<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 31, 1997
File No. 2-70428
811-3130
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF l933
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 X
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF l940
Amendment No. 24 X
Alliance International Fund
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York l0105
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code:
(800) 221-5672
EDMUND P. BERGAN, JR.
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York l0105
(Name and address of agent for service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box)
X immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.
<PAGE>
If appropriate, check the following box:
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective
date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE>
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(as required by Rule 404(c))
N-1A ITEM NO. LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
PART A
Item 1. Cover Page Cover Page
Item 2. Synopsis The Funds at a Glance
Item 3. Condensed Financial Financial Highlights
Information
Item 4. General Description of
Registrant Description of the Fund;
General Information
Item 5. Management of the Fund Management of the Fund;
General Information
Item 5(a) Management Discussion of
Fund Performance Not Applicable
Item 6. Capital Stock and Other General Information;
Securities Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes
Item 7. Purchase of Securities Being Purchase and Sale
Offered of Shares; General
Information
Item 8. Redemption or Repurchase Purchase and Sale of
Shares
Item 9. Pending Legal Proceedings Not Applicable
<PAGE>
LOCATION IN STATEMENT OF
PART B ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(CAPTION)
Item 10. Cover Page Cover Page
Item 11. Table of Contents Cover Page
Item 12. General Information and
History Management of the Fund;
General Information
Item 13. Investment Objectives and Investment Policies
Policies Restrictions
Item 14. Management of the Registrant Management of the Fund
Item 15. Control Persons and Management of the Fund
Principal Holders of
Securities
Item 16. Investment Advisory and Management of the Fund
Other Services
Item 17. Brokerage Allocation and
Other Practices Brokerage and Portfolio
Transactions
Item 18. Capital Stock and Other General Information
Securities
Item 19. Purchase, Redemption and Purchased of Shares,
Pricing of Securities Being Redemption and Repurchase
Offered of Shares; Net Asset Value
Item 20. Tax Status Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes
Item 21. Underwriters General Information
Item 22. Calculation of Performance General Information
Data
Item 23. Financial Statements Report of Independent
Auditors; Financial
Statements
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
THE ALLIANCE
------------
STOCK FUNDS
------------
P.O. Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
Prospectus and Application
November 1, 1997
Domestic Stock Funds Global Stock Funds
- -The Alliance Fund -Alliance International Fund
- -Alliance Growth Fund -Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund
- -Alliance Premier Growth Fund -Alliance New Europe Fund
- -Alliance Technology Fund -Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund
- -Alliance Quasar Fund -Alliance Global Small Cap Fund
Total Return Funds
-Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund
-Alliance Balanced Shares
-Alliance Income Builder Fund
-Alliance Utility Income Fund
-Alliance Growth and Income Fund
-Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table of Contents Page
<S> <C>
The Funds at a Glance ..................................................... 2
Expense Information ....................................................... 4
Financial Highlights ...................................................... 7
Glossary .................................................................. 19
Description of the Funds .................................................. 20
Investment Objectives and Policies ........................................ 20
Additional Investment Practices ........................................ 30
Certain Fundamental Investment Policies ................................ 37
Risk Considerations .................................................... 40
Purchase and Sale of Shares ............................................... 44
Management of the Funds ................................................... 47
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes ........................................ 51
General Information ....................................................... 53
</TABLE>
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Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, New York 10105
The Alliance Stock Funds provide a broad selection of investment alternatives to
investors seeking capital growth or high total return. The Domestic Stock Funds
invest mainly in the United States equity markets and the Global Stock Funds
diversify their investments among equity markets around the world, while the
Total Return Funds invest in both equity and fixed-income securities.
Each fund or portfolio (each a "Fund") is, or is a series of, an open-end
management investment company. This Prospectus sets forth concisely the
information which a prospective investor should know about each Fund before
investing. A "Statement of Additional Information" for each Fund which provides
further information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus and
other matters which may be of interest to some investors has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. For
a free copy, call or write Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the indicated address
or call the "For Literature" telephone number shown above.
Each Fund offers three classes of shares through this Prospectus. These shares
may be purchased, at the investor's choice, at a price equal to their net asset
value (i) plus an initial sales charge imposed at the time of purchase (the
"Class A shares"), (ii) with a contingent deferred sales charge imposed on most
redemptions made within four years of purchase (the "Class B shares"), or (iii)
without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge, as long as the shares
are held for one year or more (the "Class C shares"). See "Purchase and Sale of
Shares."
An investment in these securities is not a deposit or obligation of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank and is not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.
Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully and to retain it for
future reference.
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.
[LOGO]
Alliance(R)
Investing without the Mystery.(SM)
(R)/SM These are registered marks used under licenses from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
<PAGE>
The Funds At A Glance
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained in this Prospectus.
The Funds' Investment Adviser Is . . .
Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), a global investment manager
providing diversified services to institutions and individuals through a broad
line of investments including more than 100 mutual funds. Since 1971, Alliance
has earned a reputation as a leader in the investment world with over $199
billion in assets under management as of June 30, 1997. Alliance provides
investment management services to employee benefit plans for 29 of the FORTUNE
100 companies.
Domestic Stock Funds
Alliance Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term growth of capital and income primarily through investment
in common stocks.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities that,
in the judgment of Alliance, have the potential to achieve capital appreciation.
Growth Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in common stocks
and other equity securities.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities of
companies with a favorable outlook for earnings and whose rate of growth is
expected to exceed that of the United States economy over time.
Premier Growth Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term growth of capital by investing in the equity securities of
a limited number of large, carefully selected, high-quality American companies
from a relatively small universe of intensively researched companies.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities that,
in the judgment of Alliance, are likely to achieve superior earnings growth.
Normally, approximately 40 companies will be represented in the Fund's
investment portfolio. The Fund's investments in 25 of these companies most
highly regarded at any point in time by Alliance will usually constitute
approximately 70% of the Fund's net assets.
Technology Fund
Seeks . . . Growth of capital through investment in companies expected to
benefit from advances in technology.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of securities of companies
which use technology extensively in the development of new or improved products
or processes.
Quasar Fund
Seeks . . . Growth of capital by pursuing aggressive investment policies.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities of any
company and industry and in any type of security which is believed to offer
possibilities for capital appreciation.
Global Stock Funds
International Fund
Seeks . . . A total return on its assets from long-term growth of capital and
from income.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of marketable securities of
established non-United States companies, companies participating in foreign
economies with prospects for growth, and foreign government securities.
Worldwide Privatization Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term capital appreciation.
Invests Principally in . . . A non-diversified portfolio of equity securities
issued by enterprises that are undergoing, or have undergone, privatization. The
balance of the Fund's investment portfolio will include securities of companies
that are believed by Alliance to be beneficiaries of the privatization process.
New Europe Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term capital appreciation through investment primarily in the
equity securities of companies based in Europe.
Invests Principally in . . . A non-diversified portfolio of equity securities of
European companies.
All-Asia Investment Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term capital appreciation.
Invests Principally in . . . A non-diversified portfolio of equity securities of
Asian/Pacific companies.
Global Small Cap Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term growth of capital.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified global portfolio of the equity
securities of small capitalization companies.
Total Return Funds
Strategic Balanced Fund
Seeks . . . A high long-term total return by investing in a combination of
equity and debt securities.
2
<PAGE>
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of dividend-paying common
stocks and fixed-income securities, and also in equity-type securities such as
warrants, preferred stocks and convertible debt instruments.
Balanced Shares
Seeks . . . A high return through a combination of current income and capital
appreciation.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income
securities such as common and preferred stocks, U.S. Government and agency
obligations, bonds and senior debt securities.
Income Builder Fund
Seeks . . . Both an attractive level of current income and long-term growth of
income and capital.
Invests Principally in . . . A non-diversified portfolio of fixed-income
securities and dividend-paying common stocks. Alliance currently expects to
continue to maintain approximately 60% of the Fund's net assets in fixed-income
securities and 40% in equity securities.
Utility Income Fund
Seeks . . . Current income and capital appreciation through investment in the
utilities industry.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities, such
as common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and rights and
warrants to subscribe for purchase of common stocks, and in fixed-income
securities such as bonds and preferred stocks.
Growth and Income Fund
Seeks . . . Income and appreciation through investment in dividend-paying common
stocks of quality companies.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of dividend-paying common
stocks of good quality, and, under certain market conditions, other types of
securities, including bonds, convertible bonds and preferred stocks.
Real Estate Investment Fund
Seeks . . . Total return on its assets from long-term growth of capital and from
income.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities of
issuers that are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry.
Distributions...
Balanced Shares, Income Builder Fund, Utility Income Fund, Growth and Income
Fund and Real Estate Investment Fund make distributions quarterly to
shareholders. These distributions may include ordinary income and capital gain
(each of which is taxable) and a return of capital (which is generally
non-taxable). See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
A Word About Risk . . .
The price of the shares of the Alliance Stock Funds will fluctuate as the daily
prices of the individual securities in which they invest fluctuate, so that your
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. With
respect to those Funds permitted to invest in foreign currency denominated
securities, these fluctuations may be magnified by changes in foreign exchange
rates. Investment in the Global Stock Funds involves risks not associated with
funds that invest primarily in securities of U.S. issuers. While the Funds
invest principally in common stocks and other equity securities, in order to
achieve their investment objectives the Funds may at times use certain types of
investment derivatives, such as options, futures, forwards and swaps. These
involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks
presented by more traditional investments. An investment in the Real Estate
Investment Fund is subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership
of real estate in general, including possible declines in the value of real
estate, general and local economic conditions, environmental problems and
changes in interest rates. These risks are fully discussed in this Prospectus.
Getting Started . . .
Shares of the Funds are available through your financial representative and most
banks, insurance companies and brokerage firms nationwide. Shares can be
purchased for a minimum initial investment of $250, and subsequent investments
can be made for as little as $50. For detailed information about purchasing and
selling shares, see "Purchase and Sale of Shares." In addition, the Funds offer
several time and money saving services to investors. Be sure to ask your
financial representative about:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETIREMENT PLANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDEND DIRECTION PLANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTO EXCHANGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A CHOICE OF PURCHASE PLANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 HOUR INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]
Alliance(R)
Investing without the Mystery.(SM)
(R)/SM These are registered marks used under licenses from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Transaction Expenses are one of several factors to consider when you
invest in a Fund. The following table summarizes your maximum transaction costs
from investing in a Fund and annual expenses for each class of shares of each
Fund. For each Fund, the "Examples" to the right of the table below show the
cumulative expenses attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in each
class for the periods specified.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of
offering price) ...................................................... 4.25%(a) None None
Sales charge imposed on dividend reinvestments ....................... None None None
Deferred sales charge (as a
percentage of original purchase
price or redemption proceeds,
whichever is lower) .................................................. None(a) 4.0% 1.0%
during the during the
first year, first year,
decreasing 1.0% 0% thereafter
annually to 0%
after the
fourth year (b)
Exchange fee ......................................................... None None None
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Reduced for larger purchases. Purchases of $1,000,000 or more are not
subject to an initial sales charge but may be subject to a 1% deferred sales
charge on redemptions within one year of purchase. See "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How to Buy Shares" -page 44.
(b) Class B shares of each Fund other than Premier Growth Fund automatically
convert to Class A shares after eight years and the Class B shares of
Premier Growth Fund convert to Class A shares after six years. See "Purchase
and Sale of Shares--How to Buy Shares" -page 44.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================================
Operating Expenses Examples
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .70% .70% .70% After 1 year $ 53 $ 59 $ 19 $ 29 $ 19
12b-1 fees .19% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 74 $ 79 $ 59 $ 58 $ 58
Other expenses (a) .15% .17% .16% After 5 years $ 97 $101 $101 $101 $101
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $164 $197(b) $197(b) $218 $218
Total fund
operating expenses 1.04% 1.87% 1.86%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .75% .75% .75% After 1 year $ 55 $ 60 $ 20 $ 30 $ 20
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 82 $ 82 $ 62 $ 63 $ 63
Other expenses (a) .25% .24% .25% After 5 years $111 $107 $107 $108 $108
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $193 $214(b) $214(b) $233 $233
Total fund
operating expenses 1.30% 1.99% 2.00%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Premier Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% After 1 year $ 59 $ 64 $ 24 $ 34 $ 24
12b-1 fees .33% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 92 $ 92 $ 72 $ 72 $ 72
Other expenses (a) .32% .32% .32% After 5 years $128 $124 $124 $124 $124
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $230 $249(b) $249(b) $266 $266
Total fund
operating expenses 1.65% 2.32% 2.32%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Technology Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees (g) 1.11% 1.11% 1.11% After 1 year $ 59 $ 65 $ 25 $ 35 $ 25
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 95 $ 96 $ 76 $ 76 $ 76
Other expenses (a) .33% .33% .33% After 5 years $133 $130 $130 $130 $130
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $239 $260(b) $260(b) $278 $278
Total fund
operating expenses 1.74% 2.44% 2.44%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please refer to the footnotes on page 6.
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================================
Operating Expenses Examples
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Quasar Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees (g) 1.15% 1.15% 1.15% After 1 year $ 60 $ 67 $ 27 $ 36 $ 26
12b-1 fees .21% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 96 $101 $ 81 $ 81 $ 81
Other expenses (a) .43% .47% .46% After 5 years $135 $139 $139 $139 $139
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $244 $275(b) $275(b) $294 $294
Total fund
operating expenses 1.79% 2.62% 2.61%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
International Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) .85% .85% .85% After 1 year $ 58 $ 65 $ 25 $ 35 $ 25
12b-1 fees .17% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 90 $ 96 $ 76 $ 75 $ 75
Other expenses (a) .56% .58% .57% After 5 years $125 $130 $130 $129 $129
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $222 $256(b) $256(b) $276 $276
Total fund
operating expenses (d) 1.58% 2.43% 2.42%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Worldwide Privatization Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% After 1 year $ 59 $ 65 $ 25 $ 35 $ 25
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 94 $ 96 $ 76 $ 75 $ 75
Other expenses (a) .42% .43% .42% After 5 years $132 $130 $130 $129 $129
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $237 $259(b) $259(b) $276 $276
Total fund
operating expenses 1.72% 2.43% 2.42%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
New Europe Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees 1.06% 1.06% 1.06% After 1 year $ 62 $ 68 $ 28 $ 38 $ 28
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $104 $105 $ 85 $ 85 $ 85
Other expenses (a) .69% .69% .68% After 5 years $148 $145 $145 $145 $145
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $270 $291(b) $291(b) $307 $307
Total fund
operating expenses 2.05% 2.75% 2.74%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
All-Asia Investment Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees After 1 year $ 73 $ 78 $ 38 $ 48 $ 38
(after waiver) (c) .65% .65% .65% After 3 years $135 $137 $117 $117 $117
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 5 years $199 $197 $197 $197 $197
Other expenses After 10 years $371 $390(b) $390(b) $405 $405
Administration fees
(after waiver) (f) .00% .00% .00%
Other operating expenses (a) 2.17% 2.17% 2.17%
---- ---- ----
Total other expenses 2.17% 2.17% 2.17%
==== ==== ====
Total fund
operating expenses (d) 3.12% 3.82% 3.82%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Global Small Cap Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% After 1 year $ 66 $ 71 $ 31 $ 41 $ 31
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $114 $116 $ 96 $ 96 $ 96
Other expenses (a) 1.11% 1.11% 1.10% After 5 years $166 $163 $163 $163 $163
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $305 $326(b) $326(b) $341 $341
Total fund
operating expenses 2.41% 3.11% 3.10%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Strategic Balanced Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) .09% .09% .09% After 1 year $ 56 $ 62 $ 22 $ 32 $ 22
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 85 $ 86 $ 66 $ 66 $ 66
Other expenses (a) 1.02% 1.03% 1.03% After 5 years $116 $114 $114 $114 $114
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $204 $227(b) $227(b) $245 $245
Total fund
operating expenses (d) 1.41% 2.12% 2.12%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please refer to the footnotes on page 6.
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Balanced Shares Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .63% .63% .63% After 1 year $ 57 $ 63 $ 23 $ 33 $ 23
12b-1 fees .24% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 87 $ 90 $ 70 $ 70 $ 70
Other expenses (a) .60% .62% .60% After 5 years $119 $120 $120 $119 $119
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $211 $239(b) $239(b) $256 $256
Total fund
operating expenses 1.47% 2.25% 2.23%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Income Builder Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .75% .75% .75% After 1 year $ 64 $ 70 $ 30 $ 40 $ 30
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $108 $110 $ 90 $ 91 $ 91
Other expenses (a) 1.15% 1.17% 1.18% After 5 years $155 $154 $154 $154 $154
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $285 $307(b) $307(b) $325 $325
Total fund
operating expenses 2.20% 2.92% 2.93%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Utility Income Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% After 1 year $ 57 $ 62 $ 22 $ 32 $ 22
(after waiver) (c) After 3 years $ 88 $ 89 $ 69 $ 69 $ 69
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 5 years $121 $118 $118 $118 $118
Other expenses (a) 1.20% 1.20% 1.20% After 10 years $214 $236(b) $236(b) $253 $253
---- ---- ----
Total fund
operating expenses (e) 1.50% 2.20% 2.20%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Growth and Income Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .51% .51% .51% After 1 year $ 52 $ 58 $ 18 $ 28 $ 18
12b-1 fees .21% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 72 $ 76 $ 56 $ 55 $ 55
Other expenses (a) .25% .27% .25% After 5 years $ 94 $ 96 $ 96 $ 95 $ 95
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $156 $188(b) $188(b) $207 $207
Total fund
operating expenses .97% 1.78% 1.76%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Real Estate Investment Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .90% .90% .90% After 1 year $ 60 $ 65 $ 25 $ 35 $ 25
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 96 $ 96 $ 76 $ 76 $ 76
Other expenses (a) .57% .54% .53% After 5 years $134 $130 $130 $130 $130
---- ---- ---- After 10 years $242 $261(b) $261(b) $277 $277
Total fund
operating expenses 1.77% 2.44% 2.43%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Assumes redemption at end of period.
++ Assumes no redemption at end of period.
(a) These expenses include a transfer agency fee payable to Alliance Fund
Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alliance. The expenses shown do
not reflect the application of credits that reduce Fund expenses.
(b) Assumes Class B shares converted to Class A shares after eight years, or
six years with respect to Premier Growth Fund.
(c) Net of voluntary fee waiver. In the absence of such waiver, management fees
would be .75% for Strategic Balanced Fund and Utility Income Fund, 1.00%
for All-Asia Investment Fund and 1.01% for International Fund.
International Fund's fee, absent the voluntary fee waiver, is calculated
based on average daily net assets. Maximum contractual rate, based on
quarter-end net assets, is 1.00%.
(d) Net of voluntary fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. In the absence of
such waiver and/or reimbursement, total fund operating expenses for
Strategic Balanced Fund would have been 2.08%, 2.76% and 2.76%,
respectively, for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, total fund operating
expenses for All-Asia Investment Fund would have been 3.61%, 4.33% and
4.30%, respectively, for Class A, Class B and Class C shares annualized and
total fund operating expenses for International Fund would have been 1.74%,
2.59% and 2.58%, respectively, for Class A, Class B and Class C annualized.
(e) Net of expense reimbursements. Absent expense reimbursements, total fund
operating expenses for Utility Income Fund would be 3.38%, 4.08%, 4.07%,
respectively, for Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
(f) Net of voluntary fee waiver. Absent such fee waiver, administration fees
would have been .15% for the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
Reflects the fees payable by All-Asia Investment Fund to Alliance pursuant
to an administration agreement.
(g) Calculated based on average daily net assets. Maximum contractual rate,
based on quarter-end net assets, is 1.00% for Quasar Fund and Technology
Fund.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor in a Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. Long-term shareholders of a Fund may pay aggregate sales charges
totaling more than the economic equivalent of the maximum initial sales charges
permitted by the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. See "Management of the Funds--Distribution Services Agreements."
The Rule 12b-1 fee for each class comprises a service fee not exceeding .25% of
the aggregate average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to the class and
an asset-based sales charge equal to the remaining portion of the Rule 12b-1
fee. "Management fees" for International Fund and All-Asia Investment Fund and
"Adminstration fee" for All-Asia Investment Fund have been restated to reflect
current voluntary fee waivers. The examples set forth above assume reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions and utilize a 5% annual rate of return as
mandated by Commission regulations. The examples should not be considered
representative of past or future expenses; actual expenses may be greater or
less than those shown.
6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tables on the following pages present, for each Fund, per share income and
capital changes for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated. Except
as otherwise indicated, the information in the tables for Alliance Fund, Growth
Fund, Premier Growth Fund, Strategic Balanced Fund, Balanced Shares, Utility
Income Fund, Worldwide Privatization Fund and Growth and Income Fund has been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the independent auditors for each Fund, and for
All-Asia Investment Fund, Technology Fund, Quasar Fund, International Fund, New
Europe Fund, Global Small Cap Fund, Real Estate Investment Fund and Income
Builder Fund by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditors for each Fund. A
report of Price Waterhouse LLP or Ernst & Young LLP, as the case may be, on the
information with respect to each Fund, appears in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information. The following information for each Fund should be read
in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes which are
included in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Further information about a Fund's performance is contained in the Fund's annual
report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge by contacting
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or the "For Literature" telephone
number shown on the cover of this Prospectus.
7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From Distributions
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment From Net
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Realized Gains
---------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alliance Fund
Class A
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $ 7.71 $ (.01)(b) $ .67 $ .66 $ (.02) $(1.06)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 7.72 .02 1.06 1.08 (.02) (1.07)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 6.63 .02 2.08 2.10 (.01) (1.00)
1/1/94 to 11/30/94** ............ 6.85 .01 (.23) (.22) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/93 ............. 6.68 .02 .93 .95 (.02) (.76)
Year ended 12/31/92 ............. 6.29 .05 .87 .92 (.05) (.48)
Year ended 12/31/91 ............. 5.22 .07 1.70 1.77 (.07) (.63)
Year ended 12/31/90 ............. 6.87 .09 (.32) (.23) (.18) (1.24)
Year ended 12/31/89 ............. 5.60 .12 1.19 1.31 (.04) 0.00
Year ended 12/31/88 ............. 5.15 .08 .80 .88 (.08) (.35)
Year ended 12/31/87 ............. 6.87 .08 .27 .35 (.13) (1.94)
Year ended 12/31/86 ............. 11.15 .11 .87 .98 (.10) (5.16)
Class B
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $ 7.40 $ (.03)(b) $ .63 $ .60 $ 0.00 $(1.06)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 7.49 (.01) .99 .98 0.00 (1.07)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 6.50 (.03) 2.02 1.99 0.00 (1.00)
1/1/94 to 11/30/94** ............ 6.76 (.03) (.23) (.26) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/93 ............. 6.64 (.03) .91 .88 0.00 (.76)
Year ended 12/31/92 ............. 6.27 (.01)(b) .87 .86 (.01) (.48)
3/4/91++ to 12/31/91 ............ 6.14 .01 (b) .79 .80 (.04) (.63)
Class C
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $ 7.41 $ (.03)(b) $ .62 $ .59 $ 0.00 $(1.06)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 7.50 (.02) 1.00 .98 0.00 (1.07)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 6.50 (.03) 2.03 2.00 0.00 (1.00)
1/1/94 to 11/30/94** ............ 6.77 (.03) (.24) (.27) 0.00 0.00
5/3/93++ to 12/31/93 ............ 6.67 (.02) .88 .86 0.00 (.76)
Growth Fund (i)
Class A
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ........... $34.91 $ (.01)(b) $ 1.91 $ 1.90 $ 0.00 $(1.03)
Year ended 10/31/96 ............. 29.48 .05 6.20 6.25 (.19) (.63)
Year ended 10/31/95 ............. 25.08 .12 4.80 4.92 (.11) (.41)
5/1/94 to 10/31/94** ............ 23.89 .09 1.10 1.19 0.00 0.00
Year ended 4/30/94 .............. 22.67 (.01)(c) 3.55 3.54 0.00 (2.32)
Year ended 4/30/93 .............. 20.31 .05 (c) 3.68 3.73 (.14) (1.23)
Year ended 4/30/92 .............. 17.94 .29 (c) 3.95 4.24 (.26) (1.61)
9/4/90++ to 4/30/91 ............. 13.61 .17 (c) 4.22 4.39 (.06) 0.00
Class B
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ........... $29.21 $ (.11)(b) $ 1.60 $ 1.49 $ 0.00 $(1.03)
Year ended 10/31/96 ............. 24.78 (.12) 5.18 5.06 0.00 (.63)
Year ended 10/31/95 ............. 21.21 (.02) 4.01 3.99 (.01) (.41)
5/1/94 to 10/31/94** ............ 20.27 .01 .93 .94 0.00 0.00
Year ended 4/30/94 .............. 19.68 (.07)(c) 2.98 2.91 0.00 (2.32)
Year ended 4/30/93 .............. 18.16 (.06)(c) 3.23 3.17 (.03) (1.62)
Year ended 4/30/92 .............. 16.88 .17 (c) 3.67 3.84 (.21) (2.35)
Year ended 4/30/91 .............. 14.38 .08 (c) 3.22 3.30 (.09) (.71)
Year ended 4/30/90 .............. 14.13 .01 (b)(c) 1.26 1.27 0.00 (1.02)
Year ended 4/30/89 .............. 12.76 (.01)(c) 2.44 2.43 0.00 (1.06)
10/23/87+ to 4/30/88 ............ 10.00 (.02)(c) 2.78 2.76 0.00 0.00
Class C
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ........... $29.22 $ (.11)(b) $ 1.60 $ 1.49 $ 0.00 $(1.03)
Year ended 10/31/96 ............. 24.79 (.12) 5.18 5.06 0.00 (.63)
Year ended 10/31/95 ............. 21.22 (.03) 4.02 3.99 (.01) (.41)
5/1/94 to 10/31/94** ............ 20.28 .01 .93 .94 0.00 0.00
8/2/93++ to 4/30/94 ............. 21.47 (.02)(c) 1.15 1.13 0.00 (2.32)
Premier Growth Fund
Class A
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $17.98 $ (.03)(b) $ 2.64 $ 2.61 $ 0.00 $(1.08)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 16.09 (.04)(b) 3.20 3.16 0.00 (1.27)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 11.41 (.03) 5.38 5.35 0.00 (.67)
Year ended 11/30/94 ............. 11.78 (.09) (.28) (.37) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 11/30/93 ............. 10.79 (.05) 1.05 1.00 (.01) 0.00
9/28/92+ to 11/30/92 ............ 10.00 .01 .78 .79 0.00 0.00
Class B
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $17.52 $ (.09)(b) $ 2.56 $ 2.47 $ 0.00 $(1.08)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 15.81 (.14)(b) 3.12 2.98 0.00 (1.27)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 11.29 (.11) 5.30 5.19 0.00 (.67)
Year ended 11/30/94 ............. 11.72 (.15) (.28) (.43) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 11/30/93 ............. 10.79 (.10) 1.03 .93 0.00 0.00
9/28/92+ to 11/30/92 ............ 10.00 0.00 .79 .79 0.00 0.00
Class C
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $17.54 $ (.09)(b) $ 2.57 $ 2.48 $ 0.00 $(1.08)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 15.82 (.14)(b) 3.13 2.99 0.00 (1.27)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 11.30 (.08) 5.27 5.19 0.00 (.67)
Year ended 11/30/94 ............. 11.72 (.09) (.33) (.42) 0.00 0.00
5/3/93++ to 11/30/93 ............ 10.48 (.05) 1.29 1.24 0.00 0.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Please refer to the footnotes on page 18.
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate (k)
- ------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ (1.08) $ 7.29 10.46% $1,024,652 1.05%* (.16)%* 107% $0.0559
(1.09) 7.71 16.49 999,067 1.04 .30 80 0.0646
(1.01) 7.72 37.87 945,309 1.08 .31 81 --
0.00 6.63 (3.21) 760,679 1.05* .21* 63 --
(.78) 6.85 14.26 831,814 1.01 .27 66 --
(.53) 6.68 14.70 794,733 .81 .79 58 --
(.70) 6.29 33.91 748,226 .83 1.03 74 --
(1.42) 5.22 (4.36) 620,374 .81 1.56 71 --
(.04) 6.87 23.42 837,429 .75 1.79 81 --
(.43) 5.60 17.10 760,619 .82 1.38 65 --
(2.07) 5.15 4.90 695,812 .76 1.03 100 --
(5.26) 6.87 12.60 652,009 .61 1.39 46 --
$ (1.06) $ 6.94 9.98% $ 50,785 1.88%* (.99)%* 107% $0.0559
(1.07) 7.40 15.47 44,450 1.87 (.53) 80 0.0646
(1.00) 7.49 36.61 31,738 1.90 (.53) 81 --
0.00 6.50 (3.85) 18,138 1.89* (.60)* 63 --
(.76) 6.76 13.28 12,402 1.90 (.64) 66 --
(.49) 6.64 13.75 3,825 1.64 (.04) 58 --
(.67) 6.27 13.10 852 1.64* .10* 74 --
$ (1.06) $ 6.94 9.83% $ 15,670 1.86%* (.97)%* 107% $0.0559
(1.07) 7.41 15.48 13,899 1.86 (.51) 80 0.0646
(1.00) 7.50 36.79 10,078 1.89 (.51) 81 --
0.00 6.50 (3.99) 6,230 1.87* (.59)* 63 --
(.76) 6.77 13.95 4,006 1.94* (.74)* 66 --
$ (1.03) $ 35.78 5.46% $ 579,580 1.24%* (.03)%* 19% $0.0537
(.82) 34.91 21.65 499,459 1.30 .15 46 0.0584
(.52) 29.48 20.18 285,161 1.35 .56 61 --
0.00 25.08 4.98 167,800 1.35* .86* 24 --
(2.32) 23.89 15.66 102,406 1.40 (f) .32 87 --
(1.37) 22.67 18.89 13,889 1.40 (f) .20 124 --
(1.87) 20.31 23.61 8,228 1.40 (f) 1.44 137 --
(.06) 17.94 32.40 713 1.40*(f) 1.99* 130 --
$ (1.03) $ 29.67 5.12% $2,829,994 1.94%* (.74)%* 19% $0.0537
(.63) 29.21 20.82 2,498,097 1.99 (.54) 46 0.0584
(.42) 24.78 19.33 1,052,020 2.05 (.15) 61 --
0.00 21.21 4.64 751,521 2.05* .16* 24 --
(2.32) 20.27 14.79 394,227 2.10 (f) (.36) 87 --
(1.65) 19.68 18.16 56,704 2.15 (f) (.53) 124 --
(2.56) 18.16 22.75 37,845 2.15 (f) .78 137 --
(.80) 16.88 24.72 22,710 2.10 (f) .56 130 --
(1.02) 14.38 8.81 15,800 2.00 (f) .07 165 --
(1.06) 14.13 20.31 7,672 2.00 (f) (.03) 139 --
0.00 12.76 27.60 1,938 2.00*(f) (.40)* 52 --
$ (1.03) $ 29.68 5.11% $ 472,104 1.94%* (.73)%* 19% $0.0537
(.63) 29.22 20.81 403,478 2.00 (.55) 46 0.0584
(.42) 24.79 19.32 226,662 2.05 (.15) 61 --
0.00 21.22 4.64 114,455 2.05* .16* 24 --
(2.32) 20.28 5.27 64,030 2.10*(f) (.31)* 87 --
$ (1.08) $ 19.51 15.70% $ 215,464 1.57%* (.36)%* 47% $0.0598
(1.27) 17.98 21.52 172,870 1.65 (.27) 95 0.0651
(.67) 16.09 49.95 72,366 1.75 (.28) 114 --
0.00 11.41 (3.14) 35,146 1.96 (.67) 98 --
(.01) 11.78 9.26 40,415 2.18 (.61) 68 --
0.00 10.79 7.90 4,893 2.17* .91* 0 --
$ (1.08) $ 18.91 15.29% $ 550,297 2.26%* (1.05)%* 47% $0.0598
(1.27) 17.52 20.70 404,137 2.32 (.94) 95 0.0651
(.67) 15.81 49.01 238,088 2.43 (.95) 114 --
0.00 11.29 (3.67) 139,988 2.47 (1.19) 98 --
0.00 11.72 8.64 151,600 2.70 (1.14) 68 --
0.00 10.79 7.90 19,941 2.68*(f) .35*(f) 0 --
$ (1.08) $ 18.94 15.33% $ 91,551 2.25% (1.05)%* 47% $0.0598
(1.27) 17.54 20.76 60,194 2.32 (.94) 95 0.0651
(.67) 15.82 48.96 20,679 2.42 (.97) 114 --
0.00 11.30 (3.58) 7,332 2.47 (1.16) 98 --
0.00 11.72 11.83 3,899 2.79* (1.35)* 68 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From Distributions
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment From Net
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Realized Gains
---------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Technology Fund
Class A
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $51.15 $ (.20)(b) $ .70 $ .50 $ 0.00 $ (.42)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 46.64 (.39)(b) 7.28 6.89 0.00 (2.38)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 31.98 (.30) 18.13 17.83 0.00 (3.17)
1/1/94 to 11/30/94** ............ 26.12 (.32) 6.18 5.86 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/93 ............. 28.20 (.29) 6.39 6.10 0.00 (8.18)
Year ended 12/31/92 ............. 26.38 (.22)(b) 4.31 4.09 0.00 (2.27)
Year ended 12/31/91 ............. 19.44 (.02) 10.57 10.55 0.00 (3.61)
Year ended 12/31/90 ............. 21.57 (.03) (.56) (.59) 0.00 (1.54)
Year ended 12/31/89 ............. 20.35 0.00 1.22 1.22 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/88 ............. 20.22 (.03)(c) .16 .13 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/87 ............. 23.11 (.10)(c) 4.54 4.44 0.00 (7.33)
Year ended 12/31/86 ............. 20.64 (.14)(c) 2.62 2.48 (.01) 0.00
Class B
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $49.76 $ (.35)(b) $ .66 $ .31 $ 0.00 $ (.42)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 45.76 (.70)(b) 7.08 6.38 0.00 (2.38)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 31.61 (.60)(b) 17.92 17.32 0.00 (3.17)
1/1/94 to 11/30/94** ............ 25.98 (.23) 5.86 5.63 0.00 0.00
5/3/93++ to 12/31/93 ............ 27.44 (.12) 6.84 6.72 0.00 (8.18)
Class C
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ........... $49.76 $ (.35)(b) $ .66 $ .31 $ 0.00 $ (.42)
Year ended 11/30/96 ............. 45.77 (.70)(b) 7.07 6.37 0.00 (2.38)
Year ended 11/30/95 ............. 31.61 (.58)(b) 17.91 17.33 0.00 (3.17)
1/1/94 to 11/30/94** ............ 25.98 (.24) 5.87 5.63 0.00 0.00
5/3/93++ to 12/31/93 ............ 27.44 (.13) 6.85 6.72 0.00 (8.18)
Quasar Fund
Class A
10/1/96 to 3/31/97+++ ........... $27.92 $ (.11)(b) $ .27 $ .16 $ 0.00 $(4.11)
Year ended 9/30/96 .............. 24.16 (.25) 8.82 8.57 0.00 (4.81)
Year ended 9/30/95 .............. 22.65 (.22)(b) 5.59 5.37 0.00 (3.86)
Year ended 9/30/94 .............. 24.43 (.60) (.36) (.96) 0.00 (.82)
Year ended 9/30/93 .............. 19.34 (.41) 6.38 5.97 0.00 (.88)
Year ended 9/30/92 .............. 21.27 (.24) (1.53) (1.77) 0.00 (.16)
Year ended 9/30/91 .............. 15.67 (.05) 5.71 5.66 (.06) 0.00
Year ended 9/30/90 .............. 24.84 .03 (b) (7.18) (7.15) 0.00 (2.02)
Year ended 9/30/89 .............. 17.60 .02(b) 7.40 7.42 0.00 (.18)
Year ended 9/30/88 .............. 24.47 (.08)(c) (2.08) (2.16) 0.00 (4.71)
Year ended 9/30/87(d) ........... 21.80 (.14)(c) 5.88 5.74 0.00 (3.07)
Class B
10/1/96 to 3/31/97+++ ........... $26.13 $ (.19)(b) $ .24 $ .05 $ 0.00 $(4.11)
Year ended 9/30/96 .............. 23.03 (.20) 8.11 7.91 0.00 (4.81)
Year ended 9/30/95 .............. 21.92 (.37)(b) 5.34 4.97 0.00 (3.86)
Year ended 9/30/94 .............. 23.88 (.53) (.61) (1.14) 0.00 (.82)
Year ended 9/30/93 .............. 19.07 (.18) 5.87 5.69 0.00 (.88)
Year ended 9/30/92 .............. 21.14 (.39) (1.52) (1.91) 0.00 (.16)
Year ended 9/30/91 .............. 15.66 (.13) 5.67 5.54 (.06) 0.00
9/17/90++ to 9/30/90 ............ 17.17 (.01) (1.50) (1.51) 0.00 0.00
Class C
10/1/96 to 3/31/97+++ ........... $26.14 $ (.19)(b) $ .23 $ .04 $ 0.00 $(4.11)
Year ended 9/30/96 .............. 23.05 (.20) 8.10 7.90 0.00 (4.81)
Year ended 9/30/95 .............. 21.92 (.37)(b) 5.36 4.99 0.00 (3.86)
Year ended 9/30/94 .............. 23.88 (.36) (.78) (1.14) 0.00 (.82)
5/3/93++ to 9/30/93 ............. 20.33 (.10) 3.65 3.55 0.00 0.00
International Fund
Class A
Year ended 6/30/97 .............. $18.32 $ .06 (b) $ 1.51 $ 1.57 $ (.12) $(1.08)
Year ended 6/30/96 .............. 16.81 .05 (b) 2.51 2.56 0.00 (1.05)
Year ended 6/30/95 .............. 18.38 .04 .01 .05 0.00 (1.62)
Year ended 6/30/94 .............. 16.01 (.09) 3.02 2.93 0.00 (.56)
Year ended 6/30/93 .............. 14.98 (.01) 1.17 1.16 (.04) (.09)
Year ended 6/30/92 .............. 14.00 .01 (b) 1.04 1.05 (.07) 0.00
Year ended 6/30/91 .............. 17.99 .05 (3.54) (3.49) (.03) (.47)
Year ended 6/30/90 .............. 17.24 .03 2.87 2.90 (.04) (2.11)
Year ended 6/30/89 .............. 16.09 .05 3.73 3.78 (.13) (2.50)
Year ended 6/30/88 .............. 23.70 .17 (1.22) (1.05) (.21) (6.35)
Class B
Year ended 6/30/97 .............. $17.45 $ (.09)(b) $ 1.43 $ 1.34 $ 0.00 $(1.08)
Year ended 6/30/96 .............. 16.19 (.07)(b) 2.38 2.31 0.00 (1.05)
Year ended 6/30/95 .............. 17.90 (.01) (.08) (.09) 0.00 (1.62)
Year ended 6/30/94 .............. 15.74 (.19)(b) 2.91 2.72 0.00 (.56)
Year ended 6/30/93 .............. 14.81 (.12) 1.14 1.02 0.00 (.09)
Year ended 6/30/92 .............. 13.93 (.11)(b) 1.02 .91 (.03) 0.00
9/17/90++ to 6/30/91 ............ 15.52 .03 (1.12) (1.09) (.03) (.47)
Class C
Year ended 6/30/97 .............. $17.46 $ (.09)(b) $ 1.44 $ 1.35 $ 0.00 $(1.08)
Year ended 6/30/96 .............. 16.20 (.07)(b) 2.38 2.31 0.00 (1.05)
Year ended 6/30/95 .............. 17.91 (.14) .05 (.09) 0.00 (1.62)
Year ended 6/30/94 .............. 15.74 (.11) 2.84 2.73 0.00 (.56)
5/3/93++ to 6/30/93 ............. 15.93 0.00 (.19) (.19) 0.00 0.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Please refer to the footnotes on page 18.
10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate (k)
- ------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ (.42) $ 51.23 .99% $631,967 1.64%* (.81)%* 28% $ 0.0576
(2.38) 51.15 16.05 594,861 1.74 (.87) 30 0.0612
(3.17) 46.64 61.93 398,262 1.75 (.77) 55 --
0.00 31.98 22.43 202,929 1.66* (1.22)* 55 --
(8.18) 26.12 21.63 173,732 1.73 (1.32) 64 --
(2.27) 28.20 15.50 173,566 1.61 (.90) 73 --
(3.61) 26.38 54.24 191,693 1.71 (.20) 134 --
(1.54) 19.44 (3.08) 131,843 1.77 (.18) 147 --
0.00 21.57 6.00 141,730 1.66 .02 139 --
0.00 20.35 0.64 169,856 1.42 (f) (.16)(f) 139 --
(7.33) 20.22 19.16 167,608 1.31 (f) (.56)(f) 248 --
(.01) 23.11 12.03 147,733 1.13 (f) (.57)(f) 141 --
$ (.42) $ 49.65 .64% $864,200 2.35%* (1.50)%* 28% $ 0.0576
(2.38) 49.76 15.20 660,921 2.44 (1.61) 30 0.0612
(3.17) 45.76 60.95 277,111 2.48 (1.47) 55 --
0.00 31.61 21.67 18,397 2.43* (1.95)* 55 --
(8.18) 25.98 24.49 1,645 2.57* (2.30)* 64 --
$ (.42) $ 49.65 .64% $145,146 2.36%* (1.50)%* 28% $ 0.0576
(2.38) 49.76 15.17 108,488 2.44 (1.60) 30 0.0612
(3.17) 45.77 60.98 43,161 2.48 (1.47) 55 --
0.00 31.61 21.67 7,470 2.41* (1.94)* 55 --
(8.18) 25.98 24.49 1,096 2.52* (2.25)* 64 --
$ (4.11) $ 23.97 .88% $265,131 1.54%* (.81)%* 75% $ 0.0533
(4.81) 27.92 42.42 229,798 1.79 (1.11) 168 0.0596
(3.86) 24.16 30.73 146,663 1.83 (1.06) 160 --
(.82) 22.65 (4.05) 155,470 1.67 (1.15) 110 --
(.88) 24.43 31.58 228,874 1.65 (1.00) 102 --
(.16) 19.34 (8.34) 252,140 1.62 (.89) 128 --
(.06) 21.27 36.28 333,806 1.64 (.22) 118 --
(2.02) 15.67 (30.81) 251,102 1.66 .16 90 --
(.18) 24.84 42.68 263,099 1.73 .10 90 --
(4.71) 17.60 (8.61) 90,713 1.28(f) (.40)(f) 58 --
(3.07) 24.47 29.61 134,676 1.18(f) (.56)(f) 76 --
$ (4.11) $ 22.07 .48% $229,756 2.35%* (1.61)%* 75% $ 0.0533
(4.81) 26.13 41.48 112,490 2.62 (1.96) 168 0.0596
(3.86) 23.03 29.78 16,604 2.65 (1.88) 160 --
(.82) 21.92 (4.92) 13,901 2.50 (1.98) 110 --
(.88) 23.88 30.53 16,779 2.46 (1.81) 102 --
(.16) 19.07 (9.05) 9,454 2.42 (1.67) 128 --
(.06) 21.14 35.54 7,346 2.41 (1.28) 118 --
0.00 15.66 (8.79) 71 2.09* (.26)* 90 --
$ (4.11) $ 22.07 .44% $ 66,742 2.34%* (1.59)%* 75% $ 0.0533
(4.81) 26.14 41.46 28,541 2.61 (1.94) 168 0.0596
(3.86) 23.05 29.87 1,611 2.64* (1.76)* 160 --
(.82) 21.92 (4.92) 1,220 2.48 (1.96) 110 --
0.00 23.88 17.46 118 2.49* (1.90)* 102 --
$ (1.20) $ 18.69 9.30% $190,173 1.74%(l) .31% 94% $ 0.0363
(1.05) 18.32 15.83 196,261 1.72 .31 78 --
(1.62) 16.81 .59 165,584 1.73 .26 119 --
(.56) 18.38 18.68 201,916 1.90 (.50) 97 --
(.13) 16.01 7.86 161,048 1.88 (.14) 94 --
(.07) 14.98 7.52 179,807 1.82 .07 72 --
(.50) 14.00 (19.34) 214,442 1.73 .37 71 --
(2.15) 17.99 16.98 265,999 1.45 .33 37 --
(2.63) 17.24 27.65 166,003 1.41 .39 87 --
(6.56) 16.09 (4.20) 132,319 1.41 .84 55 --
$ (1.08) $ 17.71 8.37% $ 77,725 2.59%(l) (.51)% 94% $ 0.0363
(1.05) 17.45 14.87 72,470 2.55 (.46) 78 --
(1.62) 16.19 (.22) 48,998 2.57 (.62) 119 --
(.56) 17.90 17.65 29,943 2.78 (1.15) 97 --
(.09) 15.74 6.98 6,363 2.70 (.96) 94 --
(.03) 14.81 6.54 5,585 2.68 (.70) 72 --
(.50) 13.93 (6.97) 3,515 3.39* 84* 71 --
$ (1.08) $ 17.73 8.42% $ 23,268 2.58%(l) (.51)% 94% $ 0.0363
(1.05) 17.46 14.85 26,965 2.53 (.47) 78 --
(1.62) 16.20 (.22) 19,395 2.54 (.88) 119 --
(.56) 17.91 17.72 13,503 2.78 (1.12) 97 --
0.00 15.74 (1.19) 229 2.57* .08* 94 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net
Net Increase
Asset Net Realized and (Decrease) Dividends Distributions Distributions
Value Of Investment Unrealized In Net Asset From Net in Excess Of From Net
Beginning Income Gain (Loss) On Value From Investment Net Investment Realized
Fiscal Year or Period Period (Loss) Investments Operations Income Income Gains
---------------------- ---------- ---------- --------------- ------------ ---------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Privatization Fund
Class A
Year ended 6/30/97 ...... $12.13 $ .15 (b) $ 2.55 $ 2.70 $ (.15) $ 0.00 $(1.42)
Year ended 6/30/96 ...... 10.18 .10 (b) 1.85 1.95 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 6/30/95 ...... 9.75 .06 .37 .43 0.00 0.00 0.00
6/2/94+ to 6/30/94 ...... 10.00 .01 (.26) (.25) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Class B
Year ended 6/30/97 ...... $11.96 $ .08 (b) $ 2.50 $ 2.58 $ (.08) $ 0.00 $(1.42)
Year ended 6/30/96 ...... 10.10 (.02) 1.88 1.86 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 6/30/95 ...... 9.74 .02 .34 .36 0.00 0.00 0.00
6/2/94+ to 6/30/94 ...... 10.00 .00 (.26) (.26) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Class C
Year ended 6/30/97 ...... $11.96 $ .12 (b) $ 2.46 $ 2.58 $ (.08) $ 0.0 $(1.42)
Year ended 6/30/96 ...... 10.10 .03 1.83 1.86 0.00 0.00 0.00
2/8/95++ to 6/30/95 ..... 9.53 .05 .52 .57 0.00 0.00 0.00
New Europe Fund
Class A
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $15.84 $ .07 (b) $ 4.20 $ 4.27 $ (.15) $ (.03) $(1.32)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 15.11 .18 1.02 1.20 0.00 0.00 (.47)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 12.66 .04 2.50 2.54 (.09) 0.00 0.00
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 12.53 .09 .04 .13 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 2/28/94 ...... 9.37 .02 (b) 3.14 3.16 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 2/28/93 ...... 9.81 .04 (.33) (.29) (.15) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 2/29/92 ...... 9.76 .02 (b) .05 .07 (.02) 0.00 0.00
4/2/90+ to 2/28/91 ...... 11.11 (e) .26 (.91) (.65) (.26) 0.00 (.44)
Class B
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $15.31 $ (.04)(b) $ 4.02 $ 3.98 $ 0.00 $ (.10) $(1.32)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 14.71 .08 .99 1.07 0.00 0.00 (.47)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 12.41 (.05) 2.44 2.39 (.09) 0.00 0.00
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 12.32 .07 .02 .09 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 2/28/94 ...... 9.28 (.05)(b) 3.09 3.04 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 2/28/93 ...... 9.74 (.02) (.33) (.35) (.11) 0.00 0.00
3/5/91++ to 2/29/92 ..... 9.84 (.04)(b) (.04) (.08) (.02) 0.00 0.00
Class C
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $15.33 $ (.04)(b) $ 4.02 $ 3.98 $ 0.00 $ (.10) $(1.32)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 14.72 .08 1.00 1.08 0.00 0.00 (.47)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 12.42 (.07) 2.46 2.39 (.09) 0.00 0.00
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 12.33 .06 .03 .09 0.00 0.00 0.00
5/3/93++ to 2/28/94 ..... 10.21 (.04)(b) 2.16 2.12 0.00 0.00 0.00
All-Asia Investment Fund
Class A
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ... $11.04 $ (.13)(b) $ (.50) $ (.63) $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.34)
Year ended 10/31/96 ..... 10.45 (.21)(b)(c) .88 .67 0.00 0.00 (.08)
11/28/94+ to 10/31/95 ... 10.00 (.19)(c) .64 .45 0.00 0.00 0.00
Class B
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ... $10.90 $ (.16)(b) $ (.49) $ (.65) $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.34)
Year ended 10/31/96 ..... 10.41 (.28)(b)(c) .85 .57 0.00 0.00 (.08)
11/28/94+ to 10/31/95 ... 10.00 (.25)(c) .66 .41 0.00 0.00 0.00
Class C
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ... $10.91 $ (.16)(b) $ (.49) $ (.65) $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.34)
Year ended 10/31/96 ..... 10.41 (.28)(b)(c) .86 .58 0.00 0.00 (.08)
11/28/94+ to 10/31/95 ... 10.00 (.35)(c) .76 .41 0.00 0.00 0.00
Global Small Cap Fund
Class A
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $11.61 $ (.15)(b) $ 2.97 $ 2.82 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $(1.56)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 10.38 (.14)(b) 1.90 1.76 0.00 0.00 (.53)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 11.08 (.09) 1.50 1.41 0.00 0.00 (2.11)(j)
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 11.24 (.15)(b) (.01) (.16) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 9/30/93 ...... 9.33 (.15) 2.49 2.34 0.00 0.00 (.43)
Year ended 9/30/92 ...... 10.55 (.16) (1.03) (1.19) 0.00 0.00 (.03)
Year ended 9/30/91 ...... 8.26 (.06) 2.35 2.29 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 9/30/90 ...... 15.54 (.05)(b) (4.12) (4.17) 0.00 0.00 (3.11)
Year ended 9/30/89 ...... 11.41 (.03) 4.25 4.22 0.00 0.00 (.09)
Year ended 9/30/88 ...... 15.07 (.05) (1.83) (1.88) 0.00 0.00 (1.78)
Year ended 9/30/87 ...... 15.47 (.07) 4.19 4.12 (.04) 0.00 (4.48)
Class B
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $11.03 $ (.21)(b) $ 2.77 $ 2.56 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $(1.56)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 9.95 (.20)(b) 1.81 1.61 0.00 0.00 (.53)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 10.78 (.12) 1.40 1.28 0.00 0.00 (2.11)(j)
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 11.00 (.17)(b) (.05) (.22) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 9/30/93 ...... 9.20 (.15) 2.38 2.23 0.00 0.00 (.43)
Year ended 9/30/92 ...... 10.49 (.20) (1.06) (1.26) 0.00 0.00 (.03)
Year ended 9/30/91 ...... 8.26 (.07) 2.30 2.23 0.00 0.00 0.00
9/17/90++ to 9/30/90 .... 9.12 (.01) (.85) (.86) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Class C
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $11.05 $ (.22)(b) $ 2.78 $ 2.56 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $(1.56)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 9.96 (.20)(b) 1.82 1.62 0.00 0.00 (.53)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 10.79 (.17) 1.45 1.28 0.00 0.00 (2.11)(j)
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 11.00 (.17)(b) (.04) (.21) 0.00 0.00 0.00
5/3/93++ to 9/30/93 ..... 9.86 (.05) 1.19 1.14 0.00 0.00 0.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Please refer to the footnotes on page 18.
