File Nos. 2-68671
811- 3087
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 31 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 922-6000
Mark N. Jacobs, Esq.
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
box)
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
----
X on April 15, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b)
----
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
----
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
----
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
----
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485
----
If appropriate, check the following box:
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
Cross-Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a)
Items in
Part A of
Form N-1A Caption Page
_________ _______ ____
1 Cover Page Cover
2 Synopsis 3
3 Condensed Financial Information 4
4 General Description of Registrant 5, 18
5 Management of the Fund 5
5(a) Management's Discussion of Fund's Performance *
6 Capital Stock and Other Securities 18
7 Purchase of Securities Being Offered 8
8 Redemption or Repurchase 14
9 Pending Legal Proceedings *
Items in
Part B of
Form N-1A
- ---------
10 Cover Page Cover
11 Table of Contents Cover
12 General Information and History B-1, B-23
13 Investment Objectives and Policies B-2
14 Management of the Fund B-7
15 Control Persons and Principal B-9
Holders of Securities
16 Investment Advisory and Other B-11
Services
_____________________________________
NOTE: * Omitted since answer is negative or inapplicable.
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
Cross-Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a) (continued)
Items in
Part B of
Form N-1A Caption Page
_________ _______ _____
17 Brokerage Allocation B-21
18 Capital Stock and Other Securities B-23
19 Purchase, Redemption and Pricing B-13, B-14
of Securities Being Offered B-19
20 Tax Status *
21 Underwriters B-1, B-10
22 Calculations of Performance Data B-22
23 Financial Statements B-25
Items in
Part C of
Form N-1A
_________
24 Financial Statements and Exhibits C-1
25 Persons Controlled by or Under C-3
Common Control with Registrant
26 Number of Holders of Securities C-3
27 Indemnification C-3
28 Business and Other Connections of C-4
Investment Adviser
29 Principal Underwriters C-12
30 Location of Accounts and Records C-13
31 Management Services C-13
32 Undertakings C-13
_____________________________________
NOTE: * Omitted since answer is negative or inapplicable.
______________________________________________________________________________
PROSPECTUS MAY 1, 1998
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
TELETRANSFER.
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. DREYFUS
AND SAROFIM ARE REFERRED TO COLLECTIVELY AS THE "ADVISERS."
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, 1998, 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............................ 7
How to Buy Shares................................. 9
Shareholder Services.............................. 11
How to Redeem Shares.............................. 14
Shareholder Services Plan......................... 17
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................ 17
Performance Information........................... 18
General Information............................... 19
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>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
Management Fees........................................................................... .55%
Other Expenses............................................................................ .32%
Total Fund Operating Expenses............................................................. .87%
EXAMPLE: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
_______ ________ ________ _________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
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 $28 $48 $107
</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. The information in the foregoing table does not
reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be in
effect. 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. Further financial data, related
notes and report of independent auditors accompany 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>
Year Ended December 31,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PERSHAREDATA:(1)
Net asset value,
beginning of year... $ 9.03 $10.28 $12.20 $10.95 $14.67 $15.15 $14.92 $15.17 $20.55 $25.58
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Investment Operations:
Investment income-net.. .15 .18 .23 .21 .17 .24 .28 .33 .25 .25
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments.. 1.35 2.60 (.46) 3.96 .52 (.14) .26 5.42 5.03 6.87
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Total from
Investment Operations.. 1.50 2.78 (.23) 4.17 .69 .10 .54 5.75 5.28 7.12
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Distributions:
Dividends from investment
income-net.... (.17) (.17) (.24) (.20) (.13) (.24) (.28) (.34) (.25) (.26)
Dividends in excess
of investment income-net.. ._ ._ ._ ._ ._ (.03) ._ ._ ._ (.00)(4)
Dividends from net realized
gain on investments.... (.08) (.69) (.78) (.25) (.08) (.03) (.01) (.03) ._ (.06)
Dividends in excess
of net realized
gain on investments.... ._ ._ ._ ._ ._ (.03) ._ ._ ._ ._
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Total Distributions.... (.25) (.86) (1.02) (.45) (.21) (.33) (.29) (.37) (.25) (.32)
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Net asset value, end
of year..... $10.28 $12.20 $10.95 $14.67 $15.15 $14.92 $15.17 $20.55 $25.58 $32.38
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN.. 16.61% 27.20% (1.83%) 38.43% 4.62% .71% 3.62% 37.89% 25.68% 27.85%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets.... 1.74%(2) 1.18% 1.24% 1.30% 1.14% 1.07% .96% .92% .91% .87%
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets.. 1.41% 1.38% 2.21% 1.69% 1.46% 1.66% 1.86% 2.28% 1.34% .99%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.. 136.56% 130.36% 179.03% 12.89% 2.84% 9.65% 6.58% 4.51% 4.84% 1.23%
Average commission
rate paid(3).... ._ ._ ._ ._ ._ ._ ._ ._ $.0633 $.0613
Net Assets, end of
year (000's omitted)... $40,836 $45,672 $40,398 $80,947 $207,627 $237,018 $233,459 $457,267 $845,497 $1,977,638
(1) Per share data for the fiscal years from 1988 to 1991 has been
restated to reflect a 100% stock dividend at the close of business on
March 9, 1992.
(2) Net of expenses reimbursed.
(3) For fiscal years beginning January 1, 1996, the Fund is required to
disclose its average commission rate paid per share for purchases and
sales of investment securities.
(4) Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
________________________
</TABLE>
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.
[Page 4]
DEBT OUTSTANDING
<TABLE>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1997
________
<S> <C> <C>
Amount of debt outstanding at end of year (in thousands)................. $ _
Average amount of debt outstanding throughout year (in thousands) (1)..... $191
Average number of shares outstanding throughout year (in thousands) (2)... 51,032
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 the Advisers believe 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.The Fund emphasizes investments in equity securities of
established companies and employs a long-term, low portfolio turnover
investment approach. As a result the Fund invests for long-term growth rather
than short-term profits.
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 the Advisers determine 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 also may invest in
money market instruments in anticipation of investing cash positions.
Because the Fund invests for long-term growth rather than short-term
profits, the Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed
15%, and will exceed 25% only in the event of extraordinary
[Page 5]
market conditions. Nevertheless, securities transactions for the Fund
will be based only upon investment considerations and will not be limited by
other considerations when the Advisers deem it appropriate to make changes in
the Fund's portfolio securities. 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.
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, interest
and dividends 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,
[Page 6]
available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably
to each of them. 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.
Year 2000 Risks _ 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 Dreyfus 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." Dreyfus is taking steps 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.
At this time, however, there can be no assurance that these steps will be
sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
ADVISERS _ 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, 1998,
Dreyfus managed or administered approximately $100 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 provides 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 $305 billion in
assets as of December 31, 1997, including approximately $104 billion in
proprietary mutual fund assets. As of December 31, 1997, Mellon, through
various subsidiaries, provided non-investment services, such as custodial or
administration services, for more than $1.532 trillion in assets, including
approximately $60 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:
ANNUAL FEE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL ASSETS AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
_____________ _______________________
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%
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund paid Dreyfus a
monthly advisory fee at the effective annual rate of .29 of 1% of the value
of the Fund's average daily net assets.
[Page 7]
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 December 31, 1997, Sarofim managed
approximately $39.1 billion in discretionary separate accounts and provided
investment advisory services for four other investment companies having
aggregate assets of approximately $3.1 billion.
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:
ANNUAL FEE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
ANNUAL FEE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL ASSETS AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
_____________ _______________________
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%
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund paid Sarofim a monthly
sub-advisory fee at the effective annual rate of .26 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 identified in the
Statement of Additional Information. Dreyfus and Sarofim also provide
research services for the Fund and for 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.
[Page 8]
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.
See "Appendix _ Additional Information About Purchases, Exchanges and
Redemptions."
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 is $750 for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs (including regular
IRAs, spousal IRAs for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, and
rollover IRAs) and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant and $500 for
Dreyfus-sponsored Education IRAs, with no minimum for subsequent purchases.
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 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."
[Page 9]
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."
Management understands that some Service Agents may impose certain
conditions on their clients which are different from those described in this
Prospectus, and, to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authority,
may charge their clients direct fees. You should consult your Service Agent
in this regard. See "Shareholder Services Plan."
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 entity authorized to receive orders on behalf of the
Fund. Net asset value per share is 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
[Page 10]
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.
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
[Page 11]
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. See "Appendix _ Additional Information About
Purchases, Exchanges and Redemptions." 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 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.
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
[Page 12]
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, 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
[Page 13]
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 prices 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
ACHpermits 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. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
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 Automatic
Withdrawal Plan may be established by filing an Automatic Withdrawal Plan
application with the Transfer Agent or by oral request from any of the
authorized signatories on the account 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 (including regular IRAs, spousal IRAs for
a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Rollover IRAs and Education IRAs),
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 (except SEP-IRAs), 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.
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 by the Transfer Agent or other entity
authorized to receive orders on behalf of the Fund, the Fund will redeem the
shares at the next determined net asset value. See "Appendix _ Additional
Information About Purchases, Exchanges and Redemptions."
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.
[Page 14]
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 purchase check, 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 through the Telephone Redemption Privilege,
which is granted automatically unless you specifically refuse it by checking
the applicable "No" box on the Account Application. The Telephone Redemption
Privilege may be established for an existing account by a separate signed
Shareholder Services Form or by oral request from any of the authorized
signatories on the account by calling 1-800-645-6561. You also may redeem
shares through the Wire Redemption Privilege, or the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER
Privilege, 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. 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.
The Telephone Redemption Privilege or Telephone Exchange Privilege
authorizes 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
[Page 15]
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, telephone or letter
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. 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. The
Telephone Redemption Privilege is granted automatically unless you refuse it.
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 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. 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.
[Page 16]
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by calling 1-800-645-6561
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
Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor
for the provision of certain services to shareholders of the Fund a fee at
the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average daily net
assets. The services provided may include personal services relating to
shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the
Fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to
Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor determines the
amounts to be paid to Service Agents. 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 Plan.
