
Director of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Formerly, Director and Treasurer of
Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company. Date of birth: November 12, 1936.
Henry J. Herrmann
Vice President of the Fund and each of the other funds in the Fund Complex;
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; President,
Chief Investment Officer, Treasurer and Director of Waddell & Reed Financial,
Inc. Formerly, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and
Director of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company. Date of birth: December
8, 1942.
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.
Sharon K. Pappas
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Fund and each of the
other funds in the Fund Complex; 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; Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Waddell & Reed
Distributors, Inc.; Secretary and Director of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.;
formerly, Assistant General Counsel of WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed Financial
Services, Inc., Waddell & Reed, Inc., Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company
and Waddell & Reed Services Company. Formerly, Director, Secretary and General
Counsel of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company. Date of birth: February 9,
1959.
John M. Holliday
Vice President of the Fund and eight other funds in the Fund Complex;
Senior Vice President of WRIMCO; formerly, Senior Vice President of Waddell &
Reed Asset Management Company. Date of birth: June 11, 1935.
Louise D. Rieke
Vice President of the Fund and two other funds in the Fund Complex; Vice
President of WRIMCO; formerly, Vice President of Waddell & Reed Asset Management
Company. Date of birth: April 24, 1949.
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) 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 75 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. Messrs.
Doyle Patterson, Jay B. Dillingham and Henry L. Bellmon retired as Directors of
the Fund and of each of the funds in the Fund Complex and elected a position as
Director Emeritus.
The funds in the United Group, TMK/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 (prior to January 1, 1998, the funds in the United
Group, TMK/United Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. paid to each
Director a fee of $44,000 per year plus $1,000 for each meeting of the Board of
Directors attended)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, TMK/United Funds, Inc. and
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. based on their relative size.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, the Fund's Directors
received the following fees for service as a director:
Compensation Table
Total
Aggregate Compensation
Compensation From Fund
From and Fund
Director Fund Complex*
- -------- ------------ ------------
Ronald K. Richey $ 0 $ 0
Keith A Tucker 0 0
James M. Concannon 2,198 39,000
John A. Dillingham 2,198 39,000
Linda Graves 2,878 51,000
John F. Hayes 2,878 51,000
Glendon E. Johnson 2,816 50,000
William T. Morgan 2,878 51,000
Frank J. Ross, Jr. 2,878 51,000
Eleanor B. Schwartz 2,878 51,000
Frederick Vogel III 2,878 51,000
Paul S. Wise 2,878 51,000
*No pension or retirement benefits have been accrued as a part of Fund expenses.
Messrs. Concannon and Dillingham were elected as Directors on July 24,
1997. The officers are paid by WRIMCO or its affiliates.
Shareholdings
As of May 31, 1998, all of the Fund's Directors and officers as a group
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The following table
sets forth information with respect to the Fund, as of May 31, 1998, regarding
the beneficial ownership of the classes of the Fund's shares.
Shares owned
Name and Address Beneficially
of Beneficial Owner Class or of Record Percent
- ------------------- ----- ------------ -------
Fiduciary Trust Co NH Tr Class Y 33,035 10.27%
CMPP Okanogan Cnty Hosp Dist 3
FBO Unallocated Assets
Qualified Plan
PO Box 793
Omak WA 98841
Waddell & Reed Class Y 189,817 59.01
Financial, Inc.
Savings & Investment Plan
6300 Lamar Avenue
Overland Park KS 66201
Torchmark Corporation Class Y 97,174 30.21
Savings & Investment Plan
2001 Third Avenue South
Birmingham AL 35202
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
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 capital gains (the excess of net long-
term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). It may or may not have
such gain, depending on whether or not 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 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, (ii) you want your dividends and
distributions paid in shares of the same class as that with respect to which
they were paid, or (iii) you want cash for your dividends 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 Class A shares in cash, you
can thereafter reinvest them (or distributions only) in Class A 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.
TAXES
General
In order to continue to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment
company ("RIC") under the Code, the Fund must distribute to its shareholders for
each taxable year at least 90% 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) ("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 Requirement"); 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.
Dividends and distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or
December of any year and payable to its shareholders of record on a date in any
of those months are deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by you 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.
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 gains 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 that would reduce the yield and/or total return on its
securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may
reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes, however, and many foreign countries do
not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by foreign
investors.
Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
Gains or losses (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies, (2) from
the disposition of a debt security 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
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 contracts 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 gain. 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 paid for the
option it bought. If an option written by the Fund expires without being
exercised, the premium it receives also will be a short-term capital gain. If
such an option is exercised and the Fund thus 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 gain or loss recognized on these
deemed sales, and 60% of any net realized gain or loss from any actual sales of
section 1256 contracts, are treated as long-term capital gains or losses, and
the balance are treated as short-term capital gains or losses. That 60% portion
will qualify for the reduced maximum tax rates on noncorporate taxpayers' net
capital gain enacted by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 -- 20% (10% for
taxpayers in the 15% marginal tax bracket) for gain recognized on capital assets
held for more than 18 months -- instead of the 28% rate in effect before that
legislation, which now applies to gain recognized on capital assets held for
more than one year but not more than 18 months. 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 such 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. Section 1092
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 "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 original
issue discount ("OID"). As the holder of those securities, the Fund must
include in its income the original issue discount 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 to 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.
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 individual who manages the Fund
may manage other advisory accounts with similar investment objectives. It can
be anticipated that the manager will frequently place concurrent orders for all
or most accounts for which the manager has responsibility or WRIMCO may
otherwise combine orders for the Fund with those of other funds in the United
Group, TMK/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 or sells. However, sometimes a better negotiated
commission is available.
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 achieve "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 ("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.
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
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 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 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 or 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
request 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. During the Fund's fiscal years ended March 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996, it paid brokerage commissions of $30,213, $28,192 and
$56,731, respectively. These figures do not include principal transactions or
spreads or concessions on principal transactions, i.e., those in which the Fund
sells securities to a broker-dealer firm or buys from a broker-dealer firm
securities owned by it.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, the transactions, other
than principal transactions, which were directed to broker-dealers who provided
research as well as execution totaled $17,117,482 on which $30,213 in brokerage
commissions were paid. These transactions were allocated to these broker-
dealers by the internal allocation procedures described above.
