DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
1 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The goal of Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc. is to provide you with long-
term capital growth consistent with capital preservation by investing
primarily in domestic and foreign equity securities. Current income is a
secondary goal.
2 INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The Fund invests primarily in the common stocks of domestic and foreign
issuers and debt securities of foreign governments. The Fund seeks
investment opportunities in generally larger capitalization companies
(over $500 million) which Fund management believes have the potential to
experience above average and predictable earnings growth. The Fund also
will be alert to those foreign and domestic issuers which it considers
undervalued by the stock market in terms of current earnings, assets or
growth prospects, including those with new or innovative products,
services or processes.
3 INVESTMENT RISKS
All mutual funds of this type involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of money.
Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to
the value of the issuer or the securities, and these fluctuations can be
pronounced. These variances will affect the value of a Fund share and
thus the Fund's total return to investors.
Investments in foreign securities can involve greater risk and may be
less liquid and more volatile than more conventional investments.
4 APPROPRIATE FOR INVESTORS WHO:
Are seeking capital growth through a portfolio consisting primarily of
domestic and foreign equity securities.
Are purchasing as a supplement to an overall investment program and are
willing to undertake the risks involved.
Have an investment horizon of at least five years.
5 FEES AND EXPENSES
Shareholder Transaction Expenses - The Fund has no shareholder transaction
expenses, although certain agents may charge their clients direct fees for
effecting transactions in Fund shares.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses are fees paid by the Fund and are reflected in
the Fund's share price. The following expenses are expressed as a percentage
of average daily net assets.
Management Fees .55%
Other Expenses .41%
Total Fund Operating Expenses .96%
Example:
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (1) 5% annual return and
(2) redemption at the end of each time period:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$10 $31 $53 $118
The purpose of this section is to assist you in understanding the costs and
expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will
reduce investors' annual return. The example is an illustration only; actual
expenses and returns will vary.
6 PAST PERFORMANCE
[Exhibit A:
Calendar Year Total Return]
Average Annual Total Returns
for periods ended 9/30/97
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Dreyfus
Appreciation Fund 35.66% 18.67% 13.71%
Past performance is no guarantee of future results; net asset value and
investment return fluctuate, so that when you sell your shares you may
receive more or less than the amount you paid for them.
7 INVESTMENT ADVISER/PORTFOLIO MANAGER
The Dreyfus Corporation is the Fund's investment adviser. The Fund has
engaged Fayez Sarofim & Co. to serve as the Fund's sub-investment
adviser. Fayez Sarofim has been the Fund's primary portfolio manager
since 1990. Mr. Sarofim founded Fayez Sarofim & Co. in 1958. The
Houston-based investment firm currently manages approximately $33.4
billion. Prior to establishing his own company, Mr. Sarofim was
assistant to the president of Anderson, Clayton & Co.
8 PURCHASES
The minimum initial investment is $2,500. The initial investment must be
accompanied by the Fund's Account Application. Subsequent investments
must be at least $100. You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, the
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, or through the Dreyfus Step Program.
9 REDEMPTIONS
You can sell Fund shares by written request, telephone, Dreyfus Tele
Transfer ($500 minimum, $150,000 maximum) or wire redemption ($1,000
minimum, $250,000 maximum).
When a redemption request is received in proper form, the Fund will
redeem the shares at the next determined net asset value.
10 DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and capital gains, if any, are declared and paid
annually. Dividends and capital gains can be mailed to you, sent
directly to your bank, swept into another Dreyfus account or reinvested
back into your Fund to purchase shares at net asset value.
Distributions of net investment income and any net realized
short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income.
Distributions from net realized long-term capital gains will be taxable
as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long investors have held
their shares.
11 OTHER SERVICES
Telephone Exchange Privilege
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset BuilderRegistration Mark
Dreyfus Dividend Options
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan
Dreyfus Step Program
This Profile contains key information about the Fund. If you would like more
information before you invest, please consult the Fund's Prospectus. For
details about the Fund's holdings or recent investment strategies, please
review the Fund's most recent annual or semi-annual report. The Prospectus
and reports may be obtained at no cost by calling:
1-800-782-6620
Copy Rights 1997, Dreyfus Service Corporation, Broker-Dealer
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Distributor 141retpro9-9710
Registration Mark
October 1, 1997
DREYFUS
APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
An equity
mutual fund
[Dreyfus lion/2hres logo]
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS MAY 1, 1997
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC. (THE "FUND") IS AN OPEN-END,
DIVERSIFIED, MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY, KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE
FUND'S PRIMARY INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH LONG-TERM CAPITAL
GROWTH CONSISTENT WITH THE PRESERVATION OF CAPITAL. THE FUND INVESTS
PRIMARILY IN THE COMMON STOCKS OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN ISSUERS. CURRENT
INCOME IS A SECONDARY INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS TELET
RANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION ("DREYFUS") SERVES AS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT
ADVISER. FAYEZ SAROFIM & CO. ("SAROFIM") SERVES AS THE FUND'S SUB-INVESTMENT
ADVISER AND PROVIDES DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO.