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. If you elect to receive dividends
and distributions in cash, and your dividend or distribution check is
returned to the Fund as undeliverable or remains uncashed for six months, the
Fund reserves the right to invest such dividend or distribution and all
future dividends and distributions payable to you in additional Fund shares
at net asset value. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by
uncashed distribution or redemption checks. 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 qualify 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
[Page 17]
have held their Fund shares and whether such distributions are received
in cash or reinvested in Fund shares. The Code provides an individual
generally will be taxed on his or her net capital gain at a maximum rate of
28% with respect to capital gain from securities held for more than one year
but not more than 18 months and at a maximum rate of 20% with respect to
capital gain from securities held for more than 18 months. 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, IRS individual taxpayer
identification 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, 1997 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.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
[Page 18]
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. Before 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 not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, 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. 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.
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.,
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. TheFund 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 can be volatile and involve various types and involve
various types and degrees of risk, depending upon the characteristics of the
particular Derivative, and the portfolio as a whole. Derivatives
[Page 20]
permit the Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the
character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed in much the same way
as the Fund can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the
character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific
securities.
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 inopportune 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 its Derivatives
were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the Fund were unable
to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market
for many 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.
[Page 21]
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.
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 IBCA, Inc. ("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 the Advisers 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
objectives. 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.
Additional Information About Purchases, Exchanges and Redemptions _ The Fund
is intended to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not designed to
provide investors with a means of speculation on short-term market movements.
A pattern of frequent purchases and exchanges can be disruptive to efficient
portfolio management and, consequently, can be detrimental to the Fund's
performance and its shareholders. Accordingly, if the Fund's management
determines that an investor is engaged in excessive trading, the Fund, with
or without prior notice, may temporarily or permanently terminate the
availability of Fund exchanges, or reject in whole or part any purchase or
exchange request, with respect to such investor's account. Such investors
also may be barred from purchasing other funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds. Generally, an investor who makes more than four exchanges out of the
Fund during any calendar year (for calendar year 1998, beginning on
[Page 22]
January 15th) or who makes exchanges that appear to coincide with an active
market-timing strategy may be deemed to be engaged in excessive trading.
Accounts under common ownership or control will be considered as one account
for purposes of determing a pattern of excessive trading. In addition, the
Fund may refuse or restrict purchase or exchange requests by any person or
group if, in the judgment of the Fund's management, the Fund would be unable
to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective
and policies or could otherwise be adversely affected or if the Fund receives
or anticipates receiving simultaneous orders that may significantly affect
the Fund (amounts equal to 1% or more of the Fund's total assets). If an
exchange request is refused, the Fund will take no other action with respect
to the shares until it receives further instructions from the investor. The
Fund may delay forwarding redemption proceeds for up to seven days if the
investor redeeming shares is engaged in excessive trading or if the amount of
the redemption request otherwise would be disruptive to efficient portfolio
management or would adversely affect the Fund. The Fund's policy on excessive
trading applies to investors who invest in the Fund directly or through
financial intermediaries, but does not apply to the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange
Privilege, to any automatic investment or withdrawal privilege described
herein, or to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, the Fund may
suspend Fund Exchanges temporarily without notice and treat exchange requests
based on their separate components _ redemption orders with a simultaneous
request to purchase the other fund's shares. In such a case, the redemption
request would be processed at the Fund's next determined net asset value but
the purchase order would be effective only at the net asset value next
deterimed after the fund being purchased receives the proceeds of the
redemption, which may result in the purchase being delayed.
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.
[Page 23]
Appreciation
Fund, Inc.
Prospectus
Registration Mark
Copy Rights 1998 Dreyfus Service Corporation
141p0598
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
PART B
(STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
MAY 1, 1998
This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus of
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), dated April 15, 1998, as it
may be revised from time to time. To obtain a copy of the Fund's
Prospectus, please write to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard,
Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or call the following numbers:
Call Toll Free 1-800-645-6561
In New York City -- Call 1-718-895-1206
Outside the U.S. -- Call 516-794-5452
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's investment
adviser. Fayez Sarofim & Co. ("Sarofim") serves as the Fund's
sub-investment adviser. Sarofim provides day-to-day management of the
Fund's portfolio, subject to the supervision of Dreyfus. Dreyfus and
Sarofim are referred to collectively as the "Advisers."
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") is the
distributor of the Fund's shares.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Investment Objectives and Management Policies B-2
Management of the Fund B-7
Investment Advisory Agreements B-11
Purchase of Shares B-13
Shareholder Services Plan B-14
Redemption of Shares B-14
Shareholder Services B-16
Determination of Net Asset Value B-19
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes B-20
Portfolio Transactions B-22
Performance Information B-23
Information About the Fund B-24
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, Custodian,
Counsel and Independent Auditors B-24
Financial Statements and Report of Independent Auditors B-25
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the sections in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Description of the
Fund" and "Appendix."
Portfolio Securities
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund's custodian or subcustodian will have
custody of, and will hold in a segregated account, securities acquired by
the Fund under a repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements are considered
by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be loans by the
Fund. In an attempt to reduce the risk of incurring a loss on a repurchase
agreement, the Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with domestic
banks with total assets in excess of $1 billion, or primary government
securities dealers reporting to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with
respect to securities of the type in which the Fund may invest, and will
require that additional securities be deposited with it if the value of the
securities purchased should decrease below resale price.
Commercial Paper and Other Short-Term Corporate Obligations. These
instruments include variable amount master demand notes, which are
obligations that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying
rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as
lender, and the borrower. These notes permit daily changes in the amounts
borrowed. Because these obligations are direct lending arrangements between
the lender and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments
generally will be traded, and there generally is no established secondary
market for these obligations, although they are redeemable at face value,
plus accrued interest, at any time. Accordingly, where these obligations
are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements,
the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to
pay principal and interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are not
rated by credit rating agencies, and the Fund may invest in them only if at
the time of an investment the borrower meets the criteria set forth in the
Fund's Prospectus for other commercial paper issuers.
Illiquid Securities. When purchasing securities that have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and are not readily
marketable, the Fund will endeavor to obtain the right to registration at
the expense of the issuer. Generally, there will a lapse of time between
the Fund's decision to sell any such security and the registration of the
security permitting sale. During any such period, the price of the
securities will be subject to market fluctuations. However, where a
substantial market of qualified institutional buyers develops for certain of
these securities purchased by the Fund pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Fund intends to treat such
securities as liquid securities in accordance with procedures approved by
the Fund's Board. Because it is not possible to predict with assurance how
the market for specific restricted securities sold pursuant to Rule 144A
will develop, the Fund's Board has directed the Advisers to monitor
carefully the Fund's investments in such securities with particular regard
to trading activity, availability of reliable price information and other
relevant information. To the extent that, for a period of time, qualified
institutional buyers cease purchasing restricted securities pursuant to Rule
144A, the Fund's investing in such securities may have the effect of
increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund's investment portfolio
during such period.
Management Policies
The Fund may engage in the following investment practices in
furtherance of its objectives.
Lending Portfolio Securities. In connection with its securities
lending transactions, the Fund may return to the borrower or a third party
which is unaffiliated with the Fund, and which is acting as a "placing
broker," a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral
received for securities loaned.
The Securities and Exchange Commission currently requires that the
following conditions be met whenever portfolio securities are loaned: (1)
the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral from the borrower; (2)
the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the
securities rises above the level of such collateral; (3) the Fund must be
able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) the Fund must receive reasonable
interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other
distributions payable on the loaned securities, and any increase in market
value; (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in connection
with the loan; and (6) while voting rights on the loaned securities may pass
to the borrower, the Fund's Board must terminate the loan and regain the
right to vote the securities if a material event adversely affecting the
investment occurs.
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in Derivatives (as defined in the
Fund's Prospectus) for a variety of reasons, including to hedge certain
market risks, to provide a substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities or to increase potential income gain. Derivatives may provide a
cheaper, quicker or more specifically focused way for the Fund to invest
than "traditional" securities would.
Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of
risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular Derivative and
the portfolio as a whole. Derivatives permit the Fund to increase or
decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which
its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Fund can increase or
decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its
portfolio by making investments in specific securities.
When required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund will
set aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its
obligations relating to its transactions in Derivatives. To maintain this
required cover, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at
disadvantageous prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a
Derivative position at a reasonable price. Derivatives may be purchased on
established exchanges or through privately negotiated transactions referred
to as over-the-counter Derivatives. Exchange-traded Derivatives generally
are guaranteed by the clearing agency which is the issuer or counterparty to
such Derivatives. This guarantee usually is supported by a daily payment
system (i.e., variation margin requirements) operated by the clearing agency
in order to reduce overall credit risk. As a result, unless the clearing
agency defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk
associated with Derivatives purchased on an exchange. By contrast, no
clearing agency guarantees over-the-counter Derivatives. Therefore, each
party to an over-the-counter Derivative bears the risk that the counterparty
will default. Accordingly, the Advisers will consider the creditworthiness
of counterparties to over-the-counter Derivatives in the same manner as they
would review the credit quality of a security to be purchased by the Fund.
Over-the-counter Derivatives are less liquid than exchange-traded
Derivatives since the other party to the transaction may be the only
investor with sufficient understanding of the Derivative to be interested in
bidding for it.
Options--In General. The Fund may write (i.e., sell) call options with
respect to specific securities. A call option gives the purchaser of the
option the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying
security or securities at the exercise price at any time during the option
period, or at a specific date.
A covered call option written by the Fund is a call option with respect
to which the Fund owns the underlying security or otherwise covers the
transaction by segregating cash or other securities. The principal reason
for writing covered call options is to realize, through the receipt of
premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the underlying
securities alone. The Fund receives a premium from writing covered call
options which it retains whether or not the option is exercised.