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.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Shares of the Fund
The Fund offers two classes of shares: Class A 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 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 two classes, dividends and liquidation proceeds of Class A
shares 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.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Shares Value
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS AND WARRANTS
Agricultural Production - Livestock - 0.13%
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation .......... 100,000 $ 1,456,200
Communication - 2.25%
Adelphia Communications Corporation,
13.0% Preferred .................... 5,000 595,000
Esat Holdings Limited,
Warrants (A)* ....................... 3,000 120,000
Heartland Wireless Communications,
Inc., Warrants (A)* ................. 12,000 120
IXC Communications, Inc.,
12.5% Preferred ..................... 3,716 4,533,520
Intermedia Communications of
Florida, Inc., 13.5% Preferred ...... 5,761 7,057,265
Iridium LLC, Warrants (A)* ........... 6,500 1,592,500
Jacor Communications, Inc.* .......... 50,000 2,959,350
Microcell Telecommunications Inc.,
Warrants (A)* ....................... 58,000 1,080,540
Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated,
Warrants* ........................... 5,000 175,000
Teleport Communications Group Inc.* .. 62,400 3,664,003
Young Broadcasting Inc., Class A* .... 63,000 3,150,000
Total ............................... 24,927,298
Depository Institutions - 0.38%
California Federal Preferred Capital
Corporation, 9.125% Preferred ....... 150,000 4,162,500
Electric, Gas and Sanitary Services - 0.25%
Consolidated Hydro, Inc.,
Class B Warrants* ................... 7,578 15,156
Consolidated Hydro, Inc.,
Class C Warrants* ................... 4,919 7,379
EUA Power Corporation, Contingent
Interest Certificates* .............. 9,500 10
El Paso Electric Company,
11.4% Preferred ..................... 18,715 2,079,704
IntelCom Group Inc., Warrants (A)* ... 20,625 644,531
Total ............................... 2,746,780
Electronic & Other Electric Equipment - 0.03%
Electronic Retailing Systems
International, Inc., Warrants* ...... 6,500 162,500
Powertel, Inc., Warrants* ............ 16,000 188,000
Total ............................... 350,500
Furniture and Fixtures - 0.68%
Lear Corporation* .................... 132,700 7,480,963
General Building Contractors - 1.37%
Walter Industries, Inc.* ............. 710,990 15,197,411
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Shares Value
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS AND
WARRANTS (Continued)
Holding and Other Investment Offices - 0.15%
National Health Investors, Inc. ...... 41,630 $ 1,659,996
Hotels and Other Lodging Places - 0.01%
Fitzgeralds Gaming Corporation,
Warrants (A)* ....................... 17,500 105,000
Lumber and Wood Products - 2.25%
Triangle Pacific Corp.* .............. 660,844 24,864,256
Paper and Allied Products - 0.17%
SF Holdings Group, Inc., Units (A)(B)* 200 1,837,500
Printing and Publishing - 0.65%
PRIMEDIA Inc., 10.0% Preferred ....... 35,000 3,692,500
World Color Press, Inc.* ............. 100,000 3,475,000
Total ............................... 7,167,500
TOTAL COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS
AND WARRANTS - 8.32% $ 91,955,904
(Cost: $69,113,597)
Principal
Amount in
Thousands
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES
Agricultural Production - Crops - 0.90%
Frank's Nursery & Crafts, Inc.,
10.25%, 3-1-2008 (A) ................ $ 5,650 5,621,750
Hines Horticulture, Inc.,
11.75%, 10-15-2005 .................. 3,925 4,317,500
Total ............................... 9,939,250
Agricultural Production - Livestock - 0.33%
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation,
10.875%, 8-1-2003 ................... 3,500 3,648,750
Amusement and Recreation Services - 1.37%
American Skiing Company,
12.0%, 7-15-2006 .................... 4,500 5,062,500
Premier Parks Inc.:
12.0%, 8-15-2003 .................... 1,500 1,670,625
9.25%, 4-1-2006 ..................... 2,000 2,050,000
Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts
Holdings, L.P.,
15.5%, 6-15-2005 .................... 5,500 6,311,250
Total ............................... 15,094,375
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Apparel and Accessory Stores - 0.33%
Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc.,
11.25%, 8-15-2004 ................... $ 3,500 $ 3,605,000
Apparel and Other Textile Products - 1.82%
Consoltex Group Inc.,
11.0%, 10-1-2003 .................... 7,000 7,420,000
Pillowtex Corporation:
10.0%, 11-15-2006 ................... 1,000 1,082,500
9.0%, 12-15-2007 (A) ................ 4,250 4,430,625
WestPoint Stevens Inc.,
9.375%, 12-15-2005 .................. 6,750 7,138,125
Total ............................... 20,071,250
Auto Repair, Services and Parking - 0.64%
Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, Inc.,
9.25%, 4-1-2008 (A) ................. 2,000 2,032,500
Safelite Glass Corp.,
9.875%, 12-15-2006 (A) .............. 4,750 5,070,625
Total ............................... 7,103,125
Automotive Dealers and Service Stations - 0.64%
Chief Auto Parts Inc.,
10.5%, 5-15-2005 .................... 7,000 7,105,000
Building Materials and Garden Supplies - 0.52%
Central Tractor Farm & Country, Inc.,
10.625%, 4-1-2007 ................... 2,500 2,671,875
Reliant Building Products, Inc.,
10.875%, 5-1-2004 ................... 3,000 3,120,000
Total ............................... 5,791,875
Business Services - 2.17%
Adams Outdoor Advertising Limited Partnership,
10.75%, 3-15-2006 ................... 4,250 4,706,875
Coinmach Corporation,
11.75%, 11-15-2005 .................. 5,620 6,294,400
Federal Data Corporation,
10.125%, 8-1-2005 ................... 2,500 2,587,500
Lamar Advertising Company,
9.625%, 12-1-2006 ................... 3,000 3,270,000
UNICCO Service Company,
9.875%, 10-15-2007 .................. 2,000 2,045,000
Universal Outdoor, Inc.,
9.75%, 10-15-2006 ................... 4,500 5,118,750
Total ............................... 24,022,525
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Chemicals and Allied Products - 2.57%
Carson, Inc.,
10.375%, 11-1-2007 .................. $ 2,900 $ 2,987,000
Chattem, Inc.,
8.875%, 4-1-2008 (A) ................ 2,000 2,030,000
Dade International Inc.,
11.125%, 5-1-2006 ................... 2,500 2,793,750
Spinnaker Industries, Inc.,
10.75%, 10-15-2006 .................. 6,000 6,240,000
UCC Investors Holding, Inc.:
10.5%, 5-1-2002 ..................... 9,000 9,990,000
0.0%, 5-1-2005 (C) .................. 4,410 4,365,900
Total ............................... 28,406,650
Coal Mining - 0.39%
AEI Holding Company, Inc.,
10.0%, 11-15-2007 (A) ............... 2,250 2,373,750
Anker Coal Group, Inc.,