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND THAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1997, WHICH MAY
BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN AREAS
IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
MAINTAINS A WEB SITE (HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV) THAT CONTAINS THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, AND OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING THE FUND. FOR A FREE COPY OF THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, WRITE TO THE FUND AT 144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD,
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL 1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK
FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Annual Fund Operating Expenses.................... 3
Condensed Financial Information................... 4
Description of the Fund........................... 5
Management of the Fund............................ 6
How to Buy Shares................................. 8
Shareholder Services.............................. 10
How to Redeem Shares.............................. 14
Shareholder Services Plan......................... 16
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................ 16
Performance Information........................... 18
General Information............................... 18
Appendix.......................................... 20
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Management Fees........................................................................... .55%
Other Expenses............................................................................ .36%
Total Fund Operating Expenses............................................................. .91%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
(1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at
the end of each time period: $9 $29 $50 $112
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER
OR LESS THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL
RETURN, THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL
RETURN GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. Certain Service Agents (as defined below) may
charge their clients direct fees for effecting transactions in Fund shares;
such fees are not reflected in the foregoing table. See "Management of the
Fund," "How to Buy Shares" and "Shareholder Services Plan."
Page 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The information in the following table has been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report thereon appears in
the Statement of Additional Information. Further financial data and related
notes are included in the Statement of Additional Information, available upon
request.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share
of Common Stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net
assets and other supplemental data for each year indicated. This information
has been derived from the Fund's financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988 1987 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
PER SHARE DATA:(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $ 9.67 $ 9.03 $10.28 $12.20 $10.95 $14.67 $15.15 $14.92 $15.17 $20.55
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Investment Operations:
Investment income-net.. .08(2) .15 .18 .23 .21 .17 .24 .28 .33 .25
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .38 1.35 2.60 (.46) 3.96 .52 (.14) .26 5.42 5.03
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from
Investment Operations.. .46 1.50 2.78 (.23) 4.17 .69 .10 .54 5.75 5.28
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Distributions:
Dividends from investment income-net (.14) (.17) (.17) (.24) (.20) (.13) (.24) (.28) (.34) (.25)
Dividends in excess of investment
income-net............. .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- (.03) .-- .-- .--
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments......... (.96) (.08) (.69) (.78) (.25) (.08) (.03) (.01) (.03) .--
Dividends in excess of net realized
gain on investments.... .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- (.03) .-- .-- .--
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Distributions.... (1.10) (.25) (.86) (1.02) (.45) (.21) (.33) (.29) (.37) (.25)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of year $ 9.03 $10.28 $12.20 $10.95 $14.67 $15.15 $14.92 $15.17 $20.55 $25.58
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN.. 4.59% 16.61% 27.20% (1.83%) 38.43% 4.62% .71% 3.62% 37.89% 25.68%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.63%(3) 1.74%(3) 1.18% 1.24% 1.30% 1.14% 1.07% .96% .92% .91%
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets.. .65% 1.41% 1.38% 2.21% 1.69% 1.46% 1.66% 1.86% 2.28% 1.34%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.. 178.79% 136.56% 130.36% 179.03% 12.89% 2.84% 9.65% 6.58% 4.51% 4.84%
Average commission rate paid(4) .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- .-- $.0633
Net Assets, end of year (000's omitted) $39,479 $40,836 $45,672 $40,398 $80,947 $207,627 $237,018 $233,459 $457,267 $845,497
(1)......................... Per share data for the fiscal years from 1987 to 1991 has been restated to reflect a 100%
stock dividend at the close of business on March 9, 1992.
(2)......................... Based on average number of shares
outstanding at each month end.
(3)......................... Net of expenses reimbursed.
(4)......................... For fiscal years beginning January 1,
1996, the Fund is required to disclose its average commission rate paid
per share for purchases and sales on investment securities.
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge by writing to the
address or calling the number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page 4
DEBT OUTSTANDING
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1996
<S> ---------------
<C>
Amount of debt outstanding at end of year (in thousands).... $ 4,000
Average amount of debt outstanding throughout year (in thousands) (1) $ 34
Average number of shares outstanding throughout year (in thousands) (2) 27,695
Average amount of debt per share throughout year............ -_
(1) Based upon daily outstanding borrowings.