12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate (k)
- ------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ (1.57) $ 13.26 25.16% $561,793 1.72% 1.27% 48% $ 0.0132
0.00 12.13 19.16 672,732 1.87 .95 28 --
0.00 10.18 4.41 13,535 2.56 .66 36 --
0.00 9.75 (2.50) 4,990 2.75* 1.03* 0 --
$ (1.50) $ 13.04 24.34% $121,173 2.43% .66% 48% $ 0.0132
0.00 11.96 18.42 83,050 2.83 (.20) 28 --
0.00 10.10 3.70 79,359 3.27 .01 36 --
0.00 9.74 (2.60) 22,859 3.45* .33* 0 --
$ (1.50) $ 13.04 24.33% $ 12,929 2.42% 1.06% 48% $ 0.0132
0.00 11.96 18.42 2,383 2.57 .63 28 --
0.00 10.10 5.98 338 3.27* 2.65* 36 --
$ (1.50) $ 18.61 28.78% $ 78,578 2.05%(l) .40% 89% $ 0.0569
(.47) 15.84 8.20 74,026 2.14 1.10 69 --
(.09) 15.11 20.22 86,112 2.09 .37 74 --
0.00 12.66 1.04 86,739 2.06* 1.85* 35 --
0.00 12.53 33.73 90,372 2.30 .17 94 --
(.15) 9.37 (2.82) 79,285 2.25 .47 125 --
(.02) 9.81 .74 108,510 2.24 .16 34 --
(.70) 9.76 (5.63) 188,016 1.52* 2.71* 48 --
$ (1.42) $ 17.87 27.76% $ 66,032 2.75%(l) (.23)% 89% $ 0.0569
(.47) 15.31 7.53 42,662 2.86 .59 69 --
(.09) 14.71 19.42 34,527 2.79 (.33) 74 --
0.00 12.41 .73 31,404 2.76* 1.15* 35 --
0.00 12.32 32.76 20,729 3.02 (.52) 94 --
(.11) 9.28 (3.49) 1,732 3.00 (.50) 125 --
(.02) 9.74 .03 1,423 3.02* (.71)* 34 --
$ (1.42) $ 17.89 27.73% $ 16,907 2.74%(l) (.23)% 89% $ 0.0569
(.47) 15.33 7.59 10,141 2.87 .58 69 --
(.09) 14.72 19.40 7,802 2.78 (.33) 74 --
0.00 12.42 .73 11,875 2.76* 1.15* 35 --
0.00 12.33 20.77 10,886 3.00* (.52)* 94 --
$ (.34) $ 10.07 (5.99)% $ 8,840 3.45%* (2.29)%* 56% $ 0.0269
(.08) 11.04 6.43 12,284 3.37*(f) (1.75) 66 0.0280
0.00 10.45 4.50 2,870 4.42*(f) (1.87)* 90 --
$ (.34) $ 9.91 (6.26)% $ 19,696 4.16%* (2.99)%* 56% $ 0.0269
(.08) 10.90 5.49 23,784 4.07(f) (2.44) 66 0.0280
0.00 10.41 4.10 5,170 5.20*(f) (2.64)* 90 --
$ (.34) $ 9.92 (6.25)% $ 2,898 4.14%* (2.98)%* 56% $ 0.0269
(.08) 10.91 5.59 4,228 4.07(f) (2.42) 66 0.0280
0.00 10.41 4.10 597 5.84*(f) (3.41)* 90 --
$ (1.56) $ 12.87 26.47% $ 85,217 2.41%(l) (1.25)% 129% $ 0.0364
(.53) 11.61 17.46 68,623 2.51 (1.22) 139 --
(2.11) 10.38 16.62 60,057 2.54(f) (1.17) 128 --
0.00 11.08 (1.42) 61,372 2.42* (1.26)* 78 --
(.43) 11.24 25.83 65,713 2.53 (1.13) 97 --
(.03) 9.33 (11.30) 58,491 2.34 (.85) 108 --
0.00 10.55 27.72 84,370 2.29 (.55) 104 --
(3.11) 8.26 (31.90) 68,316 1.73 (.46) 89 --
(.09) 15.54 37.34 113,583 1.56 (.17) 106 --
(1.78) 11.41 (8.11) 90,071 1.54(f) (.50) 74 --
(4.52) 15.07 34.11 113,305 1.41(f) (.44) 98 --
$ (1.56) $ 12.03 25.42% $ 31,946 3.11%(l) (1.92)% 129% $ 0.0364
(.53) 11.03 16.69 14,247 3.21 (1.88) 139 --
(2.11) 9.95 15.77 5,164 3.20(f) (1.92) 128 --
0.00 10.78 (2.00) 3,889 3.15* (1.93)* 78 --
(.43) 11.00 24.97 1,150 3.26 (1.85) 97 --
(.03) 9.20 (12.03) 819 3.11 (1.31) 108 --
0.00 10.49 27.00 121 2.98 (1.39) 104 --
0.00 8.26 (9.43) 183 2.61* (1.30)* 89 --
$ (1.56) $ 12.05 25.37% $ 8,718 3.10%(l) (1.93)% 129% $ 0.0364
(.53) 11.05 16.77 4,119 3.19 (1.85) 139 --
(2.11) 9.96 15.75 1,407 3.25(f) (2.10) 128 --
0.00 10.79 (1.91) 1,330 3.13* (1.92)* 78 --
0.00 11.00 11.56 261 3.75* (2.51)* 97 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From Distributions
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment From Net
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Realized Gains
---------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Strategic Balanced Fund (i)
Class A
Year ended 7/31/97 .......... $18.48 $ .47(b)(c) $ 3.56 $ 4.03 $ (.39) $(2.33)
Year ended 7/31/96 .......... 17.98 .35(b)(c) 1.08 1.43 (.32) (.61)
Year ended 7/31/95 .......... 16.26 .34(c) 1.64 1.98 (.22) (.04)
Period ended 7/31/94** ...... 16.46 .07(c) (.27) (.20) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 4/30/94 .......... 16.97 .16(c) .74 .90 (.24) (1.17)
Year ended 4/30/93 .......... 17.06 .39(c) .59 .98 (.42) (.65)
Year ended 4/30/92 .......... 14.48 .27(c) 2.80 3.07 (.17) (.32)
9/4/90++ to 4/30/91 ......... 12.51 .34(c) 1.66 2.00 (.03) 0.00
Class B
Year ended 7/31/97 .......... $15.89 $ .28(b)(c) $ 3.02 $ 3.30 $ (.27) $(2.33)
Year ended 7/31/96 .......... 15.56 .16(b)(c) .98 1.14 (.20) (.61)
Year ended 7/31/95 .......... 14.10 .22(c) 1.40 1.62 (.12) (.04)
Period ended 7/31/94** ...... 14.30 .03(c) (.23) (.20) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 4/30/94 .......... 14.92 .06(c) .63 .69 (.14) (1.17)
Year ended 4/30/93 .......... 15.51 .23(c) .53 .76 (.25) (1.10)
Year ended 4/30/92 .......... 13.96 .22(c) 2.70 2.92 (.29) (1.08)
Year ended 4/30/91 .......... 12.40 .43(c) 1.60 2.03 (.47) 0.00
Year ended 4/30/90 .......... 11.97 .50(b)(c) .60 1.10 (.25) (.42)
Year ended 4/30/89 .......... 11.45 .48(c) 1.11 1.59 (.30) (.77)
10/23/87+ to 4/30/88 ........ 10.00 .13(c) 1.38 1.51 (.06) 0.00
Class C
Year ended 7/31/97 .......... $15.89 $ .28(b)(c) $ 3.02 $ 3.30 $ (.27) $(2.33)
Year ended 7/31/96 .......... 15.57 .14(b)(c) .99 1.13 (.20) (.61)
Year ended 7/31/95 .......... 14.11 .16(c) 1.46 1.62 (.12) (.04)
Period ended 7/31/94** ...... 14.31 .03(c) (.23) (.20) 0.00 0.00
8/2/93++ to 4/30/94 ......... 15.64 .15(c) (.17) (.02) (.14) (1.17)
Balanced Shares
Class A
Year ended 7/31/97 .......... $14.01 $ .31(b) $ 3.97 $ 4.28 $ (.32) $(1.80)
Year ended 7/31/96 .......... 15.08 .37 .45 .82 (.41) (1.48)
Year ended 7/31/95 .......... 13.38 .46 1.62 2.08 (.36) (.02)
Period ended 7/31/94** ...... 14.40 .29 (.74) (.45) (.28) (.29)
Year ended 9/30/93 .......... 13.20 .34 1.29 1.63 (.43) 0.00
Year ended 9/30/92 .......... 12.64 .44 .57 1.01 (.45) 0.00
Year ended 9/30/91 .......... 10.41 .46 2.17 2.63 (.40) 0.00
Year ended 9/30/90 .......... 14.13 .45 (2.14) (1.69) (.40) (1.63)
Year ended 9/30/89 .......... 12.53 .42 2.18 2.60 (.46) (.54)
Year ended 9/30/88 .......... 16.33 .46 (1.07) (.61) (.44) (2.75)
Year ended 9/30/87 .......... 14.64 .67 1.62 2.29 (.60) 0.00
Class B
Year ended 7/31/97 .......... $13.79 $ .19(b) $ 3.89 $ 4.08 $ (.24) $(1.80)
Year ended 7/31/96 .......... 14.88 .28 .42 .70 (.31) (1.48)
Year ended 7/31/95 .......... 13.23 .30 1.65 1.95 (.28) (.02)
Period ended 7/31/94** ...... 14.27 .22 (.75) (.53) (.22) (.29)
Year ended 9/30/93 .......... 13.13 .29 1.22 1.51 (.37) 0.00
Year ended 9/30/92 .......... 12.61 .37 .54 .91 (.39) 0.00
2/4/91++ to 9/30/91 ......... 11.84 .25 .80 1.05 (.28) 0.00
Class C
Year ended 7/31/97 .......... $13.81 $ .20(b) $ 3.89 $ 4.09 $ (.24) $(1.80)
Year ended 7/31/96 .......... 14.89 .26 .45 .71 (.31) (1.48)
Year ended 7/31/95 .......... 13.24 .30 1.65 1.95 (.28) (.02)
Period ended 7/31/94** ...... 14.28 .24 (.77) (.53) (.22) (.29)
5/3/93++ to 9/30/93 ......... 13.63 .11 .71 .82 (.17) 0.00
Income Builder Fund (h)
Class A
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ....... $11.57 $ .24(b) $ .69 $ .93 $ (.25) $ (.61)
Year ended 10/31/96 ......... 10.70 .56(b) .98 1.54 (.55) (.12)
Year ended 10/31/95 ......... 9.69 .93(b) .59 1.52 (.51) 0.00
3/25/94++ to 10/31/94 ....... 10.00 .96 (1.02) (.06) (.05)(g) (.20)
Class B
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ....... $11.55 $ .20(b) $ .70 $ .90 $ (.22) $ (.61)
Year ended 10/31/96 ......... 10.70 .47(b) .98 1.45 (.48) (.12)
Year ended 10/31/95 ......... 9.68 .63(b) .83 1.46 (.44) 0.00
3/25/94++ to 10/31/94 ....... 10.00 .88 (.98) (.10) (.06)(g) (.16)
Class C
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ....... $11.52 $ .21(b) $ .68 $ .89 $ (.22) $ (.61)
Year ended 10/31/96 ......... 10.67 .46(b) .99 1.45 (.48) (.12)
Year ended 10/31/95 ......... 9.66 .40(b) 1.05 1.45 (.44) 0.00
Year ended 10/31/94 ......... 10.47 .50 (.85) (.35) (.11)(g) (.35)
Year ended 10/31/93 ......... 9.80 .52 .51 1.03 (.36) 0.00
Year ended 10/31/92 ......... 10.00 .55 (.28) .27 (.47) 0.00
10/25/91+ to 10/31/91 ....... 10.00 .01 0.00 .01 (.01) 0.00
Utility Income Fund
Class A
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ....... $10.59 $ .16(b)(c) $ .07 $ .23 $ (.18) $ (.13)
Year ended 11/30/96 ......... 10.22 .18(b)(c) .65 .83 (.46) 0.00
Year ended 11/30/95 ......... 8.97 .27(c) 1.43 1.70 (.45) 0.00
Year ended 11/30/94 ......... 9.92 .42(c) (.89) (.47) (.48) 0.00
10/18/93+ to 11/30/93 ....... 10.00 .02(c) (.10) (.08) 0.00 0.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Please refer to the footnotes on page 18.
14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate (k)
- ------------- --------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ (2.72) $ 19.79 23.90% $ 20,312 1.41%(f)(l) 2.50%(c) 170% $ 0.0395
(.93) 18.48 8.05 18,329 1.40(f) 1.78 173 --
(.26) 17.98 12.40 10,952 1.40(f) 2.07 172 --
0.00 16.26 (1.22) 9,640 1.40(f) 1.63* 21 --
(1.41) 16.46 5.06 9,822 1.40*(f) 1.67 139 --
(1.07) 16.97 5.85 8,637 1.40(f) 2.29 98 --
(.49) 17.06 20.96 6,843 1.40(f) 1.92 103 --
(.03) 14.48 16.00 443 1.40*(f) 3.54* 137 --
$ (2.60) $ 16.59 23.01% $ 28,037 2.12%(f)(l) 1.78%(f) 170% $ 0.0395
(.81) 15.89 7.41 28,492 2.10(f) .99(f) 173 --
(.16) 15.56 11.63 37,301 2.10(f) 1.38(f) 172 --
0.00 14.10 (1.40) 43,578 2.10*(f) .92*(f) 21 --
(1.31) 14.30 4.29 43,616 2.10(f) .93(f) 139 --
(1.35) 14.92 4.96 36,155 2.15(f) 1.55(f) 98 --
(1.37) 15.51 20.14 31,842 2.15(f) 1.34(f) 103 --
(.47) 13.96 16.73 22,552 2.10(f) 3.23(f) 137 --
(.67) 12.40 8.85 19,523 2.00(f) 3.85(f) 120 --
(1.07) 11.97 14.66 5,128 2.00(f) 4.31(f) 103 --
(.06) 11.45 15.10 2,344 2.00*(f) 2.44*(f) 72 --
$ (2.60) $ 16.59 23.01% $ 3,045 2.12%(f)(l) 1.78% 170% $ 0.0395
(.81) 15.89 7.34 3,157 2.10(f) .99 173 --
(.16) 15.57 11.62 4,113 2.10(f) 1.38 172 --
0.00 14.11 (1.40) 4,317 2.10*(f) .93* 21 --
(1.31) 14.31 .45 4,289 2.10*(f) .69* 139 --
$ (2.12) $ 16.17 33.46% $115,500 1.47%(l) 2.11% 207% $ 0.0552
(1.89) 14.01 5.23 102,567 1.38 2.41 227 --
(.38) 15.08 15.99 122,033 1.32 3.12 179 --
(.57) 13.38 (3.21) 157,637 1.27* 2.50* 116 --
(.43) 14.40 12.52 172,484 1.35 2.50 188 --
(.45) 13.20 8.14 143,883 1.40 3.26 204 --
(.40) 12.64 25.52 154,230 1.44 3.75 70 --
(2.03) 10.41 (13.12) 140,913 1.36 4.01 169 --
(1.00) 14.13 22.27 159,290 1.42 3.29 132 --
(3.19) 12.53 (1.10) 111,515 1.42 3.74 190 --
(.60) 16.33 15.80 129,786 1.17 4.14 136 --
$ (2.04) $ 15.83 32.34% $ 24,192 2.25%(l) 1.32% 207% $ 0.0552
(1.79) 13.79 4.45 18,393 2.16 1.61 227 --
(.30) 14.88 15.07 15,080 2.11 2.30 179 --
(.51) 13.23 (3.80) 14,347 2.05* 1.73* 116 --
(.37) 14.27 11.65 12,789 2.13 1.72 188 --
(.39) 13.13 7.32 6,499 2.16 2.46 204 --
(.28) 12.61 8.96 1,830 2.13* 3.19* 70 --
$ (2.04) $ 15.86 32.37% $ 5,510 2.23%(l) 1.37% 207% $ 0.0552
(1.79) 13.81 4.52 6,096 2.15 1.63 227 --
(.30) 14.89 15.06 5,108 2.09 2.32 179 --
(.51) 13.24 (3.80) 6,254 2.03* 1.81* 116 --
(.17) 14.28 6.01 1,487 2.29* 1.47* 188 --
$ (.86) $ 11.64 8.31% $ 1,943 2.30%* 4.22%* 169% $ 0.0519
(.67) 11.57 14.82 2,056 2.20 4.92 108 0.0600
(.51) 10.70 16.22 1,398 2.38 5.44 92 --
(.25) 9.69 (.54) 600 2.52* 6.11* 126 --
$ (.83) $ 11.62 8.01% $ 7,328 3.01%* 3.53%* 169% $ 0.0519
(.60) 11.55 13.92 5,775 2.92 4.19 108 0.0600
(.44) 10.70 15.55 3,769 3.09 4.73 92 --
(.22) 9.68 (.99) 1,998 3.09* 5.07* 126 --
$ (.83) $ 11.58 7.94% $ 43,577 3.00%* 3.53%* 169% $ 0.0519
(.60) 11.52 13.96 44,441 2.93 4.13 108 0.0600
(.44) 10.67 15.47 49,107 3.02 4.81 92 --
(.46) 9.66 (3.44) 64,027 2.67 3.82 126 --
(.36) 10.47 10.65 106,034 2.32 6.85 101 --
(.47) 9.80 2.70 152,617 2.33 5.47 108 --
(.01) 10.00 .11 41,813 0.00*(f) .94* 0 --
$ (.31) $ 10.51 2.19% $ 3,571 1.50%*(f) 3.06%* 23% $ 0.0411
(.46) 10.59 8.47 3,294 1.50(f) 1.67 98 0.0536
(.45) 10.22 19.58 2,748 1.50(f) 2.48 162 --
(.48) 8.97 (4.86) 1,068 1.50(f) 4.13 30 --
0.00 9.92 (.80) 229 1.50*(f) 2.35* 11 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From Distributions
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment From Net
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Realized Gains
---------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Utility Income Fund (continued)
Class B
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ......... $10.57 $ .12(b)(c) $ .08 $ .20 $ (.15) $ (.13)
Year ended 11/30/96 ........... 10.20 .10(b)(c) .67 .77 (.40) 0.00
Year ended 11/30/95 ........... 8.96 .18(c) 1.45 1.63 (.39) 0.00
Year ended 11/30/94 ........... 9.91 .37(c) (.91) (.54) (.41) 0.00
10/18/93+ 11/30/93 ............ 10.00 .01(c) (.10) (.09) 0.00 0.00
Class C
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ......... $10.59 $ .12(b)(c) $ .07 $ .19 $ (.15) $ (.13)
Year ended 11/30/96 ........... 10.22 .11(b)(c) .66 .77 (.40) 0.00
Year ended 11/30/95 ........... 8.97 .18(c) 1.46 1.64 (.39) 0.00
Year ended 11/30/94 ........... 9.92 .39(c) (.93) (.54) (.41) 0.00
10/27/93+ to 11/30/93 ......... 10.00 .01(c) (.09) (.08) 0.00 0.00
Growth and Income Fund
Class A
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ......... $ 3.00 $ .03(b) $ .36 $ .39 $ (.03) $ (.38)
Year ended 10/31/96 ........... 2.71 .05 .50 .55 (.05) (.21)
Year ended 10/31/95 ........... 2.35 .02 .52 .54 (.06) (.12)
Year ended 10/31/94 ........... 2.61 .06 (.08) (.02) (.06) (.18)
Year ended 10/31/93 ........... 2.48 .06 .29 .35 (.06) (.16)
Year ended 10/31/92 ........... 2.52 .06 .11 .17 (.06) (.15)
Year ended 10/31/91 ........... 2.28 .07 .56 .63 (.09) (.30)
Year ended 10/31/90 ........... 3.02 .09 (.30) (.21) (.10) (.43)
Year ended 10/31/89 ........... 3.05 .10 .43 .53 (.08) (.48)
Year ended 10/31/88 ........... 3.48 .10 .33 .43 (.08) (.78)
Year ended 10/31/87 ........... 3.52 .11 (.03) .08 (.12) 0.00
Class B
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ......... $ 2.99 $ .01(b) $ .36 $ .37 $ (.02) $ (.38)
Year ended 10/31/96 ........... 2.69 .03 .51 .54 (.03) (.21)
Year ended 10/31/95 ........... 2.34 .01 .49 .50 (.03) (.12)
Year ended 10/31/94 ........... 2.60 .04 (.08) (.04) (.04) (.18)
Year ended 10/31/93 ........... 2.47 .05 .28 .33 (.04) (.16)
Year ended 10/31/92 ........... 2.52 .04 .11 .15 (.05) (.15)
2/8/91++ to 10/31/91 .......... 2.40 .04 .12 .16 (.04) 0.00
Class C
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ......... $ 2.99 $ .01(b) $ .37 $ .38 $ (.02) $ (.38)
Year ended 10/31/96 ........... 2.70 .03 .50 .53 (.03) (.21)
Year ended 10/31/95 ........... 2.34 .01 .50 .51 (.03) (.12)
Year ended 10/31/94 ........... 2.60 .04 (.08) (.04) (.04) (.18)
5/3/93 ++ to 10/31/93 ......... 2.43 .02 .17 .19 (.02) 0.00
Real Estate Investment Fund
Class A
10/1/96+ to 8/31/97 ........... $10.00 $ .30(b) $ 2.88 $ 3.18 $ (.38)(m) $ 0.00
Class B
Year ended 10/1/96+ to 8/31/97 $10.00 $ .23(b) $ 2.89 $ 3.12 $ (.33)(m) $ 0.00
Class C
Year ended 10/1/96+ to 8/31/97 $10.00 $ .23(b) $ 2.89 $ 3.12 $ (.33)(m) $ 0.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Please refer to the footnotes on page 18.
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate (k)
- ------------- --------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ (.28) $ 10.49 1.86% $ 12,972 2.20%*(f) 2.40%* 23% $0.0411
(.40) 10.57 7.82 13,561 2.20(f) .95 98 0.0536
(.39) 10.20 18.66 10,988 2.20(f) 1.60 162 --
(.41) 8.96 (5.59) 2,353 2.20(f) 3.53 30 --
0.00 9.91 (.90) 244 2.20*(f) 2.84* 11 --
$ (.28) $ 10.50 1.76% $ 3,195 2.20%*(f) 2.39%* 23% $0.0411
(.40) 10.59 7.81 3,376 2.20(f) .94 98 0.0536
(.39) 10.22 18.76 3,500 2.20(f) 1.88 162 --
(.41) 8.97 (5.58) 2,651 2.20(f) 3.60 30 --
0.00 9.92 (.80) 18 2.20*(f) 3.08* 11 --
$ (.41) $ 2.98 13.29% $628,306 .91%* 1.76%* 55% $0.0585
(.26) 3.00 21.51 553,151 .97 1.73 88 0.0625
(.18) 2.71 24.21 458,158 1.05 1.88 142 --
(.24) 2.35 (.67) 414,386 1.03 2.36 68 --
(.22) 2.61 14.98 459,372 1.07 2.38 91 --
(.21) 2.48 7.23 417,018 1.09 2.63 104 --
(.39) 2.52 31.03 409,597 1.14 2.74 84 --
(.53) 2.28 (8.55) 314,670 1.09 3.40 76 --
(.56) 3.02 21.59 377,168 1.08 3.49 79 --
(.86) 3.05 16.45 350,510 1.09 3.09 66 --
(.12) 3.48 2.04 348,375 .86 2.77 60 --
$ (.40) $ 2.96 12.60% $326,163 1.72%* .96%* 55% $0.0585
(.24) 2.99 21.20 235,263 1.78 .91 88 0.0625
(.15) 2.69 22.84 136,758 1.86 1.05 142 --
(.22) 2.34 (1.50) 102,546 1.85 1.56 68 --
(.20) 2.60 14.22 76,633 1.90 1.58 91 --
(.20) 2.47 6.22 29,656 1.90 1.69 104 --
(.04) 2.52 6.83 10,221 1.99* 1.67* 84 --
$ (.40) $ 2.97 12.98% $ 78,967 1.70%* .97%* 55% $0.0585
(.24) 2.99 20.72 61,356 1.76 .93 88 0.0625
(.15) 2.70 23.30 35,835 1.84 1.04 142 --
(.22) 2.34 (1.50) 19,395 1.84 1.61 68 --
(.02) 2.60 7.85 7,774 1.96* 1.45* 91 --
$ (.38) $ 12.80 32.24% $ 37,638 1.77%*(l) 2.73%* 20% $0.0518
$ (.33) $ 12.79 31.49% $186,802 2.44%*(l) 2.08%* 20% $0.0518
$ (.33) $ 12.79 31.49% $ 42,719 2.43%*(l) 2.06%* 20% $0.0518
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
- ----------
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Commencement of distribution.
+++ Unaudited.
* Annualized.
** Reflects a change in fiscal year end.
(a) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at the net asset value during the period, and a
redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charge or
contingent deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of
total investment return. Total investment returns calculated for periods of
less than one year are not annualized.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding.
(c) Net of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.
(d) Adjusted for a 200% stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on
January 15, 1988.
(e) Net of offering costs of ($.05).
(f) Net of expenses assumed and/or waived/reimbursed. If the following Funds
had borne all expenses in their most recent five fiscal years, their
expense ratios, giving effect to the expense offset arrangement described
in (l) below, would have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
All-Asia Investment Fund
Class A -- -- 10.57%# 3.62% --
Class B -- -- 11.32%# 4.32% --
Class C -- -- 11.38%# 4.32% --
Growth Fund
Class A 1.94% 1.84% 1.46% -- -- --
Class B 2.65% 2.52% 2.13% -- -- --
Class C -- -- 2.13%# --
Premier Growth
Class A 3.33%# -- -- -- -- --
Class B 3.78%# -- -- -- -- --
<CAPTION>
Net investment income ratios for Premier Growth would have been (.25%#) for
Class A and (.75%#) for Class B for this same period.
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Global Small Cap Fund
Class A -- -- 2.61% -- --
Class B -- -- 3.27% -- --
Class C -- -- 3.31% -- --
Strategic Balanced Fund
Class A 1.85% 1.70%1 1.81% 1.76% 2.06%
1.94%#2
Class B 2.56% 2.42%1 2.49% 2.47% 2.76%
2.64%#2
Class C -- 2.07%#1 2.50% 2.48% 2.76%
2.64%#2
Utility Income Fund
Class A 145.63%# 13.72% 4.86%# 3.38% 3.41%
Class B 133.62%# 14.42% 5.34%# 4.08% 4.12%
Class C 148.03%# 14.42% 5.99%# 4.07% 4.11%
</TABLE>
- ----------
# annualized
1. For the period ended April 30, 1994
2. For the period ended July 31, 1994
For the expense ratios of the Funds in years prior to fiscal year 1992, assuming
the Funds had borne all expenses, please see the Financial Statements in each
Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
(g) "Dividends from Net Investment Income" includes a return of capital. Income
Builder Fund had a return of capital with respect to Class A shares, for
the period ended October 31, 1994, of $(.01); with respect to Class B
shares, $(.01); and with respect to Class C shares, for the year ended
October 31, 1994, $(.02).
(h) On March 25, 1994, all existing shares of Income Builder Fund, previously
known as Alliance Multi-Market Income and Growth Trust, were converted into
Class C shares.
(i) Prior to July 22, 1993, Equitable Capital Management Corporation
("Equitable Capital") served as the investment adviser to the predecessor
to The Alliance Portfolios, of which Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced
Fund are series. On July 22, 1993, Alliance acquired the business and
substantially all assets of Equitable Capital and became investment adviser
to the Funds.
(j) "Distributions from Net Realized Gains" includes a return of capital of
$(.12).
(k) For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, a fund is
required to disclose its average commission rate per share for trades on
which commissions are charged.
(l) The following funds benefitted from an expense offset arrangement with the
transfer agent. Had such expense offset not been in effect, the ratio of
expenses to average net assets, absent the assumption and/or
waiver/reimbursement of expenses described in (f) above, would have been as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balanced Shares 1997 International Fund 1997 Strategic Balanced 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A 1.46% Class A 1.73% Class A 1.40%
Class B 2.24% Class B 2.58% Class B 2.10%
Class C 2.22% Class C 2.56% Class C 2.10%
<CAPTION>
Real Estate 1997 Global Small Cap Fund 1997 New Europe 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A 1.77% Class A 2.38% Class A 2.04%
Class B 2.43% Class B 3.08% Class B 2.74%
Class C 2.42% Class C 3.08% Class C 2.73%
</TABLE>
(m) Distributions from net investment income include a tax return of capital of
$.08, $.09 and $.09 for Class A, B and C shares, respectively.
18
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOSSARY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following terms are frequently used in this Prospectus.
Equity securities are (i) common stocks, partnership interests, business trust
shares and other equity or ownership interests in business enterprises, and (ii)
securities convertible into, and rights and warrants to subscribe for the
purchase of, such stocks, shares and interests.
Debt securities are bonds, debentures, notes, bills, repurchase agreements,
loans, other direct debt instruments and other fixed, floating and variable rate
debt obligations, but do not include convertible securities.
Fixed-income securities are debt securities and dividend-paying preferred stocks
and include floating rate and variable rate instruments.
Convertible securities are fixed-income securities that are convertible into
common stock.
U.S. Government securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Foreign government securities are securities issued or guaranteed, as to payment
of principal and interest, by governments, quasi-governmental entities,
governmental agencies or other governmental entities.
Asian company is an entity that (i) is organized under the laws of an Asian
country and conducts business in an Asian country, (ii) derives 50% or more of
its total revenues from business in Asian countries, or (iii) issues equity or
debt securities that are traded principally on a stock exchange in an Asian
country.
Asian countries are Australia, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,
Hong Kong, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Japan, the Kingdom of Thailand,
Malaysia, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Brunei), New Zealand, the People's Republic
of China, the People's Republic of Kampuchea (Cambodia), the Republic of China
(Taiwan), the Republic of India, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of
Korea (South Korea), the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore,
the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Union of Myanmar.
Moody's is Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
S&P is Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
Duff & Phelps is Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
Fitch is Fitch Investors Service, L.P.
Investment grade securities are fixed-income securities rated Baa and above by
Moody's or BBB and above by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, or determined by
Alliance to be of equivalent quality.
Lower-rated securities are fixed-income securities rated Ba or below by Moody's
or BB or below by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, or determined by Alliance to be
of equivalent quality, and are commonly referred to as "junk bonds."
Prime commercial paper is commercial paper rated Prime 1 by Moody's or A-1 or
higher by S&P or, if not rated, issued by companies that have an outstanding
debt issue rated Aa or higher by Moody's or AA or higher by S&P.
Qualifying bank deposits are certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and
interest-bearing savings deposits of banks having total assets of more than $1
billion and which are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Rule 144A securities are securities that may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
Depositary receipts include American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global
Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other types of depositary receipts.
Commission is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1940 Act is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Code is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
19
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Except as noted, (i) the Funds' investment objectives are "fundamental" and
cannot be changed without shareholder vote, and (ii) the Funds' investment
policies are not fundamental and thus can be changed without a shareholder vote.
No Fund will change a non-fundamental objective or policy without notifying its
shareholders. There is no guarantee that any Fund will achieve its investment
objective.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Domestic Stock Funds
The Domestic Stock Funds have been designed to offer investors seeking capital
appreciation a range of alternative approaches to investing in the U.S. equity
markets.
The Alliance Fund
The Alliance Fund, Inc. ("Alliance Fund") is a diversified investment company
that seeks long-term growth of capital and income primarily through investment
in common stocks. The Fund normally invests substantially all of its assets in
common stocks that Alliance believes will appreciate in value, but it may invest
in other types of securities such as convertible securities, high grade
instruments, U.S. Government securities and high quality, short-term obligations
such as repurchase agreements, bankers' acceptances and domestic certificates of
deposit, and may invest without limit in foreign securities. While the
diversification and generally high quality of the Fund's investments cannot
prevent fluctuations in market values, they tend to limit investment risk and
contribute to achieving the Fund's objective. The Fund generally does not effect
portfolio transactions in order to realize short-term trading profits or
exercise control.
The Fund may also: (i) make secured loans of its portfolio securities equal in
value up to 25% of its total assets to brokers, dealers and financial
institutions; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements of up to one week in
duration with commercial banks, but only if those agreements together with any
restricted securities and any securities which do not have readily available
market quotations do not exceed 10% of its net assets; and (iii) write
exchange-traded covered call options with respect to up to 25% of its total
assets. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these policies
and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Growth Fund
Alliance Growth Fund ("Growth Fund") is a diversified investment company that
seeks long-term growth of capital. Current income is only an incidental
consideration. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in
equity securities of companies with favorable earnings outlooks and whose
long-term growth rates are expected to exceed that of the U.S. economy over
time. The Fund's investment objective is not fundamental.
The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in lower-rated
fixed-income and convertible bonds. See "Risk Considerations--Securities
Ratings" and "--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund
generally will not invest in securities rated at the time of purchase below Caa-
by Moody's and CCC- by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch or in securities judged by
Alliance to be of comparable investment quality. However, from time to time, the
Fund may invest in securities rated in the lowest grades (i.e., C by Moody's or
D or equivalent by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch), or securities Alliance judges
to be of comparable investment quality, if there are prospects for an upgrade or
a favorable conversion into equity securities. If the credit rating of a
security held by the Fund falls below its rating at the time of purchase (or
Alliance determines that the quality of such security has so deteriorated), the
Fund may continue to hold the security if such investment is considered
appropriate under the circumstances.
The Fund may also: (i) invest in "zero-coupon" bonds and "payment-in-kind"
bonds; (ii) invest in foreign securities, although the Fund will not generally
invest more than 15% of its total assets in foreign securities; (iii) invest in
securities that are not publicly traded, including Rule 144A securities; (iv)
buy or sell foreign currencies, options on foreign currencies, foreign currency
futures contracts (and related options) and deal in forward foreign exchange
contracts; (v) lend portfolio securities amounting to not more than 25% of its
total assets; (vi) enter into repurchase agreements of up to 25% of its total
assets and purchase and sell securities on a forward commitment basis; (vii) buy
and sell stock index futures contracts and buy and sell options on those
contracts and on stock indices; (viii) purchase and sell futures contracts,
options thereon and options with respect to U.S. Treasury securities; (ix) write
covered call and put options on securities it owns or in which it may invest;
and (x) purchase and sell put and call options. For additional information on
the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional
Investment Practices."
Alliance Premier Growth Fund
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc. ("Premier Growth Fund") is a diversified
investment company that seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
predominantly in the equity securities of a limited number of large, carefully
selected, high-quality U.S. companies that are judged likely to achieve superior
earnings growth. Normally, about 40 companies will be represented in the Fund's
portfolio, with the 25 most highly regarded of these companies usually
constituting approximately 70% of the Fund's net assets. The Fund is thus
atypical from most equity mutual funds in its focus on a relatively small number
of intensively researched companies and is designed for those seeking to
accumulate capital over time with less volatility than that associated with
investment in smaller companies.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund normally invests at least 85% of its
total assets in the equity securities of U.S. companies. These are companies (i)
organized under U.S. law that have their principal office in the U.S., and (ii)
the equity securities of which are traded principally in the U.S.
Alliance's investment strategy for the Fund emphasizes stock selection and
investment in the securities of a limited number of issuers. Alliance relies
heavily upon the fundamental analysis
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and research of its large internal research staff, which generally follows a
primary research universe of more than 600 companies that have strong
management, superior industry positions, excellent balance sheets and superior
earnings growth prospects. An emphasis is placed on identifying companies whose
substantially above average prospective earnings growth is not fully reflected
in current market valuations.
In managing the Fund, Alliance seeks to utilize market volatility judiciously
(assuming no change in company fundamentals), striving to capitalize on
apparently unwarranted price fluctuations, both to purchase or increase
positions on weakness and to sell or reduce overpriced holdings. The Fund
normally remains nearly fully invested and does not take significant cash
positions for market timing purposes. During market declines, while adding to
positions in favored stocks, the Fund becomes somewhat more aggressive,
gradually reducing the number of companies represented in its portfolio.
Conversely, in rising markets, while reducing or eliminating fully valued
positions, the Fund becomes somewhat more conservative, gradually increasing the
number of companies represented in its portfolio. Alliance thus seeks to gain
positive returns in good markets while providing some measure of protection in
poor markets.
Alliance expects the average market capitalization of companies represented in
the Fund's portfolio normally to be in the range, or in excess, of the average
market capitalization of companies comprising the "S&P 500" (the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, a widely recognized unmanaged index of
market activity).
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 20% of its net assets in convertible
securities of companies whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by it;
(ii) invest up to 5% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (iii) invest up to
15% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers whose common stocks are
eligible for purchase by it; (iv) purchase and sell exchange-traded index
options and stock index futures contracts; and (v) write covered exchange-traded
call options on common stocks, unless as a result, the amount of its securities
subject to call options would exceed 15% of its total assets, and purchase and
sell exchange-traded call and put options on common stocks written by others,
but the total cost of all options held by the Fund (including exchange-traded
index options) may not exceed 10% of its total assets. For additional
information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see
"Additional Investment Practices." The Fund will not write put options.
Alliance Technology Fund
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc. ("Technology Fund") is a diversified investment
company that emphasizes growth of capital and invests for capital appreciation,
and only incidentally for current income. The Fund may seek income by writing
listed call options. The Fund invests primarily in securities of companies
expected to benefit from technological advances and improvements (i.e.,
companies that use technology extensively in the development of new or improved
products or processes). The Fund will normally have at least 80% of its assets
invested in the securities of these companies. The Fund normally will have
substantially all its assets invested in equity securities, but it also invests
in debt securities offering an opportunity for price appreciation. The Fund will
invest in listed and unlisted securities and U.S. and foreign securities, but it
will not purchase a foreign security if as a result 10% or more of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in foreign securities.
The Fund's policy is to invest in any company and industry and in any type of
security with potential for capital appreciation. It invests in well-known and
established companies and in new and unseasoned companies.
The Fund may also: (i) write and purchase exchange-listed call options and
purchase listed put options, including exchange-traded index put options; (ii)
invest up to 10% of its total assets in warrants; (iii) invest in restricted
securities and in other assets having no ready market if as a result no more
than 10% of the Fund's net assets are invested in such securities and assets;
(iv) lend portfolio securities equal in value to not more than 30% of the Fund's
total assets; and (v) invest up to 10% of its total assets in foreign
securities. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of the
policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Quasar Fund
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc. ("Quasar Fund") is a diversified investment company
that seeks growth of capital by pursuing aggressive investment policies. It
invests for capital appreciation and only incidentally for current income. The
selection of securities based on the possibility of appreciation cannot prevent
loss in value. Moreover, because the Fund's investment policies are aggressive,
an investment in the Fund is risky and investors who want assured income or
preservation of capital should not invest in the Fund.
The Fund invests in any company and industry and in any type of security with
potential for capital appreciation. It invests in well-known and established
companies and in new and unseasoned companies. When selecting securities,
Alliance considers the economic and political outlook, the values of specific
securities relative to other investments, trends in the determinants of
corporate profits and management capability and practices.
The Fund invests principally in equity securities, but it also invests to a
limited degree in non-convertible bonds and preferred stocks. The Fund invests
in listed and unlisted U.S. and foreign securities. The Fund periodically
invests in special situations, which occur when the securities of a company are
expected to appreciate due to a development particularly or uniquely applicable
to that company and regardless of general business conditions or movements of
the market as a whole.
The Fund may also: (i) invest in restricted securities and in other assets
having no ready market, but not more than 10% of its total assets may be
invested in such securities or assets; (ii) make short sales of securities
"against the box," but not more than 15% of its net assets may be deposited on
short sales; and (iii) write call options and purchase and sell
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put and call options written by others. For additional information on the use,
risks and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional Investment
Practices."
Global Stock Funds
The Global Stock Funds have been designed to enable investors to participate in
the potential for long-term capital appreciation available from investment in
foreign securities.
Alliance International Fund
Alliance International Fund ("International Fund") is a diversified investment
company that seeks a total return on its assets from long-term growth of capital
and from income primarily through a broad portfolio of marketable securities of
established non-U.S. companies, companies participating in foreign economies
with prospects for growth, including U.S. companies having their principal
activities and interests outside the U.S. and foreign government securities.
Normally, more than 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in such issuers.
The Fund expects to invest primarily in common stocks of established non-U.S.
companies that Alliance believes have potential for capital appreciation or
income or both, but the Fund is not required to invest exclusively in common
stocks or other equity securities, and it may invest in any other type of
investment grade security, including convertible securities, as well as in
warrants, or obligations of the U.S. or foreign governments and their political
subdivisions.
The Fund intends to diversify its investments broadly among countries and
normally invests in at least three foreign countries, although it may invest a
substantial portion of its assets in one or more of such countries. In this
regard, at June 30, 1997, approximately 28% of the Fund's assets were invested
in securities of Japanese issuers. The Fund may invest in companies, wherever
organized, that Alliance judges have their principal activities and interests
outside the U.S. These companies may be located in developing countries, which
involves exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and
mature, and to political systems which can be expected to have less stability,
than those of developed countries. The Fund currently does not intend to invest
more than 10% of its total assets in companies in, or governments of, developing
countries.
The Fund may also: (i) purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange
contracts; (ii) write, sell and purchase U.S. or foreign exchange-listed put and
call options, including exchange-traded index options; (iii) enter into
financial futures contracts, including contracts for the purchase or sale for
future delivery of foreign currencies and stock index futures, and purchase and
write put and call options on futures contracts traded on U.S. or foreign
exchanges or over-the-counter; (iv) purchase and write put options on foreign
currencies traded on securities exchanges or boards of trade or
over-the-counter; (v) lend portfolio securities equal in value to not more than
30% of its total assets; and (vi) enter into repurchase agreements of up to
seven days' duration, provided that not more than 10% of the Fund's total assets
would be so invested. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of
these policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc. ("Worldwide Privatization Fund") is
a non-diversified investment company that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in
equity securities issued by enterprises that are undergoing, or have undergone,
privatization (as described below), although normally significantly more of its
assets will be invested in such securities. The balance of its investments will
include securities of companies believed by Alliance to be beneficiaries of
privatizations. The Fund is designed for investors desiring to take advantage of
investment opportunities, historically inaccessible to U.S. individual
investors, that are created by privatizations of state enterprises in both
established and developing economies, including those in Western Europe and
Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Asia and Eastern and Central
Europe and, to a lesser degree, Canada and the United States.
The Fund's investments in enterprises undergoing privatization may comprise
three distinct situations. First, the Fund may invest in the initial offering of
publicly traded equity securities (an "initial equity offering") of a
government- or state-owned or controlled company or enterprise (a "state
enterprise"). Secondly, the Fund may purchase securities of a current or former
state enterprise following its initial equity offering. Finally, the Fund may
make privately negotiated purchases of stock or other equity interests in a
state enterprise that has not yet conducted an initial equity offering. Alliance
believes that substantial potential for capital appreciation exists as
privatizing enterprises rationalize their management structures, operations and
business strategies in order to compete efficiently in a market economy, and the
Fund will thus emphasize investments in such enterprises.
The Fund diversifies its investments among a number of countries and normally
invests in issuers based in at least four, and usually considerably more,
countries. No more than 15% of the Fund's total assets, however, will be
invested in issuers in any one foreign country, except that the Fund may invest
up to 30% of its total assets in issuers in any one of France, Germany, Great
Britain, Italy and Japan. The Fund may invest all of its assets within a single
region of the world. To the extent that the Fund's assets are invested within
any one region, the Fund may be subject to any special risks that may be
associated with that region.
Privatization is a process through which the ownership and control of companies
or assets changes in whole or in part from the public sector to the private
sector. Through privatization a government or state divests or transfers all or
a portion of its interest in a state enterprise to some form of private
ownership. Governments and states with established
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economies, including France, Great Britain, Germany and Italy, and those with
developing economies, including Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Poland and Hungary, are engaged in privatizations. The Fund will invest in any
country believed to present attractive investment opportunities.
A major premise of the Fund's approach is that the equity securities of
privatized companies offer opportunities for significant capital appreciation.
In particular, because privatizations are integral to a country's economic
restructuring, securities sold in initial equity offerings often are priced
attractively so as to secure the issuer's successful transition to private
sector ownership. Additionally, these enterprises often dominate their local
markets and typically have the potential for significant managerial and
operational efficiency gains.
Although the Fund anticipates that it will not concentrate its investments in
any industry, it is permitted to invest more than 25% of its total assets in
issuers whose primary business activity is that of national commercial banking.
Prior to so concentrating, however, the Fund's Directors must determine that its
ability to achieve its investment objective would be adversely affected if it
were not permitted to concentrate. The staff of the Commission is of the view
that registered investment companies may not, absent shareholder approval,
change between concentration and non-concentration in a single industry. The
Fund disagrees with the staff's position but has undertaken that it will not
concentrate in the securities of national commercial banks until, if ever, the
issue is resolved. If the Fund were to invest more than 25% of its total assets
in national commercial banks, the Fund's performance could be significantly
influenced by events or conditions affecting this industry, which is subject to,
among other things, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in general
economic conditions, and the Fund's investments may be subject to greater risk
and market fluctuation than if its portfolio represented a broader range of
investments.
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt securities and
convertible debt securities of issuers whose common stocks are eligible for
purchase by the Fund. The Fund may maintain not more than 5% of its net assets
in lower-rated securities. See "Risk Considerations Securities Ratings" and
"--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund will not retain
a non-convertible security that is downgraded below C or determined by Alliance
to have undergone similar credit quality deterioration following purchase.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 20% of its total assets in rights or
warrants; (ii) write covered put and call options and purchase put and call
options on securities of the types in which it is permitted to invest and on
exchange-traded index options; (iii) enter into contracts for the purchase or
sale for future delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or
contracts based on financial indices, including any index of U.S. Government
securities, foreign government securities, or common stock and may purchase and
write options on future contracts; (iv) purchase and write put and call options
on foreign currencies for hedging purposes; (v) purchase or sell forward
contracts; (vi) enter in forward commitments for the purchase or sale of
securities; (vii) enter into standby commitment agreements; (viii) enter into
currency swaps for hedging purposes; (ix) enter into repurchase agreements
pertaining to U.S. Government securities with member banks of the Federal
Reserve System or primary dealers in such securities; (x) make short sales of
securities or maintain a short position; and (xi) make secured loans of its
portfolio securities not in excess of 30% of its total assets to entities with
which it can enter into repurchase agreements. For additional information on the
use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional Investment
Practices."
Alliance New Europe Fund
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc. ("New Europe Fund") is a non-diversified
investment company that seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment
primarily in the equity securities of companies based in Europe. The Fund
intends to invest substantially all of its assets in the equity securities of
European companies and has a fundamental policy of normally investing at least
65% of its total assets in such securities. Up to 35% of its total assets may be
invested in high quality U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated
fixed-income securities issued or guaranteed by European governmental entities,
or by European or multinational companies or supranational organizations.
Alliance believes that the quickening pace of economic integration and political
change in Europe creates the potential for many European companies to experience
rapid growth and that the emergence of new market economies in Europe and the
broadening and strengthening of other European economies may significantly
accelerate economic development. The Fund will invest in companies that Alliance
believes possess rapid growth potential. Thus, the Fund will emphasize
investments in larger, established companies, but will also invest in smaller,
emerging companies.
In recent years, economic ties between the former "east bloc" countries of
Eastern Europe and certain other European countries have been strengthened.
Alliance believes that as this strengthening continues, some Western European
financial institutions and other companies will have special opportunities to
facilitate East-West transactions. The Fund will seek investment opportunities
among such companies and, as such become available, within the former "east
bloc," although the Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in
issuers based therein, or more than 10% of its total assets in issuers based in
any one such country.
The Fund diversifies its investments among a number of European countries and,
under normal circumstances, will invest in companies based in at least three
such countries. Subject to the foregoing and to the limitation on investment in
any one former "east bloc" country, the Fund may invest without limit in a
single European country. While the Fund does not intend to concentrate its
investments in a single country, at times 25% or more of its assets may be
invested in issuers located in a single country. During such times, the Fund
would be subject to a correspondingly greater risk of loss due to
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adverse political or regulatory developments, or an economic downturn, within
that country. In this regard, at July 31, 1997, approximately 32% of the Fund's
assets were invested in securities of issuers in the United Kingdom.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities for
which there is no ready market; (ii) invest up to 20% of its total assets in
warrants and rights to purchase equity securities of European companies; (iii)
invest in depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
companies based in European countries, debt securities of supranational entities
denominated in the currency of any European country, debt securities denominated
in European Currency Units of an issuer in a European country (including
supranational issuers) and "semi-governmental securities"; (iv) purchase and
sell forward contracts; (v) write, sell and purchase exchange-traded put and
call options, including exchange-traded index options; (vi) enter into financial
futures contracts, including contracts for the purchase or sale for future
delivery of foreign currencies and futures contracts based on stock indices, and
purchase and write options on futures contracts; (vii) purchase and write put
options on foreign currencies traded on securities exchanges or boards of trade
or over-the-counter; (viii) make secured loans of portfolio securities not in
excess of 30% of its total assets to brokers, dealers and financial
institutions; (ix) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of
securities; and (x) enter into standby commitment agreements. For additional
information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see
"Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc. ("All-Asia Investment Fund") is a
non-diversified investment company whose investment objective is to seek
long-term capital appreciation. In seeking to achieve its investment objective,
the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities (for
the purposes of this investment policy, rights, warrants and options to purchase
common stocks are not deemed to be equity securities), preferred stocks and
equity-linked debt securities issued by Asian companies. The Fund may invest up
to 35% of its total assets in debt securities issued or guaranteed by Asian
companies or by Asian governments, their agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund
may also invest in securities issued by non-Asian issuers, provided that the
Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities issued by Asian
companies and the Asian debt securities referred to above. The Fund expects to
invest, from time to time, a significant portion, but less than 50%, of its
assets in equity securities of Japanese companies.
In the past decade, Asian countries generally have experienced a high level of
real economic growth due to political and economic changes, including foreign
investment and reduced government intervention in the economy. Alliance believes
that certain conditions exist in Asian countries which create the potential for
continued rapid economic growth. These conditions include favorable demographics
and competitive wage rates, increasing levels of foreign direct investment,
rising per capita incomes and consumer demand, a high savings rate and numerous
privatization programs. Asian countries are also becoming more industrialized
and are increasing their intra-Asian exports while reducing their dependence on
Western export demand. Alliance believes that these conditions are important to
the long-term economic growth of Asian countries.
As the economies of many Asian countries move through the "emerging market"
stage, thus increasing the supply of goods, services and capital available to
less developed Asian markets and helping to spur economic growth in those
markets, the potential is created for many Asian companies to experience rapid
growth. In addition, many Asian companies the securities of which are listed on
exchanges in more developed Asian countries will be participants in the rapid
economic growth of the lesser developed countries. These companies generally
offer the advantages of more experienced management and more developed market
regulation.
As their economies have grown, the securities markets in Asian countries have
also expanded. New exchanges have been created and the number of listed
companies, annual trading volume and overall market capitalization have
increased significantly. Additionally, new markets continue to open to foreign
investments. For example, South Korea and India have recently relaxed investment
restrictions and Vietnamese direct investments have recently become available to
U.S. investors. The Fund also offers investors the opportunity to access
relatively restricted markets. Alliance believes that investment opportunities
in Asian countries will continue to expand.
The Fund will invest in companies believed to possess rapid growth potential.
Thus, the Fund will invest in smaller, emerging companies, but will also invest
in larger, more established companies in such growing economic sectors as
capital goods, telecommunications and consumer services.
The Fund will invest in investment grade debt securities, except that the Fund
may maintain not more than 5% of its net assets in lower-rated securities and
lower-rated loans and other lower-rated direct debt instruments. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings", "--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income
Securities" and Appendix C in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for
a description of such ratings. The Fund will not retain a security that is
downgraded below C or determined by Alliance to have undergone similar credit
quality deterioration following purchase.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 25% of its net assets in the convertible
securities of companies whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by the
Fund; (ii) invest up to 20% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (iii)
invest in depositary receipts, instruments of supranational entities denominated
in the currency of any country, securities of multinational companies and
"semi-governmental securities;" (iv) invest up to 25% of its net assets in
equity-linked debt securities with the objective of realizing capital
appreciation; (v) invest up to 25% of its net assets in loans and other direct
debt instruments; (vi) write covered put and call options on
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securities of the types in which it is permitted to invest and on
exchange-traded index options; (vii) enter into contracts for the purchase or
sale for future delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or
contracts based on financial indices, including any index of U.S. Government
securities, securities issued by foreign government entities, or common stock
and may purchase and write options on future contracts; (viii) purchase and
write put and call options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes; (ix)
purchase or sell forward contracts; (x) enter into interest rate swaps and
purchase or sell interest rate caps and floors; (xi) enter into forward
commitments for the purchase or sale of securities; (xii) enter into standby
commitment agreements; (xiii) enter into currency swaps for hedging purposes;
(xiv) enter into repurchase agreements pertaining to U.S. Government securities
with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealers in such
securities; (xv) make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, in
each case only if "against the box;" and (xvi) make secured loans of its
portfolio securities not in excess of 30% of its total assets to entities with
which it can enter into repurchase agreements. For additional information on the
use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional Investment
Practices."
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc. ("Global Small Cap Fund") is a diversified
investment company that seeks long-term growth of capital through investment in
a global portfolio of the equity securities of selected companies with
relatively small market capitalization. The Fund's portfolio emphasizes
companies with market capitalizations that would have placed them (when
purchased) in about the smallest 20% by market capitalization of actively traded
U.S. companies, or market capitalizations of up to about $1 billion. Because the
Fund applies the U.S. size standard on a global basis, its foreign investments
might rank above the lowest 20%, and, in fact, might in some countries rank
among the largest, by market capitalization in local markets. Normally, the Fund
invests at least 65% of its assets in equity securities of these smaller
capitalization issuers, and these issuers are located in at least three
countries, one of which may be the U.S. Up to 35% of the Fund's total assets may
be invested in securities of companies whose market capitalizations exceed the
Fund's size standard. The Fund's portfolio securities may be listed on a U.S. or
foreign exchange or traded over-the-counter.
Alliance believes that smaller capitalization issuers often have sales and
earnings growth rates exceeding those of larger companies, and that these growth
rates tend to cause more rapid share price appreciation. Investing in smaller
capitalization stocks, however, involves greater risk than is associated with
larger, more established companies. For example, smaller capitalization
companies often have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources.
They may be dependent for management on one or a few key persons, and can be
more susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Their securities may be
thinly traded (and therefore have to be sold at a discount from current market
prices or sold in small lots over an extended period of time), may be followed
by fewer investment research analysts and may be subject to wider price swings
and thus may create a greater chance of loss than when investing in securities
of larger capitalization companies. Transaction costs in small capitalization
stocks may be higher than in those of larger capitalization companies.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities for
which there is no ready market; (ii) invest up to 20% of its total assets in
warrants to purchase equity securities; (iii) invest in depositary receipts or
other securities representing securities of companies based in countries other
than the U.S.; (iv) purchase or sell forward foreign currency contracts; (v)
write and purchase exchange-traded call options and purchase exchange-traded put
options, including put options on market indices; and (vi) make secured loans of
portfolio securities not in excess of 30% of its total assets to brokers,
dealers and financial institutions. For additional information on the use, risks
and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Total Return Funds
The Total Return Funds have been designed to provide a range of investment
alternatives to investors seeking both growth of capital and current income.
Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund
Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund ("Strategic Balanced Fund") is a diversified
investment company that seeks a high long-term total return by investing in a
combination of equity and debt securities. The portion of the Fund's assets
invested in each type of security varies in accordance with economic conditions,
the general level of common stock prices, interest rates and other relevant
considerations, including the risks associated with each investment medium. The
Fund's investment objective is not fundamental.
The Fund's equity securities will generally consist of dividend-paying common
stocks and other equity securities of companies with favorable earnings outlooks
and long-term growth rates that Alliance expects will exceed that of the U.S.
economy. The Fund's debt securities may include U.S. Government securities and
securities issued by private corporations. The Fund may also invest in
mortgage-backed securities, adjustable rate securities, asset-backed securities
and so-called "zero-coupon" bonds and "payment-in-kind" bonds.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund will invest at least 25% of its total assets
in fixed-income securities, which for this purpose include debt securities,
preferred stocks and that portion of the value of convertible securities that is
attributable to the fixed-income characteristics of those securities.
The Fund's debt securities will generally be of investment grade. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings" and "Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income
Securities." In the event that the rating of any debt securities held by the
Fund falls below investment grade, the Fund will not be obligated to
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dispose of such obligations and may continue to hold them if considered
appropriate under the circumstances.
The Fund may also: (i) invest in foreign securities, although the Fund will not
generally invest more than 15% of its total assets in foreign securities; (ii)
invest, without regard to this 15% limit, in Eurodollar CDs, which are
dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of U.S.
banks that are not insured by any agency or instrumentality of the U.S.
Government; (iii) write covered call and put options on securities it owns or in
which it may invest; (iv) buy and sell put and call options and buy and sell
combinations of put and call options on the same underlying securities; (v) lend
portfolio securities amounting to not more than 25% of its total assets; (vi)
enter into repurchase agreements on up to 25% of its total assets; (vii)
purchase and sell securities on a forward commitment basis; (viii) buy or sell
foreign currencies, options on foreign currencies, foreign currency futures
contracts (and related options) and deal in forward foreign exchange contracts;
(ix) buy and sell stock index futures contracts and buy and sell options on
those contracts and on stock indices; (x) purchase and sell futures contracts,
options thereon and options with respect to U.S. Treasury securities; and (xi)
invest in securities that are not publicly traded, including Rule 144A
securities. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these
policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Balanced Shares
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc. ("Balanced Shares") is a diversified investment
company that seeks a high return through a combination of current income and
capital appreciation. Although the Fund's investment objective is not
fundamental, the Fund is a "balanced fund" as a matter of fundamental policy.
The Fund will not purchase a security if as a result less than 25% of its total
assets will be in fixed-income senior securities (including short- and long-term
debt securities, preferred stocks, and convertible debt securities and
convertible preferred stocks to the extent that their values are attributable to
their fixed-income characteristics). Subject to these restrictions, the
percentage of the Fund's assets invested in each type of security will vary. The
Fund's assets are invested in U.S. Government securities, bonds, senior debt
securities and preferred and common stocks in such proportions and of such type
as are deemed best adapted to the current economic and market outlooks. The Fund
may invest up to 15% of the value of its total assets in foreign equity and
fixed-income securities eligible for purchase by the Fund under its investment
policies described above. See "Risk Considerations--Foreign Investment."
The Fund may also: (i) enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future
delivery of foreign currencies; and (ii) purchase and write put and call options
on foreign currencies and enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts
for hedging purposes. Subject to market conditions, the Fund may also seek to
realize income by writing covered call options listed on a domestic exchange.
For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and
practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Income Builder Fund
Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc. ("Income Builder Fund") is a non-diversified
investment company that seeks an attractive level of current income and
long-term growth of income and capital by investing principally in fixed-income
securities and dividend-paying common stocks. Its investments in equity
securities emphasize common stocks of companies with a historical or projected
pattern of paying rising dividends. Normally, at least 65% of the Fund's total
assets are invested in income-producing securities. The Fund may vary the
percentage of assets invested in any one type of security based upon Alliance's
evaluation as to the appropriate portfolio structure for achieving the Fund's
investment objective, although Alliance currently maintains approximately 60% of
the Fund's net assets in fixed-income securities and 40% in equity securities.
The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities of domestic and foreign issuers,
including U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements pertaining
thereto, corporate fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers, qualifying bank
deposits and prime commercial paper.
The Fund may maintain up to 35% of its net assets in lower-rated securities. See
"Risk Considerations--Securities Ratings" and "--Investment in Lower-Rated
Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund will not retain a non-convertible security
that is downgraded below CCC or determined by Alliance to have undergone similar
credit quality deterioration following purchase.
Foreign securities in which the Fund invests may include fixed-income securities
of foreign corporate and governmental issuers, denominated in U.S. Dollars, and
equity securities of foreign corporate issuers, denominated in foreign
currencies or in U.S. Dollars. The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its net
assets in equity securities of foreign issuers nor more than 15% of its total
assets in issuers of any one foreign country. See "Risk Considerations Foreign
Investment."
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 5% of its net assets in rights or warrants;
(ii) invest in depositary receipts and U.S. Dollar denominated securities issued
by supranational entities; (iii) write covered put and call options and purchase
put and call options on securities of the types in which it is permitted to
invest that are exchange-traded; (iv) purchase and sell exchange-traded options
on any securities index composed of the types of securities in which it may
invest; (v) enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of
fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or contracts based on financial
indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities, foreign government
securities, corporate fixed income securities, or common stock, and purchase and
write options on future contracts; (vi) purchase and write put and call options
on foreign currencies and enter into forward contracts for hedging purposes;
(vii) enter into interest rate swaps and purchase or sell interest rate caps and
floors; (viii) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of
securities; (ix) enter into standby commitment agreements; (x) enter into
repurchase agreements pertaining to U.S.
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Government securities with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary
dealers in such securities; (xi) make short sales of securities or maintain a
short position as described below under "Additional Investment Policies and
Practices Short Sales;" and (xii) make secured loans of its portfolio securities
not in excess of 20% of its total assets to brokers, dealers and financial
institutions. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these
policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Utility Income Fund
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc. ("Utility Income Fund") is a diversified
investment company that seeks current income and capital appreciation by
investing primarily in equity and fixed-income securities of companies in the
utilities industry. The Fund may invest in securities of both U.S. and foreign
issuers, although no more than 15% of the Fund's total assets will be invested
in issuers in any one foreign country. The utilities industry consists of
companies engaged in (i) the manufacture, production, generation, provision,
transmission, sale and distribution of gas and electric energy, and
communications equipment and services, including telephone, telegraph,
satellite, microwave and other companies providing communication facilities for
the public, or (ii) the provision of other utility or utility-related goods and
services, including, but not limited to, entities engaged in water provision,
cogeneration, waste disposal system provision, solid waste electric generation,
independent power producers and non-utility generators. The Fund is designed to
take advantage of the characteristics and historical performance of securities
of utility companies, many of which pay regular dividends and increase their
common stock dividends over time. As a fundamental policy, the Fund normally
invests at least 65% of its total assets in securities of companies in the
utilities industry. The Fund considers a company to be in the utilities industry
if, during the most recent twelve-month period, at least 50% of the company's
gross revenues, on a consolidated basis, were derived from its utilities
activities.
At least 65% of the Fund's total assets are invested in income-producing
securities, but there is otherwise no limit on the allocation of the Fund's
investments between equity securities and fixed-income securities. The Fund may
maintain up to 35% of its net assets in lower-rated securities. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings" and "--Investment in Lower-Rated
Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund will not retain a security that is downgraded
below B or determined by Alliance to have undergone similar credit quality
deterioration following purchase.
The United States utilities industry has experienced significant changes in
recent years. Electric utility companies in general have been favorably affected
by lower fuel costs, the full or near completion of major construction programs
and lower financing costs. In addition, many utility companies have generated
cash flows in excess of current operating expenses and construction
expenditures, permitting some degree of diversification into unregulated
businesses. Regulatory changes with respect to nuclear and conventionally fueled
generating facilities, however, could increase costs or impair the ability of
such electric utilities to operate such facilities, thus reducing their ability
to service dividend payments with respect to the securities they issue.
Furthermore, rates of return of utility companies generally are subject to
review and limitation by state public utilities commissions and tend to
fluctuate with marginal financing costs. Rate changes, however, ordinarily lag
behind the changes in financing costs, and thus can favorably or unfavorably
affect the earnings or dividend pay-outs on utilities stocks depending upon
whether such rates and costs are declining or rising.