9.75%, 10-1-2007 .................... 1,950 1,920,750
Total ............................... 4,294,500
Communication - 22.24%
ACME Television, LLC,
0.0%, 9-30-2004 (A)(C) .............. 7,400 6,086,500
Adelphia Communications Corporation:
10.25%, 7-15-2000 ................... 2,250 2,334,375
12.5%, 5-15-2002 .................... 389 408,450
9.25%, 10-1-2002 .................... 7,000 7,280,000
10.5%, 7-15-2004 .................... 4,000 4,390,000
9.875%, 3-1-2007 .................... 3,000 3,262,500
Allbritton Communications Company,
9.75%, 11-30-2007 ................... 4,500 4,736,250
Allegiance Telecom, Inc., Units,
0.0%, 2-15-2008 (A)(C)(D) ........... 6,000 3,480,000
American Radio Systems Corporation,
9.0%, 2-1-2006 ...................... 3,250 3,477,500
Centennial Cellular Corp.,
10.125%, 5-15-2005 .................. 3,000 3,322,500
Comcast Corporation,
9.5%, 1-15-2008 ..................... 5,250 5,572,088
Comcast UK Cable Partners Limited,
0.0%, 11-15-2007 (C) ................ 9,000 7,470,000
Concentric Network Corporation, Units,
12.75%, 12-15-2007 (A)(E) ........... 4,000 4,600,000
Crown Castle International Corp.,
0.0%, 11-15-2007 (A)(C) ............. 3,000 2,017,500
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Communication (Continued)
Diamond Cable Communications Plc,
0.0%, 12-15-2005 (C) ................ $13,500 $ 10,732,500
Esat Holdings Limited,
0.0%, 2-1-2007 (C) .................. 3,000 2,250,000
Hyperion Telecommunications, Inc.:
0.0%, 4-15-2003 (C) ................. 8,750 6,715,625
12.25%, 9-1-2004 .................... 2,000 2,250,000
ICG Holdings, Inc.,
0.0%, 9-15-2005 (C) ................. 6,250 5,328,125
ITC ^ DeltaCom, Inc.,
8.875%, 3-1-2008 (A) ................ 2,400 2,484,000
Intermedia Communications Inc.,
8.5%, 1-15-2008 (A) ................. 1,000 1,050,000
Intermedia Communications of Florida, Inc.,
0.0%, 5-15-2006 (C).................. 6,000 4,905,000
Iridium LLC:
11.25%, 7-15-2005 (A) ............... 1,400 1,484,000
13.0%, 7-15-2005 .................... 7,900 8,848,000
Jacor Communications, Inc.,
10.125%, 6-15-2006 .................. 2,000 2,190,000
LIN Holdings Corp.,
0.0%, 3-1-2008 (A)(C) ............... 4,000 2,520,000
LIN Television Corporation,
8.375%, 3-1-2008 (A) ................ 6,400 6,448,000
Marcus Cable Co.,
0.0%, 12-15-2005 (C) ................ 5,500 4,991,250
Marcus Cable Operating Company, L.P.,
0.0%, 8-1-2004 (C) .................. 10,000 9,500,000
Microcell Telecommunications Inc.:
0.0%, 6-1-2006 (C) .................. 16,000 11,880,000
0.0%, 10-15-2007 (C) ................ 3,500 1,568,665
Micron Custom Manufacturing Services, Inc.,
9.75%, 3-1-2008 (A) ................. 3,500 3,535,000
Nextel Communications, Inc.:
0.0%, 8-15-2004 (C) ................. 7,500 7,218,750
0.0%, 9-15-2007 (C) ................. 2,500 1,675,000
0.0%, 2-15-2008 (A)(C) .............. 6,400 4,088,000
Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated,
11.75%, 8-1-2004 .................... 5,000 5,600,000
Qwest Communications International Inc.,
0.0%, 10-15-2007 (C) ................ 2,750 2,021,250
Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P.,
11.125%, 1-15-2006 .................. 4,000 4,430,000
Rogers Communications Inc.,
9.125%, 1-15-2006 ................... 7,500 7,668,750
SFX Broadcasting, Inc.,
10.75%, 5-15-2006 ................... 3,500 3,867,500
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Communication (Continued)
Salem Communications Corporation,
9.5%, 10-1-2007 ..................... $ 3,425 $ 3,579,125
Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V.,
10.125%, 11-1-2004 (A) .............. 1,750 1,802,500
Sinclair Broadcasting Group,
9.0%, 7-15-2007 ..................... 4,000 4,170,000
Sprint Spectrum L.P.,
0.0%, 8-15-2006 (C) ................. 8,000 6,640,000
Sullivan Broadcasting Company, Inc.,
10.25%, 12-15-2005 .................. 1,000 1,082,500
Telegroup, Inc.,
0.0%, 11-1-2004 (C) ................. 3,000 2,482,500
Teleport Communications Group Inc.:
9.875%, 7-1-2006 .................... 2,000 2,285,000
0.0%, 7-1-2007 (C) .................. 9,000 7,762,500
Telesystem International Wireless Inc.,
0.0%, 11-1-2007 (A)(C) .............. 4,000 2,560,000
Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.,
9.375%, 4-15-2006 ................... 4,500 4,747,500
WinStar Communications, Inc.:
0.0%, 10-15-2005 (Convertible) (A)(C) 3,400 4,828,000
0.0%, 3-15-2008 (A)(C) .............. 3,000 3,075,000
10.0%, 3-15-2008 (A)................. 4,750 4,821,250
WorldCom, Inc.:
9.375%, 1-15-2004 ................... 5,883 6,234,215
8.875%, 1-15-2006 ................... 5,534 6,031,949
Total ............................... 245,789,117
Depository Institutions - 0.92%
First Nationwide Holdings Inc.:
9.125%, 1-15-2003 ................... 5,750 6,109,375
12.5%, 4-15-2003 .................... 3,500 4,007,500
Total ............................... 10,116,875
Eating and Drinking Places - 0.56%
Foodmaker, Inc.,
9.25%, 3-1-99 ....................... 2,500 2,531,250
SC International Services, Inc.,
9.25%, 9-1-2007 ..................... 3,475 3,644,406
Total ............................... 6,175,656
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Electric, Gas and Sanitary Services - 1.57%
Allied Waste Industries, Inc.,
0.0%, 6-1-2007 (C) .................. $ 5,000 $ 3,675,000
Allied Waste North America, Inc.,
10.25%, 12-1-2006 ................... 7,250 8,047,500
El Paso Electric Company,
9.4%, 5-1-2011 ...................... 5,000 5,634,450
Total ............................... 17,356,950
Electronic and Other Electric Equipment - 4.40%
Communications & Power Industries, Inc.,
12.0%, 8-1-2005 ..................... 4,000 4,470,000
Communications Instruments, Inc.,
10.0%, 9-15-2004 .................... 2,500 2,606,250
DII Group, Inc. (The),
8.5%, 9-15-2007 ..................... 2,000 2,025,000
Echostar Communications Corporation:
0.0%, 3-15-2004 (C) ................. 6,000 5,475,000
0.0%, 6-1-2004 (C) .................. 3,500 3,360,000
Electronic Retailing Systems
International, Inc.,
0.0%, 2-1-2004 (C) .................. 6,500 3,770,000
Elgar Holdings, Inc.,
9.875%, 2-1-2008 (A) ................ 4,000 4,080,000
InterCel, Inc.,
0.0%, 2-1-2006 (C) .................. 5,000 3,906,250
Motors and Gears, Inc.,
10.75%, 11-15-2006 .................. 2,500 2,728,125
Omnipoint Corporation,
11.625%, 8-15-2006 .................. 5,000 5,500,000
Phase Metrics, Inc.,
10.75%, 2-1-2005 (A) ................ 3,000 3,041,250
Powertel, Inc.,
11.125%, 6-1-2007 ................... 1,500 1,635,000
Telex Communications, Inc.,
10.5%, 5-1-2007 ..................... 2,500 2,362,500
Viasystems, Inc.,
9.75%, 6-1-2007 ..................... 3,500 3,657,500
Total ............................... 48,616,875
Engineering and Management Services - 0.28%
United International Holdings, Inc.,
0.0%, 2-15-2008 (A)(C) .............. 5,000 3,125,000
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Fabricated Metal Products - 2.24%