(2) Based upon month-end balances.
</TABLE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The Fund's primary investment objective is to provide you with
long-term capital growth consistent with the preservation of capital. Current
income is a secondary investment objective. The Fund's investment objectives
cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")), of the
Fund's outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objectives will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
During periods which the Fund's management judges to be of market
strength, the Fund acts aggressively to increase shareholders' capital by
investing principally in common stocks of domestic and foreign issuers,
common stocks with warrants attached and debt securities of foreign
governments. The Fund will seek investment opportunities in generally larger
capitalization companies (those with market capitalizations exceeding $500
million) which Sarofim believes have the potential to experience above average
and predictable earnings growth. The Fund also will be alert to those
foreign and domestic issuers which it considers undervalued by the stock
market in terms of current earnings, assets or growth prospects. These
companies will include those that management believes have new or innovative
products, services or processes which can enhance prospects for growth in
future earnings. The Fund may invest up to 10% of the value of its assets in
securities of foreign governments and foreign companies which are not
publicly traded in the United States. Other than in periods of anticipated
market weakness, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in
common stocks.
While seeking desirable investments, the Fund may invest in money
market instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities, certificates of
deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term investment grade
corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and repurchase
agreements, as set forth under "Appendix _ Certain Portfolio Securities _
Money Market Instruments." Under normal market conditions, the Fund does not
expect to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in money market
instruments. However, when Sarofim determines that adverse market conditions
exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary defensive posture and invest all of its
assets in money market instruments.
The Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed
100%. The Fund currently intends to engage in various investment techniques,
such as foreign currency transactions, lending portfolio securities and, to a
limited extent, options transactions. For a discussion of the investment
techniques and their related risks, see "Investment Considerations and Risks"
and "Appendix_Investment Techniques" below and "Investment Objectives and
Management Policies_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
Page 5
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL -- The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objectives and Management Policies" in
the Statement of Additional Information for a further discussion of certain
risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES -- Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
FOREIGN SECURITIES -- Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, seizure or
nationalization of foreign deposits and adoption of governmental restrictions
which might adversely affect or restrict the payment of principal and
interest on the foreign securities to investors located outside the country
of the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
Since foreign securities often are purchased with and payable in
currencies of foreign countries, the value of these assets as measured in
U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency
rates and exchange control regulations. See "Appendix _ Investment Techniques
_ Foreign Currency Transactions."
USE OF DERIVATIVES -- The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in
derivatives ("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments which derive
their performance, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying
asset, index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use include
options. While Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance of the
Fund's investment objectives, under certain market conditions, they can
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value, decrease the liquidity
of the Fund's portfolio and make more difficult the accurate pricing of the
Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix _ Investment Techniques _ Use of Derivatives"
below and "Investment Objectives and Management Policies _ Management
Policies _ Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional Information.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS -- Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of other investment companies or accounts advised by
Dreyfus or Sarofim. If, however, such other investment companies or accounts
desire to invest in, or dispose of, the same securities as the Fund,
available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably
to each. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the
position obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or
received by the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER -- Dreyfus, located at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's investment adviser.
Dreyfus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation ("Mellon"). As of March
31, 1997, Dreyfus managed or administered approximately $82 billion in assets
for approximately 1.7 million investor accounts nationwide.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon pro-
Page 6
vides a comprehensive range of financial products and services in domestic
and selected international markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five
largest bank holding companies in the United States based on total assets.
Mellon's principal wholly-owned subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon
Bank (DE) National Association, Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company,
Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a number of companies known as Mellon
Financial Services Corporations. Through its subsidiaries, including
Dreyfus, Mellon managed more than $233 billion in assets as of December 31,
1996, including approximately $86 billion in proprietary mutual fund
assets. As of December 31, 1996, Mellon, through various subsidiaries,
provided non-investment services, such as custodial or administration
services, for more than $1.046 trillion in assets, including approximately
$57 billion in mutual fund assets.
Dreyfus supervises and assists in the overall management of the
Fund's affairs under an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund, subject
to the authority of the Fund's Board in accordance with Maryland law.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay
Dreyfus an annual fee, payable monthly, as set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FEE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL ASSETS AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
---------------- -----------------------------------------
<S> <C>
0 to $25 million................................. .44 of 1%
$25 million to $75 million....................... .37 of 1%
$75 million to $200 million...................... .33 of 1%
$200 million to $300 million..................... .29 of 1%
$300 million or more............................. .275 of 1%
</TABLE>
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund paid Dreyfus a monthly
advisory fee at the effective annual rate of .30 of 1% of the value of the
Fund's average daily net assets.