Gas transmission companies, gas distribution companies and telecommunications
companies are also undergoing significant changes. Gas utilities have been
adversely affected by declines in the prices of alternative fuels, and have also
been affected by oversupply conditions and competition. Telephone utilities are
still experiencing the effects of the break-up of American Telephone & Telegraph
Company, including increased competition and rapidly developing technologies
with which traditional telephone companies now compete. Although there can be no
assurance that increased competition and other structural changes will not
adversely affect the profitability of such utilities, or that other negative
factors will not develop in the future, in Alliance's opinion, increased
competition and change may provide better positioned utility companies with
opportunities for enhanced profitability.
Utility companies historically have been subject to the risks of increases in
fuel and other operating costs, high interest costs, costs associated with
compliance with environmental and nuclear safety regulations, service
interruptions, economic slowdowns, surplus capacity, competition and regulatory
changes. There can also be no assurance that regulatory policies or accounting
standards changes will not negatively affect utility companies' earnings or
dividends. Utility companies are subject to regulation by various authorities
and may be affected by the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax
laws. To the extent that rates are established or reviewed by governmental
authorities, utility companies are subject to the risk that such authorities
will not authorize increased rates. Because of the Fund's policy of
concentrating its investments in utility companies, the Fund is more susceptible
than most other mutual funds to economic, political or regulatory occurrences
affecting the utilities industry.
Foreign utility companies, like those in the U.S., are generally subject to
regulation, although such regulations may or may not be comparable to domestic
regulations. Foreign utility companies in certain countries may be more heavily
regulated by their respective governments than utility companies located in the
U.S. and, as in the U.S., generally are required to seek government approval for
rate increases. In addition, because many foreign utility companies use fuels
that cause more pollution than those used in the U.S., such utilities may yet be
required to invest in pollution control equipment. Foreign utility regulatory
systems vary from country to country and may evolve in ways different from
regulation in the U.S. The percentage of the Fund's assets invested in issuers
of
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particular countries will vary. See "Risk Considerations--Foreign Investment."
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity and fixed-income
securities of domestic and foreign corporate and governmental issuers other than
utility companies, including U.S. Government securities and repurchase
agreements pertaining thereto, foreign government securities, corporate
fixed-income securities of domestic issuers, corporate fixed-income securities
of foreign issuers denominated in foreign currencies or in U.S. dollars (in each
case including fixed-income securities of an issuer in one country denominated
in the currency of another country), qualifying bank deposits and prime
commercial paper.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 30% of its net assets in the convertible
securities of companies whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by the
Fund; (ii) invest up to 5% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (iii) invest
in depositary receipts, securities of supranational entities denominated in the
currency of any country, securities denominated in European Currency Units and
"semi-governmental securities;" (iv) write covered put and call options and
purchase put and call options on securities of the types in which it is
permitted to invest that are exchange-traded and over-the-counter; (v) purchase
and sell exchange-traded options on any securities index composed of the types
of securities in which it may invest; (vi) enter into contracts for the purchase
or sale for future delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or
contracts based on financial indices, including an index of U.S. Government
securities, foreign government securities, corporate fixed-income securities, or
common stock, and may purchase and write options on futures contracts; (vii)
purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies traded on U.S. and
foreign exchanges or over-the-counter for hedging purposes; (viii) purchase or
sell forward contracts; (ix) enter into interest rate swaps and purchase or sell
interest rate caps and floors; (x) enter in forward commitments for the purchase
or sale of securities; (xi) enter into standby commitment agreements; (xii)
enter into repurchase agreements pertaining to U.S. Government securities with
member banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealers in such
securities; (xiii) make short sales of securities or maintain a short position
as described below under "Additional Investment Practices Short Sales;" and
(xiv) make secured loans of its portfolio securities not in excess of 20% of its
total assets to brokers, dealers and financial institutions. For additional
information on the use, risk and costs of these policies and practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Growth and Income Fund
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc. ("Growth and Income Fund") is a
diversified investment company that seeks appreciation through investments
primarily in dividend-paying common stocks of good quality, although it is
permitted to invest in fixed-income securities and convertible securities.
The Fund may also try to realize income by writing covered call options listed
on domestic securities exchanges. The Fund also invests in foreign securities.
Since the purchase of foreign securities entails certain political and economic
risks, the Fund has restricted its investments in securities in this category to
issues of high quality. The Fund may also purchase and sell financial forward
and futures contracts and options thereon for hedging purposes. For additional
information on the use, risk and costs of these policies and practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc. ("Real Estate Investment Fund") is a
diversified investment company that seeks a total return on its assets from
long-term growth of capital and from income principally through investing in a
portfolio of equity securities of issuers that are primarily engaged in or
related to the real estate industry.
Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in equity securities of real estate investment trusts ("REITS") and
other real estate industry companies. A "real estate industry company" is a
company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the
ownership, development, construction, financing, management or sale of
commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. The
equity securities in which the Fund will invest for this purpose consist of
common stock, shares of beneficial interest of REITs and securities with common
stock characteristics, such as preferred stock or convertible securities ("real
estate equity securities").
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in (a) securities that
directly or indirectly represent participations in, or are collateralized by and
payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property ("Mortgage-Backed
Securities"), such as mortgage pass-through certificates, real estate mortgage
investment conduit ("REMIC") certificates and collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs") and (b) short-term investments. These instruments are
described below. The risks associated with the Fund's transactions in REMICs,
CMOs and other types of mortgage-backed securities, which are considered to be
derivative securities, may include some or all of the following: market risk,
leverage and volatility risk, correlation risk, credit risk and liquidity and
valuation risk. See "Risk Considerations" for a description of these and other
risks.
As to any investment in Real Estate Equity Securities, Alliance's analysis will
focus on determining the degree to which the company involved can achieve
sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. Alliance
believes that the primary determinant of this capability is the economic
viability of property markets in which the company operates and that the
secondary determinant of this capability is the ability of management to add
value through strategic focus and operating expertise. The Fund will purchase
Real Estate Equity Securities when, in the judgment of Alliance, their market
price does not adequately reflect this potential. In making this determination,
Alliance will take into account fundamental
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trends in underlying property markets as determined by proprietary models, site
visits conducted by individuals knowledgeable in local real estate markets,
price-earnings ratios (as defined for real estate companies), cash flow growth
and stability, the relationship between asset value and market price of the
securities, dividend payment history, and such other factors which Alliance may
determine from time to time to be relevant. Alliance will attempt to purchase
for the Fund Real Estate Equity Securities of companies whose underlying
portfolios are diversified geographically and by property type.
The Fund may invest without limitation in shares of REITs. REITs are pooled
investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate or
real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity
REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity
REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive
income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize
capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage
REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive
income from the collection of interest payments. Similar to investment companies
such as the Fund, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders
provided they comply with several requirements of the Code. The Fund will
indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses incurred by REITs in which
the Fund invests in addition to the expenses incurred directly by the Fund.
Investment Process for Real Estate Equity Securities. The Fund's investment
strategy with respect to Real Estate Equity Securities is based on the premise
that property market fundamentals are the primary determinant of growth
underlying the success of Real Estate Equity Securities. Value added management
will further distinguish the most attractive Real Estate Equity Securities. The
Fund's research and investment process is designed to identify those companies
with strong property fundamentals and strong management teams. This process is
comprised of real estate market research, specific property inspection and
securities analysis.
The universe of property-owning real estate industry firms consists of
approximately 130 companies of sufficient size and quality to merit
consideration for investment by the Fund. In implementing the Fund's research
and investment process, Alliance will avail itself of the consulting services of
CB Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc. ("CBC"), a publicly held company and the
largest real estate services company in the United States, comprised of real
estate brokerage, property and facilities management, and real estate finance
and investment advisory activities (CBC in August of 1997 acquired Koll
Management Services ("Koll"), which previously provided these consulting
services to Alliance). In 1996, CBC (and Koll, on a combined basis) completed
25,000 sale and lease transactions, managed over 4,100 client properties,
created over $3.5 billion in mortgage originations, and completed over 2,600
appraisal and consulting assignments. In addition, they advised and managed for
institutions over $4 billion in real estate investments. As consultant to
Alliance, CBC provides access to its proprietary model, REIT-Score, that
analyzes the approximately 12,000 properties owned by these 130 companies. Using
proprietary databases and algorithms, CBC analyzes local market rent, expense,
and occupancy trends, market specific transaction pricing, demographic and
economic trends, and leading indicators of real estate supply such as building
permits. Over 650 asset-type specific geographic markets are analyzed and ranked
on a relative scale by CBC in compiling its REIT-Score database. The relative
attractiveness of these real estate industry companies is similarly ranked based
on the composite rankings of the properties they own. See "Management of the
Funds--Consultant to Adviser" for more information about CBC.
Once the universe of real estate industry companies has been distilled through
the market research process, CBC's local market presence provides the capability
to perform site specific inspections of key properties. This analysis examines
specific location, condition, and sub-market trends. CBC's use of locally based
real estate professionals provides Alliance with a window on the operations of
the portfolio companies as information can immediately be put in the context of
local market events. Only those companies whose specific property portfolios
reflect the promise of their general markets will be considered for initial and
continued investment by the Fund.
Alliance further screens the universe of real estate industry companies by using
rigorous financial models and by engaging in regular contact with management of
targeted companies. Each management's strategic plan and ability to execute the
plan are determined and analyzed. Alliance will make extensive use of CBC's
network of industry analysts in order to assess trends in tenant industries.
This information is then used to further interpret management's strategic plans.
Financial ratio analysis is used to isolate those companies with the ability to
make value-added acquisitions. This information is combined with property market
trends and used to project future earnings potential.
Alliance believes that this process will result in a portfolio that will consist
of Real Estate Equity Securities of companies that own assets in the most
desirable markets across the country, diversified geographically and by property
type.
The short-term investments in which Real Estate Investment Fund may invest are:
corporate commercial paper and other short-term commercial obligations, in each
case rated or issued by companies with similar securities outstanding that are
rated Prime-1, Aa or better by Moody's or A-1, AA or better by S&P; obligations
(including certificates of deposit, time deposits, demand deposits and bankers'
acceptances) of banks with securities outstanding that are rated Prime-1, Aa or
better by Moody's or A-1, AA or better by S&P; and obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities with
remaining maturities not exceeding 18 months.
The Fund may invest in debt securities rated BBB or higher by S&P or Baa or
higher by Moody's or, if not so rated, of equivalent credit quality as
determined by Alliance. The Fund expects that it will not retain a debt security
which is downgraded below BBB or Baa or, if unrated, determined by
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Alliance to have undergone similar credit quality deterioration, subsequent to
purchase by the Fund.
The Fund may also engage in the following investment practices to the extent
indicated: (i) invest up to 10% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (ii)
invest up to 15% of its net assets in the convertible securities of companies
whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by the Fund; (iii) lend portfolio
securities equal in value to not more than 25% of total assets; (iv) enter into
repurchase agreements of up to seven days' duration; (v) enter into forward
commitment transactions as long as the Fund's aggregate commitments under such
transactions are not more than 30% of the Fund's total assets; (vi) enter into
standby commitment agreements; (vii) make short sales of securities or maintain
a short position but only if at all times when a short position is open not more
than 25% of the Fund's net assets (taken at market value) is held as collateral
for such sales; and (viii) invest in illiquid securities unless, as a result,
more than 15% of its net assets would be so invested.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
Some or all of the Funds may engage in the following investment practices to the
extent described above. Convertible Securities. Prior to conversion, convertible
securities have the same general characteristics as non-convertible debt
securities, which provide a stable stream of income with yields that are
generally higher than those of equity securities of the same or similar issuers.
The price of a convertible security will normally vary with changes in the price
of the underlying stock, although the higher yield tends to make the convertible
security less volatile than the underlying common stock. As with debt
securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as
interest rates increase and increase as interest rates decline. While
convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than
non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they offer investors the
potential to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common
stock. Convertible debt securities that are rated Baa or lower by Moody's or BBB
or lower by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch and comparable unrated securities as
determined by Alliance may share some or all of the risks of non-convertible
debt securities with those ratings. For a description of these risks, see "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings" and "--Investment in Lower-Rated
Fixed-Income Securities."
Rights and Warrants. A Fund will invest in rights or warrants only if the
underlying equity securities themselves are deemed appropriate by Alliance for
inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. Rights and warrants entitle the holder to buy
equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. Rights are
similar to warrants except that they have a substantially shorter duration.
Rights and warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types
of investments in that they do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the underlying securities nor do they represent any
rights in the assets of the issuing company. The value of a right or warrant
does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying security, although
the value of a right or warrant may decline because of a decrease in the value
of the underlying security, the passage of time or a change in perception as to
the potential of the underlying security, or any combination thereof. If the
market price of the underlying security is below the exercise price set forth in
the warrant on the expiration date, the warrant will expire worthless. Moreover,
a right or warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to the
expiration date.
Depositary Receipts and Securities of Supranational Entities. Depositary
receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers
of the stock of unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose
material information in the United States and, therefore, there may not be a
correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary
receipts. ADRs are depositary receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. GDRs and other types of depositary receipts are typically issued by
foreign banks or trust companies and evidence ownership of underlying securities
issued by either a foreign or a U.S. company. Generally, depositary receipts in
registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and
depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in foreign securities
markets. For purposes of determining the country of issuance, investments in
depositary receipts of either type are deemed to be investments in the
underlying securities except with respect to Growth Fund, Strategic Balanced
Fund and Income Builder Fund, where investments in ADRs are deemed to be
investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers and those in GDRs and other
types of depositary receipts are deemed to be investments in the underlying
securities.
A supranational entity is an entity designated or supported by the
national government of one or more countries to promote economic reconstruction
or development. Examples of supranational entities include, among others, the
World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and the
European Investment Bank. A European Currency Unit is a basket of specified
amounts of the currencies of the member states of the European Economic
Community. "Semi-governmental securities" are securities issued by entities
owned by either a national, state or equivalent government or are obligations of
one of such government jurisdictions which are not backed by its full faith and
credit and general taxing powers.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. Interest and principal payments (including
prepayments) on the mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities are passed
through to the holders of the securities. As a result of the pass-through of
prepayments of principal on the underlying securities, mortgage-backed
securities are often subject to more rapid prepayment of principal than their
stated maturity would indicate. Prepayments occur when the mortgagor on a
mortgage prepays the remaining principal before the mortgage's scheduled
maturity date. Because the prepayment characteristics of the underlying
mortgages vary, it is impossible to predict accurately the realized yield or
average life of a particular issue of pass-
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through certificates. Prepayments are important because of their effect on the
yield and price of the mortgage-backed securities. During periods of declining
interest rates, prepayments can be expected to accelerate and a Fund investing
in such securities would be required to reinvest the proceeds at the lower
interest rates then available. Conversely, during periods of rising interest
rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturity of the
securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in
response to rising interest rates. In addition, prepayments of mortgages
underlying securities purchased at a premium could result in capital losses.
Adjustable Rate Securities. Adjustable rate securities have interest rates that
are reset at periodic intervals, usually by reference to some interest rate
index or market interest rate. Some adjustable rate securities are backed by
pools of mortgage loans. Although the rate-adjustment feature may reduce sharp
changes in the value of adjustable rate securities, these securities can change
in value based on changes in market interest rates or the issuer's
creditworthiness. Changes in the interest rate on adjustable rate securities may
lag behind changes in prevailing market interest rates. Also, some adjustable
rate securities (or the underlying mortgages) are subject to caps or floors that
limit the maximum change in interest rate.
Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities (unrelated to first mortgage
loans) represent fractional interests in pools of leases, retail installment
loans, revolving credit receivables and other payment obligations, both secured
and unsecured. These assets are generally held by a trust and payments of
principal and interest or interest only are passed through monthly or quarterly
to certificate holders and may be guaranteed up to certain amounts by letters of
credit issued by a financial institution affiliated or unaffiliated with the
trustee or originator of the trust.
Like mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities, underlying automobile
sales contracts or credit card receivables are subject to prepayment, which may
reduce the overall return to certificate holders. Certificate holders may also
experience delays in payment on the certificates if the full amounts due on
underlying sales contracts or receivables are not realized by the trust because
of unanticipated legal or administrative costs of enforcing the contracts or
because of depreciation or damage to the collateral (usually automobiles)
securing certain contracts, or other factors.
Zero-Coupon and Payment-in-Kind Bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a
significant discount from their principal amount in lieu of paying interest
periodically. Payment-in-kind bonds allow the issuer to make current interest
payments on the bonds in additional bonds. Because zero-coupon bonds and
payment-in-kind bonds do not pay current interest in cash, their value is
generally subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market
interest rates than bonds that pay interest in cash currently. Both zero-coupon
and payment-in-kind bonds allow an issuer to avoid the need to generate cash to
meet current interest payments. Accordingly, such bonds may involve greater
credit risks than bonds paying interest currently. Even though such bonds do not
pay current interest in cash, a Fund is nonetheless required to accrue interest
income on such investments and to distribute such amounts at least annually to
shareholders. Thus, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other
investments in order to satisfy its dividend requirements.
Equity-Linked Debt Securities. Equity-linked debt securities are securities with
respect to which the amount of interest and/or principal that the issuer thereof
is obligated to pay is linked to the performance of a specified index of equity
securities. Such amount may be significantly greater or less than payment
obligations in respect of other types of debt securities. Adverse changes in
equity securities indices and other adverse changes in the securities markets
may reduce payments made under, and/or the principal of, equity-linked debt
securities held by the Fund. Furthermore, as with any debt securities, the
values of equity-linked debt securities will generally vary inversely with
changes in interest rates. The Fund's ability to dispose of equity-linked debt
securities will depend on the availability of liquid markets for such
securities. Investment in equity-linked debt securities may be considered to be
speculative. As with other securities, the Fund could lose its entire investment
in equity-linked debt securities.
Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments. Loans and other direct debt instruments
are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental or other borrower to
another party. They may represent amounts owed to lenders or lending syndicates
(loans and loan participations), to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims
or other receivables), or to other creditors. Direct debt instruments involve
the risk of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer
less legal protection to the Fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation
than debt securities. In addition, loan participations involve a risk of
insolvency of the lending bank or other financial intermediary. Direct debt
instruments may also include standby financing commitments that obligate the
Fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. Loans and other direct
debt instruments are generally illiquid and may be transferred only through
individually negotiated private transactions.
Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon
the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest.
Direct debt instruments may not be rated by any nationally recognized rating
service. If the Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments
on such indebtedness, the Fund's share price and yield could be adversely
affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the Fund more protection than
unsecured loans in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal.
However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured
loan would satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral can be
liquidated. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor may involve
substantial risks, and may be highly speculative.
Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their
indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Direct
indebtedness of Asian countries will
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also involve a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment
of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and repay principal
when due.
Investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's
interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to the Fund. For
example, if a loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any
collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and
disposing of the collateral. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of
insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that acts
as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as
specified on the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other
indebtedness, the Fund has direct recourse against the borrower, it may have to
rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against a borrower. If
assets held by the agent for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be
subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors, the Fund might incur
certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the loan or loan participation
and could suffer a loss of principal or interest.
Direct indebtedness purchased by the Fund may include letters of credit,
revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments obligating
the Fund to pay additional cash on demand. These commitments may have the effect
of requiring the Fund to increase its investment in a borrower at a time when it
would not otherwise have done so, even if the borrower's condition makes it
unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
Mortgage-Backed Securities and Associated Risks. Mortgage-Backed Securities
include mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through
securities, such as REMIC pass-through certificates, CMOs and stripped
mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"), and other types of Mortgage-Backed
Securities that may be available in the future.
Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Real Estate Investment Fund may
invest in guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities which represent
participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by
U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to the
Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), the Federal National
Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("Freddie Mac"). Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by the full
faith and credit of the United States Government for timely payment of principal
and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae certificates are guaranteed by
Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately-owned corporation for full and
timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Freddie Mac
certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the
United States Government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate
collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans. Multiple-Class
Pass-Through Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. Mortgage-Backed
Securities also include CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation
certificates, which may be issued by, among others, U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities as well as private lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are
issued in multiple classes and the principal of and interest on the mortgage
assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates
in various ways. Each class of CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as
a "tranche," is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must
be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Generally, interest
is paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly
basis. Real Estate Investment Fund will not invest in the lowest tranche of CMOs
and REMIC certificates.
Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae or Freddie Mac certificates but
also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or
private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from
payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any
reinvestment income thereon.
A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and
invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and
other permitted investments. Investors may purchase "regular" and "residual"
interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts although the Fund does
not intend to invest in residual interests.
Risks. Investing in Mortgage-Backed Securities involves certain unique risks in
addition to those generally associated with investing in the real estate
industry in general. These unique risks include the failure of a counterparty to
meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of
prepayments on mortgage cash flows. See "Risk Considerations--Mortgage-Backed
Securities" for a more complete description of the characteristics of
Mortgage-Backed Securities and associated risks.
Illiquid Securities. Subject to any more restrictive applicable fundamental
investment policy, none of the Funds will maintain more than 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities generally include (i) direct
placements or other securities that are subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on resale or for which there is no readily available market (e.g.,
when trading in the security is suspended or, in the case of unlisted
securities, when market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or
offers), including many individually negotiated currency swaps and any assets
used to cover currency swaps and most privately negotiated investments in state
enterprises that have not yet conducted an initial equity offering, (ii)
over-the-counter options and assets used to cover over-the-counter options, and
(iii) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days.
Because of the absence of a trading market for illiquid securities, a Fund may
not be able to realize their full value upon sale. With respect to each Fund
that may invest in such securities, Alliance will monitor their illiquidity
under the supervision of the Directors of the Fund. To the extent
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permitted by applicable law, Rule 144A securities will not be treated as
"illiquid" for purposes of the foregoing restriction so long as such securities
meet liquidity guidelines established by a Fund's Directors. Investment in
non-publicly traded securities by each of Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced
Fund is restricted to 5% of its total assets (not including for these purposes
Rule 144A securities, to the extent permitted by applicable law) and is also
subject to the 15% restriction on investment in illiquid securities described
above.
A Fund that invests in securities for which there is no ready market may
therefore not be able to readily sell such securities. To the extent that these
securities are foreign securities, there is no law in many of the countries in
which a Fund may invest similar to the Securities Act requiring an issuer to
register the sale of securities with a governmental agency or imposing legal
restrictions on resales of securities, either as to length of time the
securities may be held or manner of resale. However, there may be contractual
restrictions on resales of securities.
Options. An option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium,
the right to deliver to (in the case of a put) or receive from (in the case of a
call) the writer a specified amount of a security on or before a fixed date at a
predetermined price. A call option written by a Fund is "covered" if the Fund
owns the underlying security, has an absolute and immediate right to acquire
that security upon conversion or exchange of another security it holds, or holds
a call option on the underlying security with an exercise price equal to or less
than that of the call option it has written. A put option written by a Fund is
covered if the Fund holds a put option on the underlying securities with an
exercise price equal to or greater than that of the put option it has written.
A call option is for cross-hedging purposes if a Fund does not own the
underlying security, and is designed to provide a hedge against a decline in
value in another security which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire.
Worldwide Privatization Fund, All-Asia Investment Fund, Income Builder Fund and
Utility Income Fund each may write call options for cross-hedging purposes. A
Fund would write a call option for cross-hedging purposes, instead of writing a
covered call option, when the premium to be received from the cross-hedge
transaction would exceed that which would be received from writing a covered
call option, while at the same time achieving the desired hedge.
In purchasing an option, a Fund would be in a position to realize a gain if,
during the option period, the price of the underlying security increased (in the
case of a call) or decreased (in the case of a put) by an amount in excess of
the premium paid; otherwise the Fund would experience a loss equal to the
premium paid for the option.
If an option written by a Fund were exercised, the Fund would be obligated to
purchase (in the case of a put) or sell (in the case of a call) the underlying
security at the exercise price. The risk involved in writing an option is that,
if the option were exercised, the underlying security would then be purchased or
sold by the Fund at a disadvantageous price. These risks could be reduced by
entering into a closing transaction (i.e., by disposing of the option prior to
its exercise). A Fund retains the premium received from writing a put or call
option whether or not the option is exercised. The writing of covered call
options could result in increases in a Fund's portfolio turnover rate,
especially during periods when market prices of the underlying securities
appreciate.
Technology Fund, Quasar Fund, International Fund, New Europe Fund and Global
Small Cap Fund will not write uncovered call options. Technology Fund and Global
Small Cap Fund will not write a call option if the premium to be received by the
Fund in doing so would not produce an annualized return of at least 15% of the
then current market value of the securities subject to the option (without
giving effect to commissions, stock transfer taxes and other expenses that are
deducted from premium receipts). Technology Fund, Quasar Fund and Global Small
Cap Fund will not write a call option if, as a result, the aggregate of the
Fund's portfolio securities subject to outstanding call options (valued at the
lower of the option price or market value of such securities) would exceed 15%
of the Fund's total assets or more than 10% of the Fund's assets would be
committed to call options that at the time of sale have a remaining term of more
than 100 days. The aggregate cost of all outstanding options purchased and held
by each of Premier Growth Fund, Technology Fund, Quasar Fund and Global Small
Cap Fund will at no time exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets. Neither
International Fund nor New Europe Fund will write uncovered put options.
A Fund that purchases or writes options on securities in privately negotiated
(i.e., over-the-counter) transactions will effect such transactions only with
investment dealers and other financial institutions (such as commercial banks or
savings and loan institutions) deemed creditworthy by Alliance, and Alliance has
adopted procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such entities. Options
purchased or written by a Fund in negotiated transactions are illiquid and it
may not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at an
advantageous time. See "Illiquid Securities."
Options on Securities Indices. An option on a securities index is similar to an
option on a security except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery
of a security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the
holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if
the closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of a call) or
less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A "sale" of a futures
contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the
securities or foreign currencies or other commodity called for by the contract
at a specified price on a specified date. A "purchase" of a futures contract
means the incurring of an obligation to acquire the securities, foreign
currencies or other commodity called for by the contract at a specified price on
a specified date. The purchaser of a futures contract on an index agrees to take
or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between a
specified
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dollar multiple of the value of the index on the expiration date of the contract
("current contract value") and the price at which the contract was originally
struck. No physical delivery of the securities underlying the index is made.
Options on futures contracts written or purchased by a Fund will be traded on
U.S. or foreign exchanges or over-the-counter. These investment techniques will
be used only to hedge against anticipated future changes in market conditions
and interest or exchange rates which otherwise might either adversely affect the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities or adversely affect the prices of
securities which the Fund intends to purchase at a later date.
No Fund will enter into any futures contracts or options on futures contracts if
immediately thereafter the market values of the outstanding futures contracts of
the Fund and the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options
written by the Fund would exceed 50% of its total assets, and Income Builder
Fund will also not do so if immediately thereafter the aggregate of initial
margin deposits on all the outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and
premiums paid on outstanding options on futures contracts would exceed 5% of the
market value of the total assets of the Fund. Premier Growth Fund and Growth and
Income Fund may not purchase or sell a stock index future if immediately
thereafter more than 30% of its total assets would be hedged by stock index
futures. Premier Growth Fund and Growth and Income Fund may not purchase or sell
a stock index future if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of margin
deposits on the Fund's existing futures positions would exceed 5% of the market
value of the Fund's total assets.
Options on Foreign Currencies. As in the case of other kinds of options, the
writing of an option on a foreign currency constitutes only a partial hedge, up
to the amount of the premium received, and a Fund could be required to purchase
or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring
losses. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute an
effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates although, in the event of
rate movements adverse to a Fund's position, it may forfeit the entire amount of
the premium plus related transaction costs. See the Statement of Additional
Information of each Fund that may invest in options on foreign currencies for
further discussion of the use, risks and costs of options on foreign currencies.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A Fund purchases or sells forward
contracts to minimize the risk to it from adverse changes in the relationship
between the U.S. dollar and other currencies. A forward contract is an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed price at a
future date, and is individually negotiated and privately traded.
A Fund may enter into a forward contract, for example, when it enters into a
contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign
currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security
("transaction hedge"). A Fund will not engage in transaction hedges with respect
to the currency of a particular country to an extent greater than the aggregate
amount of the Fund's transactions in that currency. When a Fund believes that a
foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it
may enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of that foreign
currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency, or when the Fund believes that
the U.S. dollar may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it
may enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a
fixed dollar amount ("position hedge"). A Fund will not position hedge with
respect to a particular currency to an extent greater than the aggregate market
value (at the time of making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio
denominated or quoted in that currency. Instead of entering into a position
hedge, a Fund may, in the alternative, enter into a forward contract to sell a
different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount where the Fund
believes that the U.S. dollar value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the
forward contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar value
of the currency in which portfolio securities of the Fund are denominated
("cross-hedge"). Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer
overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such forward
contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover,
it may not be possible for a Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so
generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency
at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. International Fund, New
Europe Fund and Global Small Cap Fund will not enter into a forward contract
with a term of more than one year or if, as a result, more than 50% of its total
assets would be committed to such contracts. The dealings of International Fund,
New Europe Fund and Global Small Cap Fund in forward contracts will be limited
to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions.
Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund may also purchase and sell foreign
currency on a spot basis.
Forward Commitments. Forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities
may include purchases on a "when-issued" basis or purchases or sales on a
"delayed delivery" basis. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned
upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of
a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a "when, as and
if issued" trade).
When forward commitment transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the
time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take
place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within two months
after the transaction, but settlements beyond two months may be negotiated.
Securities purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject to market
fluctuation, and no interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the
settlement date. At the time a Fund intends to enter into a forward commitment,
it records the transaction and thereafter reflects the value of the security
purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds
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to be received, in determining its net asset value. Any unrealized appreciation
or depreciation reflected in such valuation of a "when, as and if issued"
security would be canceled in the event that the required conditions did not
occur and the trade was canceled.
The use of forward commitments enables a Fund to protect against anticipated
changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in periods of rising
interest rates and falling bond prices, a Fund might sell securities in its
portfolio on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices.
In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, a Fund might sell a
security in its portfolio and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if Alliance were to forecast incorrectly
the direction of interest rate movements, a Fund might be required to complete
such when-issued or forward transactions at prices inferior to the then current
market values. When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior
to the settlement date, but a Fund enters into when-issued and forward
commitments only with the intention of actually receiving securities or
delivering them, as the case may be. If a Fund chooses to dispose of the right
to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or dispose of its
right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may incur a gain or
loss. Any significant commitment of Fund assets to the purchase of securities on
a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of the Fund's net
asset value. No forward commitments will be made by New Europe Fund, All-Asia
Investment Fund, Worldwide Privatization Fund, Income Builder Fund, Real
Estate Investment Fund or Utility Income Fund if, as a result, the Fund's
aggregate commitments under such transactions would be more than 30% of the
Fund's total assets. In the event the other party to a forward commitment
transaction were to default, a Fund might lose the opportunity to invest money
at favorable rates or to dispose of securities at favorable prices.
Standby Commitment Agreements. Standby commitment agreements commit a Fund, for
a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a security that may be
issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer. The price and coupon of
the security are fixed at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering
into the agreement the Fund is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether the
security ultimately is issued, typically equal to approximately 0.5% of the
aggregate purchase price of the security the Fund has committed to purchase. A
Fund will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price considered advantageous
to the Fund and unavailable on a firm commitment basis. No Fund, other than
Income Builder Fund, will enter into a standby commitment with a remaining term
in excess of 45 days. Investments in standby commitments will be limited so that
the aggregate purchase price of the securities subject to the commitments will
not exceed 25% with respect to New Europe Fund and Real Estate Investment Fund,
50% with respect to Worldwide Privatization Fund and All-Asia Investment Fund,
and 20% with respect to Utility Income Fund, of the Fund's assets taken at the
time of making the commitment.
There is no guarantee that a security subject to a standby commitment will be
issued and the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be
more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security
underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, a Fund will bear the
risk of capital loss in the event the value of the security declines and may not
benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment
period if the issuer decides not to issue and sell the security to the Fund.
Currency Swaps. Currency swaps involve the individually negotiated exchange by a
Fund with another party of a series of payments in specified currencies. A
currency swap may involve the delivery at the end of the exchange period of a
substantial amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other
designated currency. Therefore the entire principal value of a currency swap is
subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its
contractual delivery obligations. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a
Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each currency swap will
be accrued on a daily basis. A Fund will not enter into any currency swap unless
the credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of
the other party thereto is rated in the highest rating category of at least one
nationally recognized rating organization at the time of entering into the
transaction. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction,
such Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to
the transactions.
Interest Rate Transactions. Each Fund that may enter into interest rate
transactions expects to do so primarily to preserve a return or spread on a
particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Funds do not intend to use these transactions in a speculative manner.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating
rate payments for fixed rate payments). Interest rate swaps are entered on a net
basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or
paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). With
respect to All-Asia Investment Fund and Utility Income Fund, the exchange
commitments can involve payments in the same currency or in different
currencies. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the
extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive
payments of interest on a contractually-based principal amount from the party
selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles
the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined
interest rate, to receive payments of interest on an agreed principal amount
from the party selling the interest rate floor.
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A Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, caps and floors on either an
asset-based or liability-based basis, depending upon whether it is hedging its
assets or liabilities. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's
obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap, cap
and floor is accrued daily. A Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap,
cap or floor transaction unless the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying
ability of the other party thereto is then rated in the highest rating category
of at least one nationally recognized rating organization. Alliance will monitor
the creditworthiness of counterparties on an ongoing basis. The swap market has
grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of banks and investment
banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized
swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid.
Caps and floors are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation
has not yet been developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
The use of interest rate transactions is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If Alliance were to incorrectly
forecast market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, the
investment performance of a Fund would be adversely affected by the use of these
investment techniques. Moreover, even if Alliance is correct in its forecasts,
there is a risk that the transaction position may correlate imperfectly with the
price of the asset or liability being hedged. There is no limit on the amount of
interest rate transactions that may be entered into by a Fund that is permitted
to enter into such transactions. These transactions do not involve the delivery
of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of
loss with respect to interest rate transactions is limited to the net amount of
interest payments that a Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other
party to an interest rate transaction defaults, a Fund's risk of loss consists
of the net amount of interest payments that the Fund contractually is entitled
to receive.
Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement arises when a buyer purchases a
security and simultaneously agrees to resell it to the vendor at an agreed-upon
future date, normally a day or a few days later. The resale price is greater
than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon interest rate for the period
the buyer's money is invested in the security. Such agreements permit a Fund to
keep all of its assets at work while retaining "overnight" flexibility in
pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature. If a vendor defaults on its
repurchase obligation, a Fund would suffer a loss to the extent that the
proceeds from the sale of the collateral were less than the repurchase price. If
a vendor goes bankrupt, a Fund might be delayed in, or prevented from, selling
the collateral for its benefit. Alliance monitors the creditworthiness of the
vendors with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements. There is no
percentage restriction on a Fund's ability to enter into repurchase agreements,
other than as indicated under "Investment Objectives and Policies."
Short Sales. A short sale is effected by selling a security that a Fund does not
own, or if the Fund does own such security, it is not to be delivered upon
consummation of the sale. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent that a
Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain securities identical to
those sold short without payment. Worldwide Privatization Fund, All-Asia
Investment Fund, Income Builder Fund and Utility Income Fund each may make short
sales of securities or maintain short positions only for the purpose of
deferring realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
provided that at all times when a short position is open the Fund owns an equal
amount of securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities sold short. In addition, each of those Funds may not make a short
sale if as a result more than 10% of the Fund's net assets would be held as
collateral for short sales, except that All-Asia Investment Fund and Real Estate
Investment Fund may not make a short sale if as a result more than 25% of the
Fund's net assets would be held as collateral for short sales. If the price of
the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the
time a Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss;
conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. See
"Certain Fundamental Investment Policies." Certain special federal income tax
considerations may apply to short sales entered into by a Fund. See "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes" in the relevant Fund's Statement of Additional
Information.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The risk in lending portfolio securities, as with
other extensions of credit, consists of the possible loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend
securities to a particular borrower, Alliance will consider all relevant facts
and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. While
securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income earned thereon
and the Fund may invest any cash collateral in portfolio securities, thereby
earning additional income, or receive an agreed upon amount of income from a
borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral. Each Fund will have the right
to regain record ownership of loaned securities or equivalent securities in
order to exercise ownership rights such as voting rights, subscription rights
and rights to dividends, interest or distributions. A Fund may pay reasonable
finders', administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan. A Fund
will not lend its portfolio securities to any officer, director, employee or
affiliate of the Fund or Alliance.
General. The successful use of the foregoing investment practices draws upon
Alliance's special skills and experience with respect to such instruments and
usually depends on Alliance's ability to forecast price movements, interest
rates or currency exchange rate movements correctly. Should interest rates,
prices or exchange rates move unexpectedly, a Fund may not achieve the
anticipated benefits of the transactions or may realize losses and thus be in a
worse position than if such strategies had not been used. Unlike many
exchange-traded futures contracts and options on futures contracts, there are no
daily price fluctuation limits
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with respect to certain options and forward contracts, and adverse market
movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time.
In addition, the correlation between movements in the prices of futures
contracts, options and forward contracts and movements in the prices of the
securities and currencies hedged or used for cover will not be perfect and could
produce unanticipated losses.
A Fund's ability to dispose of its position in futures contracts, options and
forward contracts depends on the availability of liquid markets in such
instruments. Markets in options and futures with respect to a number of types of
securities and currencies are relatively new and still developing, and there is
no public market for forward contracts. It is impossible to predict the amount
of trading interest that may exist in various types of futures contracts,
options and forward contracts. If a secondary market does not exist with respect
to an option purchased or written by a Fund, it might not be possible to effect
a closing transaction in the option (i.e., dispose of the option), with the
result that (i) an option purchased by the Fund would have to be exercised in
order for the Fund to realize any profit and (ii) the Fund may not be able to
sell currencies or portfolio securities covering an option written by the Fund
until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security, futures
contract or currency upon exercise. Therefore, no assurance can be given that
the Funds will be able to utilize these instruments effectively for the purposes
set forth above. Furthermore, a Fund's ability to engage in options and futures
transactions may be limited by tax considerations. See "Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information of each Fund that invests
in options and futures.
Future Developments. A Fund may, following written notice to its shareholders,
take advantage of other investment practices that are not currently contemplated
for use by the Fund or are not available but may yet be developed, to the extent
such investment practices are consistent with the Fund's investment objective
and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise,
may involve risks that exceed those involved in the activities described above.
Defensive Position. For temporary defensive purposes, each Fund may invest in
certain types of short-term, liquid, high grade or high quality (depending on
the Fund) debt securities. These securities may include U.S. Government
securities, qualifying bank deposits, money market instruments, prime commercial
paper and other types of short-term debt securities including notes and bonds.
For Funds that may invest in foreign countries, such securities may also include
short-term, foreign-currency denominated securities of the type mentioned above
issued by foreign governmental entities, companies and supranational
organizations. For a complete description of the types of securities each Fund
may invest in while in a temporary defensive position, please see such Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
Portfolio Turnover. Portfolio turnover rates are set forth under "Financial
Highlights." These portfolio turnover rates are greater than those of most other
investment companies, including those which emphasize capital appreciation as a
basic policy. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater
brokerage and other expenses than a lower rate, which must be borne by the Fund
and its shareholders. High portfolio turnover also may result in the realization
of substantial net short-term capital gains. See "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes" in each Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment policies listed below,
which may not be changed without the approval of its shareholders. Additional
investment restrictions with respect to a Fund are set forth in its Statement of
Additional Information.
Alliance Fund may not: (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. Government); (ii) acquire more
than 10% of the voting or other securities of any one issuer; or (iii) buy
securities of any company that (including its predecessors) has not been in
business at least three continuous years. Pursuant to investment policies which
are not fundamental, the Fund does not invest (i) in puts or calls (except as
discussed above); (ii) in straddles, spreads, or any combination thereof; (iii)
in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs; or (iv) more
than 5% of its gross assets in securities the disposition of which would be
subject to restrictions under the federal securities laws.
Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund each may not: (i) invest more than 5% of
its total assets in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
securities and repurchase agreements relating thereto), although up to 25% of
each Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to this restriction; or
(ii) invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of any one
industry.
Premier Growth Fund may not: (i) purchase more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of any one issuer; (ii) invest 25% or more of the value of its
total assets in the same industry; (iii) borrow money or issue senior securities
except for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the
value of its total assets at the time the borrowing is made; (iv) pledge,
mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber any of its assets except in
connection with the writing of call options and except to secure permitted
borrowings; or (v) invest in the securities of any issuer that has a record of
less than three years of continuous operation (including the operation of any
predecessor) if as a result more than 10% of the value of the total assets of
the Fund would be invested in the securities of such issuer or issuers.
Technology Fund may not: (i) with respect to 75% of its total assets, have such
assets represented by other than: (a) cash and cash items, (b) U.S. Government
securities, or (c) securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. Government
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and its agencies or instrumentalities) not greater in value than 5% of the
Fund's total assets, and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of such issuer; (ii) purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than the
U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities, if as a result (a) the
value of the holdings of the Fund in the securities of such issuer exceeds 25%
of its total assets, or (b) the Fund owns more than 25% of the outstanding
securities of any one class of securities of such issuer; (iii) concentrate its
investments in any one industry, but the Fund has reserved the right to invest
up to 25% of its total assets in a particular industry; and (iv) invest in the
securities of any issuer which has a record of less than three years of
continuous operation (including the operation of any predecessor) if such
purchase would cause 10% or more of its total assets to be invested in the
securities of such issuers.
Quasar Fund may not: (i) purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than
the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, if as a result
more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in such issuer or the Fund
would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer,
except that up to 25% of its total assets may be invested without regard to
these 5% and 10% limitations; (ii) invest more than 25% of its total assets in
any particular industry; (iii) borrow money except for temporary or emergency
purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of its total assets at the time the
borrowing is made; or (iv) invest more than 10% of its assets in restricted
securities.
International Fund may not: (i) invest more than 5% of the value of its total
assets in securities of a single issuer (including repurchase agreements with
any one entity), except U.S. Government securities or foreign government
securities; provided, however, that the Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its
total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one
foreign government issuer; (ii) own more than 10% of the outstanding securities
of any class of any issuer (for this purpose, all preferred stocks of an issuer
shall be deemed a single class, and all indebtedness of an issuer shall be
deemed a single class), except U.S. Government securities; (iii) invest more
than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers having their
principal business activities in the same industry; provided, that this
limitation does not apply to U.S. Government securities or foreign government
securities; (iv) invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of any issuer that has a record of less than three years of
continuous operation (including the operation of any predecessor or
unconditional guarantor), except U.S. Government securities or foreign
government securities; (v) invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets
in securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, other than
repurchase agreements, or more than 10% of the value of its total assets in
securities that are not readily marketable (including restricted securities and
repurchase agreements not terminable within seven business days); and (vi)
borrow money, except as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, and then only from banks in amounts not exceeding 5% of its total
assets.
Worldwide Privatization Fund may not: (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets
in securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the
same industry, except that this restriction does not apply to (a) U.S.
Government securities, or (b) the purchase of securities of issuers whose
primary business activity is in the national commercial banking industry, so
long as the Fund's Directors determine, on the basis of factors such as
liquidity, availability of investments and anticipated returns, that the Fund's
ability to achieve its investment objective would be adversely affected if the
Fund were not permitted to invest more than 25% of its total assets in those
securities, and so long as the Fund notifies its shareholders of any decision by
the Directors to permit or cease to permit the Fund to invest more than 25% of
its total assets in those securities, such notice to include a discussion of any
increased investment risks to which the Fund may be subjected as a result of the
Directors' determination; (ii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might
require the untimely disposition of securities; borrowing in the aggregate may
not exceed 15%, and borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may
not exceed 5%, of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is
made; outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets will be repaid before any investments are made; or (iii) pledge,
hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings. The exception contained in clause (i)(b) above is subject
to the operating policy regarding concentration described in this Prospectus.
New Europe Fund may not: (i) purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of any one issuer; (ii) invest more than 15% of its total assets in
the securities of any one issuer or 25% or more of its total assets in the same
industry, provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall not be deemed
to prohibit the Fund from purchasing the securities of any issuer pursuant to
the exercise of rights distributed to the Fund by the issuer, except that no
such purchase may be made if as a result the Fund will fail to meet the
diversification requirements of the Code and any such acquisition in excess of
the foregoing 15% or 25% limits will be sold by the Fund as soon as reasonably
practicable (this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities, but
will apply to foreign government securities unless the Commission permits their
exclusion); (iii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might require the
untimely disposition of securities; borrowing in the aggregate may not exceed
15%, and borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may not exceed
5%, of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities
(not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made;
outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets will be repaid
before any subsequent investments are made; or (iv) purchase a security (unless
the security is acquired pursuant to a plan of reorganization or an offer of
exchange) if,
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as a result, the Fund would own any securities of an open-end investment company
or more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any closed-end
investment company, or more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in securities of any closed-end investment company, or more
than 10% of such value in closed-end investment companies in general.
All-Asia Investment Fund may not: (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same
industry; (ii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might require the
untimely disposition of securities; borrowing in the aggregate may not exceed
15%, and borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may not exceed
5%, of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities
(not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made;
outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
will be repaid before any investments are made; or (iii) pledge, hypothecate,
mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted
borrowings.
Global Small Cap Fund may not: (i) purchase the securities of any one issuer,
other than the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, if
immediately after such purchase more than 5% of the value of its total assets
would be invested in such issuer or the Fund would own more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer, except that up to 25% of the
Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to these 5% and 10%
limitations; (ii) invest 25% or more of its total assets in the same industry;
this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities, but will apply to
foreign government securities unless the Commission permits their exclusion;
(iii) borrow money except from banks for emergency or temporary purposes in an
amount not exceeding 5% of the total assets of the Fund; or (iv) make short
sales of securities or maintain a short position, unless at all times when a
short position is open it owns an equal amount of such securities or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further
consideration, securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities sold short and unless not more than 5% of the Fund's net assets is
held as collateral for such sales at any one time.
Balanced Shares may not: (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer, except U.S. Government securities; or (ii) own
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
Income Builder Fund may not: (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of companies engaged principally in any one industry, except that
this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities; (ii) borrow money
except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of
redemption requests that might require the untimely disposition of securities;
borrowing in the aggregate may not exceed 15%, and borrowing for purposes other
than meeting redemptions may not exceed 5%, of the Fund's total assets
(including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (not including the amount
borrowed) at the time borrowing is made; securities will not be purchased while
borrowings in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets are outstanding; or (iii)
pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings.
Utility Income Fund may not: (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer except the U.S. Government, although with respect
to 25% of its total assets it may invest in any number of issuers; (ii) invest
25% or more of its total assets in the securities of issuers conducting their
principal business activities in any one industry, other than the utilities
industry, except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government
securities; (iii) purchase more than 10% of any class of the voting securities
of any one issuer; (iv) borrow money except from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might
require the untimely disposition of securities; borrowing in the aggregate may
not exceed 15%, and borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may
not exceed 5%, of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is
made; outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets will be
repaid before any subsequent investments are made; or (v) purchase a security
if, as a result (unless the security is acquired pursuant to a plan of
reorganization or an offer of exchange), the Fund would own any securities of an
open-end investment company or more than 3% of the total outstanding voting
stock of any closed-end investment company or more than 5% of the value of the
Fund's net assets would be invested in securities of any one or more closed-end
investment companies.
Growth and Income Fund may not (i) invest more than 5% of its net assets in the
security of any one issuer, except U.S. Government obligations or (ii) own more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer.
Real Estate Investment Fund may not: (i) with respect to 75% of its total
assets, have such assets represented by other than: (a) cash and cash items, (b)
U.S. Government securities, or (c) securities of any one issuer (other than the
U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities) not greater in value than
5% of the Fund's total assets, and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of such issuer; (ii) purchase the securities of any one issuer, other
than the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities, if as a result
(a) the value of the holdings of the Fund in the securities of such issuer
exceeds 25% of its total assets, or (b) the Fund owns more than 25% of the
outstanding securities of any one class of securities of such issuer; (iii)
invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of issuers conducting
their principal business activities in any one industry, other than the real
estate industry in which the Fund will invest at least 25% or more of its total
assets, except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government
securities; (iv) purchase or sell real estate, except that it may purchase and
sell securities of companies which deal in real estate or interests therein,
including Real Estate Equity
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Securities; or (v) borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes or to
meet redemption requests, in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of its
total assets at the time the borrowing is made.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investment in certain of the Funds involves the special risk considerations
described below. These risks may be heightened when investing in emerging
markets.
Investment in Privatized Enterprises by Worldwide Privatization Fund. In certain
jurisdictions, the ability of foreign entities, such as the Fund, to participate
in privatizations may be limited by local law, or the price or terms on which
the Fund may be able to participate may be less advantageous than for local
investors. Moreover, there can be no assurance that governments that have
embarked on privatization programs will continue to divest their ownership of
state enterprises, that proposed privatizations will be successful or that
governments will not re-nationalize enterprises that have been privatized.
Furthermore, in the case of certain of the enterprises in which the Fund may
invest, large blocks of the stock of those enterprises may be held by a small
group of stockholders, even after the initial equity offerings by those
enterprises. The sale of some portion or all of those blocks could have an
adverse effect on the price of the stock of any such enterprise.
Most state enterprises or former state enterprises go through an internal
reorganization of management prior to conducting an initial equity offering in
an attempt to better enable these enterprises to compete in the private sector.
However, certain reorganizations could result in a management team that does not
function as well as the enterprise's prior management and may have a negative
effect on such enterprise. After making an initial equity offering, enterprises
that may have enjoyed preferential treatment from the respective state or
government that owned or controlled them may no longer receive such preferential
treatment and may become subject to market competition from which they were
previously protected. Some of these enterprises may not be able to effectively
operate in a competitive market and may suffer losses or experience bankruptcy
due to such competition. In addition, the privatization of an enterprise by its
government may occur over a number of years, with the government continuing to
hold a controlling position in the enterprise even after the initial equity
offering for the enterprise.
Currency Considerations. Substantially all of the assets of International Fund,
New Europe Fund, All-Asia Investment Fund, and Worldwide Privatization Fund and
a substantial portion of the assets of Global Small Cap Fund will be invested in
securities denominated in foreign currencies, and a corresponding portion of
these Funds' revenues will be received in such currencies. Therefore, the dollar
equivalent of their net assets, distributions and income will be adversely
affected by reductions in the value of certain foreign currencies relative to
the U.S. dollar. If the value of the foreign currencies in which a Fund receives
its income falls relative to the U.S. dollar between receipt of the income and
the making of Fund distributions, the Fund may be required to liquidate
securities in order to make distributions if it has insufficient cash in U.S.
dollars to meet distribution requirements that the Fund must satisfy to qualify
as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. Similarly, if
an exchange rate declines between the time a Fund incurs expenses in U.S.
dollars and the time cash expenses are paid, the amount of the currency required
to be converted into U.S. dollars in order to pay expenses in U.S. dollars could
be greater than the equivalent amount of such expenses in the currency at the
time they were incurred. In light of these risks, a Fund may engage in certain
currency hedging transactions, which themselves involve certain special risks.
See "Additional Investment Practices" above.
Foreign Investment. The securities markets of many foreign countries are
relatively small, with the majority of market capitalization and trading volume
concentrated in a limited number of companies representing a small number of
industries. Consequently, a Fund whose investment portfolio includes such
securities may experience greater price volatility and significantly lower
liquidity than a portfolio invested solely in equity securities of U.S.
companies. These markets may be subject to greater influence by adverse events
generally affecting the market, and by large investors trading significant
blocks of securities, than is usual in the United States. Securities settlements
may in some instances be subject to delays and related administrative
uncertainties. These problems are particularly severe in India, where settlement
is through physical delivery, and, where, currently, a severe shortage of vault
capacity exists among custodial banks, although efforts are being undertaken to
alleviate the shortage. Certain foreign countries require governmental approval
prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons
to only a specified percentage of an issuer's outstanding securities or a
specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including
price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. These
restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude investment in certain
securities and may increase the costs and expenses of a Fund. In addition, the
repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of
securities from certain countries is controlled under regulations, including in
some cases the need for certain advance government notification or authority,
and if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country
could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances.
A Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any
required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application
to it of other restrictions on investment. Investing in local markets may
require a Fund to adopt special procedures, which may involve additional costs
to a Fund. The liquidity of a Fund's investments in any country in which any of
these factors exists could be affected and Alliance will monitor the effect of
any such factor or factors on a Fund's investments. Furthermore, transaction
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costs including brokerage commissions for transactions both on and off the
securities exchanges in many foreign countries are generally higher than in the
United States.
Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions are generally not subject to the
same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as
insider trading rules, restrictions on market manipulation, shareholder proxy
requirements and timely disclosure of information. The reporting, accounting and
auditing standards of foreign countries may differ, in some cases significantly,
from U.S. standards in important respects and less information may be available
to investors in foreign securities than to investors in U.S. securities.
Substantially less information is publicly available about certain non-U.S.
issuers than is available about U.S. issuers.
The economies of individual foreign countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic
product or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes,
government regulation, political or social instability or diplomatic
developments could affect adversely the economy of a foreign country or the
Fund's investments in such country. In the event of expropriation,
nationalization or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment
in the country involved. In addition, laws in foreign countries governing
business organizations, bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less protection to
security holders such as the Fund than that provided by U.S. laws.
Investment in United Kingdom Issuers. Investment in securities of United Kingdom
issuers involves certain considerations not present with investment in
securities of U.S. issuers. As with any investment not denominated in the U.S.
dollar, the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's investment denominated in the
British pound sterling will fluctuate with pound sterling--dollar exchange rate
movements. Between 1972, when the pound sterling was allowed to float against
other currencies, and the end of 1992, the pound sterling generally depreciated
against most major currencies, including the U.S. dollar. Between September and
December 1992, after the United Kingdom's exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism
of the European Monetary System, the value of the pound sterling fell by almost
20% against the U.S. dollar. The pound sterling continued to fall in early 1993,
but recovered due to interest rate cuts throughout Europe and an upturn in the
economy of the United Kingdom. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to
the pound sterling was 1.50 in 1993 and 1.56 in 1996. On September 30, 1997 the
U.S. dollar-pound sterling exchange rate was 1.61.
The United Kingdom's largest stock exchange is the London Stock Exchange, which
is the third largest exchange in the world. As measured by the FT-SE 100 index,
the performance of the 100 largest companies in the United Kingdom reached
4118.5 at the end of 1996, up approximately 12% from the end of 1995. On
September 30, 1997 the FT-SE 100 index closed at 5244.2, up approximately 27%
from the end of 1996.
The public sector borrowing requirement ("PSBR"), a mandated measure of the
amount required to balance the budget, has been, over the last two fiscal years,
higher than forecast. The general government fiscal deficit has been in excess
of the eligibility limit prescribed by the European Union for countries that
intend to participate in the Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU"), which is
scheduled to take effect in January 1999. The government, however, expects that
the deficit will drop below that limit during calendar year 1997 and will
continue to drop in the 1997-98 and 1998-99 fiscal years. Although the
government has not yet made a formal announcement with respect to the United
Kingdom's participation in the EMU, remarks of the Chancellor of the Exchequer
made in mid-October 1997 suggest that the United Kingdom will not participate in
the EMU beginning in January 1999 but may do so thereafter.
From 1979 until 1997 the Conversative Party controlled Parliament. In the May 1,
1997 general elections, however, the Labour Party, led by Tony Blair, won a
majority in Parliament, holding 418 of 658 seats in the House of Commons. Mr.
Blair, who was appointed Prime Minister, has launched a number of reform
initiatives, including an overhaul of the monetary policy framework intended to
protect monetary policy from political forces by vesting responsibility for
setting interest rates in a new Monetary Policy Committee headed by the Governor
of the Bank of England, as opposed to the Treasury. Prime Minister Blair has
also undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of the regulation of the financial
services industry. For further information regarding the United Kingdom, see the
Statement of Additional Information of New Europe Fund.
Investment in Japanese Issuers. Investment in securities of Japanese issuers
involves certain considerations not present with investment in securities of
U.S. issuers. As with any investment not denominated in the U.S. dollar, the
U.S. dollar value of each Fund's investments denominated in the Japanese yen
will fluctuate with yen-dollar exchange rate movements. Between 1985 and 1995,
the Japanese yen generally appreciated against the U.S. dollar, but has fallen
from its post-World War II high (in 1995) against the U.S. dollar.
Japan's largest stock exchange is the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the First Section of
which is reserved for larger, established companies. As measured by the TOPIX, a
capitalization-weighted composite index of all common stocks listed in the First
Section, the performance of the First Section reached a peak in 1989.
Thereafter, the TOPIX declined approximately 50% through the end of 1993. In
1994, the TOPIX closed at 1,559.09, up approximately 8% from the end of 1993; in
1995, the TOPIX closed at 1,577.70, up approximately 1% from the end of 1994;
and in 1996, the TOPIX closed at 1,470.94, down approximately 7% from the end of
1995. On September 30, 1997, the TOPIX closed at 1,388.22, down 5.6% from the
end of 1996. Certain valuation measures, such as price-to-book value and
price-to-cash flow ratios, indicate that the Japanese stock market is near its
lowest level in the last twenty years relative to other world markets. The
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price/earnings ratios of First Section companies, however, are on average high
in comparison with other major stock markets.
In recent years, Japan has consistently recorded large current account trade
surpluses with the U.S. that have caused difficulties in the relations between
the two countries. On October 1, 1994, the U.S. and Japan reached an agreement
that may lead to more open Japanese markets with respect to trade in certain
goods and services. In June 1995, the two countries agreed in principle to
increase Japanese imports of American automobiles and automotive parts.