There is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a
liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist for any
particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no such
secondary market may exist. A liquid secondary market in an option may
cease to exist for a variety of reasons. In the past, for example, higher
than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen events,
at times have rendered certain of the clearing facilities inadequate and
resulted in the institution of special procedures, such as trading
rotations, restrictions on certain types of order or trading halts or
suspensions in one or more options. There can be no assurance that similar
events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely execution of
customers' orders, will not recur. In such event, it might not be possible
to effect closing transactions in particular options. If, as a covered call
option writer, the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction
in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security
until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon
exercise or it otherwise covers its position.
Successful use by the Fund of options will be subject to the Advisers'
ability to predict correctly movements in the prices of individual stocks or
the stock market generally. To the extent the Advisers' predictions are
incorrect, the Fund may incur losses.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted investment restrictions numbered 1 through 10 as
fundamental policies, which 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.
Investment restrictions numbered 11 through 17 are not fundamental policies
and may be changed by vote of a majority of the Fund's Board members at any
time. The Fund may not:
1. Invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any single
issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be
invested, and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, or its
agencies or instrumentalities may be purchased, without regard to any such
limitation.
2. Hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
single issuer. This Investment Restriction applies only with respect to 75%
of theFund's total assets.
3. Concentrate its investments in any particular industry or
industries, except that the Fund may invest up to 25% of the value of its
total assetsin a single industry, provided that, when the Fund has adopted a
defensive posture, there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
time deposits and certificates of deposit (including those issued by foreign
branches of domestic banks), and bankers' acceptances.
4. Invest in commodities, except that the Fund may purchase and sell
options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to
indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
5. Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, or oil, gas or other mineral
leases or exploration or development programs, but the Fund may purchase and
sell securities that are secured by real estate or issued by companies that
invest or deal in real estate.
6. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act
(which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33-1/3 of the value of the
Fund's total assets). For purposes of this investment restriction, the
entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those
relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not
constitute borrowing.
7. Make loans to others, except through the purchase of debt
obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements. However, the Fund may
lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 33-1/3% of the value
of its total assets. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made
according to guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the Fund's Board.
8. Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the
extent the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.
9. Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section 18(f)
of the 1940 Act), except to the extent the activities permitted in
Investment Restriction Nos. 5, 6 and 13 may be deemed to give rise to a
senior security.
10. Purchase securities on margin, but the Fund may make margin deposits
in connection with transactions in options, forward contracts, futures
contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures
contracts or indices.
11. Purchase securities of any company having less than three years'
continuous operations (including operations of any predecessor) if such
purchase would cause the value of the Fund's investments in all such
companies to exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.
12. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising
management or control, but the Fund will vote the securities it owns in its
portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its views.
13. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent
necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the
deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call
options and the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements
with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including
those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
14. Purchase, sell or write puts, calls or combinations thereof, except
as described in the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information.
15. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more
than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid, if,
in the aggregate, more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets would
be so invested.
16. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except to the
extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
17. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if the officers or
Board members of the Fund or the Advisers who own beneficially more than 1/2
of 1% of the securities of such issuer together own beneficially more than
5% of the securities of such issuers.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may invest, notwithstanding any other
investment restriction (whether or not fundamental), all of the Fund's
assets in the securities of a single open-end management investment company
with substantially the same investment objectives, fundamental policies and
restrictions as the Fund.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a
later change in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets will
not constitute a violation of such restriction.
The Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the restrictions
listed above so as to permit the sale of Fund shares in certain states.
Should the Fund determine that a commitment is no longer in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to
revoke the commitment by terminating the sale of Fund shares in the state
involved.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board members and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during at least the last five years,
are shown below.
Board Members of the Fund
CLIFFORD L. ALEXANDER, JR., Board Member. President of Alexander &
Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm. From 1977 to 1981, Mr.
Alexander served as Secretary of the Army and Chairman of the Board of
the Panama Canal Company, and from 1975 to 1977, he was a member of the
Washington, D.C. law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and
Alexander. He is a director of American Home Products Corporation,
Cognizant Corporation, a service provider of marketing information and
information technology, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, MCI
Communications Corporation, Mutual of America Life Insurance Company
and TLC Beatrice International Holdings, Inc. He is 64 years old and
his address is 400 C Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.
PEGGY C. DAVIS, Board Member. Shad Professor of Law, New York University
School of Law. Professor Davis has been a member of the New York
University law faculty since 1983. Prior to that time, she served for
three years as a judge in the courts of New York State; was engaged for
eight years in the practice of law, working in both corporate and non-
profit sectors; and served for two years as a criminal justice
administrator in the government of the City of New York. She writes
and teaches in the fields of evidence, constitutional theory, family
law, social sciences and the law, legal process and professional
methodology and training. She is 55 years old and her address is
c/o New York University School of Law, 40 Washington Square South, New
York, New York 10012.
JOSEPH S. DiMARTINO, Chairman of the Board. Since January 1995, Chairman of
the Board of various funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He also is
a director of Noel Group, Inc., a venture capital company (for which,
from February 1995 until November 1997, he was Chairman of the Board),
The Muscular Dystrophy Association, HealthPlan Services Corporation, a
provider of marketing, administrative and risk management services to
health and other benefit programs, Carlyle Industries, Inc. (formerly
Belding Heminway Company, Inc.), a button packager and distributor,
Century Business Services, Inc., a provider of various outsourcing
functions for small and medium sized companies, and Staffing Resources,
Inc., a temporary placement firm. For more than five years prior to
January 1995, he was President, a director and, until August 1994,
Chief Operating Officer of Dreyfus and Executive Vice President and a
director of Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Dreyfus and, until August 24, 1994, the Fund's distributor. From
August 1994 until December 31, 1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank
Corporation. He is 54 years old and his address is 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166.
ERNEST KAFKA, Board Member. A physician engaged in private practice
specializing in the psychoanalysis of adults and adolescents. Since
1981, he has served as an Instructor at the New York Psychoanalytic
Institute and, prior thereto, held other teaching positions. He is
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Cornell Medical School.
For more than the past five years, Dr. Kafka has held numerous
administrative positions and has published many articles on subjects in
the field of psychoanalysis. He is 64 years old and his address is 23
East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128.
SAUL B. KLAMAN, Board Member. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SBK
Associates, which provides research and consulting services to
financial institutions. Dr. Klaman was President of the National
Association of Mutual Savings Banks until November 1983, President of
the National Council of Savings Institutions until June 1985, Vice
Chairman of Golembe Associates and BEI Golembe, Inc. until 1989 and
Chairman Emeritus of BEI Golembe, Inc. until November 1992. He also
served as an Economist to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System and on several Presidential Commissions, and has held numerous
consulting and advisory positions in the fields of economics and
housing finance. He is 78 years old and his address is 431-B Dedham
Street, The Gables, Newton Center, Massachusetts 02159.
NATHAN LEVENTHAL, Board Member. President of Lincoln Center for the
Performing Arts, Inc. Mr. Leventhal was Deputy Mayor for Operations of
New York City from September 1979 until March 1984 and Commissioner of
the Department of Housing Preservation and Development of New York City
from February 1978 to September 1979. Mr. Leventhal was an associate
and then a member of the New York law firm of Poletti Freidin Prashker
Feldman and Gartner from 1974 to 1978. He was Commissioner of Rent and
Housing Maintenance for New York City from 1972 to 1973. Mr. Leventhal
also served as Chairman of Citizens Union, an organization which
strives to reform and modernize city and state government from June
1994 until June 1997. He is 55 years old and his address is 70 Lincoln
Center Plaza, New York, New York 10023-6583.
For so long as the Fund's plan described in the section captioned
"Shareholder Services Plan" remains in effect, the Board members of the Fund
who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act,
will be selected and nominated by the Board members who are not "interested
persons" of the Fund.
The Fund typically pays its Board members an annual retainer and a per
meeting fee and reimburses them for their expenses. The Chairman of the
Board receives an additional 25% of such compensation. Emeritus Board
members are entitled to receive an annual retainer and per meeting fee of
one-half the amount paid to them as Board members. The aggregate amount of
compensation paid to each Board member by the Fund and by all other funds in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which such person is a Board member (the
number of which is set forth in parenthesis next to each Board member's
total compensation) for the year ended December 31, 1997, was as follows:
Total Compensation
Aggregate From Fund and
Name of Board Compensation from Fund Complex Paid
Member Fund* to Board Member
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr. $5,500 $ 88,305 (17)
Peggy C. Davis $6,000 $ 78,750 (15)
Joseph S. DiMartino $7,500 $597,128 (94)
Ernest Kafka $6,000 $ 77,500 (15)
Saul B. Klaman $6,000 $ 78,750 (15)
Nathan Leventhal $6,000 $ 78,750 (15)
________________________
* Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board
meetings, which amounted to $4,330 for all Board members as a group.
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President, Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and a director of the Distributor and
Funds Distributor, Inc., the ultimate parent of which is Boston
Institutional Group, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies
advised or administered by Dreyfus. She is 40 years old.
DOUGLAS C. CONROY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From April
1993 to January 1995, he was a Senior Fund Accountant for Investors
Bank & Trust Company. He is 28 years old.
RICHARD W. INGRAM, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Executive Vice
President of the Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by
Dreyfus. From March 1994 to November 1995, he was Vice President and
Division Manager for First Data Investor Services Group. From 1989 to
1994, he was Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Tax Director -
Mutual Funds of The Boston Company, Inc. He is 41 years old.
MARY A. NELSON, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President of
the Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From
September 1989 to July 1994, she was an Assistant Vice President and
Client Manager for The Boston Company, Inc. She is 33 years old.
MICHAEL S. PETRUCELLI, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From December
1989 through November 1996, he was employed by GE Investments where he
held various financial, business development and compliance positions.
He also served as Treasurer of the GE Funds and as a Director of GE
Investment Services. He is 36 years old.
JOSEPH F. TOWER, III, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a director of the
Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From July
1988 to August 1994, he was employed by The Boston Company, Inc. where
he held various management positions in the Corporate Finance and
Treasury areas. He is 35 years old.