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER -- Sarofim, a registered investment adviser located at
Two Houston Center, Suite 2907, Houston, Texas 77010, was formed in 1958 and
serves as the Fund's sub-investment adviser. As of March 31, 1997, Sarofim
managed approximately $33.4 billion in assets for three other registered
investment companies and provided investment advisory services to
discretionary accounts having aggregate assets of approximately $5 million.
Sarofim, subject to the supervision and approval of Dreyfus, provides
investment advisory assistance and the day-to-day management of the Fund's
portfolio, as well as investment research and statistical information, under
a Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund, subject to the overall
authority of the Fund's Board in accordance with Maryland law.
Under the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay Sarofim an annual fee, payable monthly, as set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FEE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL ASSETS AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
---------------- -----------------------------------------
<S> <C>
0 to $25 million................................ .11 of 1%
$25 million to $75 million....................... .18 of 1%
$75 million to $200 million...................... .22 of 1%
$200 million to $300 million..................... .26 of 1%
$300 million or more............................. .275 of 1%
</TABLE>
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund paid Sarofim a monthly
sub-advisory fee at the effective annual rate of .25 of 1% of the Fund's
average daily net assets.
The Fund's primary portfolio manager is Fayez Sarofim. He has held
that position since December 27, 1990. Mr. Sarofim founded Fayez Sarofim &
Co. in 1958. The Fund's other portfolio managers are
Page 7
identified in the Statement of Additional Information. Dreyfus and Sarofim
also provide research services for the Fund and other funds advised by
Dreyfus or Sarofim, respectively, through a professional staff of portfolio
managers and securities analysts.
From time to time, Dreyfus and/or Sarofim may waive receipt of their
fees and/or voluntarily assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have
the effect of lowering the expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to
investors. The Fund will not pay Dreyfus and/or Sarofim at a later time for
any amounts which may be waived, nor will the Fund reimburse Dreyfus and/or
Sarofim for any amounts which may be assumed.
In allocating brokerage transactions, Dreyfus and Sarofim seek to
obtain the best execution of orders at the most favorable net price. Subject
to this determination, Dreyfus and Sarofim may consider, among other things,
the receipt of research services and/or the sale of shares of the Fund or
other funds managed, advised or administered by Dreyfus as factors in the
selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund.
See "Portfolio Transactions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Dreyfus may pay the Fund's distributor for shareholder services from
Dreyfus' own assets, including past profits but not including the investment
advisory fee paid by the Fund. The Fund's distributor may use part or all of
such payments to pay Service Agents in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR -- The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND CUSTODIAN -- Dreyfus Transfer,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the
"Transfer Agent"). Mellon Bank, N.A., One Mellon Bank Center, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15258, is the Fund's Custodian.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a fee
if you effect transactions in Fund shares through certain financial
institutions (which may include banks), securities dealers ("Selected
Dealers") and other industry professionals, such as investment advisers,
accountants and estate planning firms (collectively, "Service Agents") that
have entered into service agreements with the Distributor. Stock certificates
are issued only upon your written request. No certificates are issued for
fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which maintains an omnibus account in the Fund and
has made an aggregate minimum initial purchase for its customers of $2,500.
Subsequent investments must be at least $100. However, the minimum initial
investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7)
Plans with only one participant is $750, with no minimum for subsequent
purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also may open a non-working spousal
IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250. Subsequent investments in a
spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial investment must be accompanied
by the Account Application. For full-time or part-time employees of Dreyfus
or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of Dreyfus, Board members
of a fund advised by Dreyfus, including members of the Fund's Board, or the
spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing, the minimum initial investment
is $1,000. For full-time or part-time employees of Dreyfus or any of its
affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to have a portion of their pay directly
deposited into their Fund accounts, the minimum initial investment is $50.