Nevertheless it is expected that the continuing friction between the U.S. and
Japan with respect to trade issues will continue for the foreseeable future.
Each Fund's investments in Japanese issuers will be subject to uncertainty
resulting from the instability of recent Japanese ruling coalitions. From 1955
to 1993, Japan's government was controlled by a single political party. Between
August 1993 and October 1996 Japan was ruled by a series of four coalition
governments. As the result of a general election on October 20, 1996, however,
Japan has returned to a single-party government led by Prime Minister Ryutaro
Hashimoto. While Mr. Hashimoto's party, does not control a majority of the seats
in the parliament it is only three seats short of the 251 seats required to
attain a majority in the House of Representatives (down from a 12-seat shortfall
just after the October 1996 election). For further information regarding Japan,
see the Statements of Additional Information of All-Asia Investment Fund and
International Fund.
Investment in Smaller, Emerging Companies. The Funds may invest in smaller,
emerging companies. Global Small Cap Fund and New Europe Fund will emphasize
investment in, and All-Asia Investment Fund may emphasize investment in,
smaller, emerging companies. Investment in such companies involves greater risks
than is customarily associated with securities of more established companies.
The securities of smaller companies may have relatively limited marketability
and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of
larger companies or broad market indices.
The Real Estate Industry. Although Real Estate Investment Fund does not invest
directly in real estate, it does invest primarily in Real Estate Equity
Securities and does have a policy of concentration of its investments in the
real estate industry. Therefore, an investment in the Fund is subject to certain
risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate and with the real
estate industry in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines
in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic
conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage funds; overbuilding;
extended vacancies of properties; increases in competition, property taxes and
operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; costs resulting from the clean-up
of, and liability to third parties for damages resulting from, environmental
problems; casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods,
earthquakes or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in rents;
and changes in interest rates. To the extent that assets underlying the Fund's
investments are concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain
other respects, the Fund may be subject to certain of the foregoing risks to a
greater extent.
In addition, if Real Estate Investment Fund receives rental income or income
from the disposition of real property acquired as a result of a default on
securities the Fund owns, the receipt of such income may adversely affect the
Fund's ability to retain its tax status as a regulated investment company. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Investments by the Fund in securities of companies providing mortgage servicing
will be subject to the risks associated with refinancings and their impact on
servicing rights.
REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those
risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity
REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned
by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit
extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not diversified, are
subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and
self-liquidation. REITs are also subject to the possibilities of failing to
qualify for tax free pass-through of income under the Code and failing to
maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When
interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate
obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the
value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to
decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are
reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually
align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value
of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate
fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
Investing in REITs involves risks similar to those associated with investing in
small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may
trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt
or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small
capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the
larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P Index of 500 Common Stocks.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. As discussed above, investing in Mortgage-Backed
Securities involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated
with investment in the real estate industry in general. These risks include the
failure of a counterparty to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes
and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. When interest rates
decline, the value of an investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to
rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of an investment in fixed
rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on
adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on investments in
such loans will gradually align
42
<PAGE>
themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of
such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate
fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
Further, the yield characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities, such as those
in which Real Estate Investment Fund may invest, differ from those of
traditional fixed-income securities. The major differences typically include
more frequent interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the
adjustability of interest rates, and the possibility that prepayments of
principal may be made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.
Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a
variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors, and cannot be
predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate
mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal
prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Early payment associated
with Mortgage-Backed Securities causes these securities to experience
significantly greater price and yield volatility than that experienced by
traditional fixed-income securities. Under certain interest rate and prepayment
rate scenarios, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in
Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental
or agency guarantee. When the Fund reinvests amounts representing payments and
unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a rate of interest that is
lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate mortgage pass-through
securities. Thus, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and adjustable rate mortgage
pass-through securities in particular, may be less effective than other types of
U.S. Government securities as a means of "locking in" interest rates.
U.S. and Foreign Taxes. A Fund's investment in foreign securities may be subject
to taxes withheld at the source on dividend or interest payments. Foreign taxes
paid by a Fund may be creditable or deductible by U.S. shareholders for U.S.
income tax purposes. No assurance can be given that applicable tax laws and
interpretations will not change in the future. Moreover, non-U.S. investors may
not be able to credit or deduct such foreign taxes. Investors should review
carefully the information discussed under the heading "Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes" and should discuss with their tax advisers the specific tax
consequences of investing in a Fund.
Fixed-Income Securities. The value of each Fund's shares will fluctuate with the
value of its investments. The value of each Fund's investments in fixed-income
securities will change as the general level of interest rates fluctuates. During
periods of falling interest rates, the values of fixed-income securities
generally rise. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values
of fixed-income securities generally decline.
Under normal market conditions, the average dollar-weighted maturity of a Fund's
portfolio of debt or other fixed-income securities is expected to vary between
five and 30 years in the case of All-Asia Investment Fund, between eight and 15
years in the case of Income Builder Fund, between five and 25 years in the case
of Utility Income Fund and between one year or less and 30 years in the case of
all other Funds that invest in such securities. In periods of increasing
interest rates, each of the Funds may, to the extent it holds mortgage-backed
securities, be subject to the risk that the average dollar-weighted maturity of
the Fund's portfolio of debt or other fixed- income securities may be extended
as a result of lower than anticipated prepayment rates. See "Additional
Investment Practices--Mortgage-Backed Securities."
Securities Ratings. The ratings of securities by S&P, Moody's, Duff & Phelps and
Fitch are a generally accepted barometer of credit risk. They are, however,
subject to certain limitations from an investor's standpoint. The rating of an
issuer is heavily weighted by past developments and does not necessarily reflect
probable future conditions. There is frequently a lag between the time a rating
is assigned and the time it is updated. In addition, there may be varying
degrees of difference in credit risk of securities within each rating category.
Securities rated Aaa by Moody's and AAA by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are
considered to be of the highest quality; capacity to pay interest and repay
principal is extremely strong. Securities rated Aa by Moody's and AA by S&P,
Duff & Phelps and Fitch are considered to be high quality; capacity to repay
principal is considered very strong, although elements may exist that make risks
appear somewhat larger than exist with securities rated Aaa or AAA. Securities
rated A are considered by Moody's to possess adequate factors giving security to
principal and interest. S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch consider such securities to
have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Such securities are
more susceptible to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances
than higher-rated securities.
Securities rated Baa by Moody's and BBB by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are
considered to have an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Such securities are considered to have speculative characteristics and share
some of the same characteristics as lower-rated securities. Sustained periods of
deteriorating economic conditions or of rising interest rates are more likely to
lead to a weakening in the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal
than in the case of higher-rated securities. Securities rated Ba by Moody's and
BB by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are considered to have speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal
over time; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Securities rated B
by Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are considered to have highly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Securities rated Caa by Moody's and CCC by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are of
poor standing and there is a present danger with respect to payment of principal
or interest. Securities rated Ca by Moody's and CC by S&P and Fitch are
43
<PAGE>
minimally protected, and default in payment of principal or interest is
probable. Securities rated C by Moody's, S&P and Fitch are in imminent default
in payment of principal or interest and have extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing. Securities rated D by S&P and Fitch are
in default. The issuer of securities rated DD by Duff & Phelps is under an order
of liquidation.
Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities. Lower-rated securities, i.e.,
those rated Ba and lower by Moody's or BB and lower by S&P, Duff & Phelps or
Fitch, are subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than
higher-rated securities. They are also generally considered to be subject to
greater market risk than higher-rated securities, and the capacity of issuers of
lower-rated securities to pay interest and repay principal is more likely to
weaken than is that of issuers of higher-rated securities in times of
deteriorating economic conditions or rising interest rates. In addition,
lower-rated securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse
economic conditions than investment grade securities.
The market for lower-rated securities may be thinner and less active than that
for higher-rated securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which
these securities can be sold. To the extent that there is no established
secondary market for lower-rated securities, a Fund may experience difficulty in
valuing such securities and, in turn, the Fund's assets. In addition, adverse
publicity and investor perceptions about lower-rated securities, whether or not
factual, may tend to impair their market value and liquidity.
Alliance will try to reduce the risk inherent in investment in lower-rated
securities through credit analysis, diversification and attention to current
developments and trends in interest rates and economic and political conditions.
However, there can be no assurance that losses will not occur. Since the risk of
default is higher for lower-rated securities, Alliance's research and credit
analysis are a correspondingly more important aspect of its program for managing
a Fund's securities than would be the case if a Fund did not invest in
lower-rated securities.
In seeking to achieve a Fund's investment objective, there will be times, such
as during periods of rising interest rates, when depreciation and realization of
capital losses on securities in a Fund's portfolio will be unavoidable.
Moreover, medium- and lower-rated securities and non-rated securities of
comparable quality may be subject to wider fluctuations in yield and market
values than higher-rated securities under certain market conditions. Such
fluctuations after a security is acquired do not affect the cash income received
from that security but are reflected in the net asset value of a Fund. See the
Statement of Additional Information for each Fund that invests in lower-rated
securities for a description of the bond ratings of Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps
and Fitch.
Certain lower-rated securities in which Growth Fund, Income Builder Fund,
Strategic Balanced and Utility Income Fund may invest may contain call or
buy-back features that permit the issuers thereof to call or repurchase such
securities. Such securities may present risks based on prepayment expectations.
If an issuer exercises such a provision, a Fund may have to replace the called
security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased rate of return
to the Fund.
Non-Diversified Status. Each of Worldwide Privatization Fund, New Europe Fund,
All-Asia Investment Fund and Income Builder Fund is a "non-diversified"
investment company, which means the Fund is not limited in the proportion of its
assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. However, each
Fund intends to conduct its operations so as to qualify to be taxed as a
"regulated investment company" for purposes of the Code, which will relieve the
Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent its earnings are
distributed to shareholders. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in each
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. To so qualify, among other
requirements, the Fund will limit its investments so that, at the close of each
quarter of the taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of the Fund's total assets
will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (ii) with respect to
50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of its total assets will be invested
in the securities of a single issuer and the Fund will not own more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. A Fund's investments in
U.S. Government securities and other regulated investment companies are not
subject to these limitations. Because each of Worldwide Privatization Fund, New
Europe Fund, All-Asia Investment Fund and Income Builder Fund is a
non-diversified investment company, it may invest in a smaller number of
individual issuers than a diversified investment company, and an investment in
such Fund may, under certain circumstances, present greater risk to an investor
than an investment in a diversified investment company.
Foreign government securities are not treated like U.S. Government securities
for purposes of the diversification tests described in the preceding paragraph,
but instead are subject to these tests in the same manner as the securities of
non-governmental issuers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE AND SALE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You can purchase shares of any of the Funds at a price based on the next
calculation of their net asset value after receipt of a proper purchase order
either through broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries, or
directly through Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), each Fund's principal
underwriter. The minimum initial investment in each Fund is $250. The minimum
for subsequent investments in each Fund is $50. Investments of $25 or more are
allowed under the automatic investment program of each Fund. Share certificates
are issued only upon request. See the Subscription Application and Statements of
Additional Information for more information.
Existing shareholders may make subsequent purchases by electronic funds transfer
if they have completed the Telephone Transactions section of the Subscription
Application or the
44
<PAGE>
Shareholder Options form obtained from Alliance Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS"),
each Fund's registrar, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent. Telephone
purchase orders can be made by calling (800) 221-5672 and may not exceed
$500,000.
Each Fund offers three classes of shares through this prospectus, Class A, Class
B and Class C. The Funds may refuse any order to purchase shares. In this
regard, the Funds reserve the right to restrict purchases of Fund shares
(including through exchanges) when they appear to evidence a pattern of frequent
purchases and sales made in response to short-term considerations.
Class A Shares--Initial Sales Charge Alternative
You can purchase Class A shares at net asset value plus an initial sales charge,
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Initial Sales Charge
as % of Commission to
Net Amount as % of Dealer/Agent as %
Amount Purchased Invested Offering Price of Offering Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $100,000 4.44% 4.25% 4.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 to
less than $250,000 3.36 3.25 3.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 to
less than $500,000 2.30 2.25 2.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 to
less than $1,000,000 1.78 1.75 1.50
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
On purchases of $1,000,000 or more, you pay no initial sales charge but may pay
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") equal to 1% of the lesser of net
asset value at the time of redemption or original cost if you redeem within one
year; Alliance may pay the dealer or agent a fee of up to 1% of the dollar
amount purchased. Certain purchases of Class A shares may qualify for reduced or
eliminated sales charges in accordance with a Fund's Combined Purchase
Privilege, Cumulative Quantity Discount, Statement of Intention, Privilege for
Certain Retirement Plans, Reinstatement Privilege and Sales at Net Asset Value
programs. Consult the Subscription Application and Statements of Additional
Information.
Class B Shares--Deferred Sales Charge Alternative
You can purchase Class B shares at net asset value without an initial sales
charge. A Fund will thus receive the full amount of your purchase. However, you
may pay a CDSC if you redeem shares within four years after purchase. The amount
of the CDSC (expressed as a percentage of the lesser of the current net asset
value or original cost) will vary according to the number of years from the
purchase of Class B shares until the redemption of those shares.
The amount of the CDSC for Class B shares for each Fund is as set forth below.
Class B shares of a Fund purchased prior to the date of this Prospectus may be
subject to a different CDSC schedule, which was disclosed in the Fund's
prospectus in use at the time of purchase and is set forth in the Fund's current
Statement of Additional Information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Since Purchase CDSC
-------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
First ............................. 4.0%
Second ............................ 3.0%
Third ............................. 2.0%
Fourth ............................ 1.0%
Fifth ............................. None
</TABLE>
Class B shares are subject to higher distribution fees than Class A shares for a
period (after which they convert to Class A shares) of eight years, or six years
with respect to Premier Growth Fund. The higher fees mean a higher expense
ratio, so Class B shares pay correspondingly lower dividends and may have a
lower net asset value than Class A shares.
Class C Shares--Asset-Based Sales Charge Alternative
You can purchase Class C shares at net asset value without any initial sales
charge. A Fund will thus receive the full amount of your purchase, and, if you
hold your shares for one year or more, you will receive the entire net asset
value of your shares upon redemption. Class C shares incur higher distribution
fees than Class A shares and do not convert to any other class of shares of the
Fund. The higher fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class C shares pay
correspondingly lower dividends and may have a lower net asset value than Class
A shares.
Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC
equal to 1% of the lesser of their original cost or net asset value at the time
of redemption.
Application of the CDSC
Shares obtained from dividend or distribution reinvestment are not subject to
the CDSC. The CDSC is deducted from the amount of the redemption and is paid to
AFD. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares following the death or
disability of a shareholder, to meet the requirements of certain qualified
retirement plans or pursuant to a monthly, bimonthly or quarterly systematic
withdrawal plan. See the Statements of Additional Information.
How the Funds Value Their Shares
The net asset value of each Class of shares of a Fund is calculated by dividing
the value of the Fund's net assets allocable to that Class by the outstanding
shares of that Class. Shares are valued each day the New York Stock Exchange
(the "Exchange") is open as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time). The securities in a Fund are valued at their current market value
determined on the basis of market quotations or, if such quotations are not
readily available, such other methods as the Fund's Directors believe accurately
reflects fair market value.
Employee Benefit Plans
Certain employee benefit plans, including employer-sponsored tax-qualified
401(k) plans and other defined contribution retirement plans ("Employee Benefit
Plans"), may establish requirements as to the purchase, sale or exchange or
shares, including maximum and minimum initial investment requirements, that are
different from those described in this Prospectus. Such Employee Benefit Plans
may also not offer all classes of shares of the Funds. In order to enable
participants investing through such Employee Benefit Plans to purchase shares of
the Funds, the maximum and minimum investment amounts may be different for
shares purchased through these Employee Benefit Plans from those described in
this Prospectus. In addition, the Class A, Class B and Class C CDSC may be
waived for investments made through such Employee Benefit Plans.
45
<PAGE>
General
The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial to you depends on
the amount and intended length of your investment. If you are making a large
investment, thus qualifying for a reduced sales charge, you might consider Class
A shares. If you are making a smaller investment, you might consider Class B
shares because 100% of your purchase is invested immediately. If you are unsure
of the length of your investment, you might consider Class C shares because
there is no initial sales charge and no CDSC as long as the shares are held for
one year or more. Consult your financial agent. Dealers and agents may receive
differing compensation for selling Class A, Class B or Class C shares. There is
no size limit on purchases of Class A shares. The maximum purchase of Class B
shares is $250,000. The maximum purchase of Class C shares is $1,000,000.
Each Fund offers a fourth class of shares, Advisor Class shares, by means of
separate prospectus. Advisor Class shares may be purchased and held solely by
(i) accounts established under a fee-based program sponsored and maintained by a
registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and approved by AFD,
(ii) a self-directed defined contribution employee benefit plan (e.g., a 401(k)
plan) that has at least 1,000 participants or $25 million in assets and (iii)
certain other categories of investors described in the prospectus for the
Advisor Class, including investment advisory clients of, and certain other
persons associated with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Funds. Advisor Class
shares are offered without any initial sales charge or CDSC and without an
ongoing distribution fee and are expected, therefore, to have different
performance than Class A, Class B or Class C shares. You can obtain more
information about Advisor Class shares by contacting AFS at 800-221-5672 or by
contacting your financial representative.
A transaction, service, administrative or other similar fee may be charged by
your broker-dealer, agent, financial intermediary or other financial
representative with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Class A, Class
B or Class C shares made through such financial representative. Such financial
intermediaries may also impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale
or exchange of shares that are different from, or in addition to, those imposed
by a Fund, including requirements as to the minimum initial and subsequent
investment amounts.
In addition to the discount or commission paid to dealers or agents, AFD from
time to time pays additional cash or other incentives to dealers or agents,
including EQ Financial Consultants, Inc., an affiliate of AFD, in connection
with the sale of shares of the Funds. Such additional amounts may be utilized,
in whole or in part, in some cases together with other revenues of such dealers
or agents, to provide additional compensation to registered representatives who
sell shares of the Funds. On some occasions, such cash or other incentives will
be conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of the shares
of a Fund and/or other Alliance Mutual Funds during a specific period of time.
Such incentives may take the form of payment for attendance at seminars, meals,
sporting events or theater performances, or payment for travel, lodging and
entertainment incurred in connection with travel by persons associated with a
dealer or agent and their immediate family members to urban or resort locations
within or outside the United States. Such dealer or agent may elect to receive
cash incentives of equivalent amount in lieu of such payments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in a Fund to the Fund on any day the
Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial intermediary. The
price you will receive is the net asset value (less any applicable CDSC) next
calculated after the Fund receives your request in proper form. Proceeds
generally will be sent to you within seven days. However, for shares recently
purchased by check or electronic funds transfer, a Fund will not send proceeds
until it is reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic funds transfer has
been collected (which may take up to 15 days).
Selling Shares Through Your Broker
Your broker must receive your request before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, and your
broker must transmit your request to the Fund by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, for you
to receive that day's net asset value (less any applicable CDSC). Your broker is
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to a Fund and may charge
you for this service.
Selling Shares Directly To A Fund
Send a signed letter of instruction or stock power form to AFS along with
certificates, if any, that represent the shares you want to sell. For your
protection, signatures must be guaranteed by a bank, a member firm of a national
stock exchange or other eligible guarantor institution. Stock power forms are
available from your financial intermediary, AFS, and many commercial banks.
Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by corporations,
intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners. For details contact:
Alliance Fund Services
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
1-800-221-5672
Alternatively, a request for redemption of shares for which no stock
certificates have been issued can also be made by telephone to 800-221-5672.
Telephone redemption requests must be made by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund
business day in order to receive that day's net asset value, and, except for
certain omnibus accounts, may be made only once in any 30-day period. A
shareholder who has completed the Telephone Transactions section of the
Subscription Application, or the Shareholder Options form obtained from AFS, can
elect to have the proceeds of his or her redemption sent to his or her bank via
an electronic funds transfer. Proceeds of telephone redemptions also may be sent
by check to a shareholder's address of record. Redemption requests by electronic
funds transfer may not exceed $100,000 and redemption requests by check may not
exceed $50,000. Telephone redemption is not available for shares held in nominee
or "street name"
46
<PAGE>
accounts or retirement plan accounts or shares held by a shareholder who has
changed his or her address of record within the previous 30 calendar days.
General
The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for federal tax purposes. Under
unusual circumstances, a Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for up
to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The Funds
reserve the right to close an account that through redemption has remained below
$200 for 90 days. Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to increase
the account value before the account is closed.
During drastic economic or market developments, you might have difficulty
reaching AFS by telephone, in which event you should issue written instructions
to AFS. AFS is not responsible for the authenticity of telephonic requests to
purchase, sell or exchange shares. AFS will employ reasonable procedures to
verify that telephone requests are genuine, and could be liable for losses
resulting from unauthorized transactions if it fails to do so. Dealers and
agents may charge a commission for handling telephonic requests. The telephone
service may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
AFS offers a variety of shareholder services. For more information about these
services or your account, call AFS's toll-free number, 800-221-5672. Some
services are described in the attached Subscription Application. A shareholder's
manual explaining all available services will be provided upon request. To
request a shareholder manual, call 800-227-4618.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange your shares of any Fund for shares of the same class of other
Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD Exchange Reserves, a money market fund
managed by Alliance). Exchanges of shares are made at the net asset values next
determined, without sales or service charges. Exchanges may be made by telephone
or written request. Telephone exchange requests must be received by AFS by 4:00
p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to receive that day's net
asset value.
Shares will continue to age without regard to exchanges for purposes of
determining the CDSC, if any, upon redemption and, in the case of Class B
shares, for the purposes of conversion to Class A shares. After an exchange,
your Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares in accordance
with the conversion schedule applicable to the Class B shares of the Alliance
Mutual Fund you originally purchased for cash ("original shares"). When
redemption occurs, the CDSC applicable to the original shares is applied.
Please read carefully the Prospectus of the mutual fund into which you are
exchanging before submitting the request. Call AFS at 800-221-5672 to exchange
uncertificated shares. An exchange is a taxable capital transaction for federal
tax purposes. The exchange service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on
60 days' written notice.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVISER
Alliance, which is a Delaware limited partnership with principal offices at 1345
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an
advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to provide investment advice and,
in general, to conduct the management and investment program of each Fund,
subject to the general supervision and control of the Directors of the Fund.
The following table lists the person or persons who are primarily responsible
for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio, the length of time that
each person has been primarily responsible, and each person's principal
occupation during the past five years.
Principal occupation
during the past
Fund Employee; year; title five years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Alliance Fund Alden M. Stewart since 1997-- Associated with
Executive Vice President of Alliance since
Alliance Capital Management 1993; prior
Corporation (ACMC*) thereto,
associated with
Equitable Capital
Management
Corporation
("Equitable
Capital")**
Randall E. Haase since 1997-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since July
1993; prior
thereto,
associated with
Equitable Capital
Growth Fund Tyler Smith since inception-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
July 1993; prior
thereto,
associated with
Equitable Capital
Premier Growth Fund Alfred Harrison since inception-- Associated with
Vice Chairman of ACMC Alliance
Technology Fund Peter Anastos since 1992-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Gerald T. Malone since 1992-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
1992; prior
thereto
associated with
College
Retirement
Equities Fund
Quasar Fund Alden M. Stewart since 1994-- (see above)
(see above)
Randall E. Haase since 1994-- (see above)
(see above)
International Fund A. Rama Krishna since 1993-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
and director of Asian Equity 1993; prior
research thereto,
Chief Investment
Strategist and
Director--Equity
Research for CS
First Boston
47
<PAGE>
Principal occupation
during the past
Fund Employee; year; title five years
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Privatization Mark H. Breedon since inception-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
and Director and Vice President
of Alliance Capital Limited ***
New Europe Fund Steven Beinhacker Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance
All-Asia Investment A. Rama Krishna since inception-- (see above)
Fund (see above)
Global Small Cap Alden M. Stewart since 1994-- (see above)
Fund (see above)
Randall E. Haase since 1994-- (see above)
(see above)
Ronald L. Simcoe since 1993-- Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
1993; prior
thereto,
associated with
Equitable Capital
Strategic Balanced Nicholas D.P. Carn Associated with
Fund since 1997-- Alliance since
Vice President of ACMC 1997; prior
thereto, Chief
Investment
Officer and
Portfolio Manager
at Draycott
Partners
Balanced Shares Paul Rissman since 1997-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Income Builder Fund Andrew M. Aran since 1994-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Thomas M. Perkins since 1991-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Vita Marie Pike since 1997 Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Corinne Molof Hill since 1997 Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Utility Income Fund Paul Rissman since 1996-- Associated with
(See above) Alliance
Growth & Income Paul Rissman since 1994-- Associated with
Fund (see above) Alliance
Real Estate Daniel G. Pine since (1996) Associated with
Investment Fund Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
1996; prior
thereto, Senior
Vice President of
Desai Capital
Management
David Kruth since 1997 Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
1997; prior
thereto Senior
Vice President of
the Yarmouth
Group
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The sole general partner of Alliance.
** Equitable Capital was, prior to Alliance's acquisition of it, a management
firm under common control with Alliance.
*** An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance.
Alliance is a leading international investment manager supervising client
accounts with assets as of June 30, 1997 totaling more than $199 billion (of
which approximately $71 billion represented the assets of investment companies).
Alliance's clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit funds, public
employee retirement systems, investment companies, foundations and endowment
funds. The 54 registered investment companies managed by Alliance comprising 116
separate investment portfolios currently have over two million shareholders. As
of June 30, 1997, Alliance was an investment manager of employee benefit plan
assets for 29 of the Fortune 100 companies.
ACMC, the sole general partner of, and the owner of a 1% general partnership
interest in, Alliance, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable
Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable"), one of the largest
life insurance companies in the United States, which is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated, a holding company controlled
by AXA-UAP, a French insurance holding company. Certain information concerning
the ownership and control of Equitable by AXA-UAP is set forth in each Fund's
Statement of Additional Information under "Management of the Funds."
Performance of Similarly Managed Portfolios. In addition to managing the assets
of Premier Growth Fund, Mr. Harrison has ultimate responsibility for the
management of 35 portfolios of discretionary tax-exempt accounts of
institutional clients managed as described below without significant
client-imposed restrictions ("Historical Portfolios"). These accounts have
substantially the same investment objectives and policies and are managed in
accordance with essentially the same investment strategies and techniques as
those for Premier Growth Fund, except for the ability of Premier Growth Fund to
use futures and options as hedging tools and to invest in warrants. The
Historical Portfolios are also not subject to certain limitations,
diversification requirements and other restrictions to which Premier Growth
Fund, as a registered investment company, is subject and which if applicable to
the Historical Portfolios, may have adversely affected the performance results
of the Historical Portfolios. See "Investment Objective and Policies."
Set forth below is performance data provided by Alliance relating to the
Historical Portfolios for each of the eighteen full calendar years during which
Mr. Harrison has managed the Historical Portfolios and cumulatively through
September 30, 1997. As of September 30, 1997, the assets in the Historical
Portfolios totaled approximately $12.4 billion and the average size of an
institutional account in the Historical Portfolio was $355 million. Each
Historical Portfolio has a nearly identical composition of individual investment
holdings and related percentage weightings.
The performance data is gross of advisory fees charged to those accounts. Total
returns would be lower if advisory fees had been taken into account. The
performance data includes the cost of brokerage commissions, but excludes
custodial fees, transfer agency costs and other administrative expenses that
will be payable by Premier Growth Fund and will result in a higher expense ratio
for Premier Growth Fund. Expenses associated with the distribution of Class A,
Class B and Class C shares of Premier Growth Fund in accordance with the plan
adopted by Premier Growth Fund's Board of Directors pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of
the 1940 Act ("distribution fees")
48
<PAGE>
are also excluded. See "Expense Information." The performance data has also not
been adjusted for corporate or individual taxes, if any, payable by the account
owners.
Alliance has calculated the investment performance of the Historical Portfolios
on a trade-date basis. Dividends have been accrued at the end of the month and
cash flows weighted daily. Composite investment performance for all portfolios
has been determined on an asset weighted basis. New accounts are included in the
composite investment performance computations at the beginning of the quarter
following the initial contribution. The composite total returns set forth below
are calculated using a method that links the monthly return amounts for the
disclosed periods, resulting in a time-weighted rate of return.
As reflected below, the Historical Portfolios have over time performed favorably
when compared with the performance of recognized performance indices. The S&P
500 Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of market activity based upon
the aggregate performance of a selected portfolio of publicly traded common
stocks, including monthly adjustments to reflect the reinvestment of dividends
and other distributions. The S&P 500 Index reflects the total return of
securities comprising the Index, including changes in market prices as well as
accrued investment income, which is presumed to be reinvested. The Russell 1000
universe of securities is compiled by Frank Russell Company and is segmented
into two style indices, based on the capitalization-weighted median
book-to-price ratio of each of the securities. At each reconstitution, the
Russell 1000 constituents are ranked by their book-to-price ratio. Once so
ranked, the breakpoint for the two styles is determined by the median market
capitalization of the Russell 1000. Thus, those securities falling within the
top fifty percent of the cumulative market capitalization (as ranked by
descending book-to-price) become members of the Russell Price-Driven Indices.
The Russell 1000 Growth Index is, accordingly, designed to include those Russell
1000 securities with a greater-than-average growth orientation. In contrast with
the securities in the Russell Price-Driven Indices, companies in the Growth
Index tend to exhibit higher price-to-book and price-earnings ratios, lower
dividend yield and higher forecasted growth values.
To the extent Premier Growth Fund does not invest in U.S. common stocks or
utilizes investment techniques such as futures or options, the S&P 500 and
Russell 1000 Growth Index may not be substantially comparable to Premier Growth
Fund. The S&P 500 and Russell 1000 Growth Index are included to illustrate
material economic and market factors that existed during the time period shown.
The S&P 500 and Russell 1000 Growth Index do not reflect the deduction of any
fees. If Premier Growth Fund were to purchase a portfolio of securities
substantially identical to the securities comprising the S&P 500 Index or the
Russell 1000 Growth Index, Premier Growth Fund's performance relative to the
index would be reduced by Premier Growth Fund's expenses, including brokerage
commissions, advisory fees, distribution fees, custodial fees, transfer agency
costs and other administrative expenses as well as by the impact on Premier
Growth Fund's shareholders of sales charges and income taxes.
The Lipper Growth Fund Index is prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and
represents a composite index of the investment performance for the 30 largest
growth mutual funds. The composite investment performance of the Lipper Growth
Fund Index reflects investment management and administrative fees and other
operating expenses paid by these mutual funds and reinvested income dividends
and capital gain distributions, but excludes the impact of any income taxes and
sales charges.
The following performance data is provided solely to illustrate Mr. Harrison's
performance in managing the Historical Portfolios as measured against certain
broad based market indices and against the composite performance of other
open-end growth mutual funds. Investors should not rely on the following
performance data of the Historical Portfolios as an indication of future
performance of Premier Growth Fund. The composite investment performance for the
periods presented may not be indicative of future rates of return. Other methods
of computing investment performance may produce different results, and the
results for different periods may vary.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule of Composite Investment Performance Historical Portfolios*
Russell Lipper
Historical S&P 500 1000 Growth
Portfolios Index Growth Index Fund Index
Total Return Total Return Total Return Total Return
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended:
December 31, 1996 ................................ 23.22 22.96 23.12 17.48
December 31, 1995** .............................. 41.12 37.58 37.19 32.65
December 31, 1994 ................................ (3.83) 1.32 2.66 (1.57)
December 31, 1993 ................................ 11.62 10.08 2.90 11.98
December 31, 1992 ................................ 13.27 7.62 5.00 7.63
December 31, 1991 ................................ 40.19 30.47 41.16 35.20
December 31, 1990 ................................ (0.57) (3.10) (0.26) (5.00)
December 31, 1989 ................................ 40.08 31.69 35.92 28.60
December 31, 1988 ................................ 11.96 16.61 11.27 15.80
December 31, 1987 ................................ 9.57 5.25 5.31 1.00
December 31, 1986 ................................ 28.60 18.67 15.36 15.90
December 31, 1985 ................................ 38.68 31.73 32.85 30.30
December 31, 1984 ................................ (2.33) 6.27 (.95) (2.80)
December 31, 1983 ................................ 21.95 22.56 15.98 22.30
December 31, 1982 ................................ 29.23 21.55 20.46 20.20
December 31, 1981 ................................ (0.10) (4.92) (11.31) (8.40)
December 31, 1980 ................................ 52.10 32.50 39.57 37.30
December 31, 1979 ................................ 31.99 18.61 23.91 27.40
Cumulative total return for
the period January 1,
1979 to September
30, 1997 ......................................... 3748.17 1888.65 1656.41 1772.84
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Total return is a measure of investment performance that is based upon the
change in value of an investment from the beginning to the end of a
specified period and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and other
distributions. The basis of preparation of this data is described in the
preceding discussion.
** During this period, the Historical Portfolios differed from Premier Growth
Fund in that Premier Growth Fund invested a portion (4.54%) of its net
assets in warrants on equity securities in which the Historical Portfolios
were unable, by their investment restrictions, to purchase. In lieu of
warrants, the Historical Portfolios acquired the common stock upon which
the warrants were based. During this period, Premier Growth Fund's total
return, at net asset value, was 46.87%.
49
<PAGE>
The average annual total returns presented below are based upon the cumulative
total return as of September 30, 1997, and for more than one year assume a
steady compounded rate of return and are not year-by-year results, which
fluctuated over the periods as shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns
-----------------------------------------------
Russell Lipper
Historical S&P 500 1000 Growth
Portfolios Index Growth Index Fund Index
---------- ----- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Three years .................... 33.26 29.92 29.81 24.84
Five years ..................... 22.99 20.77 19.66 18.62
Ten years ...................... 17.03 14.75 14.66 13.19
Since January 1, 1979 .......... 21.07 11.69 16.51 16.18
</TABLE>
ADMINISTRATOR TO ALL-ASIA INVESTMENT FUND
Alliance has been retained by All-Asia Investment Fund under an administration
agreement (the "Administration Agreement") to perform administrative services
necessary for the operation of the Fund. For a description of such services, see
the Statement of Additional Information of the Fund.
CONSULTANT TO ALLIANCE WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE SECURITIES
Alliance, with respect to investment in real estate securities, has retained as
a consultant CB Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc. ("CBC"), a publicly held
company and the largest real estate services company in the United States,
comprised of real estate brokerage, property and facilities management, and real
estate finance and investment advisory activities (CBC in August of 1997
acquired Koll, which previously provided these consulting services to Alliance).
In 1996, CBC (and Koll, on a combined basis) completed 25,000 sale and lease
transactions, managed over 4,100 client properties, created over $3.5 billion in
mortgage originations, and completed over 2,600 appraisal and consulting
assignments. In addition, they advised and managed for institutions over $4
billion in real estate investments. CBC will make available to Alliance the CBC
National Real Estate Index, which gathers, analyzes and publishes targeted
research data for the 65 largest U.S. markets, based on a variety of
public-sector and private-sector sources as well as CBC's proprietary database
of approximately 60,000 property transactions representing over $400 billion of
investment property. This information provides a substantial component of the
research and data used to create the REIT-Score model. As a consultant, CBC
provides to Alliance, at Alliance's expense, such in-depth information regarding
the real estate market, the factors influencing regional valuations and analysts
of recent transactions in office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties
as Alliance shall from time to time request. CBC will not furnish advice or make
recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund nor
will it be responsible for making investment decisions involving Fund assets.
CBC is one of the three largest fee-based property management firms in the
United States, the largest commercial real estate lease brokerage firm in the
country, the largest investment property brokerage firm in the country, as well
as one of the largest publishers of real estate research, with approximately
6,000 employees nationwide. CBC will provide Alliance with exclusive access to
its REIT-Score model which ranks approximately 130 REITS based on the relative
attractiveness of the property markets in which they own real estate. This model
scores the approximately 12,000 individual properties owned by these companies.
REIT-Score is in turn based on CBC's National Real Estate Index which gathers,
analyzes and publishes targeted research for the 65 largest U.S. real estate
markets based on a variety of public- and private-sector sources as well as
CBC's proprietary database of 60,000 commercial property transactions
representing over $400 billion of investment property and over 3,000 tracked
properties which report rent and expense data quarterly. CBC has previously
provided access to its REIT-Score model results primarily to the institutional
market through subscriptions. The model is no longer provided to any research
publications and the Fund is currently the only mutual fund available to retail
investors that has access to CBC's REIT-Score model.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENTS
Rule 12b-1 adopted by the Commission under the 1940 Act permits an investment
company to pay expenses associated with the distribution of its shares in
accordance with a duly adopted plan. Each Fund has adopted one or more "Rule
12b-1 plans" (for each Fund, a "Plan") and has entered into a Distribution
Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with AFD. Pursuant to its Plan, a Fund pays
to AFD a Rule 12b-1 distribution services fee, which may not exceed an annual
rate of .30% (.50% with respect to Growth Fund, Premier Growth Fund and
Strategic Balanced Fund) of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets
attributable to the Class A shares, 1.00% of the Fund's aggregate average daily
net assets attributable to the Class B shares and 1.00% of the Fund's aggregate
average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares, for distribution
expenses. The Directors of Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund currently
limit payments with respect to Class A shares under the Plan to .30% of each
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares. The
Directors of Premier Growth Fund currently limit payments under the Plan with
respect to sales of Class A shares made after November 1993 to .30% of the
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets. The Plans provide that a portion of
the distribution services fee in an amount not to exceed .25% of the aggregate
average daily net assets of each Fund attributable to each of the Class A, Class
B and Class C shares constitutes a service fee used for personal service and/or
the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
The Plans provide that AFD will use the distribution services fee received from
a Fund in its entirety for payments (i) to compensate broker-dealers or other
persons for providing distribution assistance, (ii) to otherwise promote the
sale of shares of the Fund, and (iii) to compensate broker-dealers, depository
institutions and other financial intermediaries for providing administrative,
accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's shareholders. In this
regard, some payments under the Plans are used to compensate financial
intermediaries with trail or maintenance commissions in an amount equal to .25%,
annualized, with respect to Class A shares and Class B shares, and 1.00%,
annualized, with
50
<PAGE>
respect to Class C shares, of the assets maintained in a Fund by their
customers. Distribution services fees received from the Funds, except Growth
Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund, with respect to Class A shares will not be
used to pay any interest expenses, carrying charges or other financing costs or
allocation of overhead of AFD. Distribution services fees received from the
Funds, with respect to Class B and Class C shares, may be used for these
purposes. The Plans also provide that Alliance may use its own resources to
finance the distribution of each Fund's shares.
The Funds are not obligated under the Plans to pay any distribution services fee
in excess of the amounts set forth above. Except as noted below for Growth Fund
and Strategic Balanced Fund, with respect to Class A shares of each Fund,
distribution expenses accrued by AFD in one fiscal year may not be paid from
distribution services fees received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal years.
Except as noted below for Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund, AFD's
compensation with respect to Class B and Class C shares under the Plans of the
other Funds is directly tied to its expenses incurred. Actual distribution
expenses for such Class B and Class C shares for any given year, however, will
probably exceed the distribution services fees payable under the applicable Plan
with respect to the class involved and, in the case of Class B and Class C
shares, payments received from CDSCs. The excess will be carried forward by AFD
and reimbursed from distribution services fees payable under the Plan with
respect to the class involved and, in the case of Class B and Class C shares,
payments subsequently received through CDSCs, so long as the Plan and the
Agreement are in effect. Since AFD's compensation under the Plans of Growth Fund
and Strategic Balanced Fund is not directly tied to the expenses incurred by
AFD, the amount of compensation received by it under the applicable Plan during
any year may be more or less than its actual expenses.
Unreimbursed distribution expenses incurred as of the end of each Fund's most
recently completed fiscal period, and carried over for reimbursement in future
years in respect of the Class B and Class C shares for all Funds were, as of
that time, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount of Unreimbursed Distribution Expenses
(as % of Net Assets of Class)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alliance Fund ...................................... $ 2,718,791 (6.12%) $ 815,553 (5.87%)
Growth Fund ........................................ $63,986,412 (2.56%) $ 2,280,463 (0.57%)
Premier Growth Fund ................................ $ 9,179,357 (2.27%) $ 597,937 (0.99%)
Technology Fund .................................... $20,749,046 (3.14%) $ 892,004 (0.82%)
Quasar Fund ........................................ $ 3,754,485 (3.34%) $ 408,356 (1.43%)
International Fund ................................. $ 2,566,420 (3.30%) $ 807,347 (3.47%)
Worldwide Privatization Fund ....................... $ 5,013,479 (4.14%) $ 251,109 (1.94%)
New Europe Fund .................................... $ 2,535,456 (3.84%) $ 541,239 (3.20%)
All-Asia Investment Fund ........................... $ 1,402,190 (5.90%) $ 93,183 (2.20%)
Global Small Cap Fund .............................. $ 2,055,687 (6.43%) $ 586,919 (6.73%)
Strategic Balanced Fund ............................ $ 1,172,983 (4.18%) $ 372,907 (12.25%)
Balanced Shares .................................... $ 1,533,382 (6.34%) $ 463,860 (8.42%)
Income Builder Fund ................................ $ 748,972 (12.97%) $ 1,789,259 (4.03%)
Utility Income Fund ................................ $ 1,114,037 (8.21%) $ 406,214 (12.03%)
Growth and Income Fund ............................. $ 5,883,895 (2.50%) $ 975,417 (1.59%)
Real Estate Investment Fund ........................ $ 6,726,437 (3.60%) $ 366,120 (0.86%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The Plans are in compliance with rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. which effectively limit the annual asset-based sales charges and
service fees that a mutual fund may pay on a class of shares to .75% and .25%,
respectively, of the average annual net assets attributable to that class. The
rules also limit the aggregate of all front-end, deferred and asset-based sales
charges imposed with respect to a class of shares by a mutual fund that also
charges a service fee to 6.25% of cumulative gross sales of shares of that
class, plus interest at the prime rate plus 1% per annum.
The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws may limit the ability of a bank
or other depository institution to become an underwriter or distributor of
securities. However, in the opinion of the Funds' management, based on the
advice of counsel, these laws do not prohibit such depository institutions from
providing services for investment companies such as the administrative,
accounting and other services referred to in the Agreements. In the event that a
change in these laws prevented a bank from providing such services, it is
expected that other services arrangements would be made and that shareholders
would not be adversely affected. The State of Texas requires that shares of a
Fund may be sold in that state only by dealers or other financial institutions
that are registered there as broker-dealers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
If you receive an income dividend or capital gains distribution in cash you may,
within 120 days following the date of its payment, reinvest the dividend or
distribution in additional shares of that Fund without charge by returning to
Alliance, with appropriate instructions, the check representing such dividend or
distribution. Thereafter, unless you otherwise specify, you will be deemed to
have elected to reinvest all subsequent dividends and distributions in shares of
that Fund.
Each income dividend and capital gains distribution, if any, declared by a Fund
on its outstanding shares will, at the election of each shareholder, be paid in
cash or in additional shares of the same class of shares of that Fund having an
aggregate net asset value as of the close of business on the day following the
declaration date of such dividend or distribution equal to the cash amount of
such income dividend or distribution. Election to receive dividends and
distributions in cash or shares is made at the time shares are initially
purchased and may be changed at any time prior to the record date for a
particular dividend or distribution. Cash dividends can be paid by check or, if
the shareholder so elects, electronically via the ACH network. There is no sales
or other charge in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and capital
gains distributions. Dividends paid by a Fund, if any, with respect to Class A,
Class B and Class C shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same
time on the same day and will be in the same amount,
51
<PAGE>
except that the higher distribution services fees applicable to Class B and C
shares, and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to Class B and Class
C shares, will be borne exclusively by the class to which they relate.
While it is the intention of each Fund to distribute to its shareholders
substantially all of each fiscal year's net income and net realized capital
gains, if any, the amount and time of any such dividend or distribution must
necessarily depend upon the realization by such Fund of income and capital gains
from investments. There is no fixed dividend rate, and there can be no assurance
that a Fund will pay any dividends or realize any capital gains. Since REITs pay
distributions based on cash flow, without regard to depreciation and
amortization, a portion of the distributions paid to Real Estate Investment Fund
and subsequently distributed to shareholders may be a nontaxable return of
capital. The final determination of the amount of a Fund's return of capital
distributions for the period will be made after the end of each calendar year.
If you buy shares just before a Fund deducts a distribution from its net asset
value, you will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a portion of
the price back as a taxable distribution.
FOREIGN INCOME TAXES
Investment income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may
be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. To the extent that
any Fund is liable for foreign income taxes withheld at the source, each Fund
intends, if possible, to operate so as to meet the requirements of the Code to
"pass through" to the Fund's shareholders credits for foreign income taxes paid
(or to permit shareholders to claim a deduction for such foreign taxes), but
there can be no assurance that any Fund will be able to do so.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Each Fund intends to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code. To the extent that a Fund distributes its taxable income and net
capital gain to its shareholders, qualification as a regulated investment
company relieves that Fund of federal income taxes on that part of its taxable
income, including net capital gains, which it pays out to its shareholders.
Dividends out of net ordinary income and distributions of net short-term capital
gains are taxable to the recipient shareholders as ordinary income. In the case
of corporate shareholders, such dividends may be eligible for the
dividends-received deduction, except that the amount eligible for the deduction
is limited to the amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund.
Distributions received from a REIT generally do not constitute qualifying
dividends. A corporation's dividends-received deduction generally will be
disallowed unless the corporation holds shares in the Fund at least 46 days
during the 90-day period beginning 45 days before the date on which the
corporation becomes entitled to receive the dividend. Furthermore, the
dividends-received deduction will be disallowed to the extent a corporation's
investment in shares of a Fund is financed with indebtedness.
Distributions of net capital gains are not eligible for the dividends-received
deduction referred to above.
Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, two different tax rates apply to
net capital gains--that is, the excess of net gains from capital assets held for
more than one year over net losses from capital assets held for not more than
one year. One rate (generally 28%) applies to net gains on capital assets held
for more than one year but not more than 18 months ("mid-term gains"), and a
second rate (generally 20%) applies to the balance of such net capital gains
("adjusted net capital gains"). Distributions of mid-term gains and adjusted net
capital gains will be taxable to shareholders as such, regardless of how long a
shareholder has held shares in the Fund.
Distributions received by a shareholder of Real Estate Investment Fund may
include nontaxable returns of capital, which will reduce a shareholder's basis
in shares of the Fund. If that basis is reduced to zero (which could happen if
the shareholder does not reinvest distributions and returns of capital are
significant) any further returns of capital will be taxable as capital gain.
Under the current federal tax law, the amount of an income dividend or capital
gains distribution declared by a Fund during October, November or December of a
year to shareholders of record as of a specified date in such a month that is
paid during January of the following year is includable in the prior year's
taxable income of shareholders that are calendar year taxpayers.
Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder on shares of a Fund will
have the effect of reducing the net asset value of such shares by the amount of
such dividend or distribution. Furthermore, a dividend or distribution made
shortly after the purchase of such shares by a shareholder, although in effect a
return of capital to that particular shareholder, would be taxable to him or her
as described above. If a shareholder held shares six months or less and during
that period received a distribution of net capital gains, any loss realized on
the sale of such shares during such six-month period would be a long-term
capital loss to the extent of such distribution.
A dividend or capital gains distribution with respect to shares of a Fund held
by a tax-deferred or qualified plan, such as an individual retirement account,
403(b)(7) retirement plan or corporate pension or profit-sharing plan, generally
will not be taxable to the plan. Distributions from such plans will be taxable
to individual participants under applicable tax rules without regard to the
character of the income earned by the qualified plan.
Distributions by a Fund may be subject to state and local taxes. Alliance Fund,
Premier Growth Fund, Technology Fund, Income Builder Fund, Quasar Fund, New
Europe Fund, Balanced Shares and Growth and Income Fund are qualified to do
business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and, therefore, are subject to the
Pennsylvania foreign franchise and corporate net income tax in respect of their
business activities in Pennsylvania. Accordingly, shares of such Funds are
exempt from Pennsylvania personal property taxes. These Funds anticipate
continuing such business activities but
52
<PAGE>
reserve the right to suspend them at any time, resulting in the termination of
the exemptions.
A Fund will be required to withhold 31% of any payments made to a shareholder if
the shareholder has not provided a certified taxpayer identification number to
the Fund, or the Secretary of the Treasury notifies a Fund that a shareholder
has not reported all interest and dividend income required to be shown on the
shareholder's Federal income tax return.
Under certain circumstances, if a Fund realizes losses from fluctuations in
currency exchange rates after paying a dividend, all or a portion of the
dividend may subsequently be characterized as a return of capital. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholders will be advised annually as to the federal tax status of dividends
and capital gains and return of capital distributions made by a Fund for the
preceding year. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding
their own tax situation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best price and execution, a Fund may
consider sales of its shares as a factor in the selection of dealers to enter
into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
ORGANIZATION
Each of the following Funds is a Maryland corporation organized in the year
indicated: The Alliance Fund, Inc. (1938), Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
(1932), Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (1992), Alliance Technology Fund,
Inc. (1980), Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc. (1968), Alliance Worldwide Privatization
Fund, Inc. (1994), Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc. (1990), Alliance All-Asia
Investment Fund, Inc. (1994), Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc. (1966),
Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc. (1991), Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
(1993), Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (1932), and Alliance Real Estate
Investment Fund, Inc. (1996). Each of the following Funds is either a
Massachusetts business trust or a series of a Massachusetts business trust
organized in the year indicated: Alliance Growth Fund and Alliance Strategic
Balanced Fund (each a series of The Alliance Portfolios) (1987), and Alliance
International Fund (1980). Prior to August 2, 1993, The Alliance Portfolios was
known as The Equitable Funds, Growth Fund was known as The Equitable Growth Fund
and Strategic Balanced Fund was known as The Equitable Balanced Fund. Prior to
March 22, 1994, Income Builder Fund was known as Alliance Multi-Market Income
and Growth Trust, Inc.
It is anticipated that annual shareholder meetings will not be held; shareholder
meetings will be held only when required by federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Directors.
A shareholder in a Fund will be entitled to share pro rata with other holders of
the same class of shares all dividends and distributions arising from the Fund's
assets and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value
of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC. The
Funds are empowered to establish, without shareholder approval, additional
portfolios, which may have different investment objectives, and additional
classes of shares. If an additional portfolio or class were established in a
Fund, each share of the portfolio or class would normally be entitled to one
vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of each portfolio and class would vote
together as a single class on matters, such as the election of Directors, that
affect each portfolio and class in substantially the same manner. Class A, B, C
and Advisor Class shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other
rights, except that each class bears its own transfer agency expenses, each of
Class A, Class B and Class C shares bears its own distribution expenses and
Class B shares and Advisor Class shares convert to Class A shares under certain
circumstances. Each class of shares votes separately with respect to a Fund's
Rule 12b-1 distribution plan and other matters for which separate class voting
is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are freely transferable, are
entitled to dividends as determined by the Directors and, in liquidation of a
Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund. Since this Prospectus
sets forth information about all the Funds, it is theoretically possible that a
Fund might be liable for any materially inaccurate or incomplete disclosure in
this Prospectus concerning another Fund. Based on the advice of counsel,
however, the Funds believe that the potential liability of each Fund with
respect to the disclosure in this Prospectus extends only to the disclosure
relating to that Fund. Certain additional matters relating to a Fund's
organization are discussed in its Statement of Additional Information.
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
AFS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 500 Plaza
Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, acts as each Fund's registrar, transfer agent
and dividend-disbursing agent for a fee based upon the number of shareholder
accounts maintained for the Funds. The transfer agency fee with respect to the
Class B shares will be higher than the transfer agency fee with respect to the
Class A shares or Class C shares.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
AFD, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 1345 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10105, is the principal underwriter of shares
of the Funds.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Funds advertise their "total return," which is computed
separately for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Such advertisements disclose
a Fund's average annual compounded total return for the periods prescribed by
the Commission. A Fund's total return for each such period is computed by
finding, through the use of a formula prescribed by the Commission, the average
annual compounded rate of return
53
<PAGE>
over the period that would equate an assumed initial amount invested to the
value of the investment at the end of the period. For purposes of computing
total return, income dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares of
a Fund are assumed to have been reinvested when paid and the maximum sales
charges applicable to purchases and redemptions of a Fund's shares are assumed
to have been paid.
Balanced Shares, Growth and Income Fund, Income Builder Fund, Strategic Balanced
Fund and Utility Income Fund may also advertise their "yield," which is also
computed separately for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. A Fund's yield for
any 30-day (or one-month) period is computed by dividing the net investment
income per share earned during such period by the maximum public offering price
per share on the last day of the period, and then annualizing such 30-day (or
one-month) yield in accordance with a formula prescribed by the Commission which
provides for compounding on a semi-annual basis.
Strategic Balanced Fund, Balanced Shares, Income Builder Fund, Utility Income
Fund and Growth and Income Fund may also state in sales literature an "actual
distribution rate" for each class which is computed in the same manner as yield
except that actual income dividends declared per share during the period in
question are substituted for net investment income per share. The actual
distribution rate is computed separately for Class A, Class B and Class C
shares.
A Fund's advertisements may quote performance rankings or ratings of a Fund by
financial publications or independent organizations such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. or compare a Fund's performance to various
indices.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus and the Statements of Additional Information, which have been
incorporated by reference herein, do not contain all the information set forth
in the Registration Statements filed by the Funds with the Commission under the
Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
This prospectus does not constitute an offering in any state in which such
offering may not lawfully be made.
This prospectus is intended to constitute an offer by each Fund only of the
securities of which it is the issuer and is not intended to constitute an offer
by any Fund of the securities of any other Fund whose securities are also
offered by this prospectus. No Fund intends to make any representation as to the
accuracy or completeness of the disclosure in this prospectus relating to any
other Fund. See "General Information--Organization."
54
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
THE ALLIANCE
------------
STOCK FUNDS
------------
P.O. Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
Prospectus and Application
(Advisor Class)
November 1, 1997
Domestic Stock Funds Global Stock Funds
- -The Alliance Fund -Alliance International Fund
- -Alliance Growth Fund -Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund
- -Alliance Premier Growth Fund -Alliance New Europe Fund
- -Alliance Technology Fund -Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund
- -Alliance Quasar Fund -Alliance Global Small Cap Fund
Total Return Funds
-Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund
-Alliance Balanced Shares
-Alliance Income Builder Fund
-Alliance Utility Income Fund
-Alliance Growth and Income Fund
-Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table of Contents Page
<S> <C>
The Funds at a Glance ................................................... 2
Expense Information ..................................................... 4
Glossary ................................................................ 7
Financial Highlights .................................................... 7
Description of the Funds ................................................ 10
Investment Objectives and Policies ................................... 10
Additional Investment Practices ...................................... 20
Certain Fundamental Investment Policies .............................. 27
Risk Considerations .................................................. 30
Purchase and Sale of Shares ............................................. 35
Management of the Funds ................................................. 36
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes ...................................... 40
Conversion Feature ...................................................... 41
General Information ..................................................... 52
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, New York 10105
The Alliance Stock Funds provide a broad selection of investment alternatives to
investors seeking capital growth or high total return. The Domestic Stock Funds
invest mainly in the United States equity markets and the Global Stock Funds
diversify their investments among equity markets around the world, while the
Total Return Funds invest in both equity and fixed-income securities.
Each fund or portfolio (each a "Fund") is, or is a series of, an open-end
management investment company. This Prospectus sets forth concisely the
information which a prospective investor should know about each Fund before
investing. A "Statement of Additional Information" for each Fund which provides
further information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus and
other matters which may be of interest to some investors has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. For
a free copy, call or write Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the indicated address
or call the "For Literature" telephone number shown above.
This Prospectus offers the Advisor Class shares of each Fund which may be
purchased at net asset value without any initial or contingent deferred sales
charges and without ongoing distribution expenses. Advisor Class shares are
offered solely to (i) investors participating in fee-based programs meeting
certain standards established by Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., each Fund's
principal underwriter, (ii) participants in self-directed defined contribution
employee benefit plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) that meet certain minimum standards
and (iii) certain other categories of investors described in the Prospectus,
including investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated
with, Alliance Capital Management L.P. and its affiliates or the Funds. See
"Purchase and Sale of Shares."
An investment in these securities is not a deposit or obligation of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank and is not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.
Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully and to retain it for
future reference.
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.
[LOGO]
Alliance(R)
Investing without the Mystery.(SM)
(R)/SM These are registered marks used under licenses from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
<PAGE>
The Funds At A Glance
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained in this Prospectus.
The Funds' Investment Adviser Is . . .
Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), a global investment manager
providing diversified services to institutions and individuals through a broad
line of investments including more than 100 mutual funds. Since 1971, Alliance
has earned a reputation as a leader in the investment world with over $199
billion in assets under management as of June 30, 1997. Alliance provides
investment management services to employee benefit plans for 29 of the FORTUNE
100 companies.
Domestic Stock Funds
Alliance Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term growth of capital and income primarily through investment
in common stocks.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities that,
in the judgment of Alliance, have the potential to achieve capital appreciation.
Growth Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in common stocks
and other equity securities.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities of
companies with a favorable outlook for earnings and whose rate of growth is
expected to exceed that of the United States economy over time.
Premier Growth Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term growth of capital by investing in the equity securities of
a limited number of large, carefully selected, high-quality American companies
from a relatively small universe of intensively researched companies.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities that,
in the judgment of Alliance, are likely to achieve superior earnings growth.
Normally, approximately 40 companies will be represented in the Fund's
investment portfolio. The Fund's investments in 25 of these companies most
highly regarded at any point in time by Alliance will usually constitute
approximately 70% of the Fund's net assets.
Technology Fund
Seeks . . . Growth of capital through investment in companies expected to
benefit from advances in technology.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of securities of companies
which use technology extensively in the development of new or improved products
or processes.