CHRISTOPHER J. KELLY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice
President and Senior Associate General Counsel of the Distributor and
Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies
advised or administered by Dreyfus. From April 1994 to July 1996, he
was Assistant Counsel at Forum Financial Group. From October 1992 to
March 1994, he was employed by Putnam Investment in legal and
compliance capacities. He is 33 years old.
KATHLEEN K. MORRISEY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Manager of
Treasury Services Administration of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by
Dreyfus. From July 1994 to November 1995, she was a Fund Accountant
for Investors Bank & Trust Company. She is 25 years old.
ELBA VASQUEZ, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From March
1990 to May 1996, she was employed by U.S. Trust Company of New York
where she held various sales and marketing positions. She is 36 years
old.
The address of each officer of the Fund is 200 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10166.
The Fund's Board members and officers, as a group, owned less than 1%
of the Fund's shares outstanding on April 7, 1998.
The following shareholders owned of record 5% or more of the Fund's
shares outstanding as of April 7, 1998: Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., 101
Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 - 13.8%; Boston Safe Deposit
& Trust Company, 1 Cabot Road, Medford, MA 02155-5141 - 7.8%; and Smith
Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013 - 6.3%.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Management of the Fund."
Investment Advisory Agreement. Dreyfus supervises investment
management of the Fund's portfolio pursuant to the Investment Advisory
Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") dated August 24, 1994 between Dreyfus
and the Fund. The Advisory Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i)
the Fund's Board or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event its
continuance also is approved by a majority of the Fund's Board members who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund or
Dreyfus, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. The Fund's Board, including a majority of the
Board members who are not "interested persons" of any party to the Advisory
Agreement, last approved the Advisory Agreement at a meeting held on
September 17, 1997. Shareholders approved the Advisory Agreement on August
3, 1994. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days'
notice, by the Fund's Board or by vote of the holders of a majority of the
Fund's shares, or, on not less than 90 days' notice, by Dreyfus. The
Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of Dreyfus: W.
Keith Smith, Chairman of the Board; Christopher M. Condron, President, Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and a director; Stephen E.
Canter, Vice Chairman, Chief Investment Officer and a director; Lawrence S.
Kash, Vice Chairman-Distribution and a director; Ronald O'Hanley III, Vice
Chairman; J. David Officer, Vice Chairman; William T. Sandalls, Jr., Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Mark N. Jacobs, Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary; Patrice M. Kozlowski, Vice President-
Corporate Communications; Mary Beth Leibig, Vice President-Human Resources;
Jeffrey N. Nachman, Vice President-Mutual Fund Accounting; Andrew S. Wasser,
Vice President-Information Services; William V. Healey, Assistant Secretary;
and Mandell L. Berman, Burton C. Borgelt, Frank V. Cahouet and Richard F.
Syron, directors.
Dreyfus maintains office facilities on behalf of the Fund, and
furnishes statistical and research data, clerical help, accounting, data
processing, bookkeeping and internal auditing and certain other required
services to the Fund. Dreyfus also may make such advertising and
promotional expenditures using its own resources, as it from time to time
deems appropriate.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay Dreyfus a
monthly fee at the annual rate set forth in the Fund's Prospectus. The
investment advisory fees paid by the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement
for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were $1,039,869,
$1,936,123 and $4,475,808, respectively.
Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement. Sarofim provides investment
advisory assistance and day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio
pursuant to the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Sub-Advisory
Agreement") dated December 27, 1990 between Sarofim and the Fund. The
Sub-Advisory Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i) the Fund's Board
or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event the continuance
also is approved by a majority of the Fund's Board members who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund or Sarofim, by
vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval. The Fund's Board, including a majority of the Board members who
are not "interested persons" of any party to the Sub-Advisory Agreement,
last approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement at a meeting held on September 17,
1997. Shareholders approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement on December 27,
1990. The Sub-Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days'
notice by the Fund's Board or by vote of the holders of a majority of the
Fund's shares, or, on not less than 90 days' notice, by Sarofim. The
Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay Sarofim a
monthly fee at the annual rate set forth in the Fund's Prospectus. The sub-
advisory fees paid by the Fund pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were $700,539,
$1,591,123 and $4,130,808, respectively.
The following persons are officers and/or directors of Sarofim: Fayez
S. Sarofim, Chairman of the Board, President and a director; Raye G. White,
Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and a director; Russell M.
Frankel, Russell B. Hawkins, William K. McGee, Jr., Charles E. Sheedy and
Ralph B. Thomas, Senior Vice Presidents; and Nancy V. Daniel and James A.
Reynolds, III, Vice Presidents.
Sarofim provides day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio of
investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to
the supervision of Dreyfus and the approval of the Fund's Board. Dreyfus
and Sarofim provide the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized by
the Board to execute purchases and sales of securities. The Fund's
portfolio managers are Russell B. Hawkins, Elaine Rees and Fayez S. Sarofim.
Dreyfus also maintains a research department with a professional staff of
portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research services for
the Fund and other funds advised by Dreyfus.
All expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund are borne by the
Fund, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Advisers. The
expenses borne by the Fund include: taxes, interest, loan commitment fees,
interest and distributions paid on securities sold short, brokerage fees and
commissions, if any, fees of Board members who are not officers, directors,
employees or holders of 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of
Dreyfus or Sarofim or their affiliates, Securities and Exchange Commission
fees, state Blue Sky qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of
custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance
premiums, industry association fees, outside auditing and legal expenses,
costs of independent pricing services, costs of maintaining corporate
existence, costs attributable to investor services (including, without
limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and
printing prospectuses and statements of additional information for
regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, costs of
shareholders' reports, and any extraordinary expenses.
Dreyfus has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of
the Fund, exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage and (with the prior
written consent of the necessary state securities commissions) extraordinary
expenses, but including the advisory fees, exceed the expense limitation of
any state having jurisdiction over the Fund, the Fund may deduct from the
payment to be made to Dreyfus under the Advisory Agreement, or Dreyfus will
bear, such excess expense to the extent required by state law. Such
deduction or payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and
effected or paid, as the case may be, on a monthly basis.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy Shares."
The Distributor. The Distributor serves as the Fund's distributor on a
best efforts basis pursuant to an agreement which is renewable annually.
The Distributor also acts as distributor for the other funds in the Dreyfus
Family of Funds and for certain other investment companies.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase orders
may be made at any time. Purchase orders received by 4:00 p.m., New York
time, on any business day that Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., the Fund's transfer
and dividend disbursing agent (the "Transfer Agent"), and the New York Stock
Exchange are open for business will be credited to the shareholder's Fund
account on the next bank business day following such purchase order.
Purchase orders made after 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any business day the
Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange are open for business, or
orders made on Saturday, Sunday or any Fund holiday (e.g., when the New York
Stock Exchange is not open for business), will be credited to the
shareholder's Fund account on the second bank business day following such
purchase order. To qualify to use the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, the
initial payment for purchase of Fund shares must be drawn on, and redemption
proceeds paid to, the same bank and account as are designated on the Account
Application or Shareholder Services Form on file. If the proceeds of a
particular redemption are to be wired to an account at any other bank, the
request must be in writing and signature-guaranteed. See "Redemption of
Shares--Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."
Reopening an Account. An investor may reopen an account with a minimum
investment of $100 without filing a new Account Application during the
calendar year the account is closed or during the following calendar year,
provided the information on the old Account Application is still applicable.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Services
Plan."
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan (the "Plan"), pursuant
to which the Fund pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services
to shareholders of the Fund. The services provided may include personal
services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder
inquiries regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information,
and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Under the
Shareholder Services Plan, the Distributor may make payments to certain
financial institutions, securities dealers and other industry professionals
(collectively, "Service Agents") in respect to these services.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Plan, and the
purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, must be made to the
Board for its review. In addition, the Plan provides that material
amendments of the Plan must be approved by the Fund's Board, and by the
Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the Fund or the Advisers and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Plan or in the related service agreements,
by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering
such amendments. The Plan and the related service agreements are subject to
annual approval by such vote of the Board members cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan. The Plan was last so
approved at a meeting held on September 17, 1997. The Plan is terminable at
any time by vote of a majority of the Board members who are not "interested
persons" and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of the Plan or in any of the related service agreements entered into in
connection with the Plan.
For the period September 17, 1997 (effective date of the Plan) through
December 31, 1997, $1,210,177 was charged to the Fund under the Plan. Under
the prior shareholder services plan (the "Prior Plan"), which was terminated
as of September 17, 1997, the Fund reimbursed (a) the Distributor for
payments to Service Agents for servicing shareholder accounts and, (b)
Dreyfus, Dreyfus Service Corporation and any affiliate of either of them for
payments made for servicing shareholder accounts. For the period January 1,
1997 through September 17, 1997 (termination date) the Fund reimbursed the
Distribution $866,255 and Dreyfus and its affiliates $ 1,295,312 for
servicing shareholder accounts pursuant to the Prior Plan.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Redeem Shares."
Wire Redemption Privilege. By using this Privilege, the investor
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on wire, telephone or letter redemption
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be the
investor, or a representative of the investor's Service Agent, and
reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. Ordinarily, the
Fund will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant to this Privilege on
the next business day after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the redemption
request in proper form. Redemption proceeds ($1,000 minimum) will be
transferred by Federal Reserve wire only to the commercial bank account
specified by the investor on the Account Application or Shareholder Services
Form, or to a correspondent bank if the investor's bank is not a member of
the Federal Reserve System. Fees ordinarily are imposed by such bank and
borne by the investor. Immediate notification by the correspondent bank to
the investor's bank is necessary to avoid a delay in crediting the funds to
the investor's bank account.