The Fund reserves the right to
Page 8
offer Fund shares without regard to minimum purchase requirements to
employees participating in certain qualified or non-qualified employee
benefit plans or other programs where contributions or account information
can be transmitted in a manner and form acceptable to the Fund. The Fund
reserves the right to vary further the initial and subsequent investment
minimum requirements at any time. Fund shares also are offered without
regard to the minimum initial investment requirements through Dreyfus-
AUTOMATIC Asset BuilderRegistration Mark, Dreyfus Government Direct
Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to the Dreyfus
Step Program described under "Shareholder Services." These services enable
you to make regularly scheduled investments and may provide you with a
convenient way to invest for long-term financial goals. You should be aware,
however, that periodic investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will
not protect an investor against loss in a declining market.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege, described below. Checks should be made payable to
"The Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts,
to "The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian." Payments to open new accounts
which are mailed should be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9387, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9387, together with your Account
Application. For subsequent investments, your Fund account number should
appear on the check and an investment slip should be enclosed and sent to The
Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For
Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, both initial and subsequent investments
should be sent to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427. Neither initial nor subsequent
investments should be made by third party check. Purchase orders may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. These orders will be
forwarded to the Fund and will be processed only upon receipt thereby. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial bank
that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having a
correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA #8900051906/Dreyfus
Appreciation Fund, Inc., for purchase of Fund shares in your name. The wire
must include your Fund account number (for new accounts, your Taxpayer
Identification Number ("TIN") should be included instead), account
registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your initial purchase of
Fund shares is by wire, please call 1-800-645-6561 after completing your wire
payment to obtain your Fund account number. Please include your Fund account
number on the Account Application and promptly mail the Account Application to
the Fund, as no redemptions will be permitted until the Account Application is
received. You may obtain further information about remitting funds in this
manner from your bank. All payments should be made in U.S. dollars and, to
avoid fees and delays, should be drawn only on U.S. banks. A charge will be
imposed if any check used for investment in your account does not clear. The
Fund makes available to certain large institutions the ability to issue
purchase instructions through compatible computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
your Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. Net asset value per share is
Page 9
determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time), on each day the New York Stock
Exchange is open for business. For purposes of determining net asset value
per share, options
will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the floor of the New
York Stock Exchange. Net asset value per share is computed by dividing the
value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets less
liabilities) by the total number of shares outstanding. The Fund's
investments are valued based on market value or, where market quotations are
not readily available, based on fair value as determined in good faith by the
Fund's Board. For further information regarding the methods employed in
valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
For certain institutions that have entered into agreements with the
Distributor, payment for the purchase of Fund shares may be transmitted, and
must be received by the Transfer Agent, within three business days after the
order is placed. If such payment is not received within three business days
after the order is placed, the order may be canceled and the institution
could be held liable for resulting fees and/or losses.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% of the amount
invested through such dealers in Fund shares by employees participating in
qualified or non-qualified employee benefit plans or other programs where (i)
the employers or affiliated employers maintaining such plans or programs have
a minimum of 250 employees eligible for participation in such plans or
programs, or (ii) such plan's or program's aggregate investment in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds or certain other products made available by the
Distributor to such plans or programs exceeds $1,000,000 ("Eligible Benefit
Plan"). Shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds then held by Eligible
Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee payable. The
Distributor reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The
Distributor will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts
received from the Fund, including past profits or any other source available
to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE -- You may purchase Fund shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) by telephone if you have checked the appropriate
box and supplied the necessary information on the Account Application or have
filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The proceeds will
be transferred between the bank account designated in one of these documents
and your Fund account. Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial
institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so designated.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by calling 1-800-645-6561
or, if you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES -- You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund,
shares of certain other funds managed or administered by Dreyfus, to the
extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service Agent or
call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
conditions are imposed on its use.
Page 10
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore,
when establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must
have a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund
into which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange
instructions by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically,
unless you check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application,
indicating that you specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone
Exchange Privilege may be established for an existing account by written
request signed by all shareholders on the account, by a separate signed
Shareholder Services Form, available by calling 1-800-645-6561, or by oral
request from any of the authorized signatories on the account by calling
1-800-645-6561. If you have established the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you
may telephone exchange instructions (including over The Dreyfus
TouchRegistration Mark automated telephone system) by calling 1-800-645-6561.
If you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452. See "How to Redeem
Shares _ Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new account, the following
shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and where available, will
be automatically carried over to the fund into which the exchange is made:
Telephone Exchange Privilege, Wire Redemption Privilege, Telephone Redemption
Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, and the dividend/capital gain
distribution option (except for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep) selected by the
investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares you are exchanging
were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired by a previous exchange
from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c) acquired through reinvestment
of dividends or distributions paid with respect to the foregoing categories
of shares. To qualify, at the time of the exchange you must notify the
Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor. Any such
qualification is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of
appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of
Additional Information. No fees currently are charged shareholders directly
in connection with exchanges, although the Fund reserves the right, upon not
less than 60 days' written notice, to charge shareholders a nominal
administrative fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange
request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may be
modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE -- Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables
you to invest regularly (on a semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual
basis), in exchange for shares of the Fund, in shares of certain other funds
in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder. The amount you
designate, which can be expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or
share amount ($100 minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first
and/or fifteenth day of the month according to the schedule you have
selected. Shares will be exchanged at the then-current net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of
Additional Information. The right to exercise this Privilege may be modified
or canceled by the Fund or the Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel your
exercise of this Privilege at
Page 11
any time by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service
fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated.