American Safety Razor Company,
9.875%, 8-1-2005 .................... $ 1,000 $ 1,085,000
Neenah Corporation,
11.125%, 5-1-2007 ................... 5,500 6,105,000
Nortek, Inc.,
9.875%, 3-1-2004 .................... 7,000 7,280,000
Safety Components International, Inc.,
10.125%, 7-15-2007 .................. 6,250 6,539,063
U.S. Can Corporation,
10.125%, 10-15-2006 ................. 3,500 3,727,500
Total ............................... 24,736,563
Food and Kindred Products - 1.40%
B & G Foods, Inc.,
9.625%, 8-1-2007 .................... 4,500 4,623,750
Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V.,
8.95%, 11-1-2006 .................... 3,500 3,648,750
Eagle Family Foods, Inc.,
8.75%, 1-15-2008 (A) ................ 3,500 3,500,000
Southern Foods Group, L.P.,
9.875%, 9-1-2007 (A) ................ 3,450 3,661,313
Total ............................... 15,433,813
Food Stores - 0.89%
Big V Supermarkets, Inc.,
11.0%, 2-15-2004 .................... 5,000 5,175,000
Pueblo Xtra International, Inc.,
9.5%, 8-1-2003 ...................... 4,750 4,631,250
Total ............................... 9,806,250
Forestry - 0.37%
U.S. Timberlands Company, L.P.,
9.625%, 11-15-2007 .................. 3,850 4,032,875
General Building Contractors - 0.54%
NVR L.P.,
11.0%, 4-15-2003 .................... 5,500 5,926,250
Health Services - 3.91%
Genesis ElderCare Acquisition Corp.,
9.0%, 8-1-2007 (A) .................. 5,000 5,125,000
Magellan Health Services, Inc.,
9.0%, 2-15-2008 (A) ................. 2,000 2,015,000
Paragon Health Network, Inc.,
9.5%, 11-1-2007 ..................... 4,000 4,090,000
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Health Services (Continued)
Prime Medical Services, Inc.,
8.75%, 4-1-2008 (A) ................. $ 1,000 $ 1,007,500
Quorum Health Group, Inc.,
8.75%, 11-1-2005 .................... 8,000 8,440,000
Tenet Healthcare Corporation:
9.625%, 9-1-2002 .................... 7,500 8,193,750
10.125%, 3-1-2005 ................... 6,000 6,570,000
8.625%, 1-15-2007 ................... 7,500 7,781,250
Total ............................... 43,222,500
Holding and Other Investment Offices - 1.51%
Grupo Industrial Durango, S.A. de C.V.,
12.625%, 8-1-2003 ................... 8,000 9,090,000
LTC Properties, Inc., Convertible:
8.5%, 1-1-2000 ...................... 3,000 3,851,250
8.5%, 1-1-2001 ...................... 3,000 3,723,750
Total ............................... 16,665,000
Hotels and Other Lodging Places - 2.87%
Boyd Gaming Corporation,
9.25%, 10-1-2003 .................... 3,250 3,469,375
CapStar Hotel Company,
8.75%, 8-15-2007 .................... 2,500 2,600,000
HMC Acquisition Properties, Inc.,
9.0%, 12-15-2007 .................... 6,000 6,315,000
Prime Hospitality Corp.:
9.25%, 1-15-2006 .................... 4,000 4,260,000
9.75%, 4-1-2007 ..................... 2,500 2,700,000
Showboat, Inc.,
9.25%, 5-1-2008 ..................... 9,000 9,607,500
Station Casinos, Inc.,
10.125%, 3-15-2006 .................. 2,500 2,781,250
Total ............................... 31,733,125
Industrial Machinery and Equipment - 3.95%
American Standard Inc.:
0.0%, 6-1-2005 (C) .................. 12,250 12,617,500
9.25%, 12-1-2016 .................... 1,700 1,759,500
Anchor Lamina Inc. and
Anchor Lamina America, Inc.,
9.875%, 2-1-2008 (A)................. 1,500 1,526,250
Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc.,
9.75%, 10-1-2007 .................... 2,000 2,040,000
Columbus McKinnon Corporation,
8.5%, 4-1-2008 (A) .................. 2,000 2,015,000
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Industrial Machinery and Equipment (Continued)
Falcon Building Products, Inc.,
0.0%, 6-15-2007 (C) ................. $11,000 $ 7,590,000
National Equipment Services, Inc.,
10.0%, 11-30-2004 (A) ............... 4,500 4,770,000
Paragon Corporate Holdings, Inc.,
9.625%, 4-1-2008 (A) ................ 3,000 2,992,500
Terex Corporation,
8.875%, 4-1-2008 (A) ................ 6,000 6,030,000
Walbro Corporation,
9.875%, 7-15-2005 ................... 2,400 2,352,000
Total ............................... 43,692,750
Instruments and Related Products - 1.60%
Cole National Group, Inc.,
9.875%, 12-31-2006................... 4,500 4,882,500
Maxxim Medical, Inc.,
10.5%, 8-1-2006 ..................... 9,250 10,221,250
Universal Hospital Services, Inc.,
10.25%, 3-1-2008 (A) ................ 2,500 2,525,000
Total ............................... 17,628,750
Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries - 0.65%
Amscan Holdings Inc.,
9.875%, 12-15-2007 (A) .............. 3,400 3,561,500
Hedstrom Corporation,
10.0%, 6-1-2007 ..................... 3,500 3,596,250
Total ............................... 7,157,750
Miscellaneous Retail - 1.41%
Big 5 Corp.,
10.875%, 11-15-2007 ................. 2,500 2,568,750
Michaels Stores, Inc.:
6.75%, 1-15-2003 (Convertible)....... 1,000 1,105,000
10.875%, 6-15-2006 .................. 7,800 8,736,000
TravelCenters of America, Inc.,
10.25%, 4-1-2007 .................... 3,000 3,198,750
Total ............................... 15,608,500
Motion Pictures - 2.18%
AMC Entertainment, Inc.,
9.5%, 3-15-2009 ..................... 4,200 4,431,000
Hollywood Theaters, Inc.,
10.625%, 8-1-2007 (A) ............... 7,300 7,957,000
MacAndrews & Forbes Group, Incorporated,
13.0%, 3-1-99 ....................... 3,900 3,900,000
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Motion Pictures (Continued)
Plitt Theatres, Inc.,
10.875%, 6-15-2004 .................. $ 4,000 $ 4,330,000
Regal Cinemas, Inc.,
8.5%, 10-1-2007 ..................... 3,425 3,476,375
Total ............................... 24,094,375
Nondepository Institutions - 0.22%
Delta Financial Corporation,
9.5%, 8-1-2004 ...................... 2,500 2,468,750
Oil and Gas Extraction - 2.19%
Coho Energy, Inc.,
8.875%, 10-15-2007 .................. 7,000 6,580,000
Cross Timbers Oil,
8.75%, 11-1-2009 .................... 2,400 2,460,000
Falcon Drilling, Inc.,
9.75%, 1-15-2001 .................... 5,500 5,720,000
Kelley Oil & Gas Corporation,
10.375%, 10-15-2006 ................. 3,500 3,648,750
Pride Petroleum Services, Inc.,
9.375%, 5-1-2007 .................... 2,000 2,130,000
Vintage Petroleum, Inc.:
9.0%, 12-15-2005 .................... 2,500 2,606,250
8.625%, 2-1-2009 .................... 1,000 1,037,500
Total ............................... 24,182,500
Paper and Allied Products - 2.02%
Container Corporation of America,
11.25%, 5-1-2004 .................... 3,500 3,797,500
Four M Corporation,
12.0%, 6-1-2006 ..................... 3,000 3,191,250
Huntsman Packaging Corporation,
9.125%, 10-1-2007 (A) ............... 1,500 1,531,875
Mail-Well Corporation,
10.5%, 2-15-2004 .................... 3,500 3,762,500
Outsourcing Services Group, Inc.,
10.875%, 3-1-2006 (A) ............... 3,000 3,052,500
Radnor Holdings Corporation,
10.0%, 12-1-2003 .................... 2,000 2,110,000