Quasar Fund
Seeks . . . Growth of capital by pursuing aggressive investment policies.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities of any
company and industry and in any type of security which is believed to offer
possibilities for capital appreciation.
Global Stock Funds
International Fund
Seeks . . . A total return on its assets from long-term growth of capital and
from income.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of marketable securities of
established non-United States companies, companies participating in foreign
economies with prospects for growth, and foreign government securities.
Worldwide Privatization Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term capital appreciation.
Invests Principally in . . . A non-diversified portfolio of equity securities
issued by enterprises that are undergoing, or have undergone, privatization. The
balance of the Fund's investment portfolio will include securities of companies
that are believed by Alliance to be beneficiaries of the privatization process.
New Europe Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term capital appreciation through investment primarily in the
equity securities of companies based in Europe.
Invests Principally in . . . A non-diversified portfolio of equity securities of
European companies.
All-Asia Investment Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term capital appreciation.
Invests Principally in . . . A non-diversified portfolio of equity securities of
Asian/Pacific companies.
Global Small Cap Fund
Seeks . . . Long-term growth of capital.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified global portfolio of the equity
securities of small capitalization companies.
Total Return Funds
Strategic Balanced Fund
Seeks . . . A high long-term total return by investing in a combination of
equity and debt securities.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of dividend-paying common
stocks and fixed-income securities, and also in equity-type securities such as
warrants, preferred stocks and convertible debt instruments.
Balanced Shares
Seeks . . . A high return through a combination of current income and capital
appreciation.
2
<PAGE>
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income
securities such as common and preferred stocks, U.S. Government and agency
obligations, bonds and senior debt securities.
Income Builder Fund
Seeks . . . Both an attractive level of current income and long-term growth of
income and capital.
Invests Principally in . . . A non-diversified portfolio of fixed-income
securities and dividend-paying common stocks. Alliance currently expects to
continue to maintain approximately 60% of the Fund's net assets in fixed-income
securities and 40% in equity securities.
Utility Income Fund
Seeks . . . Current income and capital appreciation through investment in the
utilities industry.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities, such
as common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and rights and
warrants to subscribe for purchase of common stocks, and in fixed-income
securities such as bonds and preferred stocks.
Growth and Income Fund
Seeks . . . Income and appreciation through investment in dividend-paying common
stocks of quality companies.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of dividend-paying common
stocks of good quality, and, under certain market conditions, other types of
securities, including bonds, convertible bonds and preferred stocks.
Real Estate Investment Fund
Seeks . . . Total return on its assets from long-term growth of capital and from
income.
Invests Principally in . . . A diversified portfolio of equity securities of
issuers that are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry.
Distributions...
Balanced Shares, Income Builder Fund, Utility Income Fund, Growth and Income
Fund and Real Estate Investment Fund make distributions quarterly to
shareholders. These distributions may include ordinary income and capital gain
(each of which is taxable) and a return of capital (which is generally
nontaxable). See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
A Word About Risk . . .
The price of the shares of the Alliance Stock Funds will fluctuate as the daily
prices of the individual securities in which they invest fluctuate, so that your
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. With
respect to those Funds permitted to invest in foreign currency denominated
securities, these fluctuations may be magnified by changes in foreign exchange
rates. Investment in the Global Stock Funds involves risks not associated with
funds that invest primarily in securities of U.S. issuers. While the Funds
invest principally in common stocks and other equity securities, in order to
achieve their investment objectives the Funds may at times use certain types of
investment derivatives, such as options, futures, forwards and swaps. These
involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks
presented by more traditional investments. An investment in the Real Estate
Investment Fund is subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership
of real estate in general, including possible declines in the value of real
estate, general and local economic conditions, environmental problems and
changes in interest rates. These risks are fully discussed in this Prospectus.
Getting Started . . .
Shares of the Funds are available through your financial representative. Each
Fund offers multiple classes of shares, of which only the Advisor Class is
offered by this Prospectus. Advisor Class shares may be purchased at net asset
value without any initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are not
subject to ongoing distribution expenses. Advisor Class shares may be purchased
and held solely (i) through accounts established under a fee-based program,
sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial
intermediary and approved by Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), each
Fund's principal underwriter, (ii) through a self-directed defined contribution
employee benefit plan (e.g., a 401(k) plan) that has at least 1,000 participants
or $25 million in assets, (iii) by investment advisory clients of, and certain
other persons associated with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Funds, and
(iv) through registered investment advisers or other financial intermediaries
who charge a management, consulting or other fee for their service and who
purchase shares through a broker or agent approved by AFD and clients of such
registered investment advisers or financial intermediaries whose accounts are
linked to the master account of such investment adviser or financial
intermediary on the books of such approved broker or agent. A shareholder's
Advisor Class shares will automatically convert to Class A shares of the same
Fund under certain circumstances. See "Conversion Feature-Conversion to Class A
Shares." Generally, a fee-based program must charge an asset-based or other
similar fee and must invest at least $250,000 in Advisor Class shares of each
Fund in which the program invests in order to be approved by AFD for investment
in Advisor Class shares. For more detailed information about who may purchase
and hold Advisor Class shares see the Statement of Additional Information.
Fee-based and other programs through which Advisor Class shares may be purchased
may impose different requirements with respect to investment in Advisor Class
shares than described above. For detailed information about purchasing and
selling shares, see "Purchase and Sale of Shares."
[LOGO]
Alliance(R)
Investing without the Mystery.(SM)
(R)/SM These are registered marks used under licenses from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Transaction Expenses are one of several factors to consider when you
invest in a Fund. The following table summarizes your maximum transaction costs
from investing in the Advisor Class shares of each Fund and estimated annual
expenses for Advisor Class shares of each Fund. For each Fund, the "Examples" to
the right of the table below show the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment in Advisor Class shares for the periods
specified.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Advisor Class Shares
--------------------
<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases ............ None
Sales charge imposed on dividend reinvestments ....... None
Deferred sales charge ................................ None
Exchange fee ......................................... None
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples
---------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Alliance Fund Advisor Class Advisor Class
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .70% After 1 year $ 9
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 27
Other expenses (a) .15% After 5 years $ 47
---- After 10 years $105
Total fund
operating expenses (b) .85%
====
Growth Fund Advisor Class Advisor Class
------------- -------------
Management fees .75% After 1 year $ 10
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 32
Other expenses (a) .25% After 5 years $ 55
---- After 10 years $122
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.00%
====
Premier Growth Fund Advisor Class Advisor Class
------------- -------------
Management fees 1.00% After 1 year $ 13
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 42
Other expenses (a) .32% After 5 years $ 72
---- After 10 years $159
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.32%
====
Technology Fund Advisor Class Advisor Class
------------- -------------
Management fees (g) 1.11% After 1 year $ 15
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 46
Other expenses (a) .33% After 5 years $ 79
---- After 10 years $172
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.44%
====
Quasar Fund Advisor Class Advisor Class
------------- -------------
Management fees (g) 1.15% After 1 year $ 16
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 50
Other expenses (a) .43% After 5 years $ 86
---- After 10 years $188
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.58%
====
International Fund Advisor Class Advisor Class
------------- -------------
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) .85% After 1 year $ 16
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 48
Other expenses (a) .68% After 5 years $ 83
---- After 10 years $182
Total fund
operating expenses (b) (e) 1.53%
====
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please refer to the footnotes and the discussion following these tables on
page 6.
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples
---------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Worldwide Privatization Fund Advisor Class Advisor Class
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees 1.00% After 1 year $ 20
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 62
Other expenses (a) .96% After 5 years $106
---- After 10 years $229
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.96%
====
New Europe Fund
Management fees 1.06% After 1 year $ 17
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 54
Other expenses (a) .65% After 5 years $ 93
---- After 10 years $202
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.71%
====
All-Asia Investment Fund
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) .65% After 1 year $ 29
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 87
Other expenses After 5 years $149
Administration fees After 10 years $315
(after waiver) (d) .00%
Other operating expenses (a) 2.17%
----
Total other expenses 2.17%
====
Total fund
operating expenses (b) (e) 2.82%
====
Global Small Cap Fund
Management fees 1.00% After 1 year $ 21
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 64
Other expenses (a) 1.05% After 5 years $110
---- After 10 years $238
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 2.05%
====
Strategic Balanced Fund
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) .09% After 1 year $ 11
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 35
Other expenses (a) 1.01% After 5 years $ 61
---- After 10 years $134
Total fund
operating expenses (b) (e) 1.10%
====
Balanced Shares
Management fees .63% After 1 year $ 13
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 41
Other expenses (a) .67% After 5 years $ 71
---- After 10 years $157
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.30%
====
Income Builder Fund
Management fees .75% After 1 year $ 19
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 59
Other expenses (a) 1.20% After 5 years $100
---- After 10 years $211
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.95%
====
Utility Income Fund
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) 0.00% After 1 year $ 12
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 38
Other expenses (a) 1.20% After 5 years $ 66
---- After 10 years $145
Total fund
operating expenses (b) (f) 1.20%
====
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples
---------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Growth and Income Fund Advisor Class Advisor Class
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .51% After 1 year $ 8
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 24
Other expenses (a) .25% After 5 years $ 42
---- After 10 years $ 94
Total fund
operating expenses (b) .76%
====
Real Estate Investment Fund
Management fees .90% After 1 year $ 15
12b-1 fees None After 3 years $ 46
Other expenses (a) .55% After 5 years $ 79
---- After 10 years $174
Total fund
operating expenses (b) 1.45%
====
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) These expenses include a transfer agency fee payable to Alliance Fund
Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alliance. The expenses shown do
not include the application of credits that reduce Fund expenses.
(b) The expense information does not reflect any charges or expenses imposed by
your financial representative or your employee benefit plan.
(c) Net of voluntary fee waiver. In the absence of such waiver, management fees
would be 1.00% for All-Asia Investment Fund and .75% for Strategic Balanced
Fund and Utility Income Fund and 1.01% for International Fund.
International Fund's fee, absent the voluntary fee waiver, is calculated
based on average daily net assets. Maximum contractual rate, based on
quarter-end net assets, is 1.00%.
(d) Net of voluntary fee waiver. Absent such fee waiver, administration fees
would have been .15% for the Fund's shares. Reflects the fees
payable by All-Asia Investment Fund to Alliance pursuant to an
administration agreement.
(e) Net of voluntary fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. In the absence of
such waiver and/or reimbursement, total fund operating expenses for
Strategic Balanced Fund would have been 2.35%, total fund operating
expenses for All-Asia Investment Fund would have been 3.32% annualized and
total fund operating expenses for International Fund would have been 1.69%,
annualized.
(f) Net of expense reimbursements. Absent expense reimbursements, total fund
operating expenses for Utility Income Fund would be 3.48%.
(g) Calculated based on average daily net assets. Maximum contractual rate,
based on quarter-end net assets, is 1.00% for Quasar Fund and Technology
Fund.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor in a Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. The information shown in the table for the Alliance Fund, Premier
Growth Fund, Technology Fund, Quasar Fund, All-Asia Investment Fund, Strategic
Balanced Fund, Income Builder Fund, Utility Income Fund and Growth and Income
Fund reflects expenses based on the Funds' most recent fiscal periods. For all
other Funds, "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for those Fund's
current fiscal year. "Management fees" for International Fund and All-Asia
Investment Fund and "Administration fee" for All-Asia Investment Fund have been
restated to reflect current voluntary fee waivers. The Examples set forth above
assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and utilize a 5% annual
rate of return as mandated by Commission regulations. The Examples should not be
considered representative of future expenses; actual expenses may be greater or
less than those shown.
6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOSSARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following terms are frequently used in this Prospectus.
Equity securities are (i) common stocks, partnership interests, business trust
shares and other equity or ownership interests in business enterprises, and (ii)
securities convertible into, and rights and warrants to subscribe for the
purchase of, such stocks, shares and interests.
Debt securities are bonds, debentures, notes, bills, repurchase agreements,
loans, other direct debt instruments and other fixed, floating and variable rate
debt obligations, but do not include convertible securities.
Fixed-income securities are debt securities and dividend-paying preferred stocks
and include floating rate and variable rate instruments.
Convertible securities are fixed-income securities that are convertible into
common stock.
U.S. Government securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Foreign government securities are securities issued or guaranteed, as to payment
of principal and interest, by governments, quasi-governmental entities,
governmental agencies or other governmental entities.
Asian company is an entity that (i) is organized under the laws of an Asian
country and conducts business in an Asian country, (ii) derives 50% or more of
its total revenues from business in Asian countries, or (iii) issues equity or
debt securities that are traded principally on a stock exchange in an Asian
country.
Asian countries are Australia, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,
Hong Kong, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Japan, the Kingdom of Thailand,
Malaysia, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Brunei), New Zealand, the People's Republic
of China, the People's Republic of Kampuchea (Cambodia), the Republic of China
(Taiwan), the Republic of India, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of
Korea (South Korea), the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore,
the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Union of Myanmar.
Moody's is Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
S&P is Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
Duff & Phelps is Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
Fitch is Fitch Investors Service, L.P.
Investment grade securities are fixed-income securities rated Baa and above by
Moody's or BBB and above by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, or determined by
Alliance to be of equivalent quality.
Lower-rated securities are fixed-income securities rated Ba or below by Moody's
or BB or below by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, or determined by Alliance to be
of equivalent quality, and are commonly referred to as "junk bonds."
Prime commercial paper is commercial paper rated Prime 1 by Moody's or A-1 or
higher by S&P or, if not rated, issued by companies that have an outstanding
debt issue rated Aa or higher by Moody's or AA or higher by S&P.
Qualifying bank deposits are certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and
interest-bearing savings deposits of banks having total assets of more than $1
billion and which are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Rule 144A securities are securities that may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
Depositary receipts include American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global
Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other types of depositary receipts.
Commission is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1940 Act is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Code is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tables on the following pages present per share income and capital changes
for an Advisor Class share outstanding throughout each period indicated. Except
as otherwise indicated, information for Alliance Fund, Growth Fund, Premier
Growth Fund, Strategic Balanced Fund, Balanced Shares, Utility Income Fund,
Worldwide Privatization Fund and Growth and Income Fund has been audited by
Price Waterhouse LLP, the independent auditors for each such Fund, and for
All-Asia Investment Fund, Technology Fund, Quasar Fund, International Fund, New
Europe Fund, Global Small Cap Fund, Real Estate Investment Fund and Income
Builder Fund by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditors for each such Fund.
A report of Price Waterhouse LLP or Ernst & Young LLP, as the case may be, on
the information with respect to each Fund, appears in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information. The following information for each Fund should be read
in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes which are
included in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Further information about a Fund's performance is contained in the Fund's annual
report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge by contacting
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or the "For Literature" telephone
number shown on the cover of this Prospectus.
7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase Distributions
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From In Excess Of
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment Net Investment
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Income
--------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alliance Fund
Advisor Class
12/1/96 to 5/31/97++ $ 7.71 $(.01)(b) $ .67 $ .66 $(.04) $0.00
10/2/96+ to 11/30/96 6.99 0.00 .72 .72 0.00 0.00
Growth Fund
Advisor Class
11/1/96 to 4/30/97++ $34.91 $ .02(b) $1.94 $1.96 $0.00 $0.00
10/2/96+ to 10/31/96 34.14 0.00(b) .77 .77 0.00 0.00
Premier Growth Fund
Advisor Class
12/1/96 to 5/31/97++ $17.99 $(.02)(b) $2.66 $2.64 $0.00 $0.00
10/2/96+ to 11/30/96 15.94 (.01)(b) 2.06 2.05 0.00 0.00
Technology Fund
Advisor Class
12/1/96 to 5/31/97++ $51.17 $(.10)(b) $ .68 $ .58 $0.00 $0.00
10/2/96+ to 11/30/96 47.32 (.05)(b) 3.90 3.85 0.00 0.00
Quasar Fund
Advisor Class
10/2/96+ to 3/31/96++ $27.82 $(.04)(b) $ .33 $ .29 $0.00 $0.00
International Fund
Advisor Class
Year ended 6/30/97 $17.96 $ .16(b) $1.78 $1.94 $(.15) $0.00
Worldwide Privatization Fund
Advisor Class
Year ended 6/30/97 $12.14 $ .18(b) $2.52 $2.70 $(.19) $0.00
New Europe Fund
Advisor Class
Year ended 7/31/97 $16.25 $ .11(b) $3.76 $3.87 $(.09) $(.14)
All-Asia Investment Fund
Advisor Class
11/1/96 to 4/30/97++ $11.04 $(.09)(b) $(.53) $(.62) $0.00 $0.00
10/2/96+ to 10/31/96 11.65 0.00(c) (.61) (.61) 0.00 0.00
Global Small Cap Fund
Advisor Class
Year ended 7/31/97 $12.56 $(.08)(b) $1.97 $1.89 $0.00 $0.00
Strategic Balanced Fund
Advisor Class
Year ended 7/31/97 $19.49 $ .42(b)(c) $(.12) $(.30) $0.00 $0.00
Balanced Shares
Advisor Class
Year ended 7/31/97 $14.79 $ .23 $3.22 $3.45 $(.27) $0.00
Income Builder Fund
Advisor Class
10/2/96 to 4/30/97++ $10.00 $ .25(b) $2.27 $2.52 $(.27) $0.00
Utility Income Fund
Advisor Class
12/1/96 to 5/31/97++ $10.59 $ .18(b)(c) $ .07 $ .25 $(.20) $0.00
10/2/96+ to 11/30/96 9.95 .03(c) .61 .64 0.00 0.00
Growth and Income Fund
Advisor Class
11/1/96 to 4/30/97++ $ 3.00 $ .03 $ .36 $ .39 $(.03)
10/2/96+ to 10/31/96 2.97 0.00 .03 .03 0.00 $0.00
Real Estate Investment Fund
Advisor Class
10/1/96+ to 8/31/97 $10.00 $ .35(b) $2.88 $3.23 $(.41)(f) $0.00
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Commencement of distribution.
++ Unaudited
* Annualized.
(a) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at the net asset value during the period, and a
redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charge or
contingent deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of
total investment return. Total investment returns calculated for periods of
less than one year are not annualized.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding.
(c) Net of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.
(d) Net of expenses assumed and/or waived/reimbursed. If the following Funds
had borne all expenses in their most recent fiscal year, their expense
ratios, giving effect to the expense offset arrangements described in (e)
below, would have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
All-Asia Investment Fund Strategic Balanced
Advisor Class 5.54%# -- Advisor Class 2.35%#
Utility Income Fund
Advisor Class 3.48%# 3.14#
Real Estate Investment Fund
Advisor Class 1.47%#
</TABLE>
-------------
# annualized
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Distributions Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
From Net And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Realized Gains Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate
-------------- ------------- --------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$(1.06) $(1.10) $ 7.27 10.43% $ 8,693 .89%* (.19)%* 107% $0.0559
0.00 0.00 7.71 10.30 1,083 .89* 0.38* 80 0.0646
$(1.03) $(1.03) $35.84 5.64% $54,075 .99%* .11%* .19% $0.0537
0.00 0.00 34.91 2.26 946 1.26* 0.50* 46 0.0584
$(1.08) $(1.08) $19.55 15.87% $33,225 1.28%* (.30)%* 47% $0.0598
0.00 0.00 17.99 12.86 1,922 1.50* (.48)* 95 0.0651
$(.42) $ (.42) $51.33 1.15% $77,548 1.55%* (.48)%* 28% $0.0576
0.00 0.00 51.17 8.14 566 1.75* (1.21)* 30 0.0612
$(4.11) $(4.11) $24.00 1.36% $14,761 1.34%*(e) (.40)%* 75% $0.0533
$(1.08) $(1.23) $18.67 11.57% $ 8,697 1.69%* (1.47)%* 94% $0.0363
$(1.42) $(1.61) $13.23 25.24% $ 374 1.96%* 2.97%* 48% $0.0132
$(1.32) $(1.55) $18.57 25.76% $ 4,430 1.71%* .77%* 89% $0.0569
$(.34) $ (.34) $10.08 (5.89)% $ 2,479 3.44%* (2.30)%* 56% $0.0269
0.00 0.00 11.04 (5.24) 27 3.07*(d) 1.63* 66 0.0280
$(1.56) $(1.56) $12.89 17.08% $ 333 2.05%*(e) (.84)%* 129% $0.0364
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $19.79 1.54% $ 50 1.10%(d)(e)* 3.40%* 170% $0.0395
$(1.80) $(2.07) $16.17 25.96% $ 1,565 1.30%*(e) 2.15%* 207% $0.0552
$(.61) $ (.88) $11.64 8.48% $ 73 2.07%* 4.56%* 169% $0.0519
$(.13) $ (.33) $10.51 2.35% $ 39 1.20%*(d) 3.45%* 23% $0.0411
0.00 0.00 10.59 6.33 33 1.20*(d) 4.02* 98 0.0536
$(.38) $(.41) $ 2.98 13.46% $ 1,850 .75%* 1.95%* 55% $0.0585
0.00 0.00 3.00 1.01 87 0.37* 3.40* 88 0.0625
$0.00 $ (.41)(f) $12.82 32.72% $ 2,313 1.45%*(d)(e) 3.07%* 20% $0.0518
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(e) The following funds benefitted from an expense offset arrangement with the
transfer agent. Had such expense offsets not been in effect, the rate of
expense to average net assets absent the assumption and/or waiver
reimbursement of expenses described in note(d) above would have been as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
International Fund New Europe Fund
Advisor Class 1.69%# Advisor Class 1.71%#
Global Small Cap Fund Balanced Shares Fund
Advisor Class 2.04%# Advisor Class 1.29%#
Strategic Balanced Fund Real Estate Fund
Advisor Class 2.35%# Advisor Class 1.44%#
</TABLE>
- ------------
# annualized
(f) Distribution from net investment income include a tax return of capital of
$.03.
9
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Except as noted, (i) the Funds' investment objectives are "fundamental" and
cannot be changed without shareholder vote, and (ii) the Funds' investment
policies are not fundamental and thus can be changed without a shareholder vote.
No Fund will change a non-fundamental objective or policy without notifying its
shareholders. There is no guarantee that any Fund will achieve its investment
objective.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Domestic Stock Funds
The Domestic Stock Funds have been designed to offer investors seeking capital
appreciation a range of alternative approaches to investing in the U.S. equity
markets.
The Alliance Fund
The Alliance Fund, Inc. ("Alliance Fund") is a diversified investment company
that seeks long-term growth of capital and income primarily through investment
in common stocks. The Fund normally invests substantially all of its assets in
common stocks that Alliance believes will appreciate in value, but it may invest
in other types of securities such as convertible securities, high grade
instruments, U.S. Government securities and high quality, short-term obligations
such as repurchase agreements, bankers' acceptances and domestic certificates of
deposit, and may invest without limit in foreign securities. While the
diversification and generally high quality of the Fund's investments cannot
prevent fluctuations in market values, they tend to limit investment risk and
contribute to achieving the Fund's objective. The Fund generally does not effect
portfolio transactions in order to realize short-term trading profits or
exercise control.
The Fund may also: (i) make secured loans of its portfolio securities equal in
value up to 25% of its total assets to brokers, dealers and financial
institutions; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements of up to one week in
duration with commercial banks, but only if those agreements together with any
restricted securities and any securities which do not have readily available
market quotations do not exceed 10% of its net assets; and (iii) write
exchange-traded covered call options with respect to up to 25% of its total
assets. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these policies
and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Growth Fund
Alliance Growth Fund ("Growth Fund") is a diversified investment company that
seeks long-term growth of capital. Current income is only an incidental
consideration. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in
equity securities of companies with favorable earnings outlooks and whose
long-term growth rates are expected to exceed that of the U.S. economy over
time. The Fund's investment objective is not fundamental.
The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in lower-rated
fixed-income and convertible securities. See "Risk Considerations--Securities
Ratings" and "--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund
generally will not invest in securities rated at the time of purchase below Caa-
by Moody's and CCC- by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch or in securities judged by
Alliance to be of comparable investment quality. However, from time to time, the
Fund may invest in securities rated in the lowest grades (i.e., C by Moody's or
D or equivalent by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch), or securities Alliance judges
to be of comparable investment quality, if there are prospects for an upgrade or
a favorable conversion into equity securities. If the credit rating of a
security held by the Fund falls below its rating at the time of purchase (or
Alliance determines that the quality of such security has so deteriorated), the
Fund may continue to hold the security if such investment is considered
appropriate under the circumstances.
The Fund may also: (i) invest in "zero-coupon" bonds and "payment-in-kind"
bonds; (ii) invest in foreign securities, although the Fund will not generally
invest more than 15% of its total assets in foreign securities; (iii) invest in
securities that are not publicly traded, including Rule 144A securities; (iv)
buy or sell foreign currencies, options on foreign currencies, foreign currency
futures contracts (and related options) and deal in forward foreign exchange
contracts; (v) lend portfolio securities amounting to not more than 25% of its
total assets; (vi) enter into repurchase agreements of up to 25% of its total
assets and purchase and sell securities on a forward commitment basis; (vii) buy
and sell stock index futures contracts and buy and sell options on those
contracts and on stock indices; (viii) purchase and sell futures contracts,
options thereon and options with respect to U.S. Treasury securities; (ix) write
covered call and put options on securities it owns or in which it may invest;
and (x) purchase and sell put and call options. For additional information on
the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional
Investment Practices."
Alliance Premier Growth Fund
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc. ("Premier Growth Fund") is a diversified
investment company that seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
predominantly in the equity securities of a limited number of large, carefully
selected, high-quality U.S. companies that are judged likely to achieve superior
earnings growth. Normally, about 40 companies will be represented in the Fund's
portfolio, with the 25 most highly regarded of these companies usually
constituting approximately 70% of the Fund's net assets. The Fund is thus
atypical from most equity mutual funds in its focus on a relatively small number
of intensively researched companies and is designed for those seeking to
accumulate capital over time with less volatility than that associated with
investment in smaller companies.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund normally invests at least 85% of its
total assets in the equity securities of U.S. companies. These are companies (i)
organized under U.S. law that have their principal office in the U.S., and (ii)
the equity securities of which are traded principally in the U.S.
10
<PAGE>
Alliance's investment strategy for the Fund emphasizes stock selection and
investment in the securities of a limited number of issuers. Alliance relies
heavily upon the fundamental analysis and research of its large internal
research staff, which generally follows a primary research universe of more than
600 companies that have strong management, superior industry positions,
excellent balance sheets and superior earnings growth prospects. An emphasis is
placed on identifying companies whose substantially above average prospective
earnings growth is not fully reflected in current market valuations.
In managing the Fund, Alliance seeks to utilize market volatility judiciously
(assuming no change in company fundamentals), striving to capitalize on
apparently unwarranted price fluctuations, both to purchase or increase
positions on weakness and to sell or reduce overpriced holdings. The Fund
normally remains nearly fully invested and does not take significant cash
positions for market timing purposes. During market declines, while adding to
positions in favored stocks, the Fund becomes somewhat more aggressive,
gradually reducing the number of companies represented in its portfolio.
Conversely, in rising markets, while reducing or eliminating fully valued
positions, the Fund becomes somewhat more conservative, gradually increasing the
number of companies represented in its portfolio. Alliance thus seeks to gain
positive returns in good markets while providing some measure of protection in
poor markets.
Alliance expects the average market capitalization of companies represented in
the Fund's portfolio normally to be in the range, or in excess, of the average
market capitalization of companies comprising the "S&P 500" (the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, a widely recognized unmanaged index of
market activity).
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 20% of its net assets in convertible
securities of companies whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by it;
(ii) invest up to 5% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (iii) invest up to
15% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers whose common stocks are
eligible for purchase by it; (iv) purchase and sell exchange-traded index
options and stock index futures contracts; and (v) write covered exchange-traded
call options on common stocks, unless as a result, the amount of its securities
subject to call options would exceed 15% of its total assets, and purchase and
sell exchange-traded call and put options on common stocks written by others,
but the total cost of all options held by the Fund (including exchange-traded
index options) may not exceed 10% of its total assets. For additional
information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see
"Additional Investment Practices." The Fund will not write put options.
Alliance Technology Fund
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc. ("Technology Fund") is a diversified investment
company that emphasizes growth of capital and invests for capital appreciation,
and only incidentally for current income. The Fund may seek income by writing
listed call options. The Fund invests primarily in securities of companies
expected to benefit from technological advances and improvements (i.e.,
companies that use technology extensively in the development of new or improved
products or processes). The Fund will normally have at least 80% of its assets
invested in the securities of these companies. The Fund normally will have
substantially all its assets invested in equity securities, but it also invests
in debt securities offering an opportunity for price appreciation. The Fund will
invest in listed and unlisted securities and U.S. and foreign securities, but it
will not purchase a foreign security if as a result 10% or more of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in foreign securities.
The Fund's policy is to invest in any company and industry and in any type of
security with potential for capital appreciation. It invests in well-known and
established companies and in new and unseasoned companies.
The Fund may also: (i) write and purchase exchange-listed call options and
purchase listed put options, including exchange-traded index put options; (ii)
invest up to 10% of its total assets in warrants; (iii) invest in restricted
securities and in other assets having no ready market if as a result no more
than 10% of the Fund's net assets are invested in such securities and assets;
(iv) lend portfolio securities equal in value to not more than 30% of the Fund's
total assets; and (v) invest up to 10% of its total assets in foreign
securities. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of the
policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Quasar Fund
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc. ("Quasar Fund") is a diversified investment company
that seeks growth of capital by pursuing aggressive investment policies. It
invests for capital appreciation and only incidentally for current income. The
selection of securities based on the possibility of appreciation cannot prevent
loss in value. Moreover, because the Fund's investment policies are aggressive,
an investment in the Fund is risky and investors who want assured income or
preservation of capital should not invest in the Fund.
The Fund invests in any company and industry and in any type of security with
potential for capital appreciation. It invests in well-known and established
companies and in new and unseasoned companies. When selecting securities,
Alliance considers the economic and political outlook, the values of specific
securities relative to other investments, trends in the determinants of
corporate profits and management capability and practices.
The Fund invests principally in equity securities, but it also invests to a
limited degree in non-convertible bonds and preferred stocks. The Fund invests
in listed and unlisted U.S. and foreign securities. The Fund periodically
invests in special situations, which occur when the securities of a company are
expected to appreciate due to a development particularly or uniquely applicable
to that company and regardless of general business conditions or movements of
the market as a whole.
The Fund may also: (i) invest in restricted securities and in other assets
having no ready market, but not more than 10%
11
<PAGE>
of its total assets may be invested in such securities or assets; (ii) make
short sales of securities "against the box," but not more than 15% of its net
assets may be deposited on short sales; and (iii) write call options and
purchase and sell put and call options written by others. For additional
information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see
"Additional Investment Practices."
Global Stock Funds
The Global Stock Funds have been designed to enable investors to participate in
the potential for long-term capital appreciation available from investment in
foreign securities.
Alliance International Fund
Alliance International Fund ("International Fund") is a diversified investment
company that seeks a total return on its assets from long-term growth of capital
and from income primarily through a broad portfolio of marketable securities of
established non-U.S. companies, companies participating in foreign economies
with prospects for growth, including U.S. companies having their principal
activities and interests outside the U.S. and foreign government securities.
Normally, more than 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in such issuers.
The Fund expects to invest primarily in common stocks of established non-U.S.
companies that Alliance believes have potential for capital appreciation or
income or both, but the Fund is not required to invest exclusively in common
stocks or other equity securities, and it may invest in any other type of
investment grade security, including convertible securities, as well as in
warrants, or obligations of the U.S. or foreign governments and their political
subdivisions.
The Fund intends to diversify its investments broadly among countries and
normally invests in at least three foreign countries, although it may invest a
substantial portion of its assets in one or more of such countries. In this
regard, at June 30, 1997, approximately 28% of the Fund's assets were invested
in securities of Japanese issuers. The Fund may invest in companies, wherever
organized, that Alliance judges have their principal activities and interests
outside the U.S. These companies may be located in developing countries, which
involves exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and
mature, and to political systems which can be expected to have less stability,
than those of developed countries. The Fund currently does not intend to invest
more than 10% of its total assets in companies in, or governments of, developing
countries.
The Fund may also: (i) purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange
contracts; (ii) write, sell and purchase U.S. or foreign exchange-listed put and
call options, including exchange-traded index options; (iii) enter into
financial futures contracts, including contracts for the purchase or sale for
future delivery of foreign currencies and stock index futures, and purchase and
write put and call options on futures contracts traded on U.S. or foreign
exchanges or over-the-counter; (iv) purchase and write put options on foreign
currencies traded on securities exchanges or boards of trade or
over-the-counter; (v) lend portfolio securities equal in value to not more than
30% of its total assets; and (vi) enter into repurchase agreements of up to
seven days' duration, provided that not more than 10% of the Fund's total assets
would be so invested. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of
these policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc. ("Worldwide Privatization Fund") is
a non-diversified investment company that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in
equity securities issued by enterprises that are undergoing, or have undergone,
privatization (as described below), although normally significantly more of its
assets will be invested in such securities. The balance of its investments will
include securities of companies believed by Alliance to be beneficiaries of
privatizations. The Fund is designed for investors desiring to take advantage of
investment opportunities, historically inaccessible to U.S. individual
investors, that are created by privatizations of state enterprises in both
established and developing economies, including those in Western Europe and
Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Asia and Eastern and Central
Europe and, to a lesser degree, Canada and the United States.
The Fund's investments in enterprises undergoing privatization may comprise
three distinct situations. First, the Fund may invest in the initial offering of
publicly traded equity securities (an "initial equity offering") of a
government- or state-owned or controlled company or enterprise (a "state
enterprise"). Secondly, the Fund may purchase securities of a current or former
state enterprise following its initial equity offering. Finally, the Fund may
make privately negotiated purchases of stock or other equity interests in a
state enterprise that has not yet conducted an initial equity offering. Alliance
believes that substantial potential for capital appreciation exists as
privatizing enterprises rationalize their management structures, operations and
business strategies in order to compete efficiently in a market economy, and the
Fund will thus emphasize investments in such enterprises.
The Fund diversifies its investments among a number of countries and normally
invests in issuers based in at least four, and usually considerably more,
countries. No more than 15% of the Fund's total assets, however, will be
invested in issuers in any one foreign country, except that the Fund may invest
up to 30% of its total assets in issuers in any one of France, Germany, Great
Britain, Italy and Japan. The Fund may invest all of its assets within a single
region of the world. To the extent that the Fund's assets are invested within
any one region, the Fund may be subject to any special risks that may be
associated with that region.
Privatization is a process through which the ownership and control of companies
or assets changes in whole or in part from the public sector to the private
sector. Through
12
<PAGE>
privatization a government or state divests or transfers all or a portion of its
interest in a state enterprise to some form of private ownership. Governments
and states with established economies, including France, Great Britain, Germany
and Italy, and those with developing economies, including Argentina, Mexico,
Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Poland and Hungary, are engaged in privatizations.
The Fund will invest in any country believed to present attractive investment
opportunities.
A major premise of the Fund's approach is that the equity securities of
privatized companies offer opportunities for significant capital appreciation.
In particular, because privatizations are integral to a country's economic
restructuring, securities sold in initial equity offerings often are priced
attractively so as to secure the issuer's successful transition to private
sector ownership. Additionally, these enterprises often dominate their local
markets and typically have the potential for significant managerial and
operational efficiency gains.
Although the Fund anticipates that it will not concentrate its investments in
any industry, it is permitted to invest more than 25% of its total assets in
issuers whose primary business activity is that of national commercial banking.
Prior to so concentrating, however, the Fund's Directors must determine that its
ability to achieve its investment objective would be adversely affected if it
were not permitted to concentrate. The staff of the Commission is of the view
that registered investment companies may not, absent shareholder approval,
change between concentration and non-concentration in a single industry. The
Fund disagrees with the staff's position but has undertaken that it will not
concentrate in the securities of national commercial banks until, if ever, the
issue is resolved. If the Fund were to invest more than 25% of its total assets
in national commercial banks, the Fund's performance could be significantly
influenced by events or conditions affecting this industry, which is subject to,
among other things, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in general
economic conditions, and the Fund's investments may be subject to greater risk
and market fluctuation than if its portfolio represented a broader range of
investments.
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt securities and
convertible debt securities of issuers whose common stocks are eligible for
purchase by the Fund. The Fund may maintain not more than 5% of its net assets
in lower-rated securities. See "Risk Considerations--Securities Ratings" and
"--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund will not retain
a non-convertible security that is downgraded below C or determined by Alliance
to have undergone similar credit quality deterioration following purchase.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 20% of its total assets in rights or
warrants; (ii) write covered put and call options and purchase put and call
options on securities of the types in which it is permitted to invest and on
exchange-traded index options; (iii) enter into contracts for the purchase or
sale for future delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or
contracts based on financial indices, including any index of U.S. Government
securities, foreign government securities, or common stock and may purchase and
write options on future contracts; (iv) purchase and write put and call options
on foreign currencies for hedging purposes; (v) purchase or sell forward
contracts; (vi) enter in forward commitments for the purchase or sale of
securities; (vii) enter into standby commitment agreements; (viii) enter into
currency swaps for hedging purposes; (ix) enter into repurchase agreements
pertaining to U.S. Government securities with member banks of the Federal
Reserve System or primary dealers in such securities; (x) make short sales of
securities or maintain a short position; and (xi) make secured loans of its
portfolio securities not in excess of 30% of its total assets to entities with
which it can enter into repurchase agreements. For additional information on the
use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional Investment
Practices."
Alliance New Europe Fund
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc. ("New Europe Fund") is a non-diversified
investment company that seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment
primarily in the equity securities of companies based in Europe. The Fund
intends to invest substantially all of its assets in the equity securities of
European companies and has a fundamental policy of normally investing at least
65% of its total assets in such securities. Up to 35% of its total assets may be
invested in high quality U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated
fixed-income securities issued or guaranteed by European governmental entities,
or by European or multinational companies or supranational organizations.
Alliance believes that the quickening pace of economic integration and political
change in Europe creates the potential for many European companies to experience
rapid growth and that the emergence of new market economies in Europe and the
broadening and strengthening of other European economies may significantly
accelerate economic development. The Fund will invest in companies that Alliance
believes possess rapid growth potential. Thus, the Fund will emphasize
investments in larger, established companies, but will also invest in smaller,
emerging companies.
In recent years, economic ties between the former "east bloc" countries of
Eastern Europe and certain other European countries have been strengthened.
Alliance believes that as this strengthening continues, some Western European
financial institutions and other companies will have special opportunities to
facilitate East-West transactions. The Fund will seek investment opportunities
among such companies and, as such become available, within the former "east
bloc," although the Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in
issuers based therein, or more than 10% of its total assets in issuers based in
any one such country.
The Fund diversifies its investments among a number of European countries and,
under normal circumstances, will invest in companies based in at least three
such countries. Subject to the foregoing and to the limitation on investment in
any one former "east bloc" country, the Fund may invest without limit in a
single European country. While the Fund does not intend to concentrate its
investments in a single country,
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at times 25% or more of its assets may be invested in issuers located in a
single country. During such times, the Fund would be subject to a
correspondingly greater risk of loss due to adverse political or regulatory
developments, or an economic downturn, within that country. In this regard, at
July 31, 1997, approximately 32% of the Fund's assets were invested in
securities of issuers in the United Kingdom.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities for
which there is no ready market; (ii) invest up to 20% of its total assets in
warrants and rights to purchase equity securities of European companies; (iii)
invest in depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
companies based in European countries, debt securities of supranational entities
denominated in the currency of any European country, debt securities denominated
in European Currency Units of an issuer in a European country (including
supranational issuers) and "semi-governmental securities"; (iv) purchase and
sell forward contracts; (v) write, sell and purchase exchange-traded put and
call options, including exchange-traded index options; (vi) enter into financial
futures contracts, including contracts for the purchase or sale for future
delivery of foreign currencies and futures contracts based on stock indices, and
purchase and write options on futures contracts; (vii) purchase and write put
options on foreign currencies traded on securities exchanges or boards of trade
or over-the-counter; (viii) make secured loans of portfolio securities not in
excess of 30% of its total assets to brokers, dealers and financial
institutions; (ix) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of
securities; and (x) enter into standby commitment agreements. For additional
information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see
"Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc. ("All-Asia Investment Fund") is a
non-diversified investment company whose investment objective is to seek
long-term capital appreciation. In seeking to achieve its investment objective,
the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities (for
the purposes of this investment policy, rights, warrants and options to purchase
common stocks are not deemed to be equity securities), preferred stocks and
equity-linked debt securities issued by Asian companies. The Fund may invest up
to 35% of its total assets in debt securities issued or guaranteed by Asian
companies or by Asian governments, their agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund
may also invest in securities issued by non-Asian issuers, provided that the
Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities issued by Asian
companies and the Asian debt securities referred to above. The Fund expects to
invest, from time to time, a significant portion, but less than 50%, of its
assets in equity securities of Japanese companies.
In the past decade, Asian countries generally have experienced a high level of
real economic growth due to political and economic changes, including foreign
investment and reduced government intervention in the economy. Alliance believes
that certain conditions exist in Asian countries which create the potential for
continued rapid economic growth. These conditions include favorable demographics
and competitive wage rates, increasing levels of foreign direct investment,
rising per capita incomes and consumer demand, a high savings rate and numerous
privatization programs. Asian countries are also becoming more industrialized
and are increasing their intra-Asian exports while reducing their dependence on
Western export demand. Alliance believes that these conditions are important to
the long-term economic growth of Asian countries.
As the economies of many Asian countries move through the "emerging market"
stage, thus increasing the supply of goods, services and capital available to
less developed Asian markets and helping to spur economic growth in those
markets, the potential is created for many Asian companies to experience rapid
growth. In addition, many Asian companies the securities of which are listed on
exchanges in more developed Asian countries will be participants in the rapid
economic growth of the lesser developed countries. These companies generally
offer the advantages of more experienced management and more developed market
regulation.
As their economies have grown, the securities markets in Asian countries have
also expanded. New exchanges have been created and the number of listed
companies, annual trading volume and overall market capitalization have
increased significantly. Additionally, new markets continue to open to foreign
investments. For example, South Korea and India have recently relaxed investment
restrictions and Vietnamese direct investments have recently become available to
U.S. investors. The Fund also offers investors the opportunity to access
relatively restricted markets. Alliance believes that investment opportunities
in Asian countries will continue to expand.
The Fund will invest in companies believed to possess rapid growth potential.
Thus, the Fund will invest in smaller, emerging companies, but will also invest
in larger, more established companies in such growing economic sectors as
capital goods, telecommunications and consumer services.
The Fund will invest in investment grade debt securities, except that the Fund
may maintain not more than 5% of its net assets in lower-rated securities and
lower-rated loans and other lower-rated direct debt instruments. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings," "--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income
Securities" and Appendix C in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for
a description of such ratings. The Fund will not retain a security that is
downgraded below C or determined by Alliance to have undergone similar credit
quality deterioration following purchase.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 25% of its net assets in the convertible
securities of companies whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by the
Fund; (ii) invest up to 20% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (iii)
invest in depositary receipts, instruments of supranational entities denominated
in the currency of any country, securities of multinational companies and
"semi-governmental securities;" (iv) invest up to 25% of its net assets in
equity-linked debt securities with
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the objective of realizing capital appreciation; (v) invest up to 25% of its net
assets in loans and other direct debt instruments; (vi) write covered put and
call options on securities of the types in which it is permitted to invest and
on exchange-traded index options; (vii) enter into contracts for the purchase or
sale for future delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or
contracts based on financial indices, including any index of U.S. Government
securities, securities issued by foreign government entities, or common stock
and may purchase and write options on future contracts; (viii) purchase and
write put and call options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes; (ix)
purchase or sell forward contracts; (x) enter into interest rate swaps and
purchase or sell interest rate caps and floors; (xi) enter into forward
commitments for the purchase or sale of securities; (xii) enter into standby
commitment agreements; (xiii) enter into currency swaps for hedging purposes;
(xiv) enter into repurchase agreements pertaining to U.S. Government securities
with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealers in such
securities; (xv) make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, in
each case only if "against the box;" and (xvi) make secured loans of its
portfolio securities not in excess of 30% of its total assets to entities with
which it can enter into repurchase agreements. For additional information on the
use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional Investment
Practices."
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc. ("Global Small Cap Fund") is a diversified
investment company that seeks long-term growth of capital through investment in
a global portfolio of the equity securities of selected companies with
relatively small market capitalization. The Fund's portfolio emphasizes
companies with market capitalizations that would have placed them (when
purchased) in about the smallest 20% by market capitalization of actively traded
U.S. companies, or market capitalizations of up to about $1 billion. Because the
Fund applies the U.S. size standard on a global basis, its foreign investments
might rank above the lowest 20%, and, in fact, might in some countries rank
among the largest, by market capitalization in local markets. Normally, the Fund
invests at least 65% of its assets in equity securities of these smaller
capitalization issuers, and these issuers are located in at least three
countries, one of which may be the U.S. Up to 35% of the Fund's total assets may
be invested in securities of companies whose market capitalizations exceed the
Fund's size standard. The Fund's portfolio securities may be listed on a U.S. or
foreign exchange or traded over-the-counter.
Alliance believes that smaller capitalization issuers often have sales and
earnings growth rates exceeding those of larger companies, and that these growth
rates tend to cause more rapid share price appreciation. Investing in smaller
capitalization stocks, however, involves greater risk than is associated with
larger, more established companies. For example, smaller capitalization
companies often have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources.
They may be dependent for management on one or a few key persons, and can be
more susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Their securities may be
thinly traded (and therefore have to be sold at a discount from current market
prices or sold in small lots over an extended period of time), may be followed
by fewer investment research analysts and may be subject to wider price swings
and thus may create a greater chance of loss than when investing in securities
of larger capitalization companies. Transaction costs in small capitalization
stocks may be higher than in those of larger capitalization companies.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities for
which there is no ready market; (ii) invest up to 20% of its total assets in
warrants to purchase equity securities; (iii) invest in depositary receipts or
other securities representing securities of companies based in countries other
than the U.S.; (iv) purchase or sell forward foreign currency contracts; (v)
write and purchase exchange-traded call options and purchase exchange-traded put
options, including put options on market indices; and (vi) make secured loans of
portfolio securities not in excess of 30% of its total assets to brokers,
dealers and financial institutions. For additional information on the use, risks
and costs of these policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Total Return Funds
The Total Return Funds have been designed to provide a range of investment
alternatives to investors seeking both growth of capital and current income.
Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund
Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund ("Strategic Balanced Fund") is a diversified
investment company that seeks a high long-term total return by investing in a
combination of equity and debt securities. The portion of the Fund's assets
invested in each type of security varies in accordance with economic conditions,
the general level of common stock prices, interest rates and other relevant
considerations, including the risks associated with each investment medium. The
Fund's investment objective is not fundamental.
The Fund's equity securities will generally consist of dividend-paying common
stocks and other equity securities of companies with favorable earnings outlooks
and long-term growth rates that Alliance expects will exceed that of the U.S.
economy. The Fund's debt securities may include U.S. Government securities and
securities issued by private corporations. The Fund may also invest in
mortgage-backed securities, adjustable rate securities, asset-backed securities
and so-called "zero-coupon" bonds and "payment-in-kind" bonds.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund will invest at least 25% of its total assets
in fixed-income securities, which for this purpose include debt securities,
preferred stocks and that portion of the value of convertible securities that is
attributable to the fixed-income characteristics of those securities.
The Fund's debt securities will generally be of investment grade. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings" and
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"--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities." In the event that the
rating of any debt securities held by the Fund falls below investment grade, the
Fund will not be obligated to dispose of such obligations and may continue to
hold them if considered appropriate under the circumstances.
The Fund may also: (i) invest in foreign securities, although the Fund will not
generally invest more than 15% of its total assets in foreign securities; (ii)
invest, without regard to this 15% limit, in Eurodollar CDs, which are
dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of U.S.
banks that are not insured by any agency or instrumentality of the U.S.
Government; (iii) write covered call and put options on securities it owns or in
which it may invest; (iv) buy and sell put and call options and buy and sell
combinations of put and call options on the same underlying securities; (v) lend
portfolio securities amounting to not more than 25% of its total assets; (vi)
enter into repurchase agreements on up to 25% of its total assets; (vii)
purchase and sell securities on a forward commitment basis; (viii) buy or sell
foreign currencies, options on foreign currencies, foreign currency futures
contracts (and related options) and deal in forward foreign exchange contracts;
(ix) buy and sell stock index futures contracts and buy and sell options on
those contracts and on stock indices; (x) purchase and sell futures contracts,
options thereon and options with respect to U.S. Treasury securities; and (xi)
invest in securities that are not publicly traded, including Rule 144A
securities. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these
policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Balanced Shares
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc. ("Balanced Shares") is a diversified investment
company that seeks a high return through a combination of current income and
capital appreciation. Although the Fund's investment objective is not
fundamental, the Fund is a "balanced fund" as a matter of fundamental policy.
The Fund will not purchase a security if as a result less than 25% of its total
assets will be in fixed-income senior securities (including short- and long-term
debt securities, preferred stocks, and convertible debt securities and
convertible preferred stocks to the extent that their values are attributable to
their fixed-income characteristics). Subject to these restrictions, the
percentage of the Fund's assets invested in each type of security will vary. The
Fund's assets are invested in U.S. Government securities, bonds, senior debt
securities and preferred and common stocks in such proportions and of such type
as are deemed best adapted to the current economic and market outlooks. The Fund
may invest up to 15% of the value of its total assets in foreign equity and
fixed-income securities eligible for purchase by the Fund under its investment
policies described above. See "Risk Considerations--Foreign Investment."
The Fund may also: (i) enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future
delivery of foreign currencies; and (ii) purchase and write put and call options
on foreign currencies and enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts
for hedging purposes. Subject to market conditions, the Fund may also seek to
realize income by writing covered call options listed on a domestic exchange.
For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and
practices see "Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Income Builder Fund
Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc. ("Income Builder Fund") is a non-diversified
investment company that seeks an attractive level of current income and
long-term growth of income and capital by investing principally in fixed-income
securities and dividend-paying common stocks. Its investments in equity
securities emphasize common stocks of companies with a historical or projected
pattern of paying rising dividends. Normally, at least 65% of the Fund's total
assets are invested in income-producing securities. The Fund may vary the
percentage of assets invested in any one type of security based upon Alliance's
evaluation as to the appropriate portfolio structure for achieving the Fund's
investment objective, although Alliance currently maintains approximately 60% of
the Fund's net assets in fixed-income securities and 40% in equity securities.
The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities of domestic and foreign issuers,
including U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements pertaining
thereto, corporate fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers, qualifying bank
deposits and prime commercial paper.
The Fund may maintain up to 35% of its net assets in lower-rated securities. See
"Risk Considerations--Securities Ratings" and "--Investment in Lower-Rated
Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund will not retain a non-convertible security
that is downgraded below CCC or determined by Alliance to have undergone similar
credit quality deterioration following purchase.
Foreign securities in which the Fund invests may include fixed-income securities
of foreign corporate and governmental issuers, denominated in U.S. Dollars, and
equity securities of foreign corporate issuers, denominated in foreign
currencies or in U.S. Dollars. The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its net
assets in equity securities of foreign issuers nor more than 15% of its total
assets in issuers of any one foreign country. See "Risk Considerations--Foreign
Investment."
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 5% of its net assets in rights or warrants;
(ii) invest in depositary receipts and U.S. Dollar denominated securities issued
by supranational entities; (iii) write covered put and call options and purchase
put and call options on securities of the types in which it is permitted to
invest that are exchange-traded; (iv) purchase and sell exchange-traded options
on any securities index composed of the types of securities in which it may
invest; (v) enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of
fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or contracts based on financial
indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities, foreign government
securities, corporate fixed income securities, or common stock, and purchase and
write options on future contracts; (vi) purchase and write put and
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call options on foreign currencies and enter into forward contracts for hedging
purposes; (vii) enter into interest rate swaps and purchase or sell interest
rate caps and floors; (viii) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or
sale of securities; (ix) enter into standby commitment agreements; (x) enter
into repurchase agreements pertaining to U.S. Government securities with member
banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealers in such securities; (xi)
make short sales of securities or maintain a short position as described below
under "Additional Investment Policies and Practices--Short Sales;" and (xii)
make secured loans of its portfolio securities not in excess of 20% of its total
assets to brokers, dealers and financial institutions. For additional
information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see
"Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Utility Income Fund
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc. ("Utility Income Fund") is a diversified
investment company that seeks current income and capital appreciation by
investing primarily in equity and fixed-income securities of companies in the
utilities industry. The Fund may invest in securities of both U.S. and foreign
issuers, although no more than 15% of the Fund's total assets will be invested
in issuers in any one foreign country. The utilities industry consists of
companies engaged in (i) the manufacture, production, generation, provision,
transmission, sale and distribution of gas and electric energy, and
communications equipment and services, including telephone, telegraph,
satellite, microwave and other companies providing communication facilities for
the public, or (ii) the provision of other utility or utility-related goods and
services, including, but not limited to, entities engaged in water provision,
cogeneration, waste disposal system provision, solid waste electric generation,
independent power producers and non-utility generators. The Fund is designed to
take advantage of the characteristics and historical performance of securities
of utility companies, many of which pay regular dividends and increase their
common stock dividends over time. As a fundamental policy, the Fund normally
invests at least 65% of its total assets in securities of companies in the
utilities industry. The Fund considers a company to be in the utilities industry
if, during the most recent twelve-month period, at least 50% of the company's
gross revenues, on a consolidated basis, were derived from its utilities
activities.
At least 65% of the Fund's total assets are invested in income-producing
securities, but there is otherwise no limit on the allocation of the Fund's
investments between equity securities and fixed-income securities. The Fund may
maintain up to 35% of its net assets in lower-rated securities. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings" and "--Investment in Lower-Rated
Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund will not retain a security that is downgraded
below B or determined by Alliance to have undergone similar credit quality
deterioration following purchase.
The United States utilities industry has experienced significant changes in
recent years. Electric utility companies in general have been favorably affected
by lower fuel costs, the full or near completion of major construction programs
and lower financing costs. In addition, many utility companies have generated
cash flows in excess of current operating expenses and construction
expenditures, permitting some degree of diversification into unregulated
businesses. Regulatory changes with respect to nuclear and conventionally fueled
generating facilities, however, could increase costs or impair the ability of
such electric utilities to operate such facilities, thus reducing their ability
to service dividend payments with respect to the securities they issue.
Furthermore, rates of return of utility companies generally are subject to
review and limitation by state public utilities commissions and tend to
fluctuate with marginal financing costs. Rate changes, however, ordinarily lag
behind the changes in financing costs, and thus can favorably or unfavorably
affect the earnings or dividend pay-outs on utilities stocks depending upon
whether such rates and costs are declining or rising.
Gas transmission companies, gas distribution companies and telecommunications
companies are also undergoing significant changes. Gas utilities have been
adversely affected by declines in the prices of alternative fuels, and have also
been affected by oversupply conditions and competition. Telephone utilities are
still experiencing the effects of the break-up of American Telephone & Telegraph
Company, including increased competition and rapidly developing technologies
with which traditional telephone companies now compete. Although there can be no
assurance that increased competition and other structural changes will not
adversely affect the profitability of such utilities, or that other negative
factors will not develop in the future, in Alliance's opinion, increased
competition and change may provide better positioned utility companies with
opportunities for enhanced profitability.
Utility companies historically have been subject to the risks of increases in
fuel and other operating costs, high interest costs, costs associated with
compliance with environmental and nuclear safety regulations, service
interruptions, economic slowdowns, surplus capacity, competition and regulatory
changes. There can also be no assurance that regulatory policies or accounting
standards changes will not negatively affect utility companies' earnings or
dividends. Utility companies are subject to regulation by various authorities
and may be affected by the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax
laws. To the extent that rates are established or reviewed by governmental
authorities, utility companies are subject to the risk that such authorities
will not authorize increased rates. Because of the Fund's policy of
concentrating its investments in utility companies, the Fund is more susceptible
than most other mutual funds to economic, political or regulatory occurrences
affecting the utilities industry.
Foreign utility companies, like those in the U.S., are generally subject to
regulation, although such regulations may or may not be comparable to domestic
regulations. Foreign utility companies in certain countries may be more heavily
regulated by their respective governments than utility companies located in the
U.S. and, as in the U.S., generally are required to seek government approval for
rate increases. In addition, because
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many foreign utility companies use fuels that cause more pollution than those
used in the U.S., such utilities may yet be required to invest in pollution
control equipment. Foreign utility regulatory systems vary from country to
country and may evolve in ways different from regulation in the U.S. The
percentage of the Fund's assets invested in issuers of particular countries will
vary. See "Risk Considerations--Foreign Investment."
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity and fixed-income
securities of domestic and foreign corporate and governmental issuers other than
utility companies, including U.S. Government securities and repurchase
agreements pertaining thereto, foreign government securities, corporate
fixed-income securities of domestic issuers, corporate fixed-income securities
of foreign issuers denominated in foreign currencies or in U.S. dollars (in each
case including fixed-income securities of an issuer in one country denominated
in the currency of another country), qualifying bank deposits and prime
commercial paper.
The Fund may also: (i) invest up to 30% of its net assets in the convertible
securities of companies whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by the
Fund; (ii) invest up to 5% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (iii) invest
in depositary receipts, securities of supranational entities denominated in the
currency of any country, securities denominated in European Currency Units and
"semi-governmental securities;" (iv) write covered put and call options and
purchase put and call options on securities of the types in which it is
permitted to invest that are exchange-traded and over-the-counter; (v) purchase
and sell exchange-traded options on any securities index composed of the types
of securities in which it may invest; (vi) enter into contracts for the purchase
or sale for future delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or
contracts based on financial indices, including an index of U.S. Government
securities, foreign government securities, corporate fixed-income securities, or
common stock, and may purchase and write options on futures contracts; (vii)
purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies traded on U.S. and
foreign exchanges or over-the-counter for hedging purposes; (viii) purchase or
sell forward contracts; (ix) enter into interest rate swaps and purchase or sell
interest rate caps and floors; (x) enter in forward commitments for the purchase
or sale of securities; (xi) enter into standby commitment agreements; (xii)
enter into repurchase agreements pertaining to U.S. Government securities with
member banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealers in such
securities; (xiii) make short sales of securities or maintain a short position
as described below under "Additional Investment Practices--Short Sales;" and
(xiv) make secured loans of its portfolio securities not in excess of 20% of its
total assets to brokers, dealers and financial institutions. For additional
information on the use, risk and costs of these policies and practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Growth and Income Fund
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc. ("Growth and Income Fund") is a
diversified investment company that seeks appreciation through investments
primarily in dividend-paying common stocks of good quality, although it is
permitted to invest in fixed-income securities and convertible securities.