For more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in the Dreyfus
Family of Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to obtain a
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free
1-800-645-6561. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark -- Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder permits
you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $150,000 per
transaction) at regular intervals selected by you. Fund shares are purchased
by transferring funds from the bank account designated by you. At your
option, the bank account designated by you will be debited in the specified
amount, and Fund shares will be purchased, once a month, on either
the first or fifteenth day, or twice a month, on both days. Only an account
maintained at a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing
House member may be so designated. To establish a Dreyfus-Automatic Asset
Builder account, you must file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent.
You may obtain the necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561.
You may cancel your participation in this Privilege or change the amount of
purchase at any time by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus
retirement plan accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box
6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be
effective three business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or
terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS GOVERNMENT DIRECT DEPOSIT PRIVILEGE -- Dreyfus Government Direct
Deposit Privilege enables you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 and
maximum of $50,000 per transaction) by having Federal salary, Social
Security, or certain veterans', military or other payments from the Federal
government automatically deposited into your Fund account. You may deposit as
much of such payments as you elect. To enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct
Deposit, you must file with the Transfer Agent a completed Direct Deposit
Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that you desire to include in this
Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained by calling 1-800-654-6561.
Death or legal incapacity will terminate your participation in this
Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your participation by
notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. Further, the Fund may
terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN -- Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to
purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a
regular basis. Depending upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may
have part or all of your paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus
account electronically through the Automated Clearing House system at each
pay period. To establish a Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must
file an authorization form with your employer's payroll department. Your
employer must complete the reverse side of the form and return it to The
Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671.
You may obtain the necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561.
You may change the amount of purchase or cancel the authorization only by
written notification to your employer. It is the sole responsibility of your
employer, not the Distributor, Dreyfus, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM -- Dreyfus Step Program enables you to purchase Fund
shares without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements
through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder,
Page 12
Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan.
To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account, you must supply the necessary
information on the Account Application and file the required authorization
form(s) with the Transfer Agent. For more information concerning this Program,
or to request the necessary authorization form(s), please call toll free
1-800-782-6620. You may terminate your participation in this Program at any
time by discontinuing your participation in Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder,
Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan,
as the case may be, as provided under the terms of such Privilege(s). The
Fund may modify or terminate this Program at any time. Investors who wish to
purchase Fund shares through Dreyfus Step Program in conjunction with a
Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts."
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS -- Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest
automatically dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any,
paid by the Fund in shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are a shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at
the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with
respect to investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are
investing in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share price
s which do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load.
If you are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales
charge, the shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent
deferred sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See
"Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. Dreyfus
Dividend ACH permits you to transfer electronically dividends or dividends and
capital gain distributions, if any, from the Fund to a designated bank
account. Only an account maintained at a financial institution which is an
Automated Clearing House member may be so designated. Banks may charge a fee
for this service.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Enrollment in or
cancellation of these privileges is effective three business days following
receipt. These privileges are available only for existing accounts and may
not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent investments do not apply
for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or terminate these privileges
at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans are not
eligible for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN -- The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to
request withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum $50) on either a
monthly or quarterly basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An
application for the Automatic Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be ended at any time by
you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which certificates have been
issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
RETIREMENT PLANS -- The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing
plans, including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts,"
401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also
are available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566; for
IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; or for SEP-IRAs,
401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call 1-800-322-7880.
Page 13
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a fee for effecting redemptions of Fund shares. Any
certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be submitted with
the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may be more or less
than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's then-current net asset
value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. However, if you have purchased Fund shares by check, by Dreyfus
TeleTransfer Privilege or through Dreyfus-Automatic Asset BuilderRegistration
Mark and subsequently submit a written redemption request to the Transfer
Agent, the redemption proceeds will be transmitted to you promptly upon bank
clearance of your purchase check, Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase or
Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder order, which may take up to eight business
days or more. In addition, the Fund will reject requests to redeem shares by
wire or telephone or pursuant to the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege for a
period of eight business days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the
Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase or the Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder order
against which such redemption is requested. These procedures will not apply
if your shares were purchased by wire payment, or if you otherwise have a
sufficient collected balance in your account to cover the redemption request.
Prior to the time any redemption is effective, dividends on such shares will
accrue and be payable, and you will be entitled to exercise all other rights
of beneficial ownership. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer
Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, if you have checked the appropriate box and
supplied the necessary information on the Account Application or have filed a
Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent, through the Wire Redemption
Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege or the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER
Privilege. If you are a client of a Selected Dealer, you may redeem
shares through the Selected Dealer. Other redemption procedures may be in
effect for clients of certain Service Agents. The Fund makes available to
certain large institutions the ability to issue redemption instructions
through compatible computer facilities. The Fund reserves the right to refuse
any request made by wire or telephone, including requests made shortly after
a change of address, and may limit the amount involved or the number of such
requests. The Fund may modify or terminate any redemption Privilege at any
time or charge a service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee
currently is contemplated. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been issued, are not
eligible for the Wire Redemption, Telephone Redemption or Dreyfus TELETRANSFER
Privilege.