Investors with access to telegraphic equipment may wire redemption
requests to the Transfer Agent by employing the following transmittal code
which may be used for domestic or overseas transmissions:
Transfer Agent's
Transmittal Code Answer Back Sign
144295 144295 TSSG PREP
Investors who do not have direct access to telegraphic equipment may
have the wire transmitted by contacting a TRT Cables operator at 1-800-654-
7171, toll free. Investors should advise the operator that the above
transmittal code must be used and should also inform the operator of the
Transfer Agent's answer back sign.
To change the commercial bank or account designated to receive wire
redemption proceeds, a written request must be sent to the Transfer Agent.
This request must be signed by each shareholder, with each signature
guaranteed as described below under "Stock Certificates; Signatures."
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. Investors should be aware that if they
have also selected the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a
wire redemption will be effected as a Dreyfus TeleTransfer transaction
through the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") system unless more prompt
transmittal specifically is requested. Redemption proceeds will be on
deposit in the investor's account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two
business days after receipt of the redemption request. See "Purchase of
Shares--Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."
Stock Certificates; Signatures. Any certificate representing Fund
shares to be redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request.
Written redemption requests must be signed by each shareholder, including
each holder of a joint account, and each signature must be guaranteed.
Signatures on endorsed certificates submitted for redemption also 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.
Guarantees must be signed by an authorized signatory of the guarantor and
"Signature-Guaranteed" must appear with the signature. The Transfer Agent
may request additional documentation from corporations, executors,
administrators, trustees or guardians and may accept other suitable
verification arrangements from foreign investors, such as consular
verification. For more information with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed on the cover.
Redemption Commitment. The Fund has committed itself to pay in cash
all redemption requests made by any shareholder of record, limited in amount
during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the
Fund's net assets at the beginning of such period. Such commitment is
irrevocable without the prior approval of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is a fundamental policy of the Fund which may not be changed
without shareholder approval. In the case of requests for redemption in
excess of such amount, the Fund's Board reserves the right to make payments
in whole or in part in securities or other assets of the Fund in case of an
emergency or any time a cash distribution would impair the liquidity of the
Fund to the detriment of the existing shareholders. In such event, the
securities would be valued in the same manner as the Fund's portfolio is
valued. If the recipient sold such securities, brokerage charges would be
incurred.
Suspension of Redemptions. The right of redemption may be suspended or
the date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the New York Stock
Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (b)
when trading in the markets the Fund ordinarily utilizes is restricted, or
when an emergency exists as determined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission so that disposal of the Fund's investments or determination of
its net asset value is not reasonably practicable, or (c) for such other
periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission by order may permit to
protect the Fund's shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Services."
Fund Exchanges. Shares of other funds purchased by exchange will be
purchased on the basis of relative net asset value per share as follows:
A. Exchanges for shares of funds that are offered without a
sales load will be made without a sales load.
B. Shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be
exchanged for shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and
the applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load may be exchanged
without a sales load for shares of any other funds sold without a
sales load.
D. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load, shares of funds
acquired by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a
sales load, and additional shares acquired through reinvestment
of dividends or distributions of any such funds (collectively
referred to herein as "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for
shares of other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein
as "Offered Shares"), provided that, if the sales load applicable
to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load that could
have been imposed in connection with the Purchased Shares (at the
time the Purchased Shares were acquired), without giving effect
to any reduced sales loads, the difference will be deducted.
To accomplish an exchange under item D above, shareholders must notify
the Transfer Agent of their prior ownership of fund shares and their account
number.
To request an exchange, an investor must give exchange instructions to
the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. The ability to issue
exchange instructions by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders
automatically, unless the investor checks the applicable "No" box on the
Account Application, indicating that the investor specifically refuses this
Privilege. By using the Telephone Exchange Privilege, the investor
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on telephonic instructions (including
over The Dreyfus Touchr automated telephone system) from any person
representing himself or herself to be the investor, or a representative of
the investor's Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent
to be genuine. Telephone exchanges may be subject to limitations as to the
amount involved or the number of telephone exchanges permitted. Shares
issued in certificate form are not eligible for telephone exchange.
To establish a personal retirement plan by exchange, shares of the fund
being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial investment
required for the fund into which the exchange is being made.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege. Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege
permits an investor to purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares
of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. This Privilege is
available only for existing accounts. Shares will be exchanged on the basis
of relative net asset value as described above under "Fund Exchanges."
Enrollment in or modification or cancellation of this Privilege is effective
three business days following notification by the investor. An investor
will be notified if his account falls below the amount designated to be
exchanged under this Privilege. In this case, an investor's account will
fall to zero unless additional investments are made in excess of the
designated amount prior to the next Auto-Exchange transaction. Shares held
under IRA and other retirement plans are eligible for this Privilege.
Exchanges of IRA shares may be made between IRA accounts and from regular
accounts to IRA accounts, but not from IRA accounts to regular accounts.
With respect to all other retirement accounts, exchanges may be made only
among those accounts.
Fund Exchanges and the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege are available to
shareholders resident in any state in which shares of the Fund being
acquired may legally be sold. Shares may be exchanged only between accounts
having identical names and other identifying designations.
Shareholder Services Forms and prospectuses of the other funds may be
obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any exchange request in whole or in part. The Fund Exchanges service or
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time
upon notice to shareholders.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits an
investor with a $5,000 minimum account to request withdrawal of a specified
dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly basis.
Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares, not the
yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested dividends and
distributions, the investor's shares will be reduced and eventually may be
depleted. Automatic Withdrawal may be terminated at any time by the
investor, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which certificates
have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. Dreyfus Dividend Sweep allows investors to
invest automatically their dividends or dividends and capital gain
distributions, if any, from the Fund in shares of another fund in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds of which the investor is a shareholder. Shares of
other funds purchased pursuant to this privilege will be purchased on the
basis of relative net asset value per share as follows:
A. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested
without imposition of a sales load in shares of other funds that
are offered without a sales load.
B. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which does not
charge a sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold
with a sales load, and the applicable sales load will be
deducted.
C. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which charges a
sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a
sales load (referred to herein as "Offered Shares"), provided
that, if the sales load applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds
the maximum sales load charged by the fund from which dividends
or distributions are being swept, without giving effect to any
reduced loads, the difference will be deducted.
D. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested in
shares of other funds that impose a contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC") and the applicable CDSC, if any, will be imposed
upon redemption of such shares.
Corporate Pension/Profit-Sharing and Personal Retirement Plans. The
Fund makes available to corporations a variety of prototype pension and
profit-sharing plans including a 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan. In addition,
the Fund makes available Keogh Plans, IRAs (including regular IRAs, spousal
IRAs for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, IRAs set up under a Simplified
Employee Pension Plan ("SEP-IRAs"), Education IRAs and IRA "Rollover
Accounts"), 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support
services also are available.
Investors who wish to purchase Fund shares in conjunction with a Keogh
Plan, a 403(b)(7) Plan or an IRA, including a SEP-IRA, may request from the
Distributor forms for adoption of such plans.
The entity acting as custodian for Keogh Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans or IRAs
may charge a fee, payment of which could require the liquidation of shares.
All fees charged are described in the appropriate forms.
Shares may be purchased in connection with these plans only by direct
remittance to the entity which acts as custodian. Purchases for these plans
may not be made in advance of receipt of funds.
The minimum initial investment for corporate plans, Salary Reduction
Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans and SEP-IRAs, with more than one participant, is
$2,500, with no minimum for subsequent purchases. The minimum initial
investment is $750 for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh plans, IRAs (including
regular IRAs, spousal IRAs for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs and
rollover IRAs) and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant and $500 for
Dreyfus-sponsored Education IRAs, with no minimum for subsequent purchases.
The investor should read the prototype retirement plans and the
appropriate form of custodial agreement for further details as to
eligibility, service fees and tax implications, and should consult a tax
adviser.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy Shares."
Valuation of Portfolio Securities. Portfolio securities, including
covered call options written by the Fund, are valued at the last sale price
on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such
securities primarily are traded. Securities not listed on an exchange or
national securities market, or securities in which there were no
transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked
prices. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Market
quotations for foreign securities in foreign currencies are translated into
U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange. Any securities or other
assets for which recent market quotations are not readily available are
valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund's Board.
Expenses and fees, including the advisory fees and fees pursuant to the
Shareholder Services Plan, are accrued daily and taken into account for the
purpose of determining the net asset value of Fund shares.
New York Stock Exchange Closings. The holidays (as observed) on which
the New York Stock Exchange is closed currently are: New Year's Day, Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes."
Management believes that the Fund qualified as a "regulated investment
company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. 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 taxes to the extent its net investment income and net
realized capital gains are distributed in accordance with applicable
provisions of the Code. The term "regulated investment company" does not
imply the supervision of management or investment practices or policies by
any government agency.
Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after an investor's purchase
may have the effect of reducing the aggregate net asset value of the shares
below the cost of the investment. Such a dividend or distribution would be a
return of investment in an economic sense, although taxable as stated in the
Fund's Prospectus. In addition, the Code provides that if a shareholder
holds shares of the Fund for six months or less and has received a capital
gain distribution with respect to such shares, any loss incurred on the sale
of such shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of
the capital gain distribution received.
Depending upon the composition of the Fund's income, the entire amount
or a portion of the dividends from net investment income may qualify for the
dividends received deduction allowable to qualifying U.S. corporate
shareholders ("dividends received deduction"). In general, dividend income
from the Fund distributed to qualifying corporate shareholders will be
eligible for the dividends received deduction only to the extent that the
Fund's income consists of dividends paid by U.S. corporations. However,
Section 246(c) of the Code provides that if a qualifying corporate
shareholder has disposed of Fund shares held for less than 46 days, which 46
days generally must be during the 90 day period commencing 45 days before
the shares become ex-dividend, and has received a dividend from net
investment income with respect to such shares, the portion designated by the
Fund as qualifying for the dividends received deduction will not be eligible
for such shareholder's dividends received deduction. In addition, the Code
provides other limitations with respect to the ability of a qualifying
corporate shareholder to claim the dividends received deduction in
connection with holding Fund shares.