The Fund may also try to realize income by writing covered call options listed
on domestic securities exchanges. The Fund also invests in foreign securities.
Since the purchase of foreign securities entails certain political and economic
risks, the Fund has restricted its investments in securities in this category to
issues of high quality. The Fund may also purchase and sell financial forward
and futures contracts and options thereon for hedging purposes. For additional
information on the use, rights and costs of these policies and practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc. ("Real Estate Investment Fund") is a
diversified investment company that seeks a total return on its assets from
long-term growth of capital and from income principally through investing in a
portfolio of equity securities of issuers that are primarily engaged in or
related to the real estate industry.
Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in equity securities of real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and
other real estate industry companies. A "real estate industry company" is a
company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from the
ownership, development, construction, financing, management or sale of
commercial, industrial or residential real estate or interests therein. The
equity securities in which the Fund will invest for this purpose consist of
common stock, shares of beneficial interest of REITs and securities with common
stock characteristics, such as preferred stock or convertible securities ("Real
Estate Equity Securities").
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in (a) securities that
directly or indirectly represent participations in, or are collateralized by and
payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property ("Mortgage-Backed
Securities"), such as mortgage pass-through certificates, real estate mortgage
investment conduit ("REMIC") certificates and collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs") and (b) short-term investments. These instruments are
described below. The risks associated with the Fund's transactions in REMICs,
CMOs and other types of mortgage-backed securities, which are considered to be
derivative securities, may include some or all of the following: market risk,
leverage and volatility risk, correlation risk, credit risk and liquidity and
valuation risk. See "Risk Considerations" for a description of these and other
risks.
As to any investment in Real Estate Equity Securities, Alliance's analysis will
focus on determining the degree to which the company involved can achieve
sustainable growth in cash flow and dividend paying capability. Alliance
believes that the primary determinant of this capability is the economic
viability of property markets in which the company operates and that the
secondary determinant of this capability is the ability of management to add
value through strategic focus and operating expertise. The Fund will purchase
Real Estate Equity
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Securities when, in the judgment of Alliance, their market price does not
adequately reflect this potential. In making this determination, Alliance will
take into account fundamental trends in underlying property markets as
determined by proprietary models, site visits conducted by individuals
knowledgeable in local real estate markets, price-earnings ratios (as defined
for real estate companies), cash flow growth and stability, the relationship
between asset value and market price of the securities, dividend payment
history, and such other factors which Alliance may determine from time to time
to be relevant. Alliance will attempt to purchase for the Fund Real Estate
Equity Securities of companies whose underlying portfolios are diversified
geographically and by property type.
The Fund may invest without limitation in shares of REITs. REITs are pooled
investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate or
real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity
REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity
REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive
income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize
capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage
REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive
income from the collection of interest payments. Similar to investment companies
such as the Fund, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders
provided they comply with several requirements of the Code. The Fund will
indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses incurred by REITs in which
the Fund invests in addition to the expenses incurred directly by the Fund.
Investment Process for Real Estate Equity Securities
Real Estate Investment Fund's investment strategy with respect to Real Estate
Equity Securities is based on the premise that property market fundamentals are
the primary determinant of growth underlying the success of Real Estate Equity
Securities. Value added management will further distinguish the most attractive
Real Estate Equity Securities. The Fund's research and investment process is
designed to identify those companies with strong property fundamentals and
strong management teams. This process is comprised of real estate market
research, specific property inspection and securities analysis.
The universe of property-owning real estate industry firms consists of
approximately 130 companies of sufficient size and quality to merit
consideration for investment by the Fund. In implementing the Fund's research
and investment process, Alliance will avail itself of the consulting services of
CB Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc. ("CBC"), a publicly held company and the
largest real estate services company in the United States, comprised of real
estate brokerage, property and facilities management, and real estate finance
and investment advisory activities (CBC in August of 1997 acquired Koll
Management Services ("Koll"), which previously provided these consulting
services to Alliance). In 1996, CBC (and Koll, on a combined basis) completed
25,000 sale and lease transactions, managed over 4,100 client properties,
created over $3.5 billion in mortgage originations, and completed over 2,600
appraisal and consulting assignments. In addition, they advised and managed for
institutions over $4 billion in real estate investments. As consultant to
Alliance, CBC provides access to its proprietary model, REIT-Score, that
analyzes the approximately 12,000 properties owned by these 130 companies. Using
proprietary databases and algorithms, CBC analyzes local market rent, expense,
and occupancy trends, market specific transaction pricing, demographic and
economic trends, and leading indicators of real estate supply such as building
permits. Over 650 asset-type specific geographic markets are analyzed and ranked
on a relative scale by CBC in compiling its REIT-Score database. The relative
attractiveness of these real estate industry companies is similarly ranked based
on the cmposite rankings of the properties they own. See "Management of the
Funds--Consultant to Advir" for more information about CBC.
Once the universe of real estate industry companies has been distilled through
the market research process, CBC's local market presence provides the capability
to perform site specific inspections of key properties. This analysis examines
specific location, condition, and sub-market trends. CBC's use of locally based
real estate professionals provides Alliance with a window on the operations of
the portfolio companies as information can immediately be put in the context of
local market events. Only those companies whose specific property portfolios
reflect the promise of their general markets will be considered for initial and
continued investment by the Fund.
Alliance further screens the universe of real estate industry companies by using
rigorous financial models and by engaging in regular contact with management of
targeted companies. Each management's strategic plan and ability to execute the
plan are determined and analyzed. Alliance will make extensive use of CBC's
network of industry analysts in order to assess trends in tenant industries.
This information is then used to further interpret management's strategic plans.
Financial ratio analysis is used to isolate those companies with the ability to
make value-added acquisitions. This information is combined with property market
trends and used to project future earnings potential.
Alliance believes that this process will result in a portfolio that will consist
of Real Estate Equity Securities of companies that own assets in the most
desirable markets across the country, diversified geographically and by property
type.
The short-term investments in which Real Estate Investment Fund may invest are:
corporate commercial paper and other short-term commercial obligations, in each
case rated or issued by companies with similar securities outstanding that are
rated Prime-1, Aa or better by Moody's or A-1, AA or better by S&P; obligations
(including certificates of deposit, time deposits, demand deposits and bankers'
acceptances) of banks with securities outstanding that are rated Prime-1, Aa or
better by Moody's or A-1, AA or better by S&P; and obligations
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issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities
with remaining maturities not exceeding 18 months.
The Fund may invest in debt securities rated BBB or higher by S&P or Baa or
higher by Moody's or, if not so rated, of equivalent credit quality as
determined by Alliance. The Fund expects that it will not retain a debt security
which is downgraded below BBB or Baa or, if unrated, determined by Alliance to
have undergone similar credit quality deterioration, subsequent to purchase by
the Fund.
The Fund may also engage in the following investment practices to the extent
indicated: (i) invest up to 10% of its net assets in rights or warrants; (ii)
invest up to 15% of its net assets in the convertible securities of companies
whose common stocks are eligible for purchase by the Fund; (iii) lend portfolio
securities equal in value to not more than 25% of total assets; (iv) enter into
repurchase agreements of up to seven days' duration; (v) enter into forward
commitments transactions as long as the Fund's aggregate commitments under such
transactions are not more than 30% of the Fund's total assets; (vi) enter into
standby commitment agreements; (vii) make short sales of securities or maintain
a short position but only if at all times when a short position is open not more
than 25% of the Fund's net assets (taken at market value) is held as collateral
for such sales; and (viii) invest in illiquid securities unless, as a result,
more than 15% of its net assets would be so invested.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
Some or all of the Funds may engage in the following investment practices to the
extent described above.
Convertible Securities. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the
same general characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which provide a
stable stream of income with yields that are generally higher than those of
equity securities of the same or similar issuers. The price of a convertible
security will normally vary with changes in the price of the underlying stock,
although the higher yield tends to make the convertible security less volatile
than the underlying common stock. As with debt securities, the market value of
convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and increase
as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower
interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar
quality, they offer investors the potential to benefit from increases in the
market price of the underlying common stock. Convertible debt securities that
are rated Baa or lower by Moody's or BBB or lower by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch
and comparable unrated securities as determined by Alliance may share some or
all of the risks of non-convertible debt securities with those ratings. For a
description of these risks, see "Risk Considerations--Securities Ratings" and
"--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities."
Rights and Warrants. A Fund will invest in rights or warrants only if the
underlying equity securities themselves are deemed appropriate by Alliance for
inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. Rights and warrants entitle the holder to buy
equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. Rights are
similar to warrants except that they have a substantially shorter duration.
Rights and warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types
of investments in that they do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the underlying securities nor do they represent any
rights in the assets of the issuing company. The value of a right or warrant
does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying security, although
the value of a right or warrant may decline because of a decrease in the value
of the underlying security, the passage of time or a change in perception as to
the potential of the underlying security, or any combination thereof. If the
market price of the underlying security is below the exercise price set forth in
the warrant on the expiration date, the warrant will expire worthless. Moreover,
a right or warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to the
expiration date.
Depositary Receipts and Securities of Supranational Entities. Depositary
receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers
of the stock of unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose
material information in the United States and, therefore, there may not be a
correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary
receipts. ADRs are depositary receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. GDRs and other types of depositary receipts are typically issued by
foreign banks or trust companies and evidence ownership of underlying securities
issued by either a foreign or a U.S. company. Generally, depositary receipts in
registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and
depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in foreign securities
markets. For purposes of determining the country of issuance, investments in
depositary receipts of either type are deemed to be investments in the
underlying securities except with respect to Growth Fund, Strategic Balanced
Fund and Income Builder Fund, where investments in ADRs are deemed to be
investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers and those in GDRs and other
types of depositary receipts are deemed to be investments in the underlying
securities.
A supranational entity is an entity designated or supported by the national
government of one or more countries to promote economic reconstruction or
development. Examples of supranational entities include, among others, the World
Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and the European
Investment Bank. A European Currency Unit is a basket of specified amounts of
the currencies of the member states of the European Economic Community.
"Semi-governmental securities" are securities issued by entities owned by either
a national, state or equivalent government or are obligations of one of such
government jurisdictions which are not backed by its full faith and credit and
general taxing powers.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. Interest and principal payments (including
prepayments) on the mortgages underlying
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mortgage-backed securities are passed through to the holders of the securities.
As a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying
securities, mortgage-backed securities are often subject to more rapid
prepayment of principal than their stated maturity would indicate. Prepayments
occur when the mortgagor on a mortgage prepays the remaining principal before
the mortgage's scheduled maturity date. Because the prepayment characteristics
of the underlying mortgages vary, it is impossible to predict accurately the
realized yield or average life of a particular issue of pass-through
certificates. Prepayments are important because of their effect on the yield and
price of the mortgage-backed securities. During periods of declining interest
rates, prepayments can be expected to accelerate and a Fund investing in such
securities would be required to reinvest the proceeds at the lower interest
rates then available. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a
reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturity of the securities,
subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to
rising interest rates. In addition, prepayments of mortgages underlying
securities purchased at a premium could result in capital losses.
Adjustable Rate Securities. Adjustable rate securities have interest rates that
are reset at periodic intervals, usually by reference to some interest rate
index or market interest rate. Some adjustable rate securities are backed by
pools of mortgage loans. Although the rate-adjustment feature may reduce sharp
changes in the value of adjustable rate securities, these securities can change
in value based on changes in market interest rates or the issuer's
creditworthiness. Changes in the interest rate on adjustable rate securities may
lag behind changes in prevailing market interest rates. Also, some adjustable
rate securities (or the underlying mortgages) are subject to caps or floors that
limit the maximum change in interest rate.
Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities (unrelated to first mortgage
loans) represent fractional interests in pools of leases, retail installment
loans, revolving credit receivables and other payment obligations, both secured
and unsecured. These assets are generally held by a trust and payments of
principal and interest or interest only are passed through monthly or quarterly
to certificate holders and may be guaranteed up to certain amounts by letters of
credit issued by a financial institution affiliated or unaffiliated with the
trustee or originator of the trust.
Like mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities, underlying automobile
sales contracts or credit card receivables are subject to prepayment, which may
reduce the overall return to certificate holders. Certificate holders may also
experience delays in payment on the certificates if the full amounts due on
underlying sales contracts or receivables are not realized by the trust because
of unanticipated legal or administrative costs of enforcing the contracts or
because of depreciation or damage to the collateral (usually automobiles)
securing certain contracts, or other factors.
Zero-Coupon and Payment-in-Kind Bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a
significant discount from their principal amount in lieu of paying interest
periodically. Payment-in-kind bonds allow the issuer to make current interest
payments on the bonds in additional bonds. Because zero-coupon bonds and
payment-in-kind bonds do not pay current interest in cash, their value is
generally subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market
interest rates than bonds that pay interest in cash currently. Both zero-coupon
and payment-in-kind bonds allow an issuer to avoid the need to generate cash to
meet current interest payments. Accordingly, such bonds may involve greater
credit risks than bonds paying interest currently. Even though such bonds do not
pay current interest in cash, a Fund is nonetheless required to accrue interest
income on such investments and to distribute such amounts at least annually to
shareholders. Thus, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other
investments in order to satisfy its dividend requirements.
Equity-Linked Debt Securities. Equity-linked debt securities are securities with
respect to which the amount of interest and/or principal that the issuer thereof
is obligated to pay is linked to the performance of a specified index of equity
securities. Such amount may be significantly greater or less than payment
obligations in respect of other types of debt securities. Adverse changes in
equity securities indices and other adverse changes in the securities markets
may reduce payments made under, and/or the principal of, equity-linked debt
securities held by the Fund. Furthermore, as with any debt securities, the
values of equity-linked debt securities will generally vary inversely with
changes in interest rates. The Fund's ability to dispose of equity-linked debt
securities will depend on the availability of liquid markets for such
securities. Investment in equity-linked debt securities may be considered to be
speculative. As with other securities, the Fund could lose its entire investment
in equity-linked debt securities.
Loans and Other Direct Debt Instruments. Loans and other direct debt instruments
are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental or other borrower to
another party. They may represent amounts owed to lenders or lending syndicates
(loans and loan participations), to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims
or other receivables), or to other creditors. Direct debt instruments involve
the risk of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer
less legal protection to the Fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation
than debt securities. In addition, loan participations involve a risk of
insolvency of the lending bank or other financial intermediary. Direct debt
instruments may also include standby financing commitments that obligate the
Fund to supply additional cash to the borrower on demand. Loans and other direct
debt instruments are generally illiquid and may be transferred only through
individually negotiated private transactions.
Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon
the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest.
Direct debt instruments may not be rated by any nationally recognized rating
service. If the
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Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such
indebtedness, the Fund's share price and yield could be adversely affected.
Loans that are fully secured offer the Fund more protection than unsecured loans
in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there
is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would
satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated.
Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor may involve substantial
risks, and may be highly speculative.
Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their
indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Direct
indebtedness of Asian countries will also involve a risk that the governmental
entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling,
to pay interest and repay principal when due.
Investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's
interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to the Fund. For
example, if a loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any
collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and
disposing of the collateral. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of
insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that acts
as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as
specified on the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other
indebtedness, the Fund has direct recourse against the borrower, it may have to
rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against a borrower. If
assets held by the agent for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be
subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors, the Fund might incur
certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the loan or loan participation
and could suffer a loss of principal or interest.
Direct indebtedness purchased by the Fund may include letters of credit,
revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments obligating
the Fund to pay additional cash on demand. These commitments may have the effect
of requiring the Fund to increase its investment in a borrower at a time when it
would not otherwise have done so, even if the borrower's condition makes it
unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
Mortgage-Backed Securities and Associated Risks. Mortgage-Backed Securities
include mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through
securities, such as REMIC pass-through certificates, CMOs and stripped
mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"), and other types of Mortgage-Backed
Securities that may be available in the future.
Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Real Estate Investment Fund may
invest in guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities which represent
participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by
U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to the
Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), the Federal National
Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("Freddie Mac"). Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by the full
faith and credit of the United States Government for timely payment of principal
and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae certificates are guaranteed by
Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately-owned corporation for full and
timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Freddie Mac
certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the
United States Government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate
collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans.
Multiple-Class Pass-Through Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.
Mortgage-Backed Securities also include CMOs and REMIC pass-through or
participation certificates, which may be issued by, among others, U.S.
Government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private lenders. CMOs and
REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the principal of and
interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the several classes of
CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of CMOs or REMIC
certificates, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific
adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its
final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all classes
of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis. Real Estate Investment Fund
will not invest in the lowest tranche of CMOs and REMIC certificates.
Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae or Freddie Mac certificates but
also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or
private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from
payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any
reinvestment income thereon.
A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and
invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and
other permitted investments. Investors may purchase "regular" and "residual"
interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts although the Fund does
not intend to invest in residual interests.
Risks. Investing in Mortgage-Backed Securities involves certain unique risks in
addition to those generally associated with investing in the real estate
industry in general. These unique risks include the failure of a counterparty to
meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of
prepayments on mortgage cash flows. See "Risk Considerations--Mortgage-Backed
Securities" for a more complete description of the characteristics of
Mortgage-Backed Securities and associated risks.
Illiquid Securities. Subject to any more restrictive applicable fundamental
investment policy, none of the Funds will maintain more than 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities generally include (i) direct
placements or other
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securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or
for which there is no readily available market (e.g., when trading in the
security is suspended or, in the case of unlisted securities, when market makers
do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers), including many individually
negotiated currency swaps and any assets used to cover currency swaps and most
privately negotiated investments in state enterprises that have not yet
conducted an initial equity offering, (ii) over-the-counter options and assets
used to cover over-the-counter options, and (iii) repurchase agreements not
terminable within seven days.
Because of the absence of a trading market for illiquid securities, a Fund may
not be able to realize their full value upon sale. With respect to each Fund
that may invest in such securities, Alliance will monitor their illiquidity
under the supervision of the Directors of the Fund. To the extent permitted by
applicable law, Rule 144A securities will not be treated as "illiquid" for
purposes of the foregoing restriction so long as such securities meet liquidity
guidelines established by a Fund's Directors. Investment in non-publicly traded
securities by each of Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund is restricted to
5% of its total assets (not including for these purposes Rule 144A securities,
to the extent permitted by applicable law) and is also subject to the 15%
restriction on investment in illiquid securities described above.
A Fund that invests in securities for which there is no ready market may
therefore not be able to readily sell such securities. To the extent that these
securities are foreign securities, there is no law in many of the countries in
which a Fund may invest similar to the Securities Act requiring an issuer to
register the sale of securities with a governmental agency or imposing legal
restrictions on resales of securities, either as to length of time the
securities may be held or manner of resale. However, there may be contractual
restrictions on resales of securities.
Options. An option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium,
the right to deliver to (in the case of a put) or receive from (in the case of a
call) the writer a specified amount of a security on or before a fixed date at a
predetermined price. A call option written by a Fund is "covered" if the Fund
owns the underlying security, has an absolute and immediate right to acquire
that security upon conversion or exchange of another security it holds, or holds
a call option on the underlying security with an exercise price equal to or less
than that of the call option it has written. A put option written by a Fund is
covered if the Fund holds a put option on the underlying securities with an
exercise price equal to or greater than that of the put option it has written.
A call option is for cross-hedging purposes if a Fund does not own the
underlying security, and is designed to provide a hedge against a decline in
value in another security which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire.
Worldwide Privatization Fund, All-Asia Investment Fund, Income Builder Fund and
Utility Income Fund each may write call options for cross-hedging purposes. A
Fund would write a call option for cross- hedging purposes, instead of writing a
covered call option, when the premium to be received from the cross-hedge
transaction would exceed that which would be received from writing a covered
call option, while at the same time achieving the desired hedge.
In purchasing an option, a Fund would be in a position to realize a gain if,
during the option period, the price of the underlying security increased (in the
case of a call) or decreased (in the case of a put) by an amount in excess of
the premium paid; otherwise the Fund would experience a loss equal to the
premium paid for the option.
If an option written by a Fund were exercised, the Fund would be obligated to
purchase (in the case of a put) or sell (in the case of a call) the underlying
security at the exercise price. The risk involved in writing an option is that,
if the option were exercised, the underlying security would then be purchased or
sold by the Fund at a disadvantageous price. These risks could be reduced by
entering into a closing transaction (i.e., by disposing of the option prior to
its exercise). A Fund retains the premium received from writing a put or call
option whether or not the option is exercised. The writing of covered call
options could result in increases in a Fund's portfolio turnover rate,
especially during periods when market prices of the underlying securities
appreciate.
Technology Fund, Quasar Fund, International Fund, New Europe Fund and Global
Small Cap Fund will not write uncovered call options. Technology Fund and Global
Small Cap Fund will not write a call option if the premium to be received by the
Fund in doing so would not produce an annualized return of at least 15% of the
then current market value of the securities subject to the option (without
giving effect to commissions, stock transfer taxes and other expenses that are
deducted from premium receipts). Technology Fund, Quasar Fund and Global Small
Cap Fund will not write a call option if, as a result, the aggregate of the
Fund's portfolio securities subject to outstanding call options (valued at the
lower of the option price or market value of such securities) would exceed 15%
of the Fund's total assets or more than 10% of the Fund's assets would be
committed to call options that at the time of sale have a remaining term of more
than 100 days. The aggregate cost of all outstanding options purchased and held
by each of Premier Growth Fund, Technology Fund, Quasar Fund and Global Small
Cap Fund will at no time exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets. Neither
International Fund nor New Europe Fund will write uncovered put options.
A Fund that purchases or writes options on securities in privately negotiated
(i.e., over-the-counter) transactions will effect such transactions only with
investment dealers and other financial institutions (such as commercial banks or
savings and loan institutions) deemed creditworthy by Alliance, and Alliance has
adopted procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such entities. Options
purchased or written by a Fund in negotiated transactions are illiquid and it
may not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at an
advantageous time. See "Illiquid Securities."
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Options on Securities Indices. An option on a securities index is similar to an
option on a security except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery
of a security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the
holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if
the closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of a call) or
less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A "sale" of a futures
contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the
securities or foreign currencies or other commodity called for by the contract
at a specified price on a specified date. A "purchase" of a futures contract
means the incurring of an obligation to acquire the securities, foreign
currencies or other commodity called for by the contract at a specified price on
a specified date. The purchaser of a futures contract on an index agrees to take
or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between a
specified dollar multiple of the value of the index on the expiration date of
the contract ("current contract value") and the price at which the contract was
originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities underlying the index
is made.
Options on futures contracts written or purchased by a Fund will be traded on
U.S. or foreign exchanges or over-the-counter. These investment techniques will
be used only to hedge against anticipated future changes in market conditions
and interest or exchange rates which otherwise might either adversely affect the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities or adversely affect the prices of
securities which the Fund intends to purchase at a later date.
No Fund will enter into any futures contracts or options on futures contracts if
immediately thereafter the market values of the outstanding futures contracts of
the Fund and the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options
written by the Fund would exceed 50% of its total assets, and Income Builder
Fund will also not do so if immediately thereafter the aggregate of initial
margin deposits on all the outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and
premiums paid on outstanding options on futures contracts would exceed 5% of the
market value of the total assets of the Fund. Premier Growth Fund and Growth and
Income Fund may not purchase or sell a stock index future if immediately
thereafter more than 30% of its total assets would be hedged by stock index
futures. Premier Growth Fund and Growth and Income Fund may not purchase or sell
a stock index future if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of margin
deposits on the Fund's existing futures positions would exceed 5% of the market
value of the Fund's total assets.
Options on Foreign Currencies. As in the case of other kinds of options, the
writing of an option on a foreign currency constitutes only a partial hedge, up
to the amount of the premium received, and a Fund could be required to purchase
or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring
losses. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute an
effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates although, in the event of
rate movements adverse to a Fund's position, it may forfeit the entire amount of
the premium plus related transaction costs. See the Statement of Additional
Information of each Fund that may invest in options on foreign currencies for
further discussion of the use, risks and costs of options on foreign currencies.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A Fund purchases or sells forward
contracts to minimize the risk to it from adverse changes in the relationship
between the U.S. dollar and other currencies. A forward contract is an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed price at a
future date, and is individually negotiated and privately traded.
A Fund may enter into a forward contract, for example, when it enters into a
contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign
currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security
("transaction hedge"). A Fund will not engage in transaction hedges with respect
to the currency of a particular country to an extent greater than the aggregate
amount of the Fund's transactions in that currency. When a Fund believes that a
foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it
may enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of that foreign
currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency, or when the Fund believes that
the U.S. dollar may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it
may enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a
fixed dollar amount ("position hedge"). A Fund will not position hedge with
respect to a particular currency to an extent greater than the aggregate market
value (at the time of making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio
denominated or quoted in that currency. Instead of entering into a position
hedge, a Fund may, in the alternative, enter into a forward contract to sell a
different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount where the Fund
believes that the U.S. dollar value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the
forward contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar value
of the currency in which portfolio securities of the Fund are denominated
("cross-hedge"). Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer
overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such forward
contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover,
it may not be possible for a Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so
generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency
at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. International Fund, New
Europe Fund and Global Small Cap Fund will not enter into a forward contract
with a term of more than one year or if, as a result, more than 50% of its total
assets would be committed to such contracts. The dealings of International Fund,
New Europe Fund and Global Small Cap Fund in forward contracts will be limited
to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions.
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Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund may also purchase and sell foreign
currency on a spot basis.
Forward Commitments. Forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities
may include purchases on a "when-issued" basis or purchases or sales on a
"delayed delivery" basis. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned
upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of
a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a "when, as and
if issued" trade).
When forward commitment transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the
time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take
place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within two months
after the transaction, but settlements beyond two months may be negotiated.
Securities purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject to market
fluctuation, and no interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the
settlement date. At the time a Fund intends to enter into a forward commitment,
it records the transaction and thereafter reflects the value of the security
purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining its net
asset value. Any unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected in such
valuation of a "when, as and if issued" security would be canceled in the event
that the required conditions did not occur and the trade was canceled.
The use of forward commitments enables a Fund to protect against anticipated
changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in periods of rising
interest rates and falling bond prices, a Fund might sell securities in its
portfolio on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices.
In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, a Fund might sell a
security in its portfolio and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if Alliance were to forecast incorrectly
the direction of interest rate movements, a Fund might be required to complete
such when-issued or forward transactions at prices inferior to the then current
market values. When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior
to the settlement date, but a Fund enters into when-issued and forward
commitments only with the intention of actually receiving securities or
delivering them, as the case may be. If a Fund chooses to dispose of the right
to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or dispose of its
right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may incur a gain or
loss. Any significant commitment of Fund assets to the purchase of securities on
a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of the Fund's net
asset value. No forward commitments will be made by New Europe Fund, All-Asia
Investment Fund, Worldwide Privatization Fund, Income Builder Fund, Utility
Income Fund or Real Estate Investment Fund if, as a result, the Fund's aggregate
commitments under such transactions would be more than 30% of the Fund's total
assets. In the event the other party to a forward commitment transaction were to
default, a Fund might lose the opportunity to invest money at favorable rates or
to dispose of securities at favorable prices.
Standby Commitment Agreements. Standby commitment agreements commit a Fund, for
a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a security that may be
issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer. The price and coupon of
the security are fixed at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering
into the agreement the Fund is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether the
security ultimately is issued, typically equal to approximately 0.5% of the
aggregate purchase price of the security the Fund has committed to purchase. A
Fund will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price considered advantageous
to the Fund and unavailable on a firm commitment basis. No Fund, other than
Income Builder Fund, will enter into a standby commitment with a remaining term
in excess of 45 days. Investments in standby commitments will be limited so that
the aggregate purchase price of the securities subject to the commitments will
not exceed 25% with respect to New Europe Fund and Real Estate Investment Fund,
50% with respect to Worldwide Privatization Fund and All-Asia Investment Fund,
and 20% with respect to Utility Income Fund, of the Fund's assets taken at the
time of making the commitment.
There is no guarantee that a security subject to a standby commitment will be
issued and the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be
more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security
underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, a Fund will bear the
risk of capital loss in the event the value of the security declines and may not
benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment
period if the issuer decides not to issue and sell the security to the Fund.
Currency Swaps. Currency swaps involve the individually negotiated exchange by a
Fund with another party of a series of payments in specified currencies. A
currency swap may involve the delivery at the end of the exchange period of a
substantial amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other
designated currency. Therefore the entire principal value of a currency swap is
subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its
contractual delivery obligations. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a
Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each currency swap will
be accrued on a daily basis. A Fund will not enter into any currency swap unless
the credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of
the other party thereto is rated in the highest rating category of at least one
nationally recognized rating organization at the time of entering into the
transaction. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction,
such Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to
the transactions.
Interest Rate Transactions. Each Fund that may enter into interest rate
transactions expects to do so primarily to preserve a return or spread on a
particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to protect against any
increase in the
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price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. The Funds
do not intend to use these transactions in a speculative manner.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating
rate payments for fixed rate payments). Interest rate swaps are entered on a net
basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or
paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). With
respect to All-Asia Investment Fund and Utility Income Fund, the exchange
commitments can involve payments in the same currency or in different
currencies. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the
extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive
payments of interest on a contractually-based principal amount from the party
selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles
the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined
interest rate, to receive payments of interest on an agreed principal amount
from the party selling the interest rate floor.
A Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, caps and floors on either an
asset-based or liability-based basis, depending upon whether it is hedging its
assets or liabilities. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's
obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap, cap
and floor is accrued daily. A Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap,
cap or floor transaction unless the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying
ability of the other party thereto is then rated in the highest rating category
of at least one nationally recognized rating organization. Alliance will monitor
the creditworthiness of counterparties on an ongoing basis. The swap market has
grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of banks and investment
banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized
swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid.
Caps and floors are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation
has not yet been developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
The use of interest rate transactions is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If Alliance were to incorrectly
forecast market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, the
investment performance of a Fund would be adversely affected by the use of these
investment techniques. Moreover, even if Alliance is correct in its forecasts,
there is a risk that the transaction position may correlate imperfectly with the
price of the asset or liability being hedged. There is no limit on the amount of
interest rate transactions that may be entered into by a Fund that is permitted
to enter into such transactions. These transactions do not involve the delivery
of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of
loss with respect to interest rate transactions is limited to the net amount of
interest payments that a Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other
party to an interest rate transaction defaults, a Fund's risk of loss consists
of the net amount of interest payments that the Fund contractually is entitled
to receive.
Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement arises when a buyer purchases a
security and simultaneously agrees to resell it to the vendor at an agreed-upon
future date, normally a day or a few days later. The resale price is greater
than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon interest rate for the period
the buyer's money is invested in the security. Such agreements permit a Fund to
keep all of its assets at work while retaining "overnight" flexibility in
pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature. If a vendor defaults on its
repurchase obligation, a Fund would suffer a loss to the extent that the
proceeds from the sale of the collateral were less than the repurchase price. If
a vendor goes bankrupt, a Fund might be delayed in, or prevented from, selling
the collateral for its benefit. Alliance monitors the creditworthiness of the
vendors with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements. There is no
percentage restriction on a Fund's ability to enter into repurchase agreements,
other than as indicated under "Investment Objectives and Policies."
Short Sales. A short sale is effected by selling a security that a Fund does not
own, or if the Fund does own such security, it is not to be delivered upon
consummation of the sale. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent that a
Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain securities identical to
those sold short without payment. Worldwide Privatization Fund, All-Asia
Investment Fund, Income Builder Fund and Utility Income Fund each may make short
sales of securities or maintain short positions only for the purpose of
deferring realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
provided that at all times when a short position is open the Fund owns an equal
amount of securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities sold short. In addition, each of those Funds may not make a short
sale if as a result more than 10% of the Fund's net assets would be held as
collateral for short sales, except that All-Asia Investment Fund and Real Estate
Investment Fund may not make a short sale if as a result more than 25% of the
Fund's net assets would be held as collateral for short sales. If the price of
the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the
time a Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss;
conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. See
"Certain Fundamental Investment Policies." Certain special federal income tax
considerations may apply to short sales entered into by a Fund. See "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes" in the relevant Fund's Statement of Additional
Information.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The risk in lending portfolio securities, as with
other extensions of credit, consists of the possible loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend
securities to a particular borrower, Alliance will consider all relevant facts
and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. While
securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income earned thereon
and the Fund may invest any cash collateral in portfolio
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<PAGE>
securities, thereby earning additional income, or receive an agreed upon amount
of income from a borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral. Each Fund
will have the right to regain record ownership of loaned securities or
equivalent securities in order to exercise ownership rights such as voting
rights, subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or distributions.
A Fund may pay reasonable finders', administrative and custodial fees in
connection with a loan. A Fund will not lend its portfolio securities to any
officer, director, employee or affiliate of the Fund or Alliance.
General. The successful use of the foregoing investment practices draws upon
Alliance's special skills and experience with respect to such instruments and
usually depends on Alliance's ability to forecast price movements, interest
rates or currency exchange rate movements correctly. Should interest rates,
prices or exchange rates move unexpectedly, a Fund may not achieve the
anticipated benefits of the transactions or may realize losses and thus be in a
worse position than if such strategies had not been used. Unlike many
exchange-traded futures contracts and options on futures contracts, there are no
daily price fluctuation limits with respect to certain options and forward
contracts, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited
extent over a period of time. In addition, the correlation between movements in
the prices of futures contracts, options and forward contracts and movements in
the prices of the securities and currencies hedged or used for cover will not be
perfect and could produce unanticipated losses.
A Fund's ability to dispose of its position in futures contracts, options and
forward contracts depends on the availability of liquid markets in such
instruments. Markets in options and futures with respect to a number of types of
securities and currencies are relatively new and still developing, and there is
no public market for forward contracts. It is impossible to predict the amount
of trading interest that may exist in various types of futures contracts,
options and forward contracts. If a secondary market does not exist with respect
to an option purchased or written by a Fund, it might not be possible to effect
a closing transaction in the option (i.e., dispose of the option), with the
result that (i) an option purchased by the Fund would have to be exercised in
order for the Fund to realize any profit and (ii) the Fund may not be able to
sell currencies or portfolio securities covering an option written by the Fund
until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security, futures
contract or currency upon exercise. Therefore, no assurance can be given that
the Funds will be able to utilize these instruments effectively for the purposes
set forth above. Furthermore, a Fund's ability to engage in options and futures
transactions may be limited by tax considerations. See "Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information of each Fund that invests
in options and futures.
Future Developments. A Fund may, following written notice to its shareholders,
take advantage of other investment practices that are not currently contemplated
for use by the Fund or are not available but may yet be developed, to the extent
such investment practices are consistent with the Fund's investment objective
and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise,
may involve risks that exceed those involved in the activities described above.
Defensive Position. For temporary defensive purposes, each Fund may invest in
certain types of short-term, liquid, high grade or high quality (depending on
the Fund) debt securities. These securities may include U.S. Government
securities, qualifying bank deposits, money market instruments, prime commercial
paper and other types of short-term debt securities including notes and bonds.
For Funds that may invest in foreign countries, such securities may also include
short-term, foreign-currency denominated securities of the type mentioned above
issued by foreign governmental entities, companies and supranational
organizations. For a complete description of the types of securities each Fund
may invest in while in a temporary defensive position, please see such Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
Portfolio Turnover. Portfolio turnover rates for the existing classes of shares
of the Fund are set forth in the tables that begin on page 38. These portfolio
turnover rates are greater than those of most other investment companies,
including those which emphasize capital appreciation as a basic policy. A high
rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage and other
expenses than a lower rate, which must be borne by the Fund and its
shareholders. High portfolio turnover also may result in the realization of
substantial net short-term capital gains. See "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes" in each Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment policies listed below,
which may not be changed without the approval of its shareholders. Additional
investment restrictions with respect to a Fund are set forth in its Statement of
Additional Information.
Alliance Fund may not: (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. Government); (ii) acquire more
than 10% of the voting or other securities of any one issuer; or (iii) buy
securities of any company that (including its predecessors) has not been in
business at least three continuous years. Pursuant to investment policies which
are not fundamental, the Fund does not invest (i) in puts or calls (except as
discussed above); (ii) in straddles, spreads, or any combination thereof; (iii)
in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs; or (iv) more
than 5% of its gross assets in securities the disposition of which would be
subject to restrictions under the federal securities laws.
Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced Fund each may not: (i) invest more than 5% of
its total assets in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
securities and repurchase agreements relating thereto), although up to 25% of
each Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to this restriction; or
(ii) invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of any one
industry.
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Premier Growth Fund may not: (i) purchase more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of any one issuer; (ii) invest 25% or more of the value of its
total assets in the same industry; (iii) borrow money or issue senior securities
except for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the
value of its total assets at the time the borrowing is made; (iv) pledge,
mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber any of its assets except in
connection with the writing of call options and except to secure permitted
borrowings; or (v) invest in the securities of any issuer that has a record of
less than three years of continuous operation (including the operation of any
predecessor) if as a result more than 10% of the value of the total assets of
the Fund would be invested in the securities of such issuer or issuers.
Technology Fund may not: (i) with respect to 75% of its total assets, have such
assets represented by other than: (a) cash and cash items, (b) U.S. Government
securities, or (c) securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. Government
and its agencies or instrumentalities) not greater in value than 5% of the
Fund's total assets, and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of such issuer; (ii) purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than the
U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities, if as a result (a) the
value of the holdings of the Fund in the securities of such issuer exceeds 25%
of its total assets, or (b) the Fund owns more than 25% of the outstanding
securities of any one class of securities of such issuer; (iii) concentrate its
investments in any one industry, but the Fund has reserved the right to invest
up to 25% of its total assets in a particular industry; and (iv) invest in the
securities of any issuer which has a record of less than three years of
continuous operation (including the operation of any predecessor) if such
purchase would cause 10% or more of its total assets to be invested in the
securities of such issuers.
Quasar Fund may not: (i) purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than
the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, if as a result
more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in such issuer or the Fund
would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer,
except that up to 25% of its total assets may be invested without regard to
these 5% and 10% limitations; (ii) invest more than 25% of its total assets in
any particular industry; (iii) borrow money except for temporary or emergency
purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of its total assets at the time the
borrowing is made; or (iv) invest more than 10% of its assets in restricted
securities.
International Fund may not: (i) invest more than 5% of the value of its total
assets in securities of a single issuer (including repurchase agreements with
any one entity), except U.S. Government securities or foreign government
securities; provided, however, that the Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its
total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one
foreign government issuer; (ii) own more than 10% of the outstanding securities
of any class of any issuer (for this purpose, all preferred stocks of an issuer
shall be deemed a single class, and all indebtedness of an issuer shall be
deemed a single class), except U.S. Government securities; (iii) invest more
than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers having their
principal business activities in the same industry; provided, that this
limitation does not apply to U.S. Government securities or foreign government
securities; (iv) invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of any issuer that has a record of less than three years of
continuous operation (including the operation of any predecessor or
unconditional guarantor), except U.S. Government securities or foreign
government securities; (v) invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets
in securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, other than
repurchase agreements, or more than 10% of the value of its total assets in
securities that are not readily marketable (including restricted securities and
repurchase agreements not terminable within seven business days); and (vi)
borrow money, except as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, and then only from banks in amounts not exceeding 5% of its total
assets.
Worldwide Privatization Fund may not: (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets
in securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the
same industry, except that this restriction does not apply to (a) U.S.
Government securities, or (b) the purchase of securities of issuers whose
primary business activity is in the national commercial banking industry, so
long as the Fund's Directors determine, on the basis of factors such as
liquidity, availability of investments and anticipated returns, that the Fund's
ability to achieve its investment objective would be adversely affected if the
Fund were not permitted to invest more than 25% of its total assets in those
securities, and so long as the Fund notifies its shareholders of any decision by
the Directors to permit or cease to permit the Fund to invest more than 25% of
its total assets in those securities, such notice to include a discussion of any
increased investment risks to which the Fund may be subjected as a result of the
Directors' determination; (ii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might
require the untimely disposition of securities; borrowing in the aggregate may
not exceed 15%, and borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may
not exceed 5%, of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is
made; outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets will be repaid before any investments are made; or (iii) pledge,
hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings. The exception contained in clause (i)(b) above is subject
to the operating policy regarding concentration described in this Prospectus.
New Europe Fund may not: (i) purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of any one issuer; (ii) invest more than 15% of its total assets in
the securities of any one issuer or 25% or more of its total assets in the same
industry, provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall not be
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<PAGE>
deemed to prohibit the Fund from purchasing the securities of any issuer
pursuant to the exercise of rights distributed to the Fund by the issuer, except
that no such purchase may be made if as a result the Fund will fail to meet the
diversification requirements of the Code and any such acquisition in excess of
the foregoing 15% or 25% limits will be sold by the Fund as soon as reasonably
practicable (this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities, but
will apply to foreign government securities unless the Commission permits their
exclusion); (iii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might require the
untimely disposition of securities; borrowing in the aggregate may not exceed
15%, and borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may not exceed
5%, of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities
(not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made;
outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets will be repaid
before any subsequent investments are made; or (iv) purchase a security (unless
the security is acquired pursuant to a plan of reorganization or an offer of
exchange) if, as a result, the Fund would own any securities of an open-end
investment company or more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any
closed-end investment company, or more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in securities of any closed-end investment company, or
more than 10% of such value in closed-end investment companies in general.
All-Asia Investment Fund may not: (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same
industry; (ii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might require the
untimely disposition of securities; borrowing in the aggregate may not exceed
15%, and borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may not exceed
5%, of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities
(not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made;
outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
will be repaid before any investments are made; or (iii) pledge, hypothecate,
mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted
borrowings.
Global Small Cap Fund may not: (i) purchase the securities of any one issuer,
other than the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, if
immediately after such purchase more than 5% of the value of its total assets
would be invested in such issuer or the Fund would own more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer, except that up to 25% of the
Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to these 5% and 10%
limitations; (ii) invest 25% or more of its total assets in the same industry;
this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities, but will apply to
foreign government securities unless the Commission permits their exclusion;
(iii) borrow money except from banks for emergency or temporary purposes in an
amount not exceeding 5% of the total assets of the Fund; or (iv) make short
sales of securities or maintain a short position, unless at all times when a
short position is open it owns an equal amount of such securities or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further
consideration, securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities sold short and unless not more than 5% of the Fund's net assets is
held as collateral for such sales at any one time.
Balanced Shares may not: (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer, except U.S. Government securities; or (ii) own
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
Income Builder Fund may not: (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of companies engaged principally in any one industry, except that
this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities; (ii) borrow money
except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of
redemption requests that might require the untimely disposition of securities;
borrowing in the aggregate may not exceed 15%, and borrowing for purposes other
than meeting redemptions may not exceed 5%, of the Fund's total assets
(including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (not including the amount
borrowed) at the time borrowing is made; securities will not be purchased while
borrowings in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets are outstanding; or (iii)
pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings.
Utility Income Fund may not: (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer except the U.S. Government, although with respect
to 25% of its total assets it may invest in any number of issuers; (ii) invest
25% or more of its total assets in the securities of issuers conducting their
principal business activities in any one industry, other than the utilities
industry, except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government
securities; (iii) purchase more than 10% of any class of the voting securities
of any one issuer; (iv) borrow money except from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might
require the untimely disposition of securities; borrowing in the aggregate may
not exceed 15%, and borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may
not exceed 5%, of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is
made; outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets will be
repaid before any subsequent investments are made; or (v) purchase a security
if, as a result (unless the security is acquired pursuant to a plan of
reorganization or an offer of exchange), the Fund would own any securities of an
open-end investment company or more than 3% of the total outstanding voting
stock of any closed-end investment company or more than 5% of the value of the
Fund's net assets would be invested in securities of any one or more closed-end
investment companies.
Growth and Income Fund may not (i) invest more than 5% of its net assets in the
security of any one issuer, except U.S.
<PAGE>
Government obligations or (ii) own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of any issuer.
Real Estate Investment Fund may not: (i) with respect to 75% of its total
assets, have such assets represented by other than: (a) cash and cash items, (b)
U.S. Government securities, or (c) securities of any one issuer (other than the
U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities) not greater in value than
5% of the Fund's total assets, and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of such issuer; (ii) purchase the securities of any one issuer, other
than the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities, if as a result
(a) the value of the holdings of the Fund in the securities of such issuer
exceeds 25% of its total assets, or (b) the Fund owns more than 25% of the
outstanding securities of any one class of securities of such issuer; (iii)
invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of issuers conducting
their principal businesactivities in any one industry, other than the real
estatindustry in which the Fund will invest at least 25% or morof its total
assets, except that this restriction does not applto U.S. Government securities;
(iv) purchase or sell real estate, except thait may purchase and sell securities
of companies which deain real estate or interests therein, including Real Estate
Equity curities; or (v) borrow money except for temporary or emergey purposes or
to meet redemption requests, in an amount t exceeding 5% of the value of its
total assets at the time the borrowing is mad.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investment in certain of the Funds involves the special risk considerations
described below. These risks may be heightened when investing in emerging
markets.
Investment in Privatized Enterprises by Worldwide Privatization Fund. In certain
jurisdictions, the ability of foreign entities, such as the Fund, to participate
in privatizations may be limited by local law, or the price or terms on which
the Fund may be able to participate may be less advantageous than for local
investors. Moreover, there can be no assurance that governments that have
embarked on privatization programs will continue to divest their ownership of
state enterprises, that proposed privatizations will be successful or that
governments will not re-nationalize enterprises that have been privatized.
Furthermore, in the case of certain of the enterprises in which the Fund may
invest, large blocks of the stock of those enterprises may be held by a small
group of stockholders, even after the initial equity offerings by those
enterprises. The sale of some portion or all of those blocks could have an
adverse effect on the price of the stock of any such enterprise.
Most state enterprises or former state enterprises go through an internal
reorganization of management prior to conducting an initial equity offering in
an attempt to better enable these enterprises to compete in the private sector.
However, certain reorganizations could result in a management team that does not
function as well as the enterprise's prior management and may have a negative
effect on such enterprise. After making an initial equity offering, enterprises
that may have enjoyed preferential treatment from the respective state or
government that owned or controlled them may no longer receive such preferential
treatment and may become subject to market competition from which they were
previously protected. Some of these enterprises may not be able to effectively
operate in a competitive market and may suffer losses or experience bankruptcy
due to such competition. In addition, the privatization of an enterprise by its
government may occur over a number of years, with the government continuing to
hold a controlling position in the enterprise even after the initial equity
offering for the enterprise.
Currency Considerations. Substantially all of the assets of International Fund,
New Europe Fund, All-Asia Investment Fund, and Worldwide Privatization Fund and
a substantial portion of the assets of Global Small Cap Fund will be invested in
securities denominated in foreign currencies, and a corresponding portion of
these Funds' revenues will be received in such currencies. Therefore, the dollar
equivalent of their net assets, distributions and income will be adversely
affected by reductions in the value of certain foreign currencies relative to
the U.S. dollar. If the value of the foreign currencies in which a Fund receives
its income falls relative to the U.S. dollar between receipt of the income and
the making of Fund distributions, the Fund may be required to liquidate
securities in order to make distributions if it has insufficient cash in U.S.
dollars to meet distribution requirements that the Fund must satisfy to qualify
as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. Similarly, if
an exchange rate declines between the time a Fund incurs expenses in U.S.
dollars and the time cash expenses are paid, the amount of the currency required
to be converted into U.S. dollars in order to pay expenses in U.S. dollars could
be greater than the equivalent amount of such expenses in the currency at the
time they were incurred. In light of these risks, a Fund may engage in certain
currency hedging transactions, which themselves involve certain special risks.
See "Additional Investment Practices" above.
Foreign Investment. The securities markets of many foreign countries are
relatively small, with the majority of market capitalization and trading volume
concentrated in a limited number of companies representing a small number of
industries. Consequently, a Fund whose investment portfolio includes such
securities may experience greater price volatility and significantly lower
liquidity than a portfolio invested solely in equity securities of U.S.
companies. These markets may be subject to greater influence by adverse events
generally affecting the market, and by large investors trading significant
blocks of securities, than is usual in the United States. Securities settlements
may in some instances be subject to delays and related administrative
uncertainties. These problems are particularly severe in India, where settlement
is through physical delivery, and, where, currently, a severe shortage of vault
capacity exists among custodial banks, although efforts are being undertaken to
alleviate the shortage. Certain foreign countries require governmental approval
prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons
to only a specified percentage of an issuer's outstanding securities or a
specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including
price) than securities of the company available
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for purchase by nationals. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or
preclude investment in certain securities and may increase the costs and
expenses of a Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income, capital
or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain countries is controlled
under regulations, including in some cases the need for certain advance
government notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a
country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions
on foreign capital remittances.
A Fund could also be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any
required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application
to it of other restrictions on investment. Investing in local markets may
require a Fund to adopt special procedures, which may involve additional costs
to a Fund. The liquidity of a Fund's investments in any country in which any of
these factors exists could be affected and Alliance will monitor the effect of
any such factor or factors on a Fund's investments. Furthermore, transaction
costs including brokerage commissions for transactions both on and off the
securities exchanges in many foreign countries are generally higher than in the
United States.
Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions are generally not subject to the
same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as
insider trading rules, restrictions on market manipulation, shareholder proxy
requirements and timely disclosure of information. The reporting, accounting and
auditing standards of foreign countries may differ, in some cases significantly,
from U.S. standards in important respects and less information may be available
to investors in foreign securities than to investors in U.S. securities.
Substantially less information is publicly available about certain non-U.S.
issuers than is available about U.S. issuers.
The economies of individual foreign countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic
product or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes,
government regulation, political or social instability or diplomatic
developments could affect adversely the economy of a foreign country or the
Fund's investments in such country. In the event of expropriation,
nationalization or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment
in the country involved. In addition, laws in foreign countries governing
business organizations, bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less protection to
security holders such as the Fund than that provided by U.S. laws.
Investment in United Kingdom Issuers. Investment in securities of United Kingdom
issuers involves certain considerations not present with investment in
securities of U.S. issuers. As with any investment not denominated in the U.S.
dollar, the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's investment denominated in the
British pound sterling will fluctuate with pound sterling--dollar exchange rate
movements. Between 1972, when the pound sterling was allowed to float against
other currencies, and the end of 1992, the pound sterling generally depreciated
against most major currencies, including the U.S. dollar. Between September and
December 1992, after the United Kingdom's exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism
of the European Monetary System, the value of the pound sterling fell by almost
20% against the U.S. dollar. The pound sterling continued to fall in early 1993,
but recovered due to interest rate cuts throughout Europe and an upturn in the
economy of the United Kingdom. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to
the pound sterling was 1.50 in 1993 and 1.56 in 1996. On September 30, 1997 the
U.S. dollar-pound sterling exchange rate was 1.61.
The United Kingdom's largest stock exchange is the London Stock Exchange, which
is the third largest exchange in the world. As measured by the FT-SE 100 index,
the performance of the 100 largest companies in the United Kingdom reached
4118.5 at the end of 1996, up approximately 12% from the end of 1995. On
September 30, 1997 the FT-SE 100 index closed at 5,244.2, up approximately 27%
from the end of 1996.
The public sector borrowing requirement, a mandated measure of the amount
required to balance the budget, has been, over the last two fiscal years, higher
than forecast. The general government fiscal deficit has been in excess of the
eligibility limit prescribed by the European Union for countries that intend to
participate in the Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU"), which is scheduled to
take effect in January 1999. The government, however, expects that the deficit
will drop below that limit during calendar year 1997 and will continue to drop
in the 1997-98 and 1998-99 fiscal years. Although the government has not yet
made a formal announcement with respect to the United Kingdom's participation in
the EMU, remarks of the Chancellor of the Exchequer made in mid-October 1997
suggest that the United Kingdom will not participate in the EMU beginning in
January 1999 but may do so thereafter.
From 1979 until 1997 the Conservative Party controlled Parliament. In the May 1,
1997 general elections, however, the Labour Party, led by Tony Blair, won a
majority in Parliament, holding 418 of 658 seats in the House of Commons. Mr.
Blair, who was appointed Prime Minister, has launched a number of reform
initiatives, including an overhaul of the monetary policy framework intended to
protect monetary policy from political forces by vesting responsibility for
setting interest rates in a new Monetary Policy Committee headed by the Governor
of the Bank of England, as opposed to the Treasury. Prime Minister Blair has
also undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of the regulation of the financial
services industry. For further information regarding the United Kingdom, see the
Statement of Additional Information of New Europe Fund.
Investment in Japanese Issuers. Investment in securities of Japanese issuers
involves certain considerations not present with investment in securities of
U.S. issuers. As with any investment not denominated in the U.S. dollar, the
U.S. dollar value of each Fund's investments denominated in the Japanese yen
will fluctuate with yen-dollar exchange rate movements. Between 1985 and 1995,
the Japanese yen generally appreciated against the U.S. dollar, but has fallen
from its post-World War II high (in 1995) against the U.S. dollar.
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Japan's largest stock exchange is the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the First Section of
which is reserved for larger, established companies. As measured by the TOPIX, a
capitalization-weighted composite index of all common stocks listed in the First
Section, the performance of the First Section reached a peak in 1989.
Thereafter, the TOPIX declined approximately 50% through the end of 1993. In
1994, the TOPIX closed at 1,559.09, up approximately 8% from the end of 1993; in
1995, the TOPIX closed at 1,577.70, up approximately 1% from the end of 1994;
and in 1996, the TOPIX closed at 1,470.94, down approximately 7% from the end of
1995. On September 30, 1997, the TOPIX closed at 1,388.32, down 5.6% from the
end of 1996. Certain valuation measures, such as price-to-book value and
price-to-cash flow ratios, indicate that the Japanese stock market is near its
lowest level in the last twenty years relative to other world markets. The
price/earnings ratios of First Section companies, however, are on average high
in comparison with other major stock markets.
In recent years, Japan has consistently recorded large current account trade
surpluses with the U.S. that have caused difficulties in the relations between
the two countries. On October 1, 1994, the U.S. and Japan reached an agreement
that may lead to more open Japanese markets with respect to trade in certain
goods and services. In June 1995, the two countries agreed in principle to
increase Japanese imports of American automobiles and automotive parts.
Nevertheless it is expected that the continuing friction between the U.S. and
Japan with respect to trade issues will continue for the foreseeable future.
Each Fund's investments in Japanese issuers will be subject to uncertainty
resulting from the instability of recent Japanese ruling coalitions. From 1955
to 1993, Japan's government was controlled by a single political party. Between
August 1993 and October 1996 Japan was ruled by a series of four coalition
governments. As the result of a general election on October 20, 1996, however,
Japan has returned to a single-party government led by Prime Minister Ryutaro
Hashimoto. While Mr. Hashimoto's party does not control a majority of the seats
in the parliament it is only three seats short of the 251 seats required to
attain a majority in the House of Representatives (down from a 12-seat shortfall
just after the October 1996 election). For further information regarding Japan,
see the Statements of Additional Information for All-Asia Investment Fund and
International Fund.
Investment in Smaller, Emerging Companies. The Funds may invest in smaller,
emerging companies. Global Small Cap Fund and New Europe Fund will emphasize
investment in, and All-Asia Investment Fund may emphasize investment in,
smaller, emerging companies. Investment in such companies involves greater risks
than is customarily associated with securities of more established companies.
The securities of smaller companies may have relatively limited marketability
and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of
larger companies or broad market indices.
The Real Estate Industry. Although Real Estate Investment Fund does not invest
directly in real estate, it does invest primarily in Real Estate Equity
Securities and does have a policy of concentration of its investments in the
real estate industry.
Therefore, an investment in the Fund is subject to certain risks associated with
the direct ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in
general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of
real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible
lack of availability of mortgage funds; overbuilding; extended vacancies of
properties; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses;
changes in zoning laws; costs resulting from the clean-up of, and liability to
third parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems; casualty or
condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural
disasters; limitations on and variations in rents; and changes in interest
rates. To the extent that assets underlying the Fund's investments are
concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain other respects, the
Fund may be subject to certain of the foregoing risks to a greater extent.
In addition, if Real Estate Investment Fund receives rental income or income
from the disposition of real property acquired as a result of a default on
securities the Fund owns, the receipt of such income may adversely affect the
Fund's ability to retain its tax status as a regulated investment company. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Investments by the Fund in securities of companies providing mortgage servicing
will be subject to the risks associated with refinancings and their impact on
servicing rights.
REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those
risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity
REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned
by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit
extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not diversified, are
subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and
self-liquidation. REITs are also subject to the possibilities of failing to
qualify for tax free pass-through of income under the Code and failing to
maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When
interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate
obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the
value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to
decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are
reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually
align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value
of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate
fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
Investing in REITs involves risks similar to those associated with investing in
small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may
trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt
or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small
capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the
larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P Index of 500 Common Stocks.
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Mortgage-Backed Securities. As discussed above, investing in Mortgage-Backed
Securities involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated
with investment in the real estate industry in general. These risks include the
failure of a counterparty to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes
and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. When interest rates
decline, the value of an investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to
rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of an investment in fixed
rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on
adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on investments in
such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest
rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in
response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate
obligations.