SF Holdings Group, Inc.,
0.0%, 3-15-2008 (A)(C) .............. 5,750 3,220,000
Sweetheart Cup Company, Inc.,
10.5%, 9-1-2003 ..................... 1,725 1,707,750
Total ............................... 22,373,375
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Personal Services - 0.35%
Prime Succession Acquisition Corp.,
10.75%, 8-15-2004 ................... $ 3,500 $ 3,850,000
Primary Metal Industries - 1.39%
Commonwealth Aluminum Corporation,
10.75%, 10-1-2006 ................... 3,000 3,180,000
Weirton Steel Corporation:
11.375%, 7-1-2004 ................... 3,950 4,266,000
10.75%, 6-1-2005 .................... 1,000 1,063,750
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corporation,
9.25%, 11-15-2007 (A) ............... 6,750 6,851,250
Total ............................... 15,361,000
Printing and Publishing - 2.19%
American Media Operations, Inc.,
11.625%, 11-15-2004 ................. 4,000 4,340,000
K-III Communications Corporation,
8.5%, 2-1-2006 ...................... 5,000 5,125,000
Perry-Judd's Incorporated,
10.625%, 12-15-2007 (A) ............. 5,250 5,525,625
Viacom International, Inc.,
8.0%, 7-7-2006 ...................... 9,000 9,191,250
Total ............................... 24,181,875
Railroad Transportation - 0.30%
TFM, S.A. de C.V.:
10.25%, 6-15-2007 ................... 1,000 1,042,500
0.0%, 6-15-2009 (C) ................. 3,500 2,257,500
Total ............................... 3,300,000
Real Estate - 0.30%
Delco Remy International, Inc.,
10.625%, 8-1-2006 ................... 3,000 3,300,000
Rubber and Miscellaneous Plastics Products - 1.32%
Burke Industries, Inc.,
10.0%, 8-15-2007 .................... 1,500 1,599,375
Furon Company,
8.125%, 3-1-2008 (A) ................ 1,900 1,916,625
Graham Packaging Company and GPC Capital Corp. I,
8.75%, 1-15-2008 (A) ................ 7,000 7,105,000
Graham Packaging Holdings Company and
GPC Capital Corp. II,
0.0%, 1-15-2009 (A)(C) .............. 2,000 1,270,000
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Rubber and Miscellaneous Plastics Products (Continued)
LDM Technologies, Inc.,
10.75%, 1-15-2007 ................... $ 2,500 $ 2,712,500
Total ............................... 14,603,500
Social Services - 0.28%
KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc.,
9.5%, 2-15-2009 ..................... 3,000 3,078,750
Textile Mill Products - 3.08%
Avondale Mills, Inc.,
10.25%, 5-1-2006 .................... 3,500 3,832,500
Collins & Aikman Products Co.,
11.5%, 4-15-2006 .................... 11,000 12,375,000
Delta Mills, Inc.,
9.625%, 9-1-2007 (A) ................ 5,725 5,968,312
Galey & Lord, Inc.,
9.125%, 3-1-2008 (A) ................ 9,000 9,135,000
Glenoit Corporation,
11.0%, 4-15-2007 (A) ................ 2,500 2,731,250
Total ............................... 34,042,062
Transportation Equipment - 0.63%
Aetna Industries, Inc.,
11.875%, 10-1-2006 .................. 4,000 3,840,000
Westinghouse Air Brake Company,
9.375%, 6-15-2005 ................... 3,000 3,165,000
Total ............................... 7,005,000
Transportation Services - 0.64%
Holt Group, Inc. (The),
9.75%, 1-15-2006 (A) ................ 1,000 1,015,000
Transportacion Maritima Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.,
10.0%, 11-15-2006 ................... 6,100 6,107,625
Total ............................... 7,122,625
Trucking and Warehousing - 0.72%
Iron Mountain Incorporated,
10.125%, 10-1-2006 .................. 1,500 1,657,500
Pierce Leahy Corp.,
9.125%, 7-15-2007 ................... 6,000 6,322,500
Total ............................... 7,980,000
Water Transportation - 0.43%
Equimar Shipholdings Ltd.,
9.875%, 7-1-2007 .................... 5,000 4,712,500
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES (Continued)
Wholesale Trade - Durable Goods - 1.58%
Alvey Systems, Inc.,
11.375%, 1-31-2003 .................. $ 2,500 $ 2,687,500
Aviation Sales Company,
8.125%, 2-15-2008 (A) ............... 900 886,500
Exide Corporation,
10.0%, 4-15-2005 .................... 7,500 7,856,250
Holmes Products Corp.,
9.875%, 11-15-2007 (A) .............. 2,000 2,075,000
Sealy Mattress Company,
0.0%, 12-15-2007 (A)(C) ............. 6,000 3,960,000
Total ............................... 17,465,250
Wholesale Trade - Nondurable Goods - 3.45%
Color Spot Nurseries Inc.,
10.5%, 12-15-2007 ................... 4,000 4,005,000
Core-Mark International, Inc.,
11.375%, 9-15-2003 .................. 3,500 3,771,250
Corporate Express, Inc.,
9.125%, 3-15-2004 ................... 5,000 5,150,000
Fleming Companies, Inc.,
10.5%, 12-1-2004 .................... 3,500 3,753,750
Gaylord Container Corporation,
9.375%, 6-15-2007 (A) ............... 7,000 7,017,500
LaRoche Industries Inc.,
9.5%, 9-15-2007 (A) ................. 4,000 3,960,000
Nebraska Book Company, Inc.,
8.75%, 2-15-2008 (A) ................ 6,000 6,000,000
Pharmerica Inc.,
8.375%, 4-1-2008 (A) ................ 2,000 2,020,000
Richmont Marketing Specialists Inc.,
10.125%, 12-15-2007 (A) ............. 2,400 2,502,000
Total ............................... 38,179,500
TOTAL CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES - 86.26% $ 953,207,961
(Cost: $899,273,047)
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Principal
Amount in
Thousands Value
SHORT-TERM SECURITIES
Electric, Gas and Sanitary Services - 0.41%
Bay State Gas Co.,
5.54%, 4-17-98 ...................... $ 4,500 $ 4,488,920
Food and Kindred Products - 0.08%
General Mills, Inc.,
5.5425% Master Note ................. 888 888,000
Industrial Machinery and Equipment - 0.33%
Ingersoll-Rand Company,
5.59%, 4-6-98 ....................... 3,705 3,702,123
Insurance Carriers - 0.70%
Transamerica Finance Corp.,
5.48%, 4-9-98 ....................... 7,775 7,765,532
Oil and Gas Extraction - 0.59%
Enron Corp.,
5.65%, 4-9-98 ....................... 6,490 6,481,851
Printing and Publishing - 1.99%
Viacom International Inc.:
6.0%, 4-3-98 ........................ 7,660 7,657,447
5.92%, 4-6-98 ....................... 4,380 4,376,399
5.85%, 4-17-98 ...................... 10,000 9,974,000
Total ............................... 22,007,846
Textile Mill Products - 0.04%
Sara Lee Corporation,
5.5375%, Master Note ................ 408 408,000
Tobacco Products - 0.70%
B.A.T. Capital Corp.,
5.65%, 4-17-98 ...................... 7,785 7,765,451
Wholesale Trade - Nondurable Goods - 0.44%
Safeway Inc.,
5.72%, 4-14-98 ...................... 4,835 4,825,013
TOTAL SHORT-TERM SECURITIES - 5.28% $ 58,332,736
(Cost: $58,332,736)
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES - 99.86% $1,103,496,601
(Cost: $1,026,719,380)
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.14% 1,593,723
NET ASSETS - 100.00% $1,105,090,324
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on pages 81 - 84.
<PAGE>
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
MARCH 31, 1998
Notes to Schedule of Investments
*No income dividends were paid during the preceding 12 months.