Ordinarily, gains and losses realized from portfolio transactions will
be treated as capital gains or losses. However, a portion of any gain or
loss realized from the disposition of certain non-U.S. dollar denominated
securities (including debt instruments, certain forward contracts and option
transactions and certain preferred stock) may be treated as ordinary income
or loss under Section 988 of the Code. In addition, all or a portion of any
gain realized from the sale or other disposition of certain market discount
bonds will be treated as ordinary income under Section 1276 of the Code.
Finally, all or a portion of any gain realized from engaging in "conversion
transactions" may be treated as ordinary income under Section 1258 of the
Code. "Conversion transactions" are defined to include certain forward,
futures, option and straddle transactions, transactions marketed or sold to
produce capital gains, or transactions described in Treasury regulations to
be issued in the future.
Under Section 1256 of the Code, any gain or loss the Fund realizes from
certain forward contracts and options transactions will be treated as 60%
long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.
Gain or loss will arise upon exercise or lapse of such contracts and options
as well as from closing transactions. In addition, any such contracts or
options remaining unexercised at the end of the Fund's taxable year will be
treated as sold for their then fair market value, resulting in additional
gain or loss to the Fund characterized in the manner described above.
Offsetting positions held by the Fund involving certain foreign
currency forward contracts or options may constitute "straddles."
"Straddles" are defined to include "offsetting positions" in actively traded
personal property. The tax treatment of "straddles" is governed by Sections
1092 and 1258 of the Code, which, in certain circumstances, overrides or
modifies the provisions of Sections 1256 and 988 of the Code. As such, all
or a portion of any short- or long-term capital gain from certain "straddle"
and/or conversion transactions may be recharacterized as ordinary income.
If the Fund were treated as entering into "straddles" by reason of its
engaging in certain forward contracts or options transactions, such
"straddles" would be characterized as "mixed straddles" if the forward
contracts or options transactions comprising a part of such "straddles" were
governed by Section 1256 of the Code. The Fund may make one or more
elections with respect to "mixed straddles." Depending on which election is
made, if any, the results to the Fund may differ. If no election is made,
to the extent the "straddle" and conversion transaction rules apply to
positions established by the Fund, losses realized by the Fund will be
deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in the offsetting position.
Moreover, as a result of the "straddle" and conversion transaction rules,
short-term capital loss on "straddle" positions may be recharacterized as
long-term capital loss, and long-term capital gain may be treated as
short-term capital gain or ordinary income.
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 included constructive sale provisions
that generally will apply if the Fund either (1) holds an appreciated
financial position with respect to stock, certain debt obligations, or
partnership interests ("appreciated financial position") and then enters
into a short sale, futures, forward, or offsetting notional principal
contract (collectively, a "Contract") respecting the same or substantially
identical property or (2) holds an appreciated financial position that is a
Contract and then acquires property that is the same as, or substantially
identical to, the underlying property. In each instance, with certain
exceptions, the Fund generally will be taxed as if the appreciated financial
position were sold at its fair market value on the date the Fund enters into
the financial position or acquires the property, respectively. Transactions
that are identified hedging or straddle transactions under other provisions
of the Code can be subject to the constructive sale provisions.
Investment by the Fund in securities issued at a discount or providing
for deferred interest or for payment of interest in the form of additional
obligations could under special tax rules affect the amount, timing and
character of distributions to shareholders by causing the Fund to recognize
income prior to the receipt of cash payments. For example, the Fund could
be required to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount (or
deemed discount) at which such securities were issued and to distribute such
income in order to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment
company and to avoid Federal income and excise taxes. In such case, the Fund
may have to dispose of securities which it might otherwise have continued to
hold in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Dreyfus assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of
the Fund for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. Allocation of
brokerage transactions, including their frequency, is made in Dreyfus' best
judgment and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to shareholders. The
primary consideration is prompt execution of orders at the most favorable
net price. Subject to this consideration, the brokers selected will include
those that supplement the Advisers' research facilities with statistical
data, investment information, economic facts and opinions. Information so
received is in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be
performed by the Advisers and the Advisers' fees are not reduced as a
consequence of the receipt of such supplemental information. Such
information may be useful to Dreyfus in serving both the Fund and other
funds which it advises and to Sarofim in serving both the Fund and the other
funds or accounts it advises, and, conversely, supplemental information
obtained by the placement of business of other clients may be useful to the
Advisers in carrying out their obligations to the Fund.
Sales of Fund shares by a broker may be taken into consideration, and
brokers also will be selected because of their ability to handle special
executions such as are involved in large block trades or broad
distributions, provided the primary consideration is met. Large block
trades may, in certain cases, result from two or more funds advised or
administered by Dreyfus being engaged simultaneously in the purchase or sale
of the same security. Certain of the Fund's transactions in securities of
foreign issuers may not benefit from the negotiated commission rates
available to the Fund for transactions in securities of domestic issuers.
When transactions are executed in the over-the-counter market, the Fund will
deal with the primary market makers unless a more favorable price or
execution otherwise is obtainable.
Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year as well as within a year.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended December 31,
1996, and 1997 was 4.84% and 1.23%, respectively. In periods in which
extraordinary market conditions prevail, the Advisers will not be deterred
from changing investment strategy as rapidly as needed, in which case higher
turnover rates can be anticipated which would result in greater brokerage
expenses. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid is
evaluated by Dreyfus based upon its knowledge of available information as to
the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for
comparable services.
In connection with its portfolio securities transactions for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Fund paid brokerage
commissions of $163,070, $359,335 and $699,631, respectively, none of which
was paid to the Distributor. The above figures for brokerage commissions
paid do not include gross spreads and concessions on principal transactions,
which, where determinable, amounted to $51,480, $55,250 and $100,535 in
fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, none of which was paid to the
Distributor.
The aggregate amount of transactions during the last fiscal year in
securities effected on an agency basis through a broker for, among other
things, research services, and the commissions and concessions related to
such transactions were as follows:
Transaction Commissions and
Amount Concessions
$139,574,773 $ 127,340
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Performance
Information."
The Fund's average annual total return for the 1, 5 and 10 year periods
ended December 31, 1997 was 27.85%, 18.25 and 17.17%, respectively. Average
annual total return is calculated by determining the ending redeemable value
of an investment purchased with a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the period (assuming the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions), dividing by the amount of the initial investment, taking the
"n"th root of the quotient (where "n" is the number of years in the period)
and subtracting 1 from the result.
The Fund's total return for the period January 18, 1984 to December 31,
1997 was 802.78%. Total return is calculated by subtracting the amount of
the Fund's net asset value per share at the beginning of a stated period
from the net asset value per share at the end of the period (after giving
effect to the reinvestment of dividends and distributions during the
period), and dividing the result by the net asset value per share at the
beginning of the period.
From time to time, advertising materials for the Fund may refer to the
fact that the Fund currently looks for successful companies with established
brands that are expanding into the world marketplace. From time to time,
advertising materials for the Fund may also refer to the clients of Fayez
Sarofim & Co., such as large corporations, states, universities and other
institutions and organizations. From time to time, advertising materials
for the Fund also may refer to Morningstar ratings and related analyses
supporting such ratings.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "General Information."
Each Fund share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in
accordance with the terms of the offering, is fully paid and non-assessable.
Fund shares are of one class and have equal rights as to dividends and in
liquidation. Shares have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights
and are freely transferable.
The Fund sends annual and semi-annual financial statements to all its
shareholders.
On March 1, 1993, the Fund changed its name from General Aggressive
Growth Fund, Inc. to Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT, CUSTODIAN,
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
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. Under a transfer agency agreement with the Fund,
the Transfer Agent arranges for the maintenance of shareholder account
records for the Fund, the handling of certain communications between
shareholders and the Fund and the payment of dividends and distributions
payable by the Fund. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives a
monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of shareholder accounts it
maintains for the Fund during the month, and is reimbursed for certain out-
of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund
paid the Transfer Agent $580,622.
Mellon Bank, N.A. (the "Custodian"), Dreyfus's parent, One Mellon Bank
Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258, acts as custodian of the Fund's
investments. Under a custody agreement with the Fund, the Custodian holds
the Fund's securities and keeps all necessary accounts and records. For its
custody services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee based on the market
value of the Fund's domestic assets held in custody and receives certain
securities transactions charges. For the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997, the Fund paid the Custodian $119,755.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York
10038-4982, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to certain
legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of the
shares being sold pursuant to the Fund's Prospectus.
Ernst & Young LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019,
independent auditors, have been selected as auditors of the Fund.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997 is a separate document supplied with this Statement of
Additional Information, and the financial statements, accompanying notes,
and report of independent auditors appearing therein are incorporated by
reference into this Statement of Additional Information.
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
_________________________
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List
_______ _________________________________________
(a) Financial Statements:
Included in Part A of the Registration Statement
Condensed Financial Information for each of the ten years in
the period ended December 31, 1997.
Included in Part B of the Registration Statement:
Statement of Investments-- December 31, 1997.*
Statement of Assets and Liabilities--December 31, 1997.*
Statement of Operations--year ended December 31, 1997.*
Statement of Changes in Net Assets--for each of the two
years ended December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997.*
Notes to Financial Statements.*
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors, dated
February 4, 1998.*
_____________________
*Items are incorporated by reference to the Fund's Annual Report on Form
N-30D, filed on March 3, 1998.
All Schedules and other financial statement information, for which provision
is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, are either omitted because they are not required under
the related instructions, they are inapplicable, or the required information
is presented in the financial statements or notes thereto which are included
in Part B of the Registration Statement.
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
(b) Exhibits:
(1) Registrant's Articles of Amendment and Restatement are
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 26 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed
on February 28, 1995.
(2) Registrant's By-Laws, as amended are incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration
Statement on From N-1A, filed on April 27, 1995.
(5)(a) Investment Advisory Agreement is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (5)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 28, 1995.
(5)(b) Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (5)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 28, 1995.