You may redeem shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone
Page 14
redemption privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted
automatically unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act
on telephone instructions (including over The Dreyfus TouchRegistration Mark
automated telephone system) from any person representing himself or herself
to be you, or a representative of your Service Agent, and reasonably believed
by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require the Transfer Agent
to employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form of personal
identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if it does not
follow such procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither the Fund nor
the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephone instructions
reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION -- Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427. Redemption requests may be delivered in person only
to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND
AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of the
nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the telephone numbers
listed under "General Information." Redemption requests must be signed by
each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account, and each signature
must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted standards and procedures
pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper form generally will be
accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national
securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies
and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock
Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities Transfer Agents
Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program. If you
have a question with respect to signature-guarantees, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE -- You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day)made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-645-6561 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE -- You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to
your address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling
1-800-645-6561 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE -- You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $500 per day) be transferred between your Fund
account and your bank account. Only a bank account
Page 15
maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member may be designated. Redemption proceeds will be on
deposit in your account at an Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily
two days after receipt of the redemption request or, at your request, paid
by check (maximum $150,000 per day) and mailed to your address. Holders of
jointly registered Fund or bank accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer to their bank account not more than
$250,000 within any 30-day period.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by calling 1-800-645-6561
or, if you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452.
REDEMPTION THROUGH A SELECTED DEALER -- If you are a customer of a Selected
Dealer, you may make redemption requests to your Selected Dealer. If the
Selected Dealer transmits the redemption request so that it is received by
the Transfer Agent by the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange on a business day, the redemption request will be effective on that
day. If a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent after the
close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, the redemption
request will be effective on the next business day. It is the responsibility
of the Selected Dealer to transmit a request so that it is received in a
timely manner. The proceeds of the redemption are credited to your account
with the Selected Dealer.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
the Fund reimburses (a) the Distributor for payments made for servicing
shareholder accounts ("Servicing") and (b) Dreyfus, Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, and any affiliate of
either of them for payments made for Servicing, at an aggregate annual rate
of up to .20 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. Each
of the Distributor and Dreyfus or its affiliates may pay one or more Service
Agents a fee in respect of the Fund's shares owned by shareholders with whom
the Service Agent has a Servicing relationship or for whom the Service Agent
is the dealer or holder of record. The schedule of such fees and the basis
upon which such fees will be paid shall be determined from time to time by
the Fund's Board. If a Fund shareholder ceases to be a client of a Service
Agent, but continues to hold Fund shares, Dreyfus or its affiliates will be
permitted to act as a Service Agent in respect of such Fund shareholder and
receive payments under the Service Plan for Servicing.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Fund ordinarily pays dividends from its net investment income and
distributes net realized securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may
make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Depending upon the composition of the Fund's income, all or a portion
of the dividends derived from net investment income may qual-
Page 16
ify for the dividends received deduction allowable to qualifying U.S. corporate
shareholders. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of
the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for
Federal income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held
their Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an
individual generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in
excess of 28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local
taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions and redemption proceeds may be
subject to backup withholding, as described below, unless the foreign
investor certifies his non-U.S. residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN
furnished in connection with opening an account is correct, or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines a
shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
Management of the Fund believes that the Fund has qualified for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 as a "regulated investment company" under
the Code. The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is
in the best interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the
Fund of any liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are
distributed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is
subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
Page 17
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment in the Fund was purchased with an
initial payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of
a stated period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage
rate which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would result in the
redeemable value of the investment at the end of the period. Advertisements
of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average annual total return
for one, five and ten year periods.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the
application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, Morningstar, Inc. and other industry
publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on July 30, 1980, and
commenced operations on January 18, 1984. Prior to March 1, 1993, the Fund's
name was General Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc. The Fund is authorized to issue
100 million shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share. Each share has
one vote.
Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, ordinarily it will not be
necessary for the Fund to hold annual meetings of shareholders. As a result,
Fund shareholders may no longer consider each year the election of Board
members or the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Fund's
By-Laws, the holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled
to vote may require the Fund to hold a special meeting of shareholders for
purposes of removing a Board member from office and the holders of at least
25% of such shares may require the Fund to hold a special meeting of
shareholders for any other purpose. Fund shareholders may remove a Board
member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
shares. In addition, the Fund's Board will call a meeting of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Board members if, at any time, less than a majority
of the Board members then holding office have been elected by shareholders.