Further, the yield characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities, such as those
in which Real Estate Investment Fund may invest, differ from those of
traditional fixed-income securities. The major differences typically include
more frequent interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the
adjustability of interest rates, and the possibility that prepayments of
principal may be made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.
Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a
variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors, and cannot be
predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate
mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal
prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Early payment associated
with Mortgage-Backed Securities causes these securities to experience
significantly greater price and yield volatility than that experienced by
traditional fixed-income securities. Under certain interest rate and prepayment
rate scenarios, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in
Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental
or agency guarantee. When the Fund reinvests amounts representing payments and
unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a rate of interest that is
lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate mortgage pass-through
securities. Thus, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and adjustable rate mortgage
pass-through securities in particular, may be less effective than other types of
U.S. Government securities as a means of "locking in" interest rates.
U.S. and Foreign Taxes. A Fund's investment in foreign securities may be subject
to taxes withheld at the source on dividend or interest payments. Foreign taxes
paid by a Fund may be creditable or deductible by U.S. shareholders for U.S.
income tax purposes. No assurance can be given that applicable tax laws and
interpretations will not change in the future. Moreover, non-U.S. investors may
not be able to credit or deduct such foreign taxes. Investors should review
carefully the information discussed under the heading "Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes" and should discuss with their tax advisers the specific tax
consequences of investing in a Fund.
Fixed-Income Securities. The value of each Fund's shares will fluctuate with the
value of its investments. The value of each Fund's investments in fixed-income
securities will change as the general level of interest rates fluctuates. During
periods of falling interest rates, the values of fixed-income securities
generally rise. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values
of fixed-income securities generally decline.
Under normal market conditions, the average dollar-weighted maturity of a Fund's
portfolio of debt or other fixed-income securities is expected to vary between
five and 30 years in the case of All-Asia Investment Fund, between eight and 15
years in the case of Income Builder Fund, between five and 25 years in the case
of Utility Income Fund and between one year or less and 30 years in the case of
all other Funds that invest in such securities. In periods of increasing
interest rates, each of the Funds may, to the extent it holds mortgage-backed
securities, be subject to the risk that the average dollar-weighted maturity of
the Fund's portfolio of debt or other fixed-income securities may be extended as
a result of lower than anticipated prepayment rates. See "Additional Investment
Practices--Mortgage-Backed Securities."
Securities Ratings. The ratings of securities by S&P, Moody's, Duff & Phelps and
Fitch are a generally accepted barometer of credit risk. They are, however,
subject to certain limitations from an investor's standpoint. The rating of an
issuer is heavily weighted by past developments and does not necessarily reflect
probable future conditions. There is frequently a lag between the time a rating
is assigned and the time it is updated. In addition, there may be varying
degrees of difference in credit risk of securities within each rating category.
Securities rated Aaa by Moody's and AAA by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are
considered to be of the highest quality; capacity to pay interest and repay
principal is extremely strong. Securities rated Aa by Moody's and AA by S&P,
Duff & Phelps and Fitch are considered to be high quality; capacity to repay
principal is considered very strong, although elements may exist that make risks
appear somewhat larger than exist with securities rated Aaa or AAA. Securities
rated A are considered by Moody's to possess adequate factors giving security to
principal and interest. S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch consider such securities to
have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Such securities are
more susceptible to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances
than higher-rated securities.
Securities rated Baa by Moody's and BBB by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are
considered to have an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Such securities are considered to have speculative characteristics and share
some of the same characteristics as lower-rated securities. Sustained periods of
deteriorating economic conditions or of rising interest rates are more likely to
lead to a weakening in the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal
than in the case of higher-rated securities. Securities rated Ba by Moody's and
BB by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are considered to have speculative
characteristics with respect to
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capacity to pay interest and repay principal over time; their future cannot be
considered as well-assured. Securities rated B by Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps
and Fitch are considered to have highly speculative characteristics with respect
to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Assurance of interest and
principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any
long period of time may be small.
Securities rated Caa by Moody's and CCC by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are of
poor standing and there is a present danger with respect to payment of principal
or interest. Securities rated Ca by Moody's and CC by S&P and Fitch are
minimally protected, and default in payment of principal or interest is
probable. Securities rated C by Moody's, S&P and Fitch are in imminent default
in payment of principal or interest and have extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing. Securities rated D by S&P and Fitch are
in default. The issuer of securities rated DD by Duff & Phelps is under an order
of liquidation.
Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities. Lower-rated securities, i.e.,
those rated Ba and lower by Moody's or BB and lower by S&P, Duff & Phelps or
Fitch, are subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than
higher-rated securities. They are also generally considered to be subject to
greater market risk than higher-rated securities, and the capacity of issuers of
lower-rated securities to pay interest and repay principal is more likely to
weaken than is that of issuers of higher-rated securities in times of
deteriorating economic conditions or rising interest rates. In addition,
lower-rated securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse
economic conditions than investment grade securities.
The market for lower-rated securities may be thinner and less active than that
for higher-rated securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which
these securities can be sold. To the extent that there is no established
secondary market for lower-rated securities, a Fund may experience difficulty in
valuing such securities and, in turn, the Fund's assets. In addition, adverse
publicity and investor perceptions about lower-rated securities, whether or not
factual, may tend to impair their market value and liquidity.
Alliance will try to reduce the risk inherent in investment in lower-rated
securities through credit analysis, diversification and attention to current
developments and trends in interest rates and economic and political conditions.
However, there can be no assurance that losses will not occur. Since the risk of
default is higher for lower-rated securities, Alliance's research and credit
analysis are a correspondingly more important aspect of its program for managing
a Fund's securities than would be the case if a Fund did not invest in
lower-rated securities.
In seeking to achieve a Fund's investment objective, there will be times, such
as during periods of rising interest rates, when depreciation and realization of
capital losses on securities in a Fund's portfolio will be unavoidable.
Moreover, medium- and lower-rated securities and non-rated securities of
comparable quality may be subject to wider fluctuations in yield and market
values than higher-rated securities under certain market conditions. Such
fluctuations after a security is acquired do not affect the cash income received
from that security but are reflected in the net asset value of a Fund. See the
Statement of Additional Information for each Fund that invests in lower-rated
securities for a description of the bond ratings of Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps
and Fitch.
Certain lower-rated securities in which Growth Fund, Income Builder Fund,
Strategic Balanced Fund and Utility Income Fund may invest may contain call or
buy-back features that permit the issuers thereof to call or repurchase such
securities. Such securities may present risks based on prepayment expectations.
If an issuer exercises such a provision, a Fund may have to replace the called
security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased rate of return
to the Fund.
Non-Diversified Status. Each of Worldwide Privatization Fund, New Europe Fund,
All-Asia Investment Fund and Income Builder Fund is a "non-diversified"
investment company, which means the Fund is not limited in the proportion of its
assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. However, each
Fund intends to conduct its operations so as to qualify to be taxed as a
"regulated investment company" for purposes of the Code, which will relieve the
Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent its earnings are
distributed to shareholders. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in each
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. To so qualify, among other
requirements, the Fund will limit its investments so that, at the close of each
quarter of the taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of the Fund's total assets
will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (ii) with respect to
50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of its total assets will be invested
in the securities of a single issuer and the Fund will not own more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. A Fund's investments in
U.S. Government securities and other regulated investment companies are not
subject to these limitations. Because each of Worldwide Privatization Fund, New
Europe Fund, All-Asia Investment Fund and Income Builder Fund is a
non-diversified investment company, it may invest in a smaller number of
individual issuers than a diversified investment company, and an investment in
such Fund may, under certain circumstances, present greater risk to an investor
than an investment in a diversified investment company.
Foreign government securities are not treated like U.S. Government securities
for purposes of the diversification tests described in the preceding paragraph,
but instead are subject to these tests in the same manner as the securities of
non-governmental issuers.
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PURCHASE AND SALE
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OF SHARES
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HOW TO BUY SHARES
Each Fund offers multiple classes of shares, of which only the Advisor Class is
offered by this Prospectus. Advisor Class shares of each Fund may be purchased
through your financial representative at net asset value without any initial or
contingent deferred sales charges and are not subject to ongoing distribution
expenses. Advisor Class shares may be purchased and held solely (i) through
accounts established under a fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a
registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and approved by AFD,
(ii) through a self-directed defined contribution employee benefit plan (e.g., a
401(k) plan) that has at least 1,000 participants or $25 million in assets,
(iii) by investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated
with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Funds, and (iv) through registered
investment advisers or other financial intermediaries who charge a management,
consulting or other fee for their service and who purchase shares through a
broker or agent approved by AFD and clients of such registered investment
advisers or financial intermediaries whose accounts are linked to the master
account of such investment adviser or financial intermediary on the books of
such approved broker or agent. For more detailed information about who may
purchase and hold Advisor Class shares see the Statements of Additional
Information. A shareholder's Advisor Class shares will automatically convert to
Class A shares of the same Fund under certain circumstances. For a more detailed
description of the conversion feature and Class A shares, see "Conversion
Feature."
Generally, a fee-based program must charge an asset-based or other similar fee
and must invest at least $250,000 in Advisor Class shares of each Fund in which
the program invests in order to be approved by AFD for investment in Advisor
Class shares. Share certificates are issued only upon request. See the
Subscription Application and the Statements of Additional Information for more
information.
The Funds may refuse any order to purchase Advisor Class shares. In this regard,
the Funds reserve the right to restrict purchases of Advisor Class shares
(including through exchanges) when there appears to be evidence of a pattern of
frequent purchases and sales made in response to short-term considerations.
How the Funds Value Their Shares
The net asset value of Advisor Class shares of a Fund is calculated by dividing
the value of the Fund's net assets allocable to the Advisor Class by the
outstanding shares of the Advisor Class. Shares are valued each day the New York
Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open as of the close of regular trading
(currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The securities in a Fund are valued at their
current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if such
quotations are not readily available, such other methods as the Fund's Directors
believe accurately reflects fair market value.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may "redeem," i.e., sell your shares in a Fund to the Fund on any day the
Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial representative. The
price you will receive is the net asset value next calculated after the Fund
receives your request in proper form. Proceeds generally will be sent to you
within seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check or electronic
funds transfer, a Fund will not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied
that the check or electronic funds transfer has been collected (which may take
up to 15 days). If you are in doubt about what documents are required by your
fee-based program or employee benefit plan, you should contact your financial
representative.
Selling Shares Through Your Financial Representative
Your financial representative must receive your request before 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time, and your financial representative must transmit your request to the Fund
by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, for you to receive that day's net asset value. Your
financial representative is responsible for furnishing all necessary
documentation to a Fund and may charge you for this service.
Selling Shares Directly To A Fund
Send a signed letter of instruction or stock power form to AFS along with
certificates, if any, that represent the shares you want to sell. For your
protection, signatures must be guaranteed by a bank, a member firm of a national
stock exchange or other eligible guarantor institution. Stock power forms are
available from your financial representative, AFS, and many commercial banks.
Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by corporations,
intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners. For details contact:
Alliance Fund Services
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
1-800-221-5672
Alternatively, a request for redemption of shares for which no stock
certificates have been issued can also be made by telephone to 800-221-5672.
Telephone redemption requests must be made by 4 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund
business day in order to receive that day's net asset value, and, except for
certain omnibus accounts, may be made only once in any 30-day period. A
shareholder who has completed the Telephone Transactions section of the
Subscription Application, or the Shareholder Options form obtained from AFS, can
elect to have the proceeds of his or her redemption sent to his or her bank via
an electronic funds transfer. Proceeds of telephone redemptions also may be sent
by check to a shareholder's address of record. Except for certain omnibus
accounts, redemption requests by electronic funds transfer may not exceed
$100,000 and redemption requests by check may not exceed $50,000. Telephone
redemption is not available for
35
<PAGE>
shares held in nominee or "street name" accounts or retirement plan accounts or
shares held by a shareholder who has changed his or her address of record within
the previous 30 calendar days.
General
The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for federal tax purposes. Under
unusual circumstances, a Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for up
to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The Funds
reserve the right to close an account that through redemption has remained below
$200 for 90 days. Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to increase
the account value before the account is closed.
During drastic economic or market developments, you might have difficulty
reaching AFS by telephone, in which event you should issue written instructions
to AFS. AFS is not responsible for the authenticity of telephonic requests to
purchase, sell or exchange shares. AFS will employ reasonable procedures to
verify that telephone requests are genuine, and could be liable for losses
resulting from unauthorized transactions if it failed to do so. Dealers and
agents may charge a commission for handling telephonic requests. The telephone
service may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
AFS offers a variety of shareholder services. For more information about these
services or your account, call AFS's toll-free number, 800-221-5672.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange your Advisor Class shares of any Fund for Advisor Class shares
of other Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD Exchange Reserves, a money market
fund managed by Alliance). Exchanges of shares are made at the net asset value
next determined and without sales or service charges. Exchanges may be made by
telephone or written request. Telephone exchange requests must be received by
AFS by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to receive that
day's net asset value. Please read carefully the prospectus of the mutual fund
into which you are exchanging before submitting the request. Call AFS at
800-221-5672 to exchange uncertificated shares. An exchange is a taxable capital
transaction for federal tax purposes. The exchange service may be changed,
suspended, or terminated on 60 days' written notice.
GENERAL
If you are a Fund shareholder through an account established under a fee-based
program, your fee-based program may impose requirements with respect to the
purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares of a Fund that are different
from those described in this Prospectus. A transaction, service, administrative
or other similar fee may be charged by your broker-dealer, agent, financial
intermediary or other financial representative with respect to the purchase,
sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares made through such financial
representative. Such financial intermediaries may also impose requirements with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares that are different from, or
in addition to, those imposed by a Fund, including requirements as to the
minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts.
Each Fund offers three classes of shares other than the Advisor Class, which are
Class A, Class B and Class C. All classes of shares of a Fund have a common
investment objective and investment portfolio. Class A shares are offered with
an initial sales charge and pay a distribution services fee. Class B shares have
a contingent deferred sales charge (a "CDSC") and also pay a distribution
services fee. Class C shares have no initial sales charge or CDSC as long as
they are not redeemed within one year of purchase, but pay a distribution
services fee. Because Advisor Class shares have no initial sales charge or CDSC
and pay no distribution services fee, Advisor Class shares are expected to have
different performance from Class A, Class B or Class C shares. You can obtain
more information about Class A, Class B and Class C shares, which are not
offered by this Prospectus, by contacting AFS by telephone at 1-800-221-5672 or
by contacting your financial representative.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVISER
Alliance, which is a Delaware limited partnership with principal offices at 1345
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an
advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to provide investment advice and,
in general, to conduct the management and investment program of each Fund,
subject to the general supervision and control of the Directors of the Fund.
The following table lists the person or persons who are primarily responsible
for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio, the length of time that
each person has been primarily responsible, and each person's principal
occupation during the past five years.
36
<PAGE>
Principal occupation
during the past
Fund Employee; year; title five years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Alliance Fund Alden M. Stewart since 1997-- Associated with
Executive Vice President of Alliance since
Alliance Capital Management 1993; prior
Corporation ("ACMC")* thereto,
associated with
Equitable Capital
Management
Corporation
("Equitable
Capital")**
Randall E. Haase since 1997-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since July
1993; prior
thereto,
associated with
Equitable Capital
Growth Fund Tyler Smith since inception-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
July 1993; prior
thereto,
associated with
Equitable Capital
Premier Growth Fund Alfred Harrison since inception-- Associated with
Vice Chairman of ACMC Alliance
Technology Fund Peter Anastos since 1992-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Gerald T. Malone since 1992-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
1992; prior
thereto
associated with
College
Retirement
Equities Fund
Quasar Fund Alden M. Stewart since 1994-- (see above)
(see above)
Randall E. Haase since 1994-- (see above)
(see above)
International Fund A. Rama Krishna since 1993-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
and director of Asian Equity 1993, prior
research thereto,
Chief Investment
Strategist and
Director--Equity
Research for CS
First Boston
Worldwide Mark H. Breedon since inception-- Associated with
Privatization Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
and Director and Vice President
of Alliance Capital Limited ***
New Europe Fund Steven Beinhacker-- Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance
All-Asia Investment A. Rama Krishna since inception-- (see above)
Fund (see above)
Global Small Cap Alden M. Stewart since 1994-- (see above)
Fund (see above)
Randall E. Haase since 1994-- (see above)
(see above)
Ronald L. Simcoe since 1993-- Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
1993; prior thereto,
associated with
Equitable Capital
Strategic Balanced Nicholas D.P. Carn Associated with
Fund Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
1997; prior
thereto, Chief
Investment
Officer and
Portfolio Manager
at Draycott
Partners
Balanced Shares Paul Rissman since 1997-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Income Builder Fund Andrew M. Aran since 1994-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Thomas M. Perkins since 1991-- Associated with
Senior Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Vita Marie Pike since 1997-- Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Corinne Molof Hill since 1997-- Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance
Utility Income Fund Paul Rissman since 1996-- Associated with
(see above) Alliance
Growth & Income Paul Rissman since 1994-- Associated with
Fund (see above) Alliance
Real Estate Daniel G. Pine since 1996 Associated with
Investment Fund Senior Vice President Alliance since
of ACMC 1996; prior
thereto, Senior
Vice President of
Desai Capital
Management
David Kruth since 1997-- Associated with
Vice President of ACMC Alliance since
1997; prior
thereto Senior
Vice President of
the Yarmouth
Group
- ----------
* The sole general partner of Alliance.
** Equitable Capital was, prior to Alliance's acquisition of it, a management
firm under common control with Alliance.
*** An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance.
Alliance is a leading international investment manager supervising client
accounts with assets as of June 30, 1997 totaling more than $199 billion (of
which approximately $71 billion represented the assets of investment companies).
Alliance's clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit funds, public
employee retirement systems, investment companies, foundations and endowment
funds. The 54 registered investment companies managed by Alliance comprising 116
separate investment portfolios currently have over two million shareholders. As
of June 30, 1997, Alliance was an investment manager of employee benefit plan
assets for 29 of the Fortune 100 companies.
ACMC, the sole general partner of, and the owner of a 1% general partnership
interest in, Alliance, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable
Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable"), one of the largest
life insurance companies in the United States, which is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated, a holding
37
<PAGE>
company controlled by AXA-UAP, a French insurance holding company. Certain
information concerning the ownership and control of Equitable by AXA-UAP is set
forth in each Fund's Statement of Additional Information under "Management of
the Funds."
Performance of Similarly Managed Portfolios. In addition to managing the assets
of Premier Growth Fund, Mr. Harrison has ultimate responsibility for the
management of 35 portfolios of discretionary tax-exempt accounts of
institutional clients managed as described below without significant
client-imposed restrictions ("Historical Portfolios"). These accounts have
substantially the same investment objectives and policies and are managed in
accordance with essentially the same investment strategies and techniques as
those for Premier Growth Fund, except for the ability of Premier Growth Fund to
use futures and options as hedging tools and to invest in warrants. The
Historical Portfolios are also not subject to certain limitations,
diversification requirements and other restrictions to which Premier Growth
Fund, as a registered investment company, is subject and which if applicable to
the Historical Portfolios, may have adversely affected the performance results
of the Historical Portfolios. See "Investment Objective and Policies."
Set forth below is performance data provided by Alliance relating to the
Historical Portfolios for each of the eighteen full calendar years during which
Mr. Harrison has managed the Historical Portfolios and cumulatively through
September 30, 1997. As of September 30, 1997, the assets in the Historical
Portfolios totaled approximately $12.4 billion and the average size of an
institutional account in the Historical Portfolio was $355 million. Each
Historical Portfolio has a nearly identical composition of individual investment
holdings and related percentage weightings.
The performance data is gross of advisory fees charged to those accounts. Total
returns would be lower if advisory fees had been taken into account. The
performance data includes the cost of brokerage commissions, but excludes
custodial fees, transfer agency costs and other administrative expenses that
will be payable by Premier Growth Fund and will result in a higher expense ratio
for Premier Growth Fund. Expenses associated with the distribution of Class A,
Class B and Class C shares of Premier Growth Fund in accordance with the plan
adopted by Premier Growth Fund's Board of Directors pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of
the 1940 Act ("distribution fees") are also excluded. See "Expense Information."
The performance data has also not been adjusted for corporate or individual
taxes, if any, payable by the account owners.
Alliance has calculated the investment performance of the Historical Portfolios
on a trade-date basis. Dividends have been accrued at the end of the month and
cash flows weighted daily. Composite investment performance for all portfolios
has been determined on an asset-weighted basis. New accounts are included in the
composite investment performance computations at the beginning of the quarter
following the initial contribution. The composite total returns set forth below
are calculated using a method that links the monthly return amounts for the
disclosed periods, resulting in a time-weighted rate of return.
As reflected below, the Historical Portfolios have over time performed favorably
when compared with the performance of recognized performance indices. The S&P
500 Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of market activity based upon
the aggregate performance of a selected portfolio of publicly traded common
stocks, including monthly adjustments to reflect the reinvestment of dividends
and other distributions. The S&P 500 Index reflects the total return of
securities comprising the Index, including changes in market prices as well as
accrued investment income, which is presumed to be reinvested. The Russell 1000
universe of securities is compiled by Frank Russell Company and is segmented
into two style indices, based on the capitalization-weighted median
book-to-price ratio of each of the securities. At each reconstitution, the
Russell 1000 constituents are ranked by their book-to-price ratio. Once so
ranked, the breakpoint for the two styles is determined by the median market
capitalization of the Russell 1000. Thus, those securities falling within the
top fifty percent of the cumulative market capitalization (as ranked by
descending book-to-price) become members of the Russell Price-Driven Indices.
The Russell 1000 Growth Index is, accordingly, designed to include those Russell
1000 securities with a greater-than-average growth orientation. In contrast with
the securities in the Russell Price-Driven Indices, companies in the Growth
Index tend to exhibit higher price-to-book and price-earnings ratios, lower
dividend yield and higher forecasted growth values.
To the extent Premier Growth Fund does not invest in U.S. common stocks or
utilizes investment techniques such as futures or options, the S&P 500 and
Russell 1000 Growth Index may not be substantially comparable to Premier Growth
Fund. The S&P 500 and Russell 1000 Growth Index are included to illustrate
material economic and market factors that existed during the time period shown.
The S&P 500 and Russell 1000 Growth Index do not reflect the deduction of any
fees. If Premier Growth Fund were to purchase a portfolio of securities
substantially identical to the securities comprising the S&P 500 Index or the
Russell 1000 Growth Index, Premier Growth Fund's performance relative to the
index would be reduced by Premier Growth Fund's expenses, including brokerage
commissions, advisory fees, distribution fees, custodial fees, transfer agency
costs and other administrative expenses as well as by the impact on Premier
Growth Fund's shareholders of sales charges and income taxes.
The Lipper Growth Fund Index is prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and
represents a composite index of the investment performance for the 30 largest
growth mutual funds. The composite investment performance of the Lipper Growth
Fund Index reflects investment management and administrative fees and other
operating expenses paid by these mutual funds and reinvested income dividends
and capital gain distributions, but excludes the impact of any income taxes and
sales charges.
38
<PAGE>
The following performance data is provided solely to illustrate Mr. Harrison's
performance in managing the Historical Portfolios as measured against certain
broad based market indices and against the composite performance of other
open-end growth mutual funds. Investors should not rely on the following
performance data of the Historical Portfolios as an indication of future
performance of Premier Growth Fund. The composite investment performance for the
periods presented may not be indicative of future rates of return. Other methods
of computing investment performance may produce different results, and the
results for different periods may vary.
Schedule of Composite Investment Performance--Historical Portfolios
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Russell Lipper
Historical S&P 500 1000 Growth
Portfolios Index Growth Index Fund Index
Total Return Total Return Total Return Total Return
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended:
December 31, 1996 ... 23.22 22.96 23.12 17.48
December 31, 1995** . 41.12 37.58 37.19 32.65
December 31, 1994 ... (3.83) 1.32 2.66 (1.57)
December 31, 1993 ... 11.62 10.08 2.90 11.98
December 31, 1992 ... 13.27 7.62 5.00 7.63
December 31, 1991 ... 40.19 30.47 41.16 35.20
December 31, 1990 ... (0.57) (3.10) (0.26) (5.00)
December 31, 1989 ... 40.08 31.69 35.92 28.60
December 31, 1988 ... 11.96 16.61 11.27 15.80
December 31, 1987 ... 9.57 5.25 5.31 1.00
December 31, 1986 ... 28.60 18.67 15.36 15.90
December 31, 1985 ... 38.68 31.73 32.85 30.30
December 31, 1984 ... (2.33) 6.27 (.95) (2.80)
December 31, 1983 ... 21.95 22.56 15.98 22.30
December 31, 1982 ... 29.23 21.55 20.46 20.20
December 31, 1981 ... (0.10) (4.92) (11.31) (8.40)
December 31, 1980 ... 52.10 32.50 39.57 37.30
December 31, 1979 ... 31.99 18.61 23.91 27.40
Cumulative total return
for the period
January 1, 1979 to
September 30, 1997 ... 3748.17 1888.65 1656.41 1772.84
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Total return is a measure of investment performance that is based upon the
change in value of an investment from the beginning to the end of a
specified period and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and other
distributions. The basis of preparation of this data is described in the
preceding discussion.
** During this period, the Historical Portfolios differed from Premier Growth
Fund in that Premier Growth Fund invested a portion (4.54%) of its net
assets in warrants on equity securities in which the Historical Portfolios
were unable, by their investment restrictions, to purchase. In lieu of
warrants, the Historical Portfolios acquired the common stock upon which
the warrants were based. During this period, Premier Growth Fund's total
return, at net asset value, was 46.87%.
The average annual total returns presented below are based upon the cumulative
total return as of September 30, 1997, and for more than one year assume a
steady compounded rate of return and are not year-by-year results, which
fluctuated over the periods as shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns
------------------------------------------------
Russell Lipper
Historical S&P 500 1000 Growth
Portfolios Index Growth Index Fund Index
---------- ----- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Three years ............... 33.26 29.92 29.81 24.84
Five years ................ 22.99 20.77 19.66 18.62
Ten years ................. 17.03 14.75 14.66 13.19
Since January 1, 1979 ..... 21.07 11.69 16.51 16.18
</TABLE>
ADMINISTRATOR TO ALL-ASIA INVESTMENT FUND
Alliance has been retained by All-Asia Investment Fund under an administration
agreement (the "Administration Agreement") to perform administrative services
necessary for the operation of the Fund. For a description of such services, see
the Statement of Additional Information of the Fund.
CONSULTANT TO ALLIANCE WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE SECURITIES
Alliance, with respect to investment in real estate securities, has retained as
a consultant CB Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc. ("CBC"), a publicly held
company and the largest real estate services company in the United States,
comprised of real estate brokerage, property and facilities management, and real
estate finance and investment advisory activities (CBC in August of 1997
acquired Koll, which previously provided these consulting services to Alliance).
In 1996, CBC (and Koll, on a combined basis) completed 25,000 sale and lease
transactions, managed over 4,100 client properties, created over $3.5 billion in
mortgage originations, and completed over 2,600 appraisal and consulting
assignments. In addition, they advised and managed for institutions over $4
billion in real estate investments. CBC will make available to Alliance the CBC
National Real Estate Index, which gathers, analyzes and publishes targeted
research data for the 65 largest U.S. markets, based on a variety of
public-sector and private-sector sources as well as CBC's proprietary database
of approximately 60,000 property transactions representing over $400 billion of
investment property. This information provides a substantial component of the
research and data used to create the REIT-Score model. As a consultant, CBC
provides to Alliance, at Alliance's expense, such in-depth information regarding
the real estate market, the factors influencing regional valuations and analysts
of recent transactions in office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties
as Alliance shall from time to time request. CBC will not furnish advice or make
recommendations regarding the pruchase or sale of securities by the Fund nor
will it be responsible for making investment decisions involving Fund assets.
CBC is one of the three largest fee-based property management firms in the
United States, the largest commercial real estate lease brokerage firm in the
country, the largest investment property brokerage firm in the country, as well
as one of the largest publishers of real estate research, with approximately
6,000 employees nationwide. CBC will privide Alliance with exclusive access to
its REIT-Score model which ranks approximately 130 REITs based on the relative
attractiveness of the property markets in which they own real estate. This model
scores the approximately 12,000 individual properties owned by these companies.
REIT-Score is in turn based on CBC's National Real Estate Index which gathers,
analyzes and publishes targeted research for the 65 largest U.S. real estate
markets based on a variety of public- and private-sector sources as well as
CBC's proprietary database of 60,000 commercial property transactions
representing over $400 billion of investment property and over 3,000 tracked
39
<PAGE>
properties which report rent and expense data quarterly. CBC has previously
provided access to its REIT-Score model results primarily to the institutional
market through subscriptions. The model is no longer provided to any research
publications and the Fund is currently the only mutual fund available to retail
investors that has access to CBC's REIT-Score model.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENTS
Each Fund has entered into a Distribution Services Agreement with AFD with
respect to the Advisor Class shares. The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable
laws may limit the ability of a bank or other depository institution to become
an underwriter or distributor of securities. However, in the opinion of the
Funds' management, based on the advice of counsel, these laws do not prohibit
such depository institutions from providing services for investment companies
such as the administrative, accounting and other services referred to in the
Agreements. In the event that a change in these laws prevented a bank from
providing such services, it is expected that other service arrangements would be
made and that shareholders would not be adversely affected. The State of Texas
requires that shares of a Fund may be sold in that state only by dealers or
other financial institutions that are registered there as broker-dealers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
If you receive an income dividend or capital gains distribution in cash you may,
within 120 days following the date of its payment, reinvest the dividend or
distribution in additional shares of that Fund without charge by returning to
Alliance, with appropriate instructions, the check representing such dividend or
distribution. Thereafter, unless you otherwise specify, you will be deemed to
have elected to reinvest all subsequent dividends and distributions in shares of
that Fund.
Each income dividend and capital gains distribution, if any, declared by a Fund
on its outstanding shares will, at the election of each shareholder, be paid in
cash or in additional shares of the same class of shares of that Fund having an
aggregate net asset value as of the payment date of such dividend or
distribution equal to the cash amount of such income dividend or distribution.
Election to receive dividends and distributions in cash or shares is made at the
time shares are initially purchased and may be changed at any time prior to the
record date for a particular dividend or distribution. Cash dividends can be
paid by check or, if the shareholder so elects, electronically via the ACH
network. There is no sales or other charge in connection with the reinvestment
of dividends and capital gains distributions.
While it is the intention of each Fund to distribute to its shareholders
substantially all of each fiscal year's net income and net realized capital
gains, if any, the amount and time of any such dividend or distribution must
necessarily depend upon the realization by such Fund of income and capital gains
from investments. There is no fixed dividend rate, and there can be no assurance
that a Fund will pay any dividends or realize any capital gains. Since REITs pay
distributions based on cash flow, without regard to depreciation and
amortization, a portion of the distributions paid to Real Estate Investment Fund
and subsequently distributed to shareholders may be a nontaxable return of
capital. The final determination of the amount of a Fund's return of capital
distributions for the period will be made after the end of each calendar year.
If you buy shares just before a Fund deducts a distribution from its net asset
value, you will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a portion of
the price back as a taxable distribution.
FOREIGN INCOME TAXES
Investment income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may
be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. To the extent that
any Fund is liable for foreign income taxes withheld at the source, each Fund
intends, if possible, to operate so as to meet the requirements of the Code to
"pass through" to the Fund's shareholders credits for foreign income taxes
paid (or to permit shareholders to claim a deduction for such foreign taxes),
but there can be no assurance that any Fund will be able to do so.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Each Fund intends to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code. To the extent that a Fund distributes its taxable income and net
capital gain to its shareholders, qualification as a regulated investment
company relieves that Fund of federal income taxes on that part of its taxable
income including net capital gains which it pays out to its shareholders.
Dividends out of net ordinary income and distributions of net short-term capital
gains are taxable to the recipient shareholders as ordinary income. In the case
of corporate shareholders, such dividends may be eligible for the
dividends-received deduction, except that the amount eligible for the deduction
is limited to the amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund. Dividends
received from REITs generally do not constitute qualifying dividends. A
corporation's dividends-received deduction generally will be disallowed unless
the corporation holds shares in the Fund at least 46 days during the 90 day
period beginning 45 days before the date on which the corporation becomes
entitled to receive the dividend. Furthermore, the dividends-received deduction
will be disallowed to the extent a corporation's investment in shares of a Fund
is financed with indebtedness.
Distributions of net capital gains are not eligible for the dividends-received
deduction referred to above.
40
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, two different tax rates apply to
net capital gains--that is, the excess of net gains from capital assets held for
more than one year over net losses from capital assets held for not more than
one year. One rate (generally 28%) applies to net gains on capital assets held
for more than one year but not more than 18 months ("mid-term gains"), and a
second rate (generally 20%) applies to the balance of such net capital gains
("adjusted net capital gains"). Distributions of mid-term gains and adjusted net
capital gains will be taxable to shareholders as such, regardless of how long a
shareholder has held shares in the Fund.
Distributions received by a shareholder of Real Estate Investment Fund may
include nontaxable returns of capital, which will reduce a shareholder's basis
in shares of the Fund. If that basis is reduced to zero (which could happen if
the shareholder does not reinvest distributions and returns of capital are
significant) any further returns of capital will be taxable as capital gain.
Under the current federal tax law, the amount of an income dividend or capital
gains distribution declared by a Fund during October, November or December of a
year to shareholders of record as of a specified date in such a month that is
paid during January of the following year is includable in the prior year's
taxable income of shareholders that are calendar year taxpayers.
Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder on shares of a Fund will
have the effect of reducing the net asset value of such shares by the amount of
such dividend or although in effect a return of capital to that particular
shareholder, would be taxable to him or her as described above. If a shareholder
held shares six months or less and during that period received a distribution of
net capital gains, any loss realized on the sale of such shares during such
six-month period would be a long-term capital loss to the extent of such
distribution.
A dividend or capital gains distribution with respect to shares of a Fund held
by a tax-deferred or qualified plan, generally such as an individual retirement
account, 403(b)(7) retirement plan or corporate pension or profit-sharing plan,
will not be taxable to the plan. Distributions from such plans will be taxable
to individual participants under applicable tax rules without regard to the
character of the income earned by the qualified plan.
Distributions by a Fund may be subject to state and local taxes. Alliance Fund,
Premier Growth Fund, Technology Fund, Income Builder Fund, Quasar Fund, New
Europe Fund, Balanced Shares and Growth and Income Fund are qualified to do
business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and, therefore, are subject to the
Pennsylvania foreign franchise and corporate net income tax in respect of their
business activities in Pennsylvania. Accordingly, shares of such Funds are
exempt from Pennsylvania personal property taxes. These Funds anticipate
continuing such business activities but reserve the right to suspend them at any
time, resulting in the termination of the exemptions.
A Fund will be required to withhold 31% of any payments made to a shareholder if
the shareholder has not provided a certified taxpayer identification number to
the Fund, or the Secretary of the Treasury notifies a Fund that a shareholder
has not reported all interest and dividend income required to be shown on the
shareholder's Federal income tax return.
Under certain circumstances, if a Fund realizes losses from fluctuations in
currency exchange rates after paying a dividend, all or a portion of the
dividend may subsequently be characterized as a return of capital. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholders will be advised annually as to the tax status of dividends and
capital gains and return of capital distributions. Shareholders are urged to
consult their tax advisors regarding their own tax situation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERSION FEATURE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERSION TO CLASS A SHARES
Advisor Class shares may be held solely through the fee-based program accounts,
employee benefit plans and registered investment advisory or other financial
intermediary relationships described above under "How to Buy Shares," and by
investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with,
Alliance and its affiliates or the Funds. If (i) a holder of Advisor Class
shares ceases to participate in the fee-based program or plan, or to be
associated with an investment advisor or financial intermediary, in each case
that satisfies the requirements to purchase shares set forth under "How to Buy
Shares" or (ii) the holder is otherwise no longer eligible to purchase Advisor
Class shares as described in this Prospectus (each, a "Conversion Event"), then
all Advisor Class shares held by the shareholder will convert automatically and
without notice to the shareholder, other than the notice contained in this
Prospectus, to Class A shares of the Fund during the calendar month following
the month in which the Fund is informed of the occurrence of the Conversion
Event. The failure of a shareholder or a fee-based program to satisfy the
minimum investment requirements to purchase Advisor Class shares will not
constitute a Conversion Event. The conversion would occur on the basis of the
relative net asset values of the two classes and without the imposition of any
sales load, fee or other charge.
DESCRIPTION OF CLASS A SHARES
The following sets forth maximum transaction costs, annual expenses, per share
income and capital charges for Class Ashares of each of the Funds. Class A
shares are subject to a distribution fee that may not exceed an annual rate of
.30%. The higher fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class A shares pay
correspondingly lower dividends and may have a lower net asset value than
Advisor Class shares.
41
<PAGE>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses are one of several factors to consider when you
invest in a Fund. The following table summarizes your maximum transaction costs
from investing in Class A shares of a Fund and annual expenses for Class A
shares of each Fund. For each Fund, the "Examples" to the right of the table
below show the cumulative expenses attributable to a hypothetical $1,000
investment for the periods specified.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares
--------------
<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) (a) ....................................... None (sales
charge waived)
Sales charge imposed on dividend reinvestments ............... None
Deferred sales charge (as a
percentage of original purchase
price or redemption proceeds,
whichever is lower) .......................................... None
Exchange fee ................................................. None
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples(a)
- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Alliance Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees .70% After 1 year $ 11
12b-1 fees .19% After 3 years $ 33
Other expenses (b) .15% After 5 years $ 57
---- After 10 years $127
Total fund
operating expenses 1.04%
====
Growth Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees .75% After 1 year $ 13
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 41
Other expenses (b) .25% After 5 years $ 71
---- After 10 years $157
Total fund
operating expenses 1.30%
====
Premier Growth Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees 1.00% After 1 year $ 17
12b-1 fees .33% After 3 years $ 52
Other expenses (b) .32% After 5 years $ 90
---- After 10 years $195
Total fund
operating expenses 1.65%
====
Technology Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees (g) 1.11% After 1 year $ 18
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 55
Other expenses (b) .33% After 5 years $ 94
---- After 10 years $205
Total fund
operating expenses 1.74%
====
Quasar Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees (g) 1.15% After 1 year $ 18
12b-1 fees .21% After 3 years $ 56
Other expenses (b) .43% After 5 years $ 97
---- After 10 years $211
Total fund
operating expenses 1.79%
====
International Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) .85% After 1 year $ 16
12b-1 fees .17% After 3 years $ 50
Other expenses (b) .56% After 5 years $ 86
---- After 10 years $188
Total fund
operating expenses (d) 1.58%
====
Worldwide Privatization Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees 1.00% After 1 year $ 17
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 54
Other expenses (b) .42% After 5 years $ 93
---- After 10 years $203
Total fund
operating expenses 1.72%
====
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please refer to the footnotes on page 44.
42
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples(a)
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------
New Europe Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees 1.06% After 1 year $ 21
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 64
Other expenses (b) .69% After 5 years $110
---- After 10 years $238
Total fund
operating expenses 2.05%
====
All-Asia Investment Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees After 1 year $ 31
(after waiver) (c) .65% After 3 years $ 96
12b-1 fees .30% After 5 years $163
Other expenses After 10 years $343
Administration fees
(after waiver) (d) .00%
Other operating expenses(b) 2.17%
----
Total other expenses 2.17%
----
Total fund
operating expenses (e) 3.12%
====
Global Small Cap Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees 1.00% After 1 year $ 24
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 75
Other expenses (b) 1.11% After 5 years $129
---- After 10 years $275
Total fund
operating expenses 2.41%
====
Strategic Balanced Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) .09% After 1 year $ 14
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 44
Other expenses (b) 1.01% After 5 years $ 77
---- After 10 years $168
Total fund
operating expenses (e) 1.40%
====
Balanced Shares Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees .63% After 1 year $ 15
12b-1 fees .24% After 3 years $ 46
Other expenses (b) .60% After 5 years $ 80
---- After 10 years $176
Total fund
operating expenses 1.47%
====
Income Builder Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees .75% After 1 year $ 23
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 70
Other expenses (b) 1.20% After 5 years $120
---- After 10 years $258
Total fund
operating expenses 2.25%
====
Utility Income Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees
(after waiver) (c) 0.00% After 1 year $ 15
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 47
Other expenses (b) 1.20% After 5 years $ 82
---- After 10 years $179
Total fund
operating expenses (f) 1.50%
====
Growth and Income Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees .51% After 1 year $ 10
12b-1 fees .21% After 3 years $ 31
Other expenses (b) .25% After 5 years $ 54
---- After 10 years $119
Total fund
operating expenses .97%
====
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please refer to the footnotes on page 44.
43
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples(a)
- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Real Estate Investment Fund Class A Class A
------- -------
Management fees .90% After 1 year $ 18
12b-1 fees .30% After 3 years $ 56
Other expenses (b) .57% After 5 years $ 96
----
Total fund
operating expenses 1.77% After 10 years $208
====
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Advisor Class shares convert to Class A shares at net asset value and
without the imposition of any sales charge and accordingly the maximum
sales charge of 4.25% on most purchases of Class A shares for cash does not
apply.
(b) These expenses include a transfer agency fee payable to Alliance Fund
Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alliance, based on a fixed dollar amount
charged to the Fund for each shareholder's account.
(c) Net of voluntary fee waiver. In the absence of such waiver, management fees
would be .75% for Strategic Balanced Fund and Utility Income Fund and 1.00%
for All-Asia Investment Fund and 1.01% for International Fund.
International Fund's fee, absent the voluntary fee waiver, is calculated
based on average daily net assets. Maximum contractual rate, based on
quarter-end net assets, is 1.00%.
(d) Net voluntary fee waiver. Absent such fee waiver, administration fees would
have been .15% for the Fund's Class A shares. Reflects the fees payable by
All-Asia Investment Fund to Alliance pursuant to an administration
agreement.
(e) Net of voluntary fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. In the absence of
such waiver and/or reimbursement, total fund operating expenses for
Strategic Balanced Fund would have been 2.08 for Class A shares. Total fund
operating expenses for All-Asia Investment Fund would have been 3.62% for
Class A shares annualized and total fund operating expenses for
International Fund would have been 1.74%, for Class A, annualized.
(f) Net of expense reimbursements. Absent expense reimbursements, total fund
operating expenses for Utility Income Fund would be 3.38 for Class A
shares.
(g) Calculated based on average daily net assets. Maximum contractual rate,
based on quarter-end net assets, is 1.00% for Quasar Fund and Technology
Fund.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor in a Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. Long-term shareholders of Class A shares of a Fund may pay aggregate
sales charges totaling more than the economic equivalent of the maximum initial
sales charges permitted by the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. The Rule 12b-1 fee for Class A comprises a service fee
not exceeding .25% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Fund
attributable to Class A and an asset-based sales charge equal to the remaining
portion of the Rule 12b-1 fee. "Management fees" for International Fund and
All-Asia Investment Fund and "Administration fee" for All-Asia Investment Fund
have been restated to reflect current voluntary fee waivers. The Examples set
forth above assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and utilize a
5% annual rate of return as mandated by Commission regulations. The Examples
should not be considered representative of past or future expenses; actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
Financial Highlights.The tables on the following pages present, for each Fund,
per share income and capital changes for a Class A share outstanding throughout
each period indicated. Except as indicated below, the information in the tables
for Alliance Fund, Growth Fund, Premier Growth Fund, Strategic Balanced Fund,
Balanced Shares, Utility Income Fund, Worldwide Privatization Fund and Growth
and Income Fund has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the independent
auditors for each Fund, and for All-Asia Investment Fund, Technology Fund,
Quasar Fund, International Fund, New Europe Fund, Global Small Cap Fund and
Income Builder Fund by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditors for each
Fund. A report of Price Waterhouse LLP or Ernst & Young LLP, as the case may be,
on the information with respect to each Fund, appears in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information. The following information for each Fund should be read
in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes which are
included in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Further information about a Fund's performance is contained in the Fund's annual
report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge by contacting AFS
at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of
this Prospectus.
44
<PAGE>
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
-------------------------------------
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From Distributions
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment From Net
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Realized Gains
------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alliance Fund
Class A
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ .. $ 7.71 $(.01)b $ .67 $ .66 $ (.02) $(1.06)
Year ended 11/30/96 .... 7.72 .02 1.06 1.08 (.02) (1.07)
Year ended 11/30/95 .... 6.63 .02 2.08 2.10 (.01) (1.00)
1/1/94 to 11/30/94** ... 6.85 .01 (.23) (.22) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/93 .... 6.68 .02 .93 .95 (.02) (.76)
Year ended 12/31/92 .... 6.29 .05 .87 .92 (.05) (.48)
Year ended 12/31/91 .... 5.22 .07 1.70 1.77 (.07) (.63)
Year ended 12/31/90 .... 6.87 .09 (.32) (.23) (.18) (1.24)
Year ended 12/31/89 .... 5.60 .12 1.19 1.31 (.04) 0.00
Year ended 12/31/88 .... 5.15 .08 .80 .88 (.08) (.35)
Year ended 12/31/87 .... 6.87 .08 .27 .35 (.13) (1.94)
Year ended 12/31/86 .... 11.15 .11 .87 .98 (.10) (5.16)
Growth Fund (i)
Class A
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ .. $34.91 $ (.01)(b) $ 1.91 $ 1.90 $ 0.00 $(1.03)
Year ended 10/31/96 .... 29.48 .05 6.20 6.25 (.19) (.63)
Year ended 10/31/95 .... 25.08 .12 4.80 4.92 (.11) (.41)
5/1/94 to 10/31/94** ... 23.89 .09 1.10 1.19 0.00 0.00
Year ended 4/30/94 ..... 22.67 (.01)(c) 3.55 3.54 0.00 (2.32)
Year ended 4/30/93 ..... 20.31 .05(c) 3.68 3.73 (.14) (1.23)
Year ended 4/30/92 ..... 17.94 .29(c) 3.95 4.24 (.26) (1.61)
9/4/90++ to 4/30/91 .... 13.61 .17(c) 4.22 4.39 (.06) 0.00
Premier Growth Fund
Class A
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ .. $17.98 $ (.03)(b) $ 2.64 $ 2.61 $ 0.00 $(1.08)
Year ended 11/30/96 .... 16.09 (.04)(b) 3.20 3.16 0.00 (1.27)
Year ended 11/30/95 .... 11.41 (.03) 5.38 5.35 0.00 (.67)
Year ended 11/30/94 .... 11.78 (.09) (.28) (.37) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 11/30/93 .... 10.79 (.05) 1.05 1.00 (.01) 0.00
9/28/92+ to 11/30/92 ... 10.00 .01 .78 .79 0.00 0.00
Technology Fund
Class A
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ .. $51.15 $ (.20)(b) $ .70 $ .50 $ 0.00 $ (.42)
Year ended 11/30/96 .... 46.64 .39(b) 7.28 6.89 0.00 (2.38)
Year ended 11/30/95 .... 31.98 (.30)(b) 18.13 17.83 0.00 (3.17)
1/1/94 to 11/30/94** ... 26.12 (.32) 6.18 5.86 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/93 .... 28.20 (.29) 6.39 6.10 0.00 (8.18)
Year ended 12/31/92 .... 26.38 (.22)(b) 4.31 4.09 0.00 (2.27)
Year ended 12/31/91 .... 19.44 (.02) 10.57 10.55 0.00 (3.61)
Year ended 12/31/90 .... 21.57 (.03) (.56) (.59) 0.00 (1.54)
Year ended 12/31/89 .... 20.35 0.00 1.22 1.22 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/88 .... 20.22 (.03) .16 .13 0.00 0.00
Year ended 12/31/87 .... 23.11 (.10) 4.54 4.44 0.00 (7.33)
Year ended 12/31/86 .... 20.64 (.14) 2.62 2.48 (.01) 0.00
Quasar Fund
Class A
10/1/96 to 3/31/97+++ .. $27.92 $ (.11)(b) $ .27 $ .16 $ 0.00 $(4.11)
Year ended 9/30/96 ..... 24.16 (.25) 8.82 8.57 0.00 (4.81)
Year ended 9/30/95 ..... 22.65 (.22)(b) 5.59 5.37 0.00 (3.86)
Year ended 9/30/94 ..... 24.43 (.60) (.36) (.96) 0.00 (.82)
Year ended 9/30/93 ..... 19.34 (.41) 6.38 5.97 0.00 (.88)
Year ended 9/30/92 ..... 21.27 (.24) (1.53) (1.77) 0.00 (.16)
Year ended 9/30/91 ..... 15.67 (.05) 5.71 5.66 (.06) 0.00
Year ended 9/30/90 ..... 24.84 .03(b) (7.18) (7.15) 0.00 (2.02)
Year ended 9/30/89 ..... 17.60 .02(b) 7.40 7.42 0.00 (.18)
Year ended 9/30/88 ..... 24.47 (.08) (2.08) (2.16) 0.00 (4.71)
Year ended 9/30/87(d) .. 21.80 (.14) 5.88 5.74 0.00 (3.07)
International Fund
Class A
Year ended 6/30/97 ..... $18.32 $ .06(b) $ 1.51 $ 1.57 $ (.12) $(1.08)
Year ended 6/30/96 ..... 16.81 .05(b) 2.51 2.56 0.00 (1.05)
Year ended 6/30/95 ..... 18.38 .04 .01 .05 0.00 (1.62)
Year ended 6/30/94 ..... 16.01 (.09) 3.02 2.93 0.00 (.56)
Year ended 6/30/93 ..... 14.98 (.01) 1.17 1.16 (.04) (.09)
Year ended 6/30/92 ..... 14.00 .01(b) 1.04 1.05 (.07) 0.00
Year ended 6/30/91 ..... 17.99 .05 (3.54) (3.49) (.03) (.47)
Year ended 6/30/90 ..... 17.24 .03 2.87 2.90 (.04) (2.11)
Year ended 6/30/89 ..... 16.09 .05 3.73 3.78 (.13) (2.50)
Year ended 6/30/88 ..... 23.70 .17 (1.22) (1.05) (.21) (6.35)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Please refer to the footnotes on page 50.
46
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate (k)
------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ (1.08) $ 7.29 10.46% $1,024,652 1.05%* (.16)%* 107% $0.0559
(1.09) 7.71 16.49 999,067 1.04 .30 80 0.0646
(1.01) 7.72 37.87 945,309 1.08 .31 81 --
0.00 6.63 (3.21) 760,679 1.05* .21* 63 --
(.78) 6.85 14.26 831,814 1.01 .27 66 --
(.53) 6.68 14.70 794,733 .81 .79 58 --
(.70) 6.29 33.91 748,226 .83 1.03 74 --
(1.42) 5.22 (4.36) 620,374 .81 1.56 71 --
(.04) 6.87 23.42 837,429 .75 1.79 81 --
(.43) 5.60 17.10 760,619 .82 1.38 65 --
(2.07) 5.15 4.90 695,812 .76 1.03 100 --
(5.26) 6.87 12.60 652,009 .61 1.39 46 --
$ (1.03) $ 35.78 5.46% $ 579,580 1.24%* (.03)%* 19% $0.0537
(.82) 34.91 21.65 499,459 1.30 .15 46 0.0584
(.52) 29.48 20.18 285,161 1.35 .56 61 --
0.00 25.08 4.98 167,800 1.35* .86* 24 --
(2.32) 23.89 15.66 102,406 1.40 (f) .32 87 --
(1.37) 22.67 18.89 13,889 1.40 (f) .20 124 --
(1.87) 20.31 23.61 8,228 1.40 (f) 1.44 137 --
(.06) 17.94 32.40 713 1.40*(f) 1.99* 130 --
$ (1.08) $ 19.51 15.70% $ 215,464 1.57%* (.36)%* 47% $0.0598
(1.27) 17.98 21.52 172,870 1.65 (.27) 95 0.0651
(.67) 16.09 49.95 72,366 1.75 (.28) 114 --
0.00 11.41 (3.14) 35,146 1.96 (.67) 98 --
(.01) 11.78 9.26 40,415 2.18 (.61) 68 --
0.00 10.79 7.90 4,893 2.17*(f) .91* 0 --
$ (.42) $ 51.23 .99% $ 631,967 1.64%* (.81)%* 28% $0.0576
(2.38) 51.15 16.05 594,861 1.74 (.87) 30 0.0612
(3.17) 46.64 61.93 398,262 1.75 (.77) 55 --
0.00 31.98 22.43 202,929 1.66* (1.22)* 55 --
(8.18) 26.12 21.63 173,732 1.73 (1.32) 64 --
(2.27) 28.20 15.50 173,566 1.61 (.90) 73 --
(3.61) 26.38 54.24 191,693 1.71 (.20) 134 --
(1.54) 19.44 (3.08) 131,843 1.77 (.18) 147 --
0.00 21.57 6.00 141,730 1.66 .02 139 --
0.00 20.35 0.64 169,856 1.42(f) (.16) 139 --
(7.33) 20.22 19.16 167,608 1.31(f) (.56) 248 --
(.01) 23.11 12.03 147,733 1.13(f) (.57) 141 --
$ (4.11) $ 23.97 .88% $ 265,131 1.54%* (.81)%* 75% $0.0533
(4.81) 27.92 42.42 229,798 1.79 (1.11) 168 0.0596
(3.86) 24.16 30.73 146,663 1.83 (1.06) 160 --
(.82) 22.65 (4.05) 155,470 1.67 (1.15) 110 --
(.88) 24.43 31.58 228,874 1.65 (1.00) 102 --
(.16) 19.34 (8.34) 252,140 1.62 (.89) 128 --
(.06) 21.27 36.28 333,806 1.64 (.22) 118 --
(2.02) 15.67 (30.81) 251,102 1.66 .16 90 --
(.18) 24.84 42.68 263,099 1.73 .10 90 --
(4.71) 17.60 (8.61) 90,713 1.28(f) (.40) 58 --
(3.07) 24.47 29.61 134,676 1.18(f) (.56) 76 --
$ (1.20) $ 18.69 9.30% $ 190,173 1.74% (l) .31% 94% $0.0363
(1.05) 18.32 15.83 196,261 1.72 .31 78 --
(1.62) 16.81 .59 165,584 1.73 .26 119 --
(.56) 18.38 18.68 201,916 1.90 (.50) 97 --
(.13) 16.01 7.86 161,048 1.88 (.14) 94 --
(.07) 14.98 7.52 179,807 1.82 .07 72 --
(.50) 14.00 (19.34) 214,442 1.73 .37 71 --
(2.15) 17.99 16.98 265,999 1.45 .33 37 --
(2.63) 17.24 27.65 166,003 1.41 .39 87 --
(6.56) 16.09 (4.20) 132,319 1.41 .84 55 --
</TABLE>
47
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net
Asset Realized and Increase Dividends In Excess Distributions
Value Net Unrealized (Decrease) In From Net Of Net From Net
Beginning Of Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Investment Investment Realized
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Income Gains
--------------------- ------ ------------- ----------- --------------- ------ ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Worldwide Privatization Fund
Class A
Year ended 6/30/97 ...... $ 12.13 $ .15(b) $ 2.55 $ 2.70 $ (.15) $ 0.00 $ (1.42)
Year ended 6/30/96 ...... 10.18 .10(b) 1.85 1.95 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 6/30/95 ...... 9.75 .06 .37 .43 0.00 0.00 0.00
6/2/94+ to 6/30/94 ...... 10.00 .01 (.26) (.25) 0.00 0.00 0.00
New Europe Fund
Class A
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $ 15.84 $ .07(b) $ 4.20 $ 4.27 $ (.15) $ (.03) $ (1.32)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 15.11 .18 1.02 1.20 0.00 0.00 (.47)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 12.66 .04 2.50 2.54 (.09) 0.00 0.00
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 12.53 .09 .04 .13 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 2/28/94 ...... 9.37 .02(b) 3.14 3.16 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 2/28/93 ...... 9.81 .04 (.33) (.29) (.15) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 2/29/92 ...... 9.76 .02(b) .05 .07 (.02) 0.00 0.00
4/2/90+ to 2/28/91 ...... 11.11(e) .26 (.91) (.65) (.26) 0.00 (.44)
All-Asia Investment Fund
Class A
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ... $ 11.04 $ (.13)(b) $ (.50) $ (.63) $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.34)
Year ended 10/31/96 ..... 10.45 (.21)(b)(c) .88 .67 0.00 0.00 (.08)
11/28/94+ to 10/31/95 ... 10.00 (.19)(c) .64 .45 0.00 0.00 0.00
Global Small Cap Fund
Class A
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $ 11.61 $ (.15)(b) $ 2.97 $ 2.82 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (1.56)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 10.38 (.14)(b) 1.90 1.76 0.00 0.00 (.53)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 11.08 (.09) 1.50 1.41 0.00 0.00 (2.11)(j)
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 11.24 (.15)(b) (.01) (.16) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 9/30/93 ...... 9.33 (.15) 2.49 2.34 0.00 0.00 (.43)
Year ended 9/30/92 ...... 10.55 (.16) (1.03) (1.19) 0.00 0.00 (.03)
Year ended 9/30/91 ...... 8.26 (.06) 2.35 2.29 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 9/30/90 ...... 15.54 (.05)(b) (4.12) (4.17) 0.00 0.00 (3.11)
Year ended 9/30/89 ...... 11.41 (.03) 4.25 4.22 0.00 0.00 (.09)
Year ended 9/30/88 ...... 15.07 (.05) (1.83) (1.88) 0.00 0.00 (1.78)
Year ended 9/30/87 ...... 15.47 (.07) 4.19 4.12 (.04) 0.00 (4.48)
Strategic Balanced Fund (i)
Class A
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $ 18.48 $ .47(b)(c) $ 3.56 $ 4.03 $ (.39) $ 0.00 $ (2.33)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 17.98 .35(b)(c) 1.08 1.43 (.32) 0.00 (.61)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 16.26 .34(c) 1.64 1.98 (.22) 0.00 (.04)
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 16.46 .07(c) (.27) (.20) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Year ended 4/30/94 ...... 16.97 .16(c) .74 .90 (.24) 0.00 (1.17)
Year ended 4/30/93 ...... 17.06 .39(c) .59 .98 (.42) 0.00 (.65)
Year ended 4/30/92 ...... 14.48 .27(c) 2.80 3.07 (.17) 0.00 (.32)
9/4/90++ to 4/30/91 ..... 12.51 .34(c) 1.66 2.00 (.03) 0.00 0.00
Balanced Shares
Class A
Year ended 7/31/97 ...... $ 14.01 $ .31(b) $ 3.97 $ 4.28 $ (.32) $ 0.00 $ (.18)
Year ended 7/31/96 ...... 15.08 .37 .45 .82 (.41) 0.00 (1.48)
Year ended 7/31/95 ...... 13.38 .46 1.62 2.08 (.36) 0.00 (.02)
Period ended 7/31/94** .. 14.40 .29 (.74) (.45) (.28) 0.00 (.29)
Year ended 9/30/93 ...... 13.20 .34 1.29 1.63 (.43) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 9/30/92 ...... 12.64 .44 .57 1.01 (.45) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 9/30/91 ...... 10.41 .46 2.17 2.63 (.40) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 9/30/90 ...... 14.13 .45 (2.14) (1.69) (.40) 0.00 (1.63)
Year ended 9/30/89 ...... 12.53 .42 2.18 2.60 (.46) 0.00 (.54)
Year ended 9/30/88 ...... 16.33 .46 (1.07) (.61) (.44) 0.00 (2.75)
Year ended 9/30/87 ...... 14.64 .67 1.62 2.29 (.60) 0.00 0.00
Income Builder Fund (h)
Class A
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ ... $ 11.57 $ .24(b) $ .69 $ .93 $ (.25) $ 0.00 $ (.61)
Year ended 10/31/96 ..... 10.70 .56(b) .98 1.54 (.55) 0.00 (.12)
Year ended 10/31/95 ..... 9.69 .93(b) .59 1.52 (.51) 0.00 0.00
3/25/94++ to 10/31/94 ... 10.00 .96 (1.02) (.06) (.05) (g) 0.00 (.20)
Utility Income Fund
Class A
12/1/96 to 5/31/97+++ ... $ 10.59 $ .16(b)(c) $ .07 $ .23 $ (.18) $ 0.00 $ (.13)
Year ended 11/30/96 ..... 10.22 .18(b)(c) .65 .83 (.46) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 11/30/95 ..... 8.97 .27(c) 1.43 1.70 (.45) 0.00 0.00
Year ended 11/30/94 ..... 9.92 .42(c) (.89) (.47) (.48) 0.00 0.00
10/18/93+ to 11/30/93 ... 10.00 .02(c) (.10) (.08) 0.00 0.00 0.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Please refer to the footnotes on page 50.