(6)(a) Distribution Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(6)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 28, 1995.
(6)(b) Forms of Shareholder Service Plan Agreements are incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (6)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 26, 1996
(8)(a) Form of Custody Agreement with Mellon Bank, N.A. is incorporated
by reference to Exhibit (8)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 29
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 26,
1996.
(9) Shareholder Services Plan.
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
(10) Opinion and consent of Registrant's counsel is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 28,
1995.
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors.
(16) Schedules of Computation of Performance Data are incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 16 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 18, 1994.
(17) Financial Data Schedule.
Other Exhibits
______________
(a) Powers of Attorney.
(b) Certificate of Secretary.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
_______ ______________________________________________________________
Not Applicable
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities.
_______ ________________________________
(1) (2)
Number of Record
Title of Class Holders as of April 7, 1998
______________ _____________________________
Common Stock 65,338
(Par value $.01)
Item 27. Indemnification
_______ _______________
Reference is made to Article SEVENTH of the Registrant's
Articles of Incorporation which is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Funds
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed February 28, 1995 and to
Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law. The
application of these provisions is limited by Article VIII of the
Registrant's By-Laws, as amended, filed, as Exhibit 2 thereto and
by the following undertaking set forth in the rules promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission:
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as express in such Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in such Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
Reference is also made to the Distribution Agreement attached as
Exhibit (6)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 28, 1995.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
_______ ____________________________________________________
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") and subsidiary companies
comprise a financial service organization whose business consists
primarily of providing investment management services as the
investment adviser and manager for sponsored investment companies
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and as an
investment adviser to institutional and individual accounts.
Dreyfus also serves as sub-investment adviser to and/or
administrator of other investment companies. Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves
primarily as a registered broker-dealer of
shares of investment companies sponsored by Dreyfus and of other
investment companies for which Dreyfus acts as investment
adviser, sub-investment adviser or administrator. Dreyfus
Management, Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary, provides
investment management services to various pension plans,
institutions and individuals.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (continued)
____________________________________________________________
Officers and Directors of Investment Adviser
____________________________________________
Name and Position
with Dreyfus Other Businesses
_________________ ________________
MANDELL L. BERMAN Real estate consultant and private investor
Director 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 370
Southfield, Michigan 48034;
Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees:
Skillman Foundation;
Member of The Board of Vintners Intl.
BURTON C. BORGELT Chairman Emeritus of the Board and
Director Past Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
Director:
Dentsply International, Inc.
570 West College Avenue York, Pennsylvania 17405;
Director:
DeVlieg-Bullard, Inc.
1 Gorham Island
Westport, Connecticut 06880
Mellon Bank Corporation***;
Mellon Bank, N.A.***
FRANK V. CAHOUET Chairman of the Board, President and
Director Chief Executive Officer:
Mellon Bank Corporation***;
Mellon Bank, N.A.***; Director:
Avery Dennison Corporation 150 North Orange Grove
Boulevard
Pasadena, California 91103;
Saint-Gobain Corporation 750 East Swedesford Road
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482;
Teledyne, Inc.
1901 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, California
90067
W. KEITH SMITH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:
Chairman of the Board The Boston Company****; Vice Chairman of the
Board: Mellon Bank Corporation***;
Mellon Bank, N.A.***; Director:
Dentsply International, Inc.
570 West College Avenue York,
Pennsylvania 17405
CHRISTOPHER M. CONDRON Vice Chairman:
President, Chief Mellon Bank Corporation***;
Executive Officer, The Boston Company****;
Chief Operating Deputy Director:
Officer and a Mellon Trust***;
Director Chief Executive Officer:
The Boston Company Asset Management,
Inc.****;
President:
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company****
STEPHEN E. CANTER Director:
Vice Chairman and The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Chief Investment Officer, Formerly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:
and a Director Kleinwort Benson Investment Management
Americas Inc.*
LAWRENCE S. KASH Chairman, President and Chief
Vice Chairman-Distribution Executive Officer:
and a Director The Boston Company Advisors, Inc.
53 State Street
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109;
Executive Vice President and Director:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.**;
Director:
Dreyfus America Fund+++;
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
President:
The Boston Company****;
Laurel Capital Advisors***;
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.;
Executive Vice President:
Mellon Bank, N.A.***;
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust
Company****
RICHARD F. SYRON Chairman of the Board and
Director Chief Executive Officer:
American Stock Exchange
86 Trinity Place
New York, New York 10006;
Director:
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
John Hancock Place, Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts 02117;
Thermo Electron Corporation
81 Wyman Street, Box 9046 Waltham,
Massachusetts 02254-9046;
American Business Conference
1730 K Street, NW, Suite 120
Washington, D.C. 20006;
Trustee:
Boston College - Board of Trustees
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02167-3934
J. DAVID OFFICER Vice Chairman:
Vice Chairman The Dreyfus Corporation*; Director:
Dreyfus Financial Services Corporation*****;
Dreyfus Investment Services Corporation*****;
Mellon Trust of Florida
2875 Northeast 191st Street
North Miami Beach, Florida 33180;
Mellon Preferred Capital Corporation****;
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.****;
Mellon Trust of New York
1301 Avenue of the Americas - 41st Floor
New York, New York 10019;
Mellon Trust of California
400 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071-2806;
Executive Vice President:
Mellon Bank, N.A.***;
Vice Chairman and Director:
The Boston Company, Inc.****;
President and Director:
RECO, Inc.****;
The Boston Company Financial Services,
Inc.****;
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company****;
RONALD P. O'HANLEY Vice Chairman:
Vice Chairman The Dreyfus Corporation*; Director:
The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC****;
TBCAM Holding, Inc.****;
Franklin Portfolio Holdings, Inc.
Two International Place -22nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02110;
Mellon Capital Management Corporation
595 Market Street, Suite #3000
San Francisco, California 94105;
Certus Asset Advisors Corporation
One Bush Street, Suite 450
San Francisco, California 94104;
Mellon-France Corporation***;
Chairman and Director:
Boston Safe Advisors, Inc.****;
Partner Representative:
Pareto Partners
271 Regent Street
London, England W1R 8PP;
Chairman and Trustee:
Mellon Bond Associates, LLP***;
Mellon Equity Associates, LLP***;
Trustee:
Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP***;
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer:
Mellon Global Investing Corp.***;
Partner:
McKinsey & Company, Inc. Boston,
Massachusetts
WILLIAM T. SANDALLS, JR. Director:
Senior Vice President and Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.*;
Chief Financial Officer Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
Chairman and Director:
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
One American Express Plaza
Providence, Rhode Island 02903;
President and Director:
Lion Management, Inc.*;
Executive Vice President and Director:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Director:
Dreyfus America Fund+++;
Vice President and Director:
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
The Truepenny Corporation*;
Treasurer, Financial Officer and Director:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Treasurer and Director:
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Formerly, President and Director:
Sandalls & Co., Inc.
MARK N. JACOBS Vice President, Secretary and Director:
Vice President, Lion Management, Inc.*;
General Counsel Secretary:
and Secretary The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Assistant Secretary:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.**;
Major Trading Corporation*;
The Truepenny Corporation*
PATRICE M. KOZLOWSKI None
Vice President-
Corporate Communications
MARY BETH LEIBIG None
Vice President-
Human Resources
JEFFREY N. NACHMAN President and Director:
Vice President-Mutual Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
Fund Accounting One American Express Plaza
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
ANDREW S. WASSER Vice President:
Vice President-Information Mellon Bank Corporation***
Services
WILLIAM V. HEALEY President:
Assistant Secretary The Truepenny Corporation*;
Vice President and Director:
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Secretary and Director:
Dreyfus Partnership Management Inc.*;
Director:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Assistant Secretary:
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Dreyfus Investment Advisors, Inc.*;
Assistant Clerk:
Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Massachusetts,
Inc.+++++
______________________________________
* The address of the business so indicated is 200 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10166.
** The address of the business so indicated is 131 Second Street,
Lewes, Delaware 19958.
*** The address of the business so indicated is One Mellon Bank Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258.
**** The address of the business so indicated is One Boston Place,
Boston, Massachusetts 02108.
***** The address of the business so indicated is Union Trust Building,
501 Grant Street, Room 179, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15259;
+ The address of the business so indicated is Atrium Building,
80 Route 4 East, Paramus, New Jersey 07652.
++ The address of the business so indicated is 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard,
Uniondale, New York 11556-0144.
+++ The address of the business so indicated is 69, Route `d'Esch, L-
1470 Luxembourg.
++++ The address of the business so indicated is 69, Route `d'Esch, L-
2953 Luxembourg.
+++++ The address of the business so indicated is 53 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02103.
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
________ ______________________
(a) Other investment companies for which Registrant's principal
underwriter (exclusive distributor) acts as principal underwriter or
exclusive distributor:
1) Comstock Partners Funds, Inc.
2) Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.
3) Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
4) Dreyfus Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.
5) Dreyfus Balanced Fund, Inc.
6) Dreyfus BASIC GNMA Fund
7) Dreyfus BASIC Money Market Fund, Inc.
8) Dreyfus BASIC Municipal Fund, Inc.
9) Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Government Money Market Fund
10) Dreyfus California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
11) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
12) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
13) Dreyfus Cash Management
14) Dreyfus Cash Management Plus, Inc.
15) Dreyfus Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
16) Dreyfus Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
17) Dreyfus Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
18) Dreyfus Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
19) The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated
20) Dreyfus Global Bond Fund, Inc.
21) Dreyfus Global Growth Fund
22) Dreyfus GNMA Fund, Inc.
23) Dreyfus Government Cash Management Funds
24) Dreyfus Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
25) Dreyfus Growth and Value Funds, Inc.
26) Dreyfus Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
27) Dreyfus Income Funds
28) Dreyfus Index Funds, Inc.
29) Dreyfus Institutional Money Market Fund
30) Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund
31) Dreyfus Institutional Short Term Treasury Fund
32) Dreyfus Insured Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
33) Dreyfus Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
34) Dreyfus International Funds, Inc.