Page 18
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free,
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call
1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 19
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS -- Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into for a variety of purposes, including: to fix in U.S. dollars, between
trade and settlement date, the value of a security the Fund has agreed to buy
or sell; or to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the Fund already
owns, particularly if it expects a decrease in the value of the currency in
which the foreign security is denominated
Foreign currency transactions may involve, for example, the Fund's
purchase of foreign currencies for U.S. dollars or the maintenance of short
positions in foreign currencies, which would involve the Fund agreeing to
exchange an amount of a currency it did not currently own for another
currency at a future date in anticipation of a decline in the value of the
currency sold relative to the currency the Fund contracted to receive in the
exchange. The Fund's success in these transactions will depend principally on
Sarofim's ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between
foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short
periods of time. They generally are determined by the forces of supply and
demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments
in different countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates and
other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency
exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or
foreign governments or central banks or the failure to intervene or by
currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES -- The Fund may lend securities from its
portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to
borrow securities to complete certain transactions. The Fund continues to be
entitled to payments in amounts equal to the interest or other distributions
payable on the loaned securities which affords the Fund an opportunity to
earn interest on the amount of the loan and on the loaned securities'
collateral. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 331\3% of the value
of the Fund's total assets, and the Fund will receive collateral consisting
of cash, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit which
will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the
current market value of the loaned securities. Such loans are terminable by
the Fund at any time upon specified notice. The Fund might experience risk of
loss if the institution with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan
transaction breaches its agreement with the Fund.
BORROWING MONEY -- The Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent permitted
under the 1940 Act, which permits an investment company to borrow in an
amount up to 331\3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund currently
intends to borrow money only for temporary or emergency (not leveraging)
purposes, in an amount up to 15% of the value of its total assets (including
the amount borrowed) valued at the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities
(not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. While
borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets, the Fund will not make any
additional investments.
USE OF DERIVATIVES -- The Fund may invest in the types of Derivatives
enumerated under "Description of the Fund--Investment Considerations and
Risks--Use of Derivatives." These instruments and certain related risks are
described more specifically under "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies_Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than
their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in Derivatives
could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.
If the Fund invests in Derivatives at inappropriate times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. The Fund also could experience losses if it were unable
to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market
for many
Page 20
Derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in liquidity may
result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for
Derivatives.
The Fund may write (i.e., sell) covered call option contracts to the
extent of 20% of the value of its net assets at the time such option
contracts are written. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the
right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying security at
the exercise price at any time during the option period. A covered call
option sold by the Fund, which is a call option with respect to which the
Fund owns the underlying security, exposes the Fund during the term of the
option to possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market
price of the underlying security or to possible continued holding of a
security which might otherwise have been sold to protect against depreciation
in the market price of the security.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
WARRANTS -- A warrant is an instrument issued by a corporation which gives
the holder the right to subscribe to a specified amount of the corporation's
capital stock at a set price for a specified period of time. The Fund may
invest up to 2% of its net assets in warrants, except that this limitation
does not apply to warrants purchased by the Fund that are sold in units with,
or attached to, other securities.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS -- The Fund may invest in the following types of
money market
instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others only by the credit
of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government provides financial
support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no
assurance can be given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated
by law.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to
additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those
incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers. See "Description of the Fund_Investment Considerations and
Risks_Foreign Securities."
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Page 21
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), A-1 by Standard &Poor's Rating Group
("S&P"), F-1 by Fitch Investors Service, L.P. ("Fitch") or Duff-1 by Duff &
Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("Duff"), (b) issued by companies having an
outstanding unsecured debt issue currently rated at least A3 by Moody's or
A- by S&P, Fitch or Duff, or (c) if unrated, determined by Dreyfus and
Sarofim to be of comparable quality to those rated obligations which may be
purchased by the Fund.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES -- The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net
assets in securities as to which a liquid trading market does not exist,
provided such investments are consistent with the Fund's investment
objective. Such securities may include securities that are not readily
marketable, such as certain securities that are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale, repurchase agreements providing for
settlement in more than seven days after notice, and certain privately
negotiated, non-exchange traded options and securities used to cover such
options. As to these securities, the Fund is subject to a risk that should
the Fund desire to sell them when a ready buyer is not available at a price
the Fund deems representative of their value, the value of the Fund's net
assets could be adversely affected.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
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Appreciation
Fund, Inc.
Prospectus
Registration Mark
Copy Rights 1997 Dreyfus Service Corporation
141p050197
Page 24