(A) As of March 31, 1998, the following restricted securities were owned:
Principal
Acquisition Amount Market
Security Date in 000's Cost Value
-------- ----------- --------------------------------
Esat Holdings Limited,
Warrants 1/20/97 3,000$ 90,757$ 120,000
Fitzgeralds Gaming
Corporation, 3/8/94 to
Warrants 12/15/95 17,500 541,065 105,000
Heartland Wireless
Communications,
Inc., Warrants 4/20/95 12,000 74,000 120
IntelCom Group Inc.,
Warrants 12/8/95 20,625 80,225 644,531
Iridium LLC, Warrants7/11/97 3,500 198,086 857,500
7/15/97 3,000 170,483 735,000
Microcell Telecommunications
Inc., Warrants 6/13/96 58,000 710,466 1,080,540
SF Holdings Group,
Inc., Units 3/11/98 200 1,800,000 1,837,500
ACME Television, LLC,
0.0%, 9-30-2004 9/24/97 $7,400 5,385,942 6,086,500
AEI Holding Company, Inc.,
10.0%, 11-15-2007 11/6/97 2,250 2,250,000 2,373,750
Allegiance Telecom, Inc., Units,
0.0%, 2-15-2008 1/29/98 6,000 3,377,220 3,480,000
Amscan Holdings Inc.,
9.875%, 12-15-200712/15/97 2,400 2,400,000 2,514,000
1/9/98 1,000 1,038,750 1,047,500
Anchor Lamina Inc. and
Anchor Lamina America, Inc.,
9.875%, 2-1-2008 1/30/98 1,500 1,500,000 1,526,250
Aviation Sales Company,
8.125%, 2-15-2008 2/11/98 900 894,555 886,500
Chattem, Inc.,
8.875%, 4-1-2008 3/20/98 2,000 2,000,000 2,030,000
Columbus McKinnon Corporation,
8.5%, 4-1-2008 3/26/98 2,000 1,994,680 2,015,000
Concentric Network Corporation, Units,
12.75%, 12-15-2007 12/15/97 4,000 4,000,000 4,600,000
Crown Castle International Corp.,
0.0%, 11-15-2007 11/20/97 3,000 1,792,950 2,017,500
Delta Mills, Inc.,
9.625%, 9-1-2007 8/20/97 4,225 4,241,250 4,404,562
8/21/97 1,500 1,507,500 1,563,750
Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, Inc.,
9.25%, 4-1-2008 3/25/98 2,000 2,000,000 2,032,500
Eagle Family Foods, Inc.,
8.75%, 1-15-2008 2/10/98 3,500 3,530,625 3,500,000
Elgar Holdings, Inc.,
9.875%, 2-1-2008 1/30/98 4,000 4,000,000 4,080,000
<PAGE>
Principal
Acquisition Amount Market
Security Date in 000's Cost Value
-------- ----------- --------------------------------
Frank's Nursery & Crafts, Inc.,
10.25%, 3-1-2008 2/23/98 5,650 5,650,000 5,621,750
Furon Company,
8.125%, 3-1-2008 2/26/98 1,900 1,900,000 1,916,625
Galey & Lord, Inc.,
9.125%, 3-1-2008 2/19/98
to 2/27/98 9,000 8,979,375 9,135,000
Gaylord Container Corporation,
9.375%, 6-15-2007 2/13/98 6,000 6,000,000 6,015,000
2/18/98 1,000 991,250 1,002,500
Genesis ElderCare Acquisition Corp.,
9.0%, 8-1-2007 8/4/97 3,500 3,480,575 3,587,500
9/10/97 1,500 1,481,250 1,537,500
Glenoit Corporation,
11.0%, 4-15-2007 3/26/97 2,500 2,495,225 2,731,250
Graham Packaging Company and GPC
Capital Corp. I,
8.75%, 1-15-2008 1/23/98 3,000 3,000,000 3,045,000
1/26/98 4,000 4,062,500 4,060,000
Graham Packaging Holdings Company and
GPC Capital Corp. II,
0.0%, 1-15-2009 1/26/98 2,000 1,255,000 1,270,000
Hollywood Theaters, Inc.,
10.625%, 8-1-20077/31/97 to
1/16/98 7,300 7,674,250 7,957,000
Holmes Products Corp.,
9.875%, 11-15-2007 11/19/97 2,000 2,000,000 2,075,000
Holt Group, Inc. (The),
9.75%, 1-15-2006 1/14/98 1,000 1,000,000 1,015,000
Huntsman Packaging Corporation,
9.125%, 10-1-2007 9/29/97 1,500 1,530,000 1,531,875
ITC ^ DeltaCom, Inc.,
8.875%, 3-1-2008 2/26/98 2,400 2,397,600 2,484,000
Intermedia Communications Inc.,
8.5%, 1-15-2008 1/8/98 1,000 1,025,000 1,050,000
Iridium LLC,
11.25%, 7-15-2005 10/9/97 1,400 1,400,000 1,484,000
LIN Holdings Corp.,
0.0%, 3-1-2008 2/18/98 4,000 2,457,000 2,520,000
LIN Television Corporation,
8.375%, 3-1-2008 2/18/98 6,400 6,385,024 6,448,000
LaRoche Industries Inc.,
9.5%, 9-15-2007 9/18/97 4,000 3,982,080 3,960,000
Magellan Health Services, Inc.,
9.0%, 2-15-2008 2/5/98 2,000 2,000,000 2,015,000
Micron Custom Manufacturing Services, Inc.,
9.75%, 3-1-2008 2/19/98 3,500 3,500,000 3,535,000
National Equipment Services, Inc.,
10.0%, 11-30-200411/20/97 4,000 3,950,680 4,240,000
1/14/98 500 511,875 530,000
Nebraska Book Company, Inc.,
8.75%, 2-15-2008 2/10/98 5,000 5,010,313 5,000,000
2/19/98 1,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
Nextel Communications, Inc.,
0.0%, 2-15-2008 2/10/98 6,400 3,952,000 4,088,000
<PAGE>
Principal
Acquisition Amount Market
Security Date in 000's Cost Value
-------- ----------- --------------------------------
Outsourcing Services Group, Inc.,
10.875%, 3-1-2006 2/26/98 3,000 3,000,000 3,052,500
Paragon Corporate Holdings, Inc.,
9.625%, 4-1-2008 3/27/98 3,000 3,000,000 2,992,500
Perry-Judd's Incorporated,
10.625%, 12-15-200712/10/97
to 2/9/98 5,250 5,418,750 5,525,625
Pharmerica Inc.,
8.375%, 4-1-2008 3/25/98 2,000 2,000,000 2,020,000
Phase Metrics, Inc.,
10.75%, 2-1-2005 1/23/98 3,000 3,000,000 3,041,250
Pillowtex Corporation,
9.0%, 12-15-2007 12/15/97 2,500 2,500,000 2,606,250
12/16/97 1,750 1,780,625 1,824,375
Prime Medical Services, Inc.,
8.75%, 4-1-2008 3/24/98 1,000 995,000 1,007,500
Richmont Marketing Specialists Inc.,
10.125%, 12-15-2007 12/16/97 2,400 2,400,000 2,502,000
SF Holdings Group, Inc.,
0.0%, 3-15-2008 3/5/98 3,000 1,615,380 1,680,000
3/6/98 2,750 1,519,375 1,540,000
Safelite Glass Corp.,
9.875%, 12-15-200612/13/96
to 3/25/98 4,750 4,904,375 5,070,625
Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V.,
10.125%, 11-1-20041/22/98 1,750 1,750,000 1,802,500
Sealy Mattress Company,
0.0%, 12-15-2007 12/11/97 5,000 2,947,150 3,300,000
2/13/98 1,000 660,000 660,000
Southern Foods Group, L.P.,
9.875%, 9-1-2007 8/27/97 3,450 3,450,000 3,661,313
Telesystem International Wireless Inc.,
0.0%, 11-1-2007 10/22/97 4,000 2,396,600 2,560,000
Terex Corporation,
8.875%, 4-1-2008 3/24/98 5,000 5,030,760 5,025,000
3/27/98 1,000 1,006,250 1,005,000
United International Holdings, Inc.,
0.0%, 2-15-2008 1/30/98 5,000 2,953,450 3,125,000
Universal Hospital Services, Inc.,
10.25%, 3-1-2008 2/23/98 2,500 2,500,000 2,525,000
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corporation,
9.25%, 11-15-2007 3/31/98 6,750 6,876,563 6,851,250
WinStar Communications, Inc.:
0.0%, 10-15-2005 (Convertible)
10/9/97 1,900 1,691,000 2,698,000
10/14/97 1,500 1,402,500 2,130,000
0.0%, 3-15-2008 3/25/98 3,000 3,090,000 3,075,000
10.0%, 3-15-2008 3/17/98 4,750 4,750,000 4,821,250
------------------------
$207,287,329$216,494,941
========================
The total market value of restricted securities represents 19.59% of the
total net assets at March 31, 1998.