35) Dreyfus Investment Grade Bond Funds, Inc.
36) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds, Inc.
37) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds Trust
38) The Dreyfus/Laurel Tax-Free Municipal Funds
39) Dreyfus LifeTime Portfolios, Inc.
40) Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc.
41) Dreyfus Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
42) Dreyfus Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund
43) Dreyfus Massachusetts Tax Exempt Bond Fund
44) Dreyfus MidCap Index Fund
45) Dreyfus Money Market Instruments, Inc.
46) Dreyfus Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
47) Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus
48) Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
49) Dreyfus New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
50) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
51) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
52) Dreyfus New Leaders Fund, Inc.
53) Dreyfus New York Insured Tax Exempt Bond Fund
54) Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management
55) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
56) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund
57) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
58) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Intermediate Term Fund
59) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Long Term Fund
60) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
61) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Short Term Fund
62) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
63) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
64) Dreyfus Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
65) Dreyfus Premier Equity Funds, Inc.
66) Dreyfus Premier International Funds, Inc.
67) Dreyfus Premier GNMA Fund
68) Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc.
69) Dreyfus Premier Insured Municipal Bond Fund
70) Dreyfus Premier Municipal Bond Fund
71) Dreyfus Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
72) Dreyfus Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
73) Dreyfus Premier Value Fund
74) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund
75) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
76) The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
77) Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc.
78) Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management
79) The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.
80) Dreyfus Treasury Cash Management
81) Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management
82) Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
83) Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc.
84) General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
85) General California Municipal Money Market Fund
86) General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
87) General Money Market Fund, Inc.
88) General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
89) General Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
90) General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
91) General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
(b)
Name and principal Positions and Positions and
business address offices with offices with
the Distributor Registrant
__________________ ___________________________ _____________
Marie E. Connolly+ Director, President, Chief President and
Executive Officer and Compliance Treasurer
Officer
Joseph F. Tower, III+ Director, Senior Vice President, Vice President
Treasurer and Chief Financial and Assistant
Officer Treasurer
Richard W. Ingram Executive Vice President Vice President
and Assistant
Treasurer
Mary A. Nelson+ Vice President Vice President
and Assistant
Treasurer
Paul Prescott+ Vice President None
Jean M. O'Leary+ Assistant Secretary and None
Assistant Clerk
John W. Gomez+ Director None
William J. Nutt+ Director None
________________________________
+ Principal business address is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02109.
++ Principal business address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Record
________________________________
1. First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.,
a subsidiary of First Data Corporation
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
2. Mellon Bank, N.A.
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
3. Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
4. The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Item 31. Management Services
_______ ___________________
Not Applicable
Item 32. Undertakings
________ ____________
(1) To call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon
the question of removal of a Board member or Board members when
requested in writing to do so by the holders of at least 10% of
the Registrant's outstanding shares and in connection with such
meeting to comply with the provisions of Section 16(c) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to shareholder
communications.
(2) To furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a
copy of the Fund's latest Annual Report to Shareholders, upon
request and without charge.
C-14
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all
of the requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has
duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New
York, and State of New York on the 22nd day of April, 1998.
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
BY: /s/MARIE E. CONNOLLY*
____________________________
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, PRESIDENT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures Title Date
__________________________ _______________________________ ________
/s/Marie E. Connolly* President and Treasurer 04/22/98
______________________________ (Principal Executive Officer)
Marie E. Connolly
/s/Joseph F. Tower, III* Assistant Treasurer (Principal 04/22/98
_____________________________ Financial and Accounting Officer)
Joseph F. Tower, III
/s/Joseph S. DiMartino* Chairman of the Board of 04/22/98
______________________________ Directors
Joseph S. DiMartino
/s/Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.* Director 04/22/98
_____________________________
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
/s/Peggy C. Davis* Director 04/22/98
_____________________________
Peggy C. Davis
/s/Ernest Kafka* Director 04/22/98
_____________________________
Ernest Kafka
/s/Saul B. Klaman* Director 04/22/98
_____________________________
Saul B. Klaman
/s/Nathan Leventhal* Director 04/22/98
____________________________
Nathan Leventhal
*BY: /s/Michael S. Petrucelli,
Michael S. Petrucelli,
Attorney-in-Fact
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
(9) Shareholder Services Plan
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors
(17) Financial Data Schedule
Other Exhibits
(a) Powers of Attorney
(b) Certificate of Secretary
DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Introduction: It has been proposed that the above-
captioned investment company (the "Fund") adopt a Shareholder
Services Plan under which the Fund would pay the Fund's
distributor (the "Distributor") for providing services to (a)
shareholders of each series of the Fund or class of Fund shares
set forth on Exhibit A hereto, as such Exhibit may be revised
from time to time, or (b) if no series or classes are set forth
on such Exhibit, shareholders of the Fund. The Distributor would
be permitted to pay certain financial institutions, securities
dealers and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service
Agents") in respect of these services. The Plan is not to be
adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), and the fee under the Plan is
intended to be a "service fee" as defined under the NASD Conduct
Rules.
The Fund's Board, in considering whether the Fund
should implement a written plan, has requested and evaluated such
information as it deemed necessary to an informed determination
as to whether a written plan should be implemented and has
considered such pertinent factors as it deemed necessary to form
the basis for a decision to use Fund assets for such purposes.
In voting to approve the implementation of such a plan,
the Board has concluded, in the exercise of its reasonable
business judgment and in light of applicable fiduciary duties,
that there is a reasonable likelihood that the plan set forth
below will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.
The Plan: The material aspects of this Plan are as follows:
1. The Fund shall pay to the Distributor a fee at
the annual rate set forth on Exhibit A in respect of the provision of
personal services to shareholders and/or the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. The Distributor shall determine the
amounts to be paid to Service Agents and the basis on which such
payments will be made. Payments to a Service Agent are subject
to compliance by the Service Agent with the terms of any related
Plan agreement between the Service Agent and the Distributor.
2. For the purpose of determining the fees payable
under this Plan, the value of the net assets of the Fund or the
net assets attributable to each series or class of Fund shares
identified on Exhibit A, as applicable, shall be computed in the
manner specified in the Fund's charter documents for the
computation of net asset value.
3. The Board shall be provided, at least quarterly,
with a written report of all amounts expended pursuant to this
Plan. The report shall state the purpose for which the amounts
were expended.
4. This Plan will become effective immediately upon
approval by a majority of the Board members, including a majority
of the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined
in the Act) of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements
entered into in connection with this Plan, pursuant to a vote
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
the approval of this Plan.
5. This Plan shall continue for a period of one year
from its effective date, unless earlier terminated in accordance
with its terms, and thereafter shall continue automatically for
successive annual periods, provided such continuance is approved
at least annually in the manner provided in paragraph 4 hereof.
6. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board,
provided that any material amendments of the terms of this Plan
shall become effective only upon approval as provided in
paragraph 4 hereof.
7. This Plan is terminable without penalty at any time
by vote of a majority of the Board members who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have
no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this
Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with this
Plan.
Dated: July 16, 1997
EXHIBIT A
Fee as a Percentage of
Average Daily Net Assets
.25%
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Condensed
Financial Information" and "Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent,
Custodian, Counsel and Independent Auditors" and to the use of our report
dated February 4, 1998, which in incorporated by reference, in this
Registration Statement (Form N-1A No. 2-68671) of Dreyfus Appreciation Fund,
Inc.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
April 21, 1998
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000318478
<NAME> DREYFUS APPRECIATION FUND, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1398742
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1976546
<RECEIVABLES> 4418
<ASSETS-OTHER> 15289
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1996253
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 18615
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 18615
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1399595
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 61071
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 33050
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> (98)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 341
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 577800
<NET-ASSETS> 1977638
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 27441
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1720
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 13690
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 15471
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4287
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 317935
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 337693
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (15585)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 3672
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 102660
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (75179)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 538558
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1132141
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 124
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (342)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 4476
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 11
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 13690
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1564839
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 25.58
<PER-SHARE-NII> .25
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 6.87
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.26)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.06)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 32.38
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .009
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
Item 24 (b)
Other Exhibit (a)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitute and appoint Marie E. Connolly, Richard
W. Ingram, Christopher J. Kelley, Kathleen K. Morrisey, Michael S. Petrucelli
and Elba Vasquez, and each of them, with full power to act without the other,
his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her, and in his or her name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities (until revoked in writing) to sign
any and all amendments to the Registration Statement of Dreyfus Appreciation
Fund, Inc. (including post-effective amendments and amendments thereto), and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or
their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
April 8, 1998
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
April 8, 1998
Peggy C. Davis
April 8, 1998
Joseph S. DiMartino
April 8, 1998
Ernest Kafka
April 8, 1998
Saul B. Klaman
April 8, 1998
Nathan Leventhal
ITEM 24 (b)
OTHER EXHIBIT (b)
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
Certificate of Assistant Secretary
The undersigned, Michael S. Petrucelli, Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), hereby certifies
that set forth below is a copy of the resolution adopted by the Fund's Board
authorizing the signing by Marie E. Connolly, Richard W. Ingram, Christopher
J. Kelley, Kathleen K. Morrisey, Michael S. Petrucelli and Elba Vasquez on
behalf of the proper officers of the Fund pursuant to a power of attorney:
RESOLVED, that the Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements thereto may be signed by
any one of Marie E. Connolly, Richard W. Ingram,
Christopher J. Kelley, Kathleen K. Morrisey, Michael S.
Petrucelli and Elba Vasquez, as the attorney-in-fact for
the proper officers of the Fund, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution; and that the appointment
of each of such persons as such attorney-in-fact hereby
is authorized and approved; and that such attorneys-in-
fact, and each of them, shall have full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
such Registration Statement and any and all amendments
and supplements thereto, as whom he or she is acting as
attorney-in-fact, might or could do in person.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the
seal of the Fund on April 9, 1998.
/s/Michael S. Petrucelli
-----------------------
Michael S. Petrucelli
Vice President and
Assistant Secretary