(B) Each Unit of SF Holdings consists of one share of 13.75% exchangeable
preferred stock due 2009 and 37 shares of class C common stock, par value
$0.001 per share.
(C) The security does not bear interest for an initial period of time and
subsequently becomes interest bearing.
(D) Each Unit of Allegiance Telecom consists of one 11.75% senior discount note
due 2008 and one warrant to purchase 0.0034224719 shares of common stock,
par value $0.01 per share.
(E) Each Unit of Concentric Network consists of $1,000 principal amount of
12.75% senior notes due 2007 and one warrant to purchase 6.34 shares of
common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
See Note 1 to financial statements for security valuation and other significant
accounting policies concerning investments.
See Note 3 to financial statements for cost and unrealized appreciation and
depreciation of investments owned for Federal income tax purposes.
<PAGE>
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MARCH 31, 1998
Assets
Investment securities -- at value
(Notes 1 and 3) ............................... $1,103,496,601
Cash ........................................... 4,048,564
Receivables:
Dividends and interest ........................ 18,505,330
Investment securities sold .................... 1,798,125
Fund shares sold .............................. 1,296,975
Prepaid insurance premium ...................... 58,995
--------------
Total assets ................................ 1,129,204,590
--------------
Liabilities
Payable for investment securities purchased .... 18,647,125
Payable to Fund shareholders ................... 4,872,187
Accrued service fee (Note 2) ................... 216,063
Accrued transfer agency and dividend
disbursing (Note 2) ........................... 94,265
Accrued management fee (Note 2) ................ 16,428
Accrued accounting services fee (Note 2) ....... 8,333
Other .......................................... 259,865
--------------
Total liabilities ........................... 24,114,266
--------------
Total net assets ........................... $1,105,090,324
==============
Net Assets
$1.00 par value capital stock
Capital stock ................................. $ 110,049,097
Additional paid-in capital .................... 1,247,310,804
Accumulated undistributed income (loss):
Accumulated undistributed net investment income 1,438,004
Accumulated undistributed net realized
loss on investment transactions ............. (330,484,802)
Net unrealized appreciation in value of
investments ................................. 76,777,221
--------------
Net assets applicable to outstanding
units of capital ........................... $1,105,090,324
==============
Net asset value per share (net assets divided
by shares outstanding)
Class A .......................................... $10.04
Class Y .......................................... $10.04
Capital shares outstanding
Class A .......................................... 109,727,436
Class Y .......................................... 321,661
Capital shares authorized .......................... 500,000,000
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Fiscal Year Ended MARCH 31, 1998
Investment Income
Income (Note 1B):
Interest and amortization ....................... $95,066,857
Dividends ....................................... 2,225,546
------------
Total income .................................. 97,292,403
------------
Expenses (Note 2):
Investment management fee ....................... 5,773,843
Service fee - Class A ........................... 1,501,001
Transfer agency and dividend disbursing - Class A 1,254,940
Accounting services fee ......................... 98,750
Custodian fees .................................. 21,219
Audit fees ...................................... 20,112
Legal fees ...................................... 12,272
Shareholder servicing - Class Y ................. 5,806
Other ........................................... 203,542
------------
Total expenses ................................ 8,891,485
------------
Net investment income ........................ 88,400,918
------------
Realized and Unrealized Gain on
Investments (Notes 1 and 3)
Realized net gain on investments ................. 22,509,321
Unrealized appreciation in value of
investments during the period ................... 62,829,531
------------
Net gain on investments ....................... 85,338,852
------------
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations ............................ $173,739,770
============
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the fiscal year ended
March 31,
-----------------------------
1998 1997
-------------- --------------
Increase in Net Assets
Operations:
Net investment income .......... $ 88,400,918 $ 85,269,812
Realized net gain (loss) on
investments ................... 22,509,321 (7,693,608)
Unrealized appreciation ........ 62,829,531 24,040,694
-------------- ------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations ... 173,739,770 101,616,898
-------------- ------------
Dividends to shareholders from
net investment income (Note 1D):*
Class A ........................ (88,014,345) (84,491,972)
Class Y ........................ (261,200) (215,341)
-------------- ------------
(88,275,545) (84,707,313)
-------------- ------------
Capital share transactions:
Proceeds from sale of shares:
Class A (11,406,679 and 7,938,016
shares, respectively) ....... 110,946,406 73,281,406
Class Y (43,283 and 110,412
shares, respectively) ....... 422,656 1,032,687
Proceeds from reinvestment
of dividends:
Class A (7,636,167 and
7,657,636 shares, respectively) 74,065,059 70,375,216
Class Y (26,963 and 23,378
shares, respectively) ....... 261,200 215,342
Payments for shares redeemed:
Class A (15,583,034 and 16,195,182
shares, respectively) ....... (151,632,299) (149,178,639)
Class Y (85,087 and 33,578
shares, respectively) ....... (823,804) (313,944)
-------------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from capital share
transactions .............. 33,239,218 (4,587,932)
-------------- ------------
Total increase .............. 118,703,443 12,321,653
Net Assets
Beginning of period ............. 986,386,881 974,065,228
-------------- ------------
End of period, including
undistributed net investment
income of $1,438,004 and
$1,312,631, respectively ....... $1,105,090,324 $986,386,881
============== ============
*See "Financial Highlights" on pages 88 - 89.
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A Shares
For a Share of Capital Stock Outstanding
Throughout Each Period:
For the fiscal year ended March 31,
------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 9.25 $9.09 $8.70 $9.20 $9.21
------ ----- ----- ----- -----
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment
income .......... 0.82 0.80 0.79 0.80 0.80
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments ..... 0.79 0.16 0.40 (0.51) (0.01)
------ ----- ----- ----- -----
Total from investment
operations ....... 1.61 0.96 1.19 0.29 0.79
------ ----- ----- ----- -----
Less dividends
from net
investment income . (0.82) (0.80) (0.80) (0.79) (0.80)
------ ----- ----- ----- -----
Net asset value,
end of period .... $10.04 $9.25 $9.09 $8.70 $9.20
====== ===== ===== ===== =====
Total return* ...... 18.03% 10.94% 14.16% 3.41% 8.69%
Net assets, end
of period (000
omitted) ......... $1,101,860$983,273$971,916$933,576$1,006,619
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets 0.84% 0.89% 0.85% 0.84% 0.78%
Ratio of net investment
income to average
net assets ....... 8.38% 8.68% 8.74% 9.07% 8.51%
Portfolio turnover
rate ............. 63.40% 53.17% 41.67% 18.94% 54.80%
*Total return calculated without taking into account the sales load deducted
on an initial purchase.
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class Y Shares
For a Share of Capital Stock Outstanding
Throughout Each Period:
For the
For the fiscal year period
ended March 31, from 1/4/96*
----------------------- through
1998 1997 3/31/96
-------- -------- --------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 9.25 $9.10 $9.19
------ ----- -----
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment
income .......... 0.82 0.81 0.20
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments... 0.79 0.15 (0.10)
------ ----- -----
Total from investment
operations ........ 1.61 0.96 0.10
------ ----- -----
Less dividends
from net
investment income . (0.82) (0.81) (0.19)
------ ----- -----
Net asset value,
end of period ..... $10.04 $9.25 $9.10
====== ===== =====
Total return ....... 18.13% 11.07% 1.00%
Net assets, end of
period (000
omitted) ......... $3,230 $3,114 $2,149
Ratio of expenses
to average net
assets ............ 0.77% 0.77% 0.80%**
Ratio of net
investment income
to average net
assets ............ 8.46% 8.78% 8.55%**
Portfolio
turnover rate ..... 63.40% 53.17% 41.67%**
*Commencement of operations.
**Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 1998
NOTE 1 -- Significant Accounting Policies
United High Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment
company. Its investment objective is to provide a high level of current income,
by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of high-yield, high-risk fixed
income securities, with a secondary objective of capital growth when consistent
with the primary objective. The following is a summary of significant
accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its
financial statements. The policies are in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
A. Security valuation -- Each stock and convertible bond is valued at the
latest sale price thereof on the last business day of the fiscal period as
reported by the principal securities exchange on which the issue is traded
or, if no sale is reported for a stock, the average of the latest bid and
asked prices. Bonds, other than convertible bonds, are valued using a
pricing system provided by a pricing service or dealer in bonds.
Convertible bonds are valued using this pricing system only on days when
there is no sale reported. Stocks which 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. Restricted securities
and securities for which market quotations are not readily available are
valued at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures
established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Board of
Directors. Short-term debt securities are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market.
B. Security transactions and related investment income -- Security
transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or
sell is executed). Securities gains and losses are calculated on the
identified cost basis. Original issue discount (as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code), premiums and post-1984 market discount on the purchase of
bonds are amortized for both financial and tax reporting purposes over the
remaining lives of the bonds. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-
dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. See Note
3 -- Investment Security Transactions.
C. Federal income taxes -- It is the Fund's policy to distribute all of its
taxable income and capital gains to its shareholders and otherwise qualify
as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, the Fund intends to pay distributions as
required to avoid imposition of excise tax. Accordingly, provision has not
been made for Federal income taxes. See Note 4 -- Federal Income Tax
Matters.
D. Dividends and distributions -- Dividends and distributions to shareholders
are recorded by the Fund on the record date. Net investment income
dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with
income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting
principles. These differences are due to differing treatments for items
such as deferral of wash sales and post-October losses, foreign currency
transactions, net operating losses and expiring capital loss carryforwards.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NOTE 2 -- Investment Management and Payments to Affiliated Persons
The Fund pays a fee for investment management services. The fee is
computed daily based on the net asset value at the close of business. The fee
consists of two elements: (i) a "Specific" fee computed on net asset value as
of the close of business each day at the annual rate of .15% of net assets and
(ii) a "Group" fee computed each day on the combined net asset values of all of
the funds in the United Group of mutual funds (approximately $19.8 billion of
combined net assets at March 31, 1998) at annual rates of .51% of the first $750
million of combined net assets, .49% on that amount between $750 million and
$1.5 billion, .47% between $1.5 billion and $2.25 billion, .45% between $2.25
billion and $3 billion, .43% between $3 billion and $3.75 billion, .40% between
$3.75 billion and $7.5 billion, .38% between $7.5 billion and $12 billion, and
.36% of that amount over $12 billion. The Fund accrues and pays this fee daily.
Pursuant to assignment of the Investment Management Agreement between the
Fund and Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R"), Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company ("WRIMCO"), a wholly owned subsidiary of W&R, serves as the Fund's
investment manager.
The Fund has an Accounting Services Agreement with Waddell & Reed Services
Company ("WARSCO"), a wholly owned subsidiary of W&R. Under the agreement,
WARSCO acts as the agent in providing accounting services and assistance to the
Fund and pricing daily the value of shares of the Fund. For these services, the
Fund pays WARSCO a monthly fee of one-twelfth of the annual fee shown in the
following table.
Accounting Services Fee
Average
Net Asset Level Annual Fee
(all dollars in millions) Rate for Each Level
------------------------- -------------------
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
For Class A shares, the Fund also pays WARSCO a monthly per account charge
for transfer agency and dividend disbursement services of $1.3125 for each
shareholder account which 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. With respect to Class Y shares, the
Fund pays WARSCO a monthly fee at an annual rate of .15% of the average daily
net assets of the class for the preceding month. The Fund also reimburses W&R
and WARSCO for certain out-of-pocket costs.
As principal underwriter for the Fund's shares, W&R received gross sales
commissions for Class A shares (which are not an expense of the Fund) of
$2,719,457, out of which W&R paid sales commissions of $1,571,709 and all
expenses in connection with the sale of Fund shares, except for registration
fees and related expenses.
Under a Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares adopted by the
Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund
may pay monthly a distribution and/or service fee to W&R in an amount not to
exceed .25% of the Fund's Class A average annual net assets. The fee is to be
paid to reimburse W&R for amounts it expends in connection with the distribution
of the Class A shares and/or provision of personal services to Fund shareholders
and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts.
The Fund paid Directors' fees of $39,523, which are included in other
expenses.
W&R is an indirect subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation, a holding company,
and Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a holding company, and a direct subsidiary
of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc., a holding company.
NOTE 3 -- Investment Security Transactions
Purchases of investment securities, other than U.S. Government obligations
and short-term securities, aggregated $658,634,325 while proceeds from
maturities and sales aggregated $615,099,277. Purchases of short-term
securities aggregated $1,018,086,946 while proceeds from maturities and sales of
short-term securities aggregated $1,034,129,424. There were no purchases or
sales of U.S. Government securities during the period.
For Federal income tax purposes, cost of investments owned at March 31,
1998 was $1,025,952,606, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of
$77,543,995, of which $80,729,832 related to appreciated securities and
$3,185,837 related to depreciated securities.
NOTE 4 -- Federal Income Tax Matters
For Federal income tax purposes, the Fund realized net capital gain net
income of $22,253,510 during its fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, which was
entirely offset by utilization of capital loss carryovers. Capital loss
carryovers aggregated $331,251,576 at March 31, 1998 and expire as follows:
$171,001,917 through March 31, 1999; $114,024,403 at March 31, 2000; $17,962,753
at March 31, 2003; $20,841,730 at March 31, 2004; and $7,420,773 at March 31,
2005.
NOTE 5 -- Multiclass Operations
On July 31, 1995, the Fund was authorized to offer investors two classes of
shares, Class A and Class Y, each of which has equal rights as to assets and
voting privileges. Class Y shares are not subject to a sales charge on
purchases; they are not subject to a Rule 12b-1 Service Plan and have a separate
transfer agency and dividend disbursement services fee structure. A
comprehensive discussion of the terms under which shares of either class are
offered is contained in the prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information for the Fund.
Income, non-class specific expenses and realized and unrealized gains and
losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the value of
relative net assets as of the beginning of each day adjusted for the prior day's
capital share activity.
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Shareholders,
United High Income Fund, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of United High Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") as of
March 31, 1998, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended
and changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then
ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year
period then ended. The financial statements and the financial highlights are
the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on the financial statements and the financial highlights based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at March
31, 1998 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or other alternative
procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United High Income
Fund, Inc. as of March 31, 1998, the results of its operations, the changes in
its net assets, and the financial highlights for the respective stated periods
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
May 8, 1998