48
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate (k)
------------- ------ --------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ (1.57) $ 13.26 25.16% $561,793 1.72% 1.27% 48% $ 0.0132
0.00 12.13 19.16 672,732 1.87 .95 28 --
0.00 10.18 4.41 13,535 2.56 .66 36 --
0.00 9.75 (2.50) 4,990 2.75* 1.03* 0 --
$ (1.50) $ 18.61 28.78% $ 78,578 2.05%(l) .40% 89% $ 0.0569
(.47) 15.84 8.20 74,026 2.14 1.10 69 --
(.09) 15.11 20.22 86,112 2.09 .37 74 --
0.00 12.66 1.04 86,739 2.06* 1.85* 35 --
0.00 12.53 33.73 90,372 2.30 .17 94 --
(.15) 9.37 (2.82) 79,285 2.25 .47 125 --
(.02) 9.81 .74 108,510 2.24 .16 34 --
(.70) 9.76 (5.63) 188,016 1.52* 2.71* 48 --
$ (.34) $ 10.07 (5.99)% $ 8,840 3.45%* (2.29)%* 56% $ 0.0269
(.08) 11.04 6.43 12,284 3.37(f) (1.75) 66 0.0280
0.00 10.45 4.50 2,870 4.42(f)* (1.87)* 90 --
$ (1.56) $ 12.87 26.47% $ 85,217 2.41%(l) (1.25)% 129% $ 0.0364
(.53) 11.61 17.46 68,623 2.51 (1.22) 139 --
(2.11) 10.38 16.62 60,057 2.54(f) (1.17) 128 --
0.00 11.08 (1.42) 61,372 2.42* (1.26)* 78 --
(.43) 11.24 25.83 65,713 2.53 (1.13) 97 --
(.03) 9.33 (11.30) 58,491 2.34 (.85) 108 --
0.00 10.55 27.72 84,370 2.29 (.55) 104 --
(3.11) 8.26 (31.90) 68,316 1.73 (.46) 89 --
(.09) 15.54 37.34 113,583 1.56 (.17) 106 --
(1.78) 11.41 (8.11) 90,071 1.54(f) (.50) 74 --
(4.52) 15.07 34.11 113,305 1.41(f) (.44) 98 --
$ (2.72) $ 19.79 23.90% $ 20,312 1.41%(f)(l) 2.59% 170% $ 0.0395
(.93) 18.48 8.05 18,329 1.40(f) 1.78 173 --
(.26) 17.98 12.40 10,952 1.40(f) 2.07 172 --
0.00 16.26 (1.22) 9,640 1.40*(f) 1.63* 21 --
(1.41) 16.46 5.06 9,822 1.40(f) 1.67 139 --
(1.07) 16.97 5.85 8,637 1.40(f) 2.29 98 --
(.49) 17.06 20.96 6,843 1.40(f) 1.92 103 --
(.03) 14.48 16.00 443 1.40*(f) 3.54* 137 --
$ (2.12) $ 16.17 33.46% $115,500 1.47%(m) 2.11% 207% $ 0.0552
(1.89) 14.01 5.23 102,567 1.38 2.41 227 --
(.38) 15.08 15.99 122,033 1.32 3.12 179 --
(.57) 13.38 (3.21) 157,637 1.27* 2.50* 116 --
(.43) 14.40 12.52 172,484 1.35 2.50 188 --
(.45) 13.20 8.14 143,883 1.40 3.26 204 --
(.40) 12.64 25.52 154,230 1.44 3.75 70 --
(2.03) 10.41 (13.12) 140,913 1.36 4.01 169 --
(1.00) 14.13 22.27 159,290 1.42 3.29 132 --
(3.19) 12.53 (1.10) 111,515 1.42 3.74 190 --
(.60) 16.33 15.80 129,786 1.17 4.14 136 --
$ (.86) $ 11.64 8.31% $ 1,943 2.30%* 4.22%* 169% $ 0.0519
(.67) 11.57 14.82 2,056 2.20 4.92 108 0.0600
(.51) 10.70 16.22 1,398 2.38 5.44 92 --
(.25) 9.69 (.54) 600 2.52* 6.11* 126 --
$ (.31) $ 10.51 2.19% $ 3,571 1.50%(f)* 3.06%* 23% $ 0.0411
(.46) 10.59 8.47 3,294 1.50(f) 1.67 98 0.0536
(.45) 10.22 19.58 2,748 1.50(f) 2.48 162 --
(.48) 8.97 (4.86) 1,068 1.50(f) 4.13 30 --
0.00 9.92 (.80) 229 1.50*(f) 2.35* 11 --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
49
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From Distributions
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment From Net
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Realized Gains
--------------------- ------ ------------- ----------- --------------- ------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth and Income Fund
Class A
11/1/96 to 4/30/97+++ .. $ 3.00 $ .03 (b) $ .36 $ .39 $ (.03) $ (.38)
Year ended 10/31/96 .... 2.71 .05 .50 .55 (.05) (.21)
Year ended 10/31/95 .... 2.35 .02 .52 .54 (.06) (.12)
Year ended 10/31/94 .... 2.61 .06 (.08) (.02) (.06) (.18)
Year ended 10/31/93 .... 2.48 .06 .29 .35 (.06) (.16)
Year ended 10/31/92 .... 2.52 .06 .11 .17 (.06) (.15)
Year ended 10/31/91 .... 2.28 .07 .56 .63 (.09) (.30)
Year ended 10/31/90 .... 3.02 .09 (.30) (.21) (.10) (.43)
Year ended 10/31/89 .... 3.05 .10 .43 .53 (.08) (.48)
Year ended 10/31/88 .... 3.48 .10 .33 .43 (.08) (.78)
Year ended 10/31/87 .... 3.52 .11 (.03) .08 (.12) 0.00
Real Estate Investment Fund
Class A
10/1/96+ to 8/31/97 .... $ 10.00 $ .30(b) $ 2.88 $ 3.18 $ (.38)(m) $ 0.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Commencement of distribution.
+++ Unaudited.
* Annualized.
** Reflects a change in fiscal year end.
(a) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at the net asset value during the period, and a
redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charge or
contingent deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of
total investment return. Total investment returns calculated for periods of
less than one year are not annualized.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding.
(c) Net of fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.
(d) Adjusted for a 200% stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on
January 15, 1988.
(e) Net of offering costs of ($.05).
(f) Net of expenses assumed and/or waived/reimbursed. If the following Funds
had borne all expenses in their most recent five fiscal years, their
expense ratios, giving effect to the expense offset arrangement described
in (l) below, would have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
All-Asia Investment Fund
Class A -- -- -- 10.57%# 3.62%
Growth Fund
Class A 1.94% 1.84% 1.46% -- --
Premier Growth
Class A 3.33%# -- -- -- --
Global Small Cap Fund
Class A -- -- -- 2.61% --
Strategic Balanced Fund
Class A -- 1.85% 1.70%1 1.81% 1.76% 2.06%
1.94%#2
Utility Income Fund
Class A -- 145.63%# 13.72% 4.86%# 3.38% 3.41%
</TABLE>
--------------
# annualized
1. For the period ended April 30, 1994
2. For the period ended July 31, 1994
For the expense ratios of the Funds in years prior to fiscal year 1992,
assuming the Funds had borne all expenses, please see the Financial
Statements in each Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
(g) "Dividends from Net Investment Income" includes a return of capital. Income
Builder Fund had a return of capital with respect to Class A shares, for
the period ended October 31, 1994, of $(.01).
(h) On March 25, 1994, all existing shares of Income Builder Fund, previously
known as Alliance Multi-Market Income and Growth Trust, were converted into
Class C shares.
(i) Prior to July 22, 1993, Equitable Capital Management Corporation
("Equitable Capital") served as the investment adviser to the predecessor
to The Alliance Portfolios, of which Growth Fund and Strategic Balanced
Fund are series. On July 22, 1993, Alliance acquired the business and
substantially all assets of Equitable Capital and became investment adviser
to the Funds.
(j) "Distributions from Net Realized Gains" includes a return of capital.
Global Small Cap Fund had a return of capital with respect to Class A
shares, for the year ended July 31, 1995, of $(.12).
(k) For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, a fund is
required to disclose its average commission rate per share for trades on
which commissions are changed.
(l) The following funds benefitted from an expense offset arrangement with the
transfer agent. Had such expense offsets not been in effect, the ratios of
expenses to average net assets, absent the assumption and/or
waiver/reimbursement of expenses described in (f) above, would have been as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
-------
<S> <C>
International Fund
Class A 1.73%
Global Small Cap Fund
Class A 2.38%
Strategic Balanced Fund
Class A 2.08%
New Europe Fund
Class A 2.04%
Balanced Shares
Class A 1.46%
</TABLE>
(m) Distributions from net investment income include a tax return of capital of
$0.08.
50
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Net Assets Ratio Of Net
Total Net Asset Investment At End Of Ratio Of Investment
Dividends Value Return Based Period Expenses Income (Loss) Average
And End Of on Net Asset (000's To Average To Average Portfolio Commission
Distributions Period Value (a) omitted) Net Assets Net Assets Turnover Rate Rate (k)
- ------------- ------ --------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ (.41) $ 2.98 13.29% $628,306 .91%* 1.76%* 55% $ 0.0585
(.26) 3.00 21.51 553,151 .97 1.73 88 0.0625
(.18) 2.71 24.21 458,158 1.05 1.88 142 --
(.24) 2.35 (.67) 414,386 1.03 2.36 68 --
(.22) 2.61 14.98 459,372 1.07 2.38 91 --
(.21) 2.48 7.23 417,018 1.09 2.63 104 --
(.39) 2.52 31.03 409,597 1.14 2.74 84 --
(.53) 2.28 (8.55) 314,670 1.09 3.40 76 --
(.56) 3.02 21.59 377,168 1.08 3.49 79 --
(.86) 3.05 16.45 350,510 1.09 3.09 66 --
(.12) 3.48 2.04 348,375 .86 2.77 60 --
$ (.38) $ 12.80 32.24% $ 37,638 1.77%(l) 2.73%* 20% $ .0518
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best price and execution, a Fund may
consider sales of its shares as a factor in the selection of dealers to enter
into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
ORGANIZATION
Each of the following Funds is a Maryland corporation organized in the year
indicated: The Alliance Fund, Inc. (1938), Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
(1932), Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (1992), Alliance Technology Fund,
Inc. (1980), Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc. (1968), Alliance Worldwide Privatization
Fund, Inc. (1994), Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc. (1990), Alliance All-Asia
Investment Fund, Inc. (1994), Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc. (1966),
Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc. (1991), Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
(1993), Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (1932) and Real Estate Investment
Fund, Inc. (1996). Each of the following Funds is either a Massachusetts
business trust or a series of a Massachusetts business trust organized in the
year indicated: Alliance Growth Fund and Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund (each
a series of The Alliance Portfolios) (1987), and Alliance International Fund
(1980). Prior to August 2, 1993, The Alliance Portfolios was known as The
Equitable Funds, Growth Fund was known as The Equitable Growth Fund and
Strategic Balanced Fund was known as The Equitable Balanced Fund. Prior to March
22, 1994, Income Builder Fund was known as Alliance Multi-Market Income and
Growth Trust, Inc.
It is anticipated that annual shareholder meetings will not be held; shareholder
meetings will be held only when required by federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Directors.
A shareholder in a Fund will be entitled to share pro rata with other holders of
the same class of shares all dividends and distributions arising from the Fund's
assets and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value
of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares. The Funds are empowered to
establish, without shareholder approval, additional portfolios, which may have
different investment objectives, and additional classes of shares. If an
additional portfolio or class were established in a Fund, each share of the
portfolio or class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes.
Generally, shares of each portfolio and class would vote together as a single
class on matters, such as the election of Directors, that affect each portfolio
and class in substantially the same manner. Advisor Class, Class A, Class B and
Class C shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights,
except that each class bears its own transfer agency expenses, each of Class A,
Class B and Class C shares bears its own distribution expenses and Class B and
Advisor Class shares convert to Class A shares under certain circumstances. Each
class of shares votes separately with respect to matters for which separate
class voting is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are freely
transferable, are entitled to dividends as determined by the Directors and, in
liquidation of a Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund. Since
this Prospectus sets forth information about all the Funds, it is theoretically
possible that a Fund might be liable for any materially inaccurate or incomplete
disclosure in this Prospectus concerning another Fund. Based on the advice of
counsel, however, the Funds believe that the potential liability of each Fund
with respect to the disclosure in this Prospectus extends only to the disclosure
relating to that Fund. Certain additional matters relating to a Fund's
organization are discussed in its Statement of Additional Information.
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
AFS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 500 Plaza
Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, acts as each Fund's registrar, transfer agent
and dividend-disbursing agent for a fee based upon the number of shareholder
accounts maintained for the Funds.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
AFD, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 1345 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10105, is the principal underwriter of shares
of the Funds.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Funds advertise their "total return," which is computed
separately for each class of shares, including Advisor Class shares. Such
advertisements disclose a Fund's average annual compounded total return for the
periods prescribed by the Commission. A Fund's total return for each such period
is computed by finding, through the use of a formula prescribed by the
Commission, the average annual compounded rate of return over the period that
would equate an assumed initial amount invested to the value of the investment
at the end of the period. For purposes of computing total return, income
dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares of a Fund are assumed
to have been reinvested when paid and the maximum sales charges applicable to
purchases and redemptions of a Fund's shares are assumed to have been paid.
Balanced Shares, Growth and Income Fund, Income Builder Fund, Strategic Balanced
Fund and Utility Income Fund may also advertise their "yield," which is also
computed separately for each class of shares, including Advisor Class shares. A
Fund's yield for any 30-day (or one-month) period is computed by dividing the
net investment income per share earned during such period by the maximum public
offering price per share on the last day of the period, and then annualizing
such 30-day (or one-month) yield in accordance with a formula prescribed by the
Commission which provides for compounding on a semi-annual basis.
52
<PAGE>
Strategic Balanced Fund, Balanced Shares, Income Builder Fund, Utility Income
Fund and Growth and Income Fund may also state in sales literature an "actual
distribution rate" for each class which is computed in the same manner as yield
except that actual income dividends declared per share during the period in
question are substituted for net investment income per share. The actual
distribution rate is computed separately for each class of shares, including
Advisor Class shares.
A Fund's advertisements may quote performance rankings or ratings of a Fund by
financial publications or independent organizations such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. or compare a Fund's performance to various
indices.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus and the Statements of Additional Information, which have been
incorporated by reference herein, do not contain all the information set forth
in the Registration Statements filed by the Funds with the Commission under the
Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
This prospectus does not constitute an offering in any state in which such
offering may not lawfully be made.
This prospectus is intended to constitute an offer by each Fund only of the
securities of which it is the issuer and is not intended to constitute an offer
by any Fund of the securities of any other Fund whose securities are also
offered by this prospectus. No Fund intends to make any representation as to the
accuracy or completeness of the disclosure in this prospectus relating to any
other Fund. See "General Information--Organization."
53
<PAGE>
(LOGO)
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________
P.O. Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
_______________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
November 1, 1997
_______________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information is not a
prospectus but supplements and should be read in conjunction with
the current Prospectus for the Alliance International Fund (the
"Fund") that offers the Class A, Class B and Class C shares of
the Fund and the current Prospectus for the Fund that offers the
Advisor Class shares of the Fund (the "Advisor Class Prospectus"
and, together with the Prospectus for the Fund that offers the
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund, the
"Prospectus"). Copies of such Prospectuses may be obtained by
contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or the
"For Literature" telephone number shown above.
Table Of Contents
Page
Description of the Fund...............................
Management of the Fund................................
Expenses of the Fund..................................
Purchase of Shares....................................
Redemption and Repurchase of Shares...................
Shareholder Services..................................
Net Asset Value.......................................
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes....................
Brokerage and Portfolio Transactions..................
General Information...................................
Report of Independent Auditors and Financial Statements
Appendix A: Futures Contracts and Options on
Futures Contracts and Foreign Currencies............ A-1
Appendix B: Additional Information About Japan........ B-1
_____________________
(R): This registered service mark used under license from the
owner, Alliance Capital Management L.P.
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
_______________________________________________________________
Investment Objective And Policies
The fundamental investment objective of the Fund is to
seek to obtain a total return on its assets from long-term growth
of capital and from income principally through a broad portfolio
of marketable securities of established non-United States
companies (e.g., incorporated outside the United States),
companies participating in foreign economies with prospects for
growth, and foreign government securities. The management of the
Fund considers it consistent with this objective to acquire
securities of companies incorporated in the United States and
having their principal activities and interests outside of the
United States. The Fund intends to be invested primarily in such
issuers and under normal circumstances more than 80% of its
assets will be so invested. The foregoing investment objective
is a fundamental policy of the Fund and cannot be changed without
shareholder approval.
In seeking its objective, the Fund expects to invest its
assets primarily in common stocks of established non-United
States companies which in the opinion of Alliance Capital
Management L.P. (the "Adviser") have potential for growth of
capital or income or both. However, there is no requirement that
the Fund invest exclusively in common stocks or other equity
securities, and, if deemed advisable, the Fund may invest in any
other type of investment grade security including, but not
limited to, convertible securities, preferred stocks, bonds,
notes and other debt securities of foreign issuers (Euro-dollar
securities), as well as in warrants, or obligations of the United
States or foreign governments and their political
subdivisions.
Investments may be made for capital appreciation or for
income or any combination of both for the purpose of achieving a
higher overall return than might otherwise be obtained solely
from investing for growth of capital or for income. There is no
limitation on the percent or amount of the Fund's assets which
may be invested for growth or income, and therefore, at any point
in time, the investment emphasis may be placed solely or
primarily on growth of capital or solely or primarily on income.
There can be no assurance, of course, that the Fund will achieve
its objective.
In determining whether the Fund will be invested for
capital appreciation or for income or any combination of both,
the Adviser regularly analyzes a broad range of international
2
<PAGE>
equity and fixed income markets in order to assess the degree of
risk and level of return that can be expected from each market.
Based upon the current assessment of the Adviser, the Fund
expects that its objective will, over the long term, be met
principally through investing in the equity securities of
established non-United States companies which, in the opinion of
the Adviser, have potential for growth of capital. However, the
Fund can be expected during certain periods to place substantial
emphasis on income through investment in foreign debt securities
when it appears that the total return from such securities will
equal or exceed the return on equity securities.
When management believes that the total return on debt
securities will equal or exceed the return on common stocks, the
Fund may, in seeking its objective of total return, substantially
increase its holdings in such debt securities. The Fund may
establish and maintain temporary cash balances for defensive
purposes or to enable it to take advantage of buying
opportunities.
The Adviser believes a portfolio of investments solely
in issuers located in the United States or in any other single
country ties the performance of such a portfolio to the economic
and market swings of one country, and that diversification by
country, as well as by industry, can alleviate the impact of
downturns in any one country. The Fund intends to diversify
investments broadly among countries and normally to have
represented in the portfolio business activities of not less than
three different countries, excluding the United States. The Fund
may invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in one or
more of such countries. At July 31, 1997, approximately 27.9% of
the Fund's assets were invested in securities of Japanese
issuers. For a description of Japan, see Appendix B. The Fund
may purchase securities of companies, wherever organized, which,
in the judgment of the Adviser, have their principal activities
and interests outside the United States determined on the basis
of such factors as location of the company's assets, or
personnel, or sales and earnings.
It is the present intention of the Adviser to invest in
companies based in (or governments of or within) the Far East
(Japan, the Special Administrative Region of China ("Hong Kong"),
Singapore and Malaysia), Western Europe (United Kingdom, Germany,
Netherlands, France, Switzerland), Australia, Canada, and such
other areas and countries as the Adviser may determine from time
to time. However, investments may be made from time to time in
companies in, or governments of, developing countries as well as
developed countries. Although there is no universally accepted
definition, a developing country is generally considered to be a
country which is in the initial stages of its industrialization
cycle with a low per capita gross national product. Historical
3
<PAGE>
experience indicates that the markets of developing countries
have been more volatile than the markets of the more mature
economies of developed countries; however, such markets often
have provided higher rates of return to investors. Shareholders
should be aware that investing in the equity and fixed-income
markets of developing countries involves exposure to economic
structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to
political systems which can be expected to have less stability
than those of developed countries. Management at present does not
intend to invest more than 10% of the Fund's total assets in
companies in, or governments of, developing countries.
The Adviser, in determining the composition of the
Fund's portfolio, will initially seek the appropriate
distribution of investments among various countries and
geographic regions. Accordingly, the Adviser will consider the
following factors in making investment decisions on this basis:
prospects for relative economic growth between foreign countries;
expected levels of inflation; government policies influencing
business conditions; the outlook for currency relationships; and
the range of individual investment opportunities available to the
international portfolio investor.
The Adviser will, in analyzing individual companies for
the investment, look for one or more of the following
characteristics: an above average earnings growth per share;
high return on invested capital; healthy balance sheet; sound
financial and accounting policies and overall financial strength;
strong competitive advantages; effective research and product
development and marketing; efficient service; pricing
flexibility; strength of management; and general operating
characteristics which will enable the companies to compete
successfully in their marketplace. While current dividend income
is not a prerequisite in the selection of portfolio companies,
the companies in which the Fund invests normally will have a
record of paying dividends for at least one year, and will
generally be expected to increase the amounts of such dividends
in future years as earnings increase.
Foreign securities such as those purchased by the Fund
may be subject to foreign government taxes which could reduce the
yield on such securities, although a shareholder otherwise
subject to U.S. federal income taxes may, subject to certain
limitations, be entitled to claim a credit or deduction for U.S.
federal income tax purposes for his or her proportionate share of
such foreign taxes paid by the Fund.
Under exceptional economic or market conditions abroad,
the Fund may temporarily invest for defensive purposes all or a
major portion of its assets in U.S. government obligations or
debt obligations of companies incorporated in and having their
4
<PAGE>
principal activities in the United States. The Fund may also
from time to time invest its temporary cash balances in United
States, as well as foreign, short-term, high-grade money market
instruments, including, but not limited to, government
obligations, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances,
commercial paper, short-term corporate debt securities and
repurchase agreements.
The following investment policies and restrictions
supplement, and should be read in conjunction with, the
information set forth in the Fund's Prospectus under the heading
"Investment Objectives and Policies." While the Fund's
investment objective of total return for long-term growth of
capital and from income cannot be changed without shareholder
approval, the Fund's investment policies are not fundamental and
may be changed by the Trustees of the Fund without shareholder
approval. However, shareholders will be notified prior to a
material change in such policies.
Derivative Investment Products
The Fund may use various derivative investment products
to reduce certain risks to the Fund of exposure to local market
and currency movements. These products include forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, futures contracts, including stock
index futures, and options thereon, put and call options and
combinations thereof. The Adviser will use such products as
market conditions warrant. The Fund's ability to use these
products may be limited by market conditions, regulatory limits
and tax considerations and there can be no assurance that any of
these products would succeed in reducing the risk to the Fund of
exposure to local market and currency movements. See "Investment
Policies and Restrictions" in the Statement of Additional
Information. New financial products and risk management
techniques continue to be developed and the Fund may use these
new investments and techniques to the extent consistent with its
investment objective and policies.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. The Fund
may purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts
("forward contracts") to attempt to minimize the risk to the Fund
from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar
and other currencies. A forward contract is an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed price at a
future date which is individually negotiated and privately traded
by currency traders and their customers. The Fund's dealings in
forward contracts will be limited to hedging involving either
specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction
hedging is the purchase or sale of forward contracts with respect
to specific receivables or payables of the Fund accruing in
connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities
5
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or the payment of dividends and distributions by the Fund.
Position hedging is the sale of forward contracts with respect to
portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in such
foreign currency. The Fund will not speculate in forward
contracts and, therefore, the Adviser believes that the Fund will
not be subject to the risks frequently associated with the
speculative use of such transactions. The Fund may not position
hedge with respect to the currency of a particular country to an
extent greater than the aggregate market value (at the time of
making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio
denominated or quoted in that particular foreign currency. If
the Fund enters into a position hedging transaction, its
custodian bank will to the extent required by applicable law,
place liquid assets in a separate account of the Fund in an
amount equal to the value of the Fund's total assets committed to
the consummation of such forward contract. If the value of the
assets placed in the separate account declines, additional liquid
assets will be placed in the account so that the value of the
account will equal the amount of the Fund's commitment with
respect to such contracts. In addition, the Fund may use other
such methods of "cover" as are permitted by applicable law.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not
eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or
prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Such
transactions also preclude the opportunity for gain if the value
of the hedge currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be
possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so
generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to
sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it
anticipates. The Fund will not enter into a forward contract
with a term of more than one year or if, as a result thereof,
more than 50% of the Fund's total assets would be committed to
such contracts.
While these contracts are not presently regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), the CFTC may in
the future assert authority to regulate forward contracts. In
such event the Fund's ability to utilize forward contracts in the
manner set forth in the Prospectus may be restricted. Forward
contracts will reduce the potential gain from a positive change
in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar and foreign
currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result
in poorer overall performance for the Fund if it had not entered
into such contracts. The use of foreign currency forward
contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying U.S.
Dollar equivalent value of the prices of or rates of return on
the Fund's foreign currency-denominated portfolio securities and
the use of such techniques will subject the Fund to certain
risks.
6
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The matching of the increase in value of a forward
contract and the decline in the U.S. Dollar equivalent value of
the foreign currency-denominated asset that is the subject of the
hedge generally will not be precise. In addition, the Fund may
not always be able to enter into foreign currency forward
contracts at attractive prices and this will limit the Fund's
ability to use such contracts to hedge or cross-hedge its assets.
Also, with regard to the Fund's use of cross-hedges, there can be
no assurance that historical correlations between the movement of
certain foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar will
continue. Thus, at any time poor correlation may exist between
movements in the exchange rates of the foreign currencies
underlying the Fund's cross-hedges and the movements in the
exchange rates of the foreign currencies in which the Fund's
assets that are the subject of such cross-hedges are denominated.
Options. The Fund may write, sell and purchase put and
call options listed on one or more U.S. or foreign securities
exchanges, including options on market indices. A call option
gives the purchaser of the option, for paying the writer a
premium, the right to call upon the writer to deliver a specified
number of shares of a specified stock on or before a fixed date,
at a predetermined price. A put option gives the buyer of the
option, for paying the writer a premium, the right to deliver a
specified number of shares of a stock to the writer of the option
on or before a fixed date, at a predetermined price.
Writing, purchasing and selling put and call options are
highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary
investment risks. When puts written by the Fund are exercised,
the Fund will be obligated to purchase stocks above their then
current market price. The Fund will not write a put option
unless at all times during the option period the Fund has
(a) sold short the optioned securities, or securities convertible
into or carrying rights to acquire the optioned securities, or
(b) purchased an offsetting put on the same securities. When
calls written by the Fund are exercised, the Fund will be
obligated to sell stocks below their then current market price.
The Fund will not write a call option unless the Fund at all
times during the option period owns either (a) the optioned
securities, or securities convertible into or carrying rights to
acquire the optioned securities, or (b) an offsetting call option
on the same securities.
Option On Market Indices. An option on a securities
index is similar to an option on a security except that, rather
than the right to take or make delivery of a security at a
specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder
the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of
cash if the closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in
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<PAGE>
the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the
exercise price of the option.
Financial Futures Contracts, Including Stock Index
Futures, And Options On Futures Contracts. The Fund may enter
into financial futures contracts, including contracts for the
purchase or sale for future delivery of foreign currencies and
futures contracts based on stock indices and may purchase and
write put and call options to buy or sell futures contracts
("options on futures contracts"). A sale of a futures contract
entails the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver
the foreign currency or other commodity called for by the
contract at a specified price on a specified date. A purchase of
a futures contract entails the incurring of a contractual
obligation to acquire the commodity called for by the contract at
a specified price on a specified date. The Fund's Custodian will
place liquid assets in a separate account of the Fund having a
value equal to the aggregate amount of the Fund's commitments in
futures contracts. The purchaser of a futures contract on an
index agrees to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal
to the difference between a specified dollar multiple of the
value of the index on the expiration date of the contract and the
price at which the contract was originally struck. No physical
delivery of the securities underlying the index is made. In
connection with its purchase of stock index futures contracts the
Fund will deposit in a segregated account with the Fund's
Custodian an amount of liquid assets equal to the market value of
the futures contracts less any amounts maintained in a margin
account with the Fund's broker. Options on futures contracts to
be written or purchased by the Fund will be traded on U.S. or
foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.
With respect to futures contracts and options on futures
contracts that are purchased for purposes other than for "bona
fide hedging purposes" (as defined in Commodity Futures Trading
Commission Regulations promulgated under the Commodity Exchange
Act), the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to be
paid by the Fund to establish such positions will not exceed on
all outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and premiums paid
on outstanding options on futures contracts 5% of the liquidation
value of the total assets of the Fund, after taking into account
unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts
the Fund has entered into.
For additional information on the use, risks and costs
of futures contracts and options on futures contracts and foreign
currencies, see Appendix A.
Options On Foreign Currencies. The Fund may write, sell
and purchase put and call options on foreign currencies traded on
securities exchanges or boards of trade (foreign and domestic) or
8
<PAGE>
over-the-counter. As in the case of other kinds of options, the
writing of an option on a foreign currency constitutes only a
partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received, and the
Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at
disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The
purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute an
effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates although,
in the event of rate movements adverse to the Fund's position, it
may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related
transaction costs. There is no specific percentage limitation on
the Fund's investments in options on foreign currencies. See the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information for further discussion
of the use, risks and costs of options on foreign currencies.
General. The successful use of the foregoing derivative
investment products draws upon the Adviser's special skills and
substantial experience with respect to such products and depends
on the Adviser's ability to forecast currency exchange rate
movements correctly. Should exchange rates move in an unexpected
manner, the Fund may not necessarily achieve the anticipated
benefits of futures contracts, options or forward contracts or
may realize losses and thus be in a worse position than if such
products had not been used. Unlike many exchange-traded futures
contracts and options on futures contracts, there are no daily
price fluctuation limits with respect to options on currencies
and forward contracts, and adverse market movements could
therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time.
In addition, the correlation between movements in the prices of
such instruments and movements in the price of the securities and
currencies hedged or used for cover will not be perfect and could
produce unanticipated losses.
The Fund's ability to dispose of its positions in
futures contracts, options and forward contracts will depend on
the availability of liquid markets in such instruments. Markets
in options and futures with respect to a number of securities and
currencies are relatively new and still developing. It is
impossible to predict the amount of trading interest that may
exist in various types of futures contracts, options and forward
contracts. If a secondary market does not exist with respect to
an over-the-counter option purchased or written by the Fund, it
might not be possible to effect a closing transactions in the
option (i.e., dispose of the option), with the result that (i) an
option purchased by the Fund would have to be exercised in order
for the Fund to realize any profit and (ii) the Fund may not be
able to sell currencies or portfolio securities covering an
option written by the Fund until the option expires or it
delivers the underlying futures contract or currency upon
exercise. Therefore, no assurance can be given that the Fund
will be able to utilize these instruments effectively for the
purposes set forth above. Furthermore, the Fund's ability to
9
<PAGE>
engage in options and futures transactions may be limited by tax
considerations. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes--U.S.
Federal Income Taxes."
Other Investment Practices
Lending of Portfolio Securities. Although it has no
present intention of doing so, the Fund may seek to increase
income by lending portfolio securities. Under present regulatory
policies, such loans may be made to member firms of the New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "Exchange") and are required to be
secured continuously by collateral consisting of cash, U.S.
Government Securities or bank letters of credit in an amount at
least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The
value of the securities loaned will not exceed 30% of the value
of the Fund's total assets.
The Fund may seek to increase income by lending
portfolio securities. The Fund will have the right to call a
loan to obtain the securities loaned or equivalent securities at
any time on five days' notice or such shorter period as may be
necessary to vote the securities. During the existence of a loan
the Fund will receive the income earned on investment of the
collateral. The Fund will not, however, have the right to vote
any securities having voting rights during the existence of the
loan, but the Fund will call the loan in anticipation of an
important vote to be taken among holders of the securities or the
giving or withholding of their consent on a material matter
affecting the investment. As with other extensions of credit
there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in
the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail
financially. However, the loans would be made only to firms
deemed by management of the Fund to be in good standing, and
when, in the judgment of management, the amount which may be
earned currently from securities loans of this type justifies the
attendant risk.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into
repurchase agreements, which are instruments through which an
investor (e.g., the Fund) purchases a security (the "underlying
security") from a bank or well-established securities dealer,
with an agreement by the seller to repurchase the security at the
same price, plus interest at a specified rate. The underlying
securities are limited to those which would otherwise qualify for
investment by the Fund. Repurchase agreements usually have a
short duration, often less than one week. The Fund will not
enter into a repurchase agreement of a duration of more than
seven business days if, as a result, more than 10% of the value
of the Fund's total assets would be so invested.
10
<PAGE>
Warrants. The Fund may invest in warrants which entitle
the holder to buy equity securities at a specific price for a
specific period of time. Warrants may be considered more
speculative than certain other types of investments in that they
do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with
respect to the securities which may be purchased nor do they
represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. Also,
the value of the warrant does not necessarily change with the
value of the underlying securities and a warrant ceases to have
value if it is not exercised prior to the expiration date.
It is expected that the Fund's investments will
ordinarily be traded on exchanges located in the respective
countries in which the various issuers of such securities are
principally based and in some case on other exchanges. As much
as 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in
the securities of issuers having their principal business
activities in the same industry.
In connection with the qualification or registration of
the Fund's shares for sale under the securities laws of certain
states, the fund has agreed that it will not invest in warrants
(other than warrants acquired by the fund as a part of a unit or
attached to securities at the time of purchase) if as a result
such warrants valued at the lower of cost or market would exceed
10% of the value of the Fund's assets at the time of purchase.
Portfolio Turnover. Generally, the Fund does not trade
in securities for short-term profits but, when circumstances
warrant, securities may be sold without regard to the length of
time held. Although the Fund cannot accurately predict its
annual portfolio turnover rate, management does not expect it to
exceed 100%. A 100% annual turnover rate would occur, for
example, if all the securities in the Fund's portfolio were
replaced in a period of one year. A 100% turnover rate is
greater than that of most other investment companies, including
those which emphasize capital appreciation as a basic policy, and
may result in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions being
paid by the Fund. The portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal
years ended in 1997 and 1996 were 94% and 78%, respectively.
Special Risk Considerations
Investors should understand and consider carefully the
substantial risks involved in securities of foreign companies and
governments of foreign nations, some of which are referred to
below, and which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in
domestic investments. Investing in securities of non-United
States companies which are generally denominated in foreign
currencies, and utilization of derivative investment products
denominated in, or the value of which is dependent upon movements
11
<PAGE>
in the relative value of, a foreign currency, involve certain
considerations comprising both risk and opportunity not typically
associated with investing in United States companies. These
considerations include changes in exchange rates and exchange
control regulations, political and social instability,
expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets
and less available information than are generally the case in the
United States, higher transaction costs, less government
supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, difficulty in
enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and
auditing standards and greater price volatility.
There is generally less publicly available information
about foreign companies comparable to reports and ratings that
are published about companies in the United States. Foreign
companies are also generally not subject to uniform accounting
and auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to United States
companies.
It is contemplated that foreign securities will be
purchased in over-the-counter markets or on stock exchanges
located in the countries in which the respective principal
offices of the issuers of the various securities are located, if
that is the best available market. Foreign securities markets
are generally not as developed or efficient as those in the
United States. While growing in volume, they usually have
substantially less volume than the Exchange, and securities of
some foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable United States companies. Similarly,
volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets is less than in
the United States and, at times, volatility of price can be
greater than in the United States. Fixed commissions on foreign
stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions
on United States exchanges, although the Fund will endeavor to
achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio
transactions. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than
in the United States.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the
possibility of adverse changes in investment or exchange control
regulations and interest rates, expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of
the Fund, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect United States investments in
those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States' economy
in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and
balance of payments position.
12
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The dividends and interest payable on certain of the
Fund's foreign portfolio securities may be subject to foreign
withholding taxes, thus reducing the net amount of income
available for distribution to the Fund's shareholders. A
shareholder otherwise subject to United States Federal income
taxes may, subject to certain limitations, be entitled to claim a
credit or deduction for U.S. Federal income tax purposes for his
or her proportionate share of such foreign taxes paid by the
Fund. See "U.S. Federal Income Taxes."
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of
U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of
foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It will
do so from time to time, and investors should be aware of the
costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers
do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit
based on the difference (commonly known as the "spread") between
the price at which they are buying and selling various
currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency
to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange
should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
Investors should understand that the expense ratio of
the Fund can be expected to be higher than investment companies
investing in domestic securities since, among other things, the
cost of maintaining the custody of foreign securities is higher
and the purchase and sale of portfolio securities may be subject
to higher transaction charges, such as stamp duties and turnover
taxes.
Investors should further understand that all investments
have a risk factor. There can be no guarantee against loss
resulting from an investment in the Fund, and there can be no
assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be attained.
The Fund is designed for individual and institutional investors
who wish to diversify beyond the United States in an actively
researched and managed portfolio. The Fund may not be suitable
for all investors and is intended for long-term investors who can
accept the risks entailed in seeking long-term growth of capital
through investment in foreign securities as described above.
Fundamental Investment Policies
In addition to the investment objective and policies
described above, the Fund has adopted certain fundamental
investment policies which may not be changed without shareholder
approval, which means the vote of (1) 67% or more of the shares
represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the
outstanding shares are represented or (2) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares, whichever is less. Whenever any investment
restriction states a maximum percentage of the Fund's assets
13
<PAGE>
which may be invested in any security or other asset, it is
intended that such maximum percentage limitation be determined
immediately after and as a result of the Fund's acquisition of
such securities or other assets. Accordingly, any later increase
or decrease in percentage beyond the specified limitation
resulting from a change in values or net assets will not be
considered a violation.
Briefly, the policies provide that the Fund may not:
(i) invest more than 5% of the value of its total
assets in securities of a single issuer
(including repurchase agreements with any one
entity), except securities issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Securities")
or the government of any foreign country, its
agencies or instrumentalities ("Foreign
Government Securities"); provided, however, that
the Fund may not, with respect to 75% of the
value of its total assets, invest more than 5%
of the value of its total assets in securities
of any one foreign government issuer;
(ii) own more than 10% of the outstanding securities
of any class of any issuer (for this purpose,
all preferred stocks of an issuer shall be
deemed a single class, and all indebtedness of
an issuer shall be deemed a single class),
except U.S. Government Securities;
(iii) invest more than 25% of the value of its total
assets in securities of issuers having their
principal business activities in the same
industry; provided, that this limitation does
not apply to U.S. Government Securities or
Foreign Government Securities;
(iv) invest more than 5% of the value of its total
assets in the securities of any issuer that has
a record of less than three years of continuous
operation (including the operation of any
predecessor or unconditional guarantor), except
U.S. Government Securities or Foreign Government
Securities;
(v) invest more than 5% of the value of its total
assets in securities with legal or contractual
restrictions on resale ("restricted
securities"), other than repurchase agreements,
or more than 10% of the value of its total
14
<PAGE>
assets in securities that are not readily
marketable (including restricted securities and
repurchase agreements not terminable within
seven business days);
(vi) borrow money, except as a temporary measure for
extraordinary or emergency purposes, and then
only from banks in amounts not exceeding 5% of
its total assets valued at market;
(vii) own, in contravention of the applicable laws or
regulations of Germany, any securities of
another investment company;
(viii) unless the securities are acquired pursuant to a
plan of reorganization or an offer of exchange,
own any securities of an open-end investment
company or more than 3% of the total outstanding
voting stock of any closed-end investment
company or more than 10% of such value in
closed-end investment companies in general;
(ix) purchase or sell real property (including
limited partnership interests although it may
purchase readily marketable interests in real
estate investment trusts or readily marketable
securities of companies which invest in real
estate);
(x) purchase or sell commodity contracts; provided,
however, that this policy does not prevent the
Fund from entering into (a) forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, (b) financial
futures contracts, including contracts for the
purchase or sale for future delivery of foreign
currencies and futures contracts based on stock
indices, (c) options or financial futures
contracts, or (d) other, similar contracts or
transactions;
(xi) purchase participations or other direct
interests in oil, gas, or other mineral leases
exploration or development programs;
(xii) purchase securities on margin, except for use of
the short-term credit necessary for clearance of
purchases of portfolio securities;
(xiii) effect short sales of securities;
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<PAGE>
(xiv) make loans, except for use of the short- term
credit necessary for clearance of purchases of
portfolio securities, except that it may
purchase debt securities, enter into repurchase
agreements and lend its portfolio securities, as
described in the Fund's Prospectus;
(xv) mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or in any other
manner transfer as security for indebtedness any
security owned by the Fund, except as may be
necessary in connection with permissible
borrowings, and in the aggregate amount not to
exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets valued at
market at the time of such mortgaging, pledging
or hypothecating;
(xvi) act as an underwriter of securities, except
insofar as it might be deemed to be such for
purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to
the disposition of certain portfolio securities
acquired within the limitations of (v) above;
(xvii) purchase or retain the securities of any issuer
if, to the knowledge of the Fund's management,
those officers and Trustees of the Fund, and of
its adviser, who each owns beneficially more
than one-half of 1% of the outstanding security
of such issuer, together own beneficially more
than 5% of the securities of such issuer;
(xviii) invest in companies for the purpose of
exercising management or control; and
(xix) issue senior securities except as permitted by
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act").
_______________________________________________________________
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
_______________________________________________________________
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership with principal offices at 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an
investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to
provide investment advice and, in general, to conduct the
management and investment program of the Fund under the
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<PAGE>
supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors (see "Management of
the Fund" in the Prospectus).
Alliance is a leading international investment manager
supervising client accounts with assets as of June 30, 1997 of
more than $199 billion (of which more than $71 billion
represented the assets of investment companies). The Adviser's
clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit funds,
public employee retirement systems, investment companies,
foundation and endowment funds. As of June 30, 1997, the Adviser
was an investment manager of employee benefit fund assets for 29
of the FORTUNE 100 companies. As of that date, the Adviser and
its subsidiaries employed approximately 1,500 employees who
operated out of domestic offices and the offices of subsidiaries
in Bahrain, Bangalore, Chennai, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Mumbai,
Paris, Singapore, Tokyo and Toronto and affiliate offices located
in Vienna, Warsaw, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo and Moscow. The 54
registered investment companies comprising more than 116 separate
investment portfolios managed by the Adviser currently have more
than two million shareholders.
Alliance Capital Management Corporation, the sole
general partner of, and the owner of a 1% general partnership
interest in, the Adviser, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
("Equitable"), one of the largest life insurance companies in the
United States and a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable
Companies Incorporated ("ECI"). ECI is a holding company
controlled by AXA-UAP, a French insurance holding company which
at September 30, 1997, beneficially owned approximately 59% of
the outstanding voting shares of ECI. As of June 30, 1997, ACMC,
Inc. and Equitable Capital Management Corporation, each a wholly-
owned direct or indirect subsidiary of Equitable, together with
Equitable, owned in the aggregate approximately 57% of the issued
and outstanding units representing assignments of beneficial
ownership of limited partnership interests in the Adviser.
AXA-UAP is a holding company for an international group
of insurance and related financial services companies. AXA-UAP's
insurance operations include activities in life insurance,
property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The insurance
operations are diverse geographically, with activities
principally in Western Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific
area. AXA-UAP is also engaged in asset management, investment
banking, securities trading, brokerage, real estate and other
financial services activities principally in the United States,
as well as in Western Europe and the Asia/Pacific area.
Based on information provided by AXA-UAP, as of
September 30, 1997 more than 25% of the voting power of AXA-UAP
was controlled directly and indirectly by FINAXA, a French
17
<PAGE>
holding company. As of September 30, 1997 more than 25% of the
voting power of FINAXA was controlled directly and indirectly by
four French mutual insurance companies (the "Mutuelles AXA"), one
of which, AXA Assurances I.A.R.D. Mutuelle, itself controlled
directly and indirectly more than 25% of the voting power of
FINAXA. Acting as a group, the Mutuelles AXA control AXA-UAP and
FINAXA.
The Advisory Agreement became effective on July 22,
1992. The Advisory Agreement replaced an earlier, substantially
identical agreement (the "First Advisory Agreement") that
terminated because of its technical assignment as a result of
AXA's acquisition of control over Equitable. In anticipation of
the assignment of the First Advisory Agreement, the Advisory
Agreement was approved by the unanimous vote, cast in person, of
the Fund's Trustees (including the Trustees who are not parties
to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons as defined in the
1940 Act of any such party) at a meeting called for the purpose
held on September 12, 1991. At a meeting held on June 8, 1992, a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund
approved the Advisory Agreement. Most recently, continuance of
the Advisory Agreement was approved for the period ending June
30, 1998 by the Trustees of the Fund, including a majority who
are not "interested persons", as defined in the Act, at their
regular meeting held on June 20, 1997.
The Advisory Agreement remains in effect until June 30
of each year if approved annually (a) by the Trustees of the Fund
or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund and (b) by a majority of the Trustees who
are not parties to the agreement, or "interested persons", as
defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party, at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such matter. The Advisory Agreement
may be terminated without penalty on 60 days' written notice at
the option of either party or by a vote of the shareholders; it
will terminate automatically in the event of assignment. The
Adviser is not liable for any action or inaction in regard to its
obligations under the Advisory Agreement as long as it does not
exhibit willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or
reckless disregard of its obligations.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser furnishes
investment advice and recommendations to the Fund and provides
office space in New York, order placement facilities and persons
satisfactory to the Fund's Board of Trustees to act as officers
of the Fund. Such officers, as well as certain Trustees of the
Fund, may be employees of the Adviser or directors, officers or
employees of its affiliates. For the Adviser's services under the
Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a quarterly fee of
one fourth of 1% of the value of the Fund's aggregate net assets
up to $500 million and three sixteenth of 1% of the value of such
18
<PAGE>
assets above $500 million. For the fiscal years of the Fund
ended in 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Adviser received from the Fund
advisory fees of $2,524,729, $2,627,200 and $2,891,923,
respectively.
The Fund has, under the Advisory Agreements, assumed the
obligation for payment of all its other expenses. As to the
obtaining of services other than those specifically provided to
the Fund by the Adviser, the Fund may employ its own personnel.
For such services, it also may utilize personnel employed by the
Adviser or its affiliates and, in such event, the services will
be provided to the Fund at cost and the payments therefor must be
specifically approved by the Fund's Trustees. The Fund paid to
the Adviser a total of $132,740 in respect of such services
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.
Certain other clients of the Adviser may have investment
objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. The Adviser
may, from time to time, make recommendations which result in the
purchase or sale of a particular security by its other clients
simultaneously with the Fund. If transactions on behalf of more
than one client during the same period increase the demand for
securities being purchased or the supply of securities being
sold, there may be an adverse effect on price or quantity. It is
the policy of the Adviser to allocate advisory recommendations
and the placing of orders in a manner which is deemed equitable
by the Adviser to the accounts involved, including the Fund.
When two or more of the clients of the Adviser (including the
Fund) are purchasing the same security on the given day from the
same broker-dealer, such transactions may be averaged as to
price.
The Adviser may act as an investment adviser to other
persons, firms or corporations, including investment companies,
and is investment adviser to ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc.,
AFD Exchange Reserves, Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.,
The Alliance Fund, Inc., Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc., Alliance
Bond Fund, Inc., Alliance Capital Reserves, Alliance Greater
China '97 Fund, Inc., Alliance Developing Markets Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Global
Environment Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Government Reserves, Alliance Growth and Income Fund,
Inc., Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc., Alliance Income Builder
Fund, Inc., Alliance International Fund, Alliance Money Market
Fund, Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance
Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Multi-Market
Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Municipal Income Fund II, Alliance Municipal Trust,
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc., Alliance North American
Government Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth Fund,
Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate Investment
19
<PAGE>
Fund, Inc., Alliance Short- Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc., Alliance Utility Income Fund,
Inc., Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc., Alliance
World Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund,
Inc., The Alliance Portfolios, Fiduciary Management Associates
and The Hudson River Trust, all registered open-end investment
companies; and to ACM Government Income Fund, Inc., ACM
Government Securities Fund, Inc., ACM Government Spectrum Fund,
Inc., ACM Government Opportunity Fund, Inc., ACM Managed Dollar
Income Fund, Inc., ACM Managed Income Fund, Inc., ACM Municipal
Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance All-Market Advantage Fund,
Inc., Alliance World Dollar Government Fund, Inc., Alliance World
Dollar Government Fund II, Inc., The Austria Fund, Inc., The
Korean Investment Fund, Inc., The Southern Africa Fund, Inc. and
The Spain Fund, Inc., all registered closed-end investment
companies.
Trustees And Officers
The Trustees and officers of the Fund, their ages and
their primary occupations during the past five years are set
forth below. Each such Trustee and officer is also a trustee,
director or officer of other registered investment companies
sponsored by the Adviser. Unless otherwise noted, the address of
each such person is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York 10105.
Trustees
John D. Carifa,* 52, Chairman, is the President and
Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Alliance Capital
Management Corporation ("ACMC") with which he has been associated
since prior to 1992.
David H. Dievler, 68, is an independent consultant. He
was formerly a Senior Vice President of ACMC, with which he had
been associated since prior to 1992 through 1994. His address is
P.O. Box 167, Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762.
John H. Dobkin, 55, has been the President of Historic
Hudson Valley (historic preservation) since prior to 1992.
Previously, he was Director of the National Academy of Design.
His address is 105 West 55th Street, New York, New York
10019.
W.H. Henderson, 70, has been an oil and gas consultant
since prior to 1992. He is also a Director of Nippon Peroxide
____________________
* An "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the 1940
Act.
20
<PAGE>
Co. Limited, Fidelity Japan OTC and Regional Markets Fund and a
consultant to Laporte Industries PLC and Reckitt and Colman PLC.
His address is Quarrey House, Charlton Horethorne, Sherborne,
Dorset, DT9 4NY, England.
Stig Host, 71, is the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of International Energy Corp. (oil and gas exploration)
with which he has been associated since prior to 1992. He is
also Chairman and Director of Kriti Exploration, Inc. (oil and
gas exploration and production), Managing Director of Kriti Oil
and Minerals, N.V., Chairman of Kriti Properties and Development
Corporation (real estate), Chairman of International Marine
Sales, Inc. (marine fuels), and a Director of Florida Fuels, Inc.
(marine fuels) and President of Alexander Host Foundation. He is
a Trustee of the Winthrop Focus Funds. His address is 103 Oneida
Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut 06530.
Richard M. Lilly, 67, was formerly President and Chief
Executive Officer of Esso Italiana, S.p.A, Esso Europe-Africa
Services and Esso North Europe A/S since prior to 1992. His
address is 70 Palace Gardens Terrace, London, W8 4RR England.
Alan Stoga, 46, has been a Managing Director and a
member of the Board of Directors of Kissinger Associates, Inc.
since prior to 1992. His address is Kissinger Associates, Inc.,
350 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
Officers
John D. Carifa, Chairman of the Board and President, see
biography above.
Kathlen A. Corbet, Senior Vice President, 37, is a
Senior Vice President of ACMC, with which she has been associated
since prior to 1992.
A. Rama Krishna, Senior Vice President, 33, is a Senior
Vice President of ACMC, with which he has been associated since
1993. Previously he was Chief Investment Strategist and
Director - Equity Research at First Boston Corporation since
prior to 1992.
Edward Baker, Vice President, 46, is a Vice President of
ACMC, with which he has been associated since prior to 1992.
Thomas J. Bardong, Vice President, 52, is a Senior Vice
President of ACMC with which he has been associated since prior
to 1992.
21
<PAGE>
Daniel V. Panker, Vice President, 58, is a Senior Vice
President of ACMC, with which he has been associated since prior
to 1992.
Mark H. Breedon, Vice President, 44, has been a Vice
President of ACMC since prior to 1992 and a Director and Senior
Vice President of Alliance Capital Limited ("ACL") since prior to
1992.
Francis P. Reeves, Vice President, 24, is an Assistant
Vice President with ACL with which he has been associated since
1996.
Mark D. Gersten, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer,
47, is a Senior Vice President of Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
with which he has been associated since prior to 1992.
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr., Secretary, 47, is Senior Vice
President and the General Counsel of Alliance Fund Distributors
Inc. ("AFD") with which he has been associated since prior to
1992.
Domenick Pugliese, Assistant Secretary, 36, is Vice
President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD, with which he has
been associated since May 1995. Previously, he was Vice
President and Counsel of Concord Financial Holding Corporation
since 1994, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of
Prudential Securities since 1992.
Andrew L. Gangolf, Assistant Secretary, 43, has been a
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD since
December 1994. Prior thereto he was a Vice President and
Assistant Secretary of Delaware Management Company, Inc. since
October 1992 and a Vice President and Counsel to Equitable since
prior to 1992.
Emilie D. Wrapp, Assistant Secretary, 41, is Special
Counsel of ACMC, with which she has been associated since prior
to 1992.
Vincent S. Noto, Controller, 33, is a Money Market Fund
Manager, Mutual Funds of Alliance Fund Services, Inc., with which
he has been associated since prior to 1992.
The aggregate compensation paid by the Fund to each of
the Trustees during its fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the
aggregate compensation paid to each of the Trustees during
calendar year 1996 by all of the funds to which the Adviser
provides investment advisory services (collectively, the
"Alliance Fund Complex") and the total number of registered
investment companies (and separate investment portfolios within
22
<PAGE>
those companies) in the Alliance Fund Complex with respect to
which each of the Trustees serves as a trustee or director, are
set forth below. Neither the Fund nor any other fund in the
Alliance Fund Complex provides compensation in the form of
pension or retirement benefits to any of its trustees or
directors. Each of the Trustees is a trustee of one or more
other registered investment companies in the Alliance Fund
Complex.
Total Number
Total Number of Investment
of Funds in Portfolios
the Alliance Within the
Total Fund Complex, Funds,
Compensation Including the Including
From the Fund, as to the Fund, as
Alliance Fund which the to which the
Aggregate Complex, Trustee is a Trustee is
Name of Trustee Compensation Including the Trustee or a Trustee or
of the Fund From the Fund Fund Director Director
________________ _____________ _____________ ______________ _____________
John D. Carifa $ 0 $ 0 52 114
David H. Dievler $4,544 $182,000 45 79
John H. Dobkin $4,575 $121,250 31 52
W.H. Henderson $4,937 $ 31,750 5 5
Stig Host $4,937 $ 31,750 5 5
Richard M. Lilly $4,937 $ 31,750 5 5
Alan Stoga $4,750 $ 31,750 5 5
As of October 6, 1997, the Trustees and officers of the
Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.
_______________________________________________________________
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
_______________________________________________________________
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Services
Agreement (the "Agreement") with AFD, the Fund's principal
underwriter (the "Principal Underwriter"), to permit the
Principal Underwriter to distribute the Funds shares and to
permit the Fund to pay distribution services fees to defray
expenses associated with distribution of its Class A shares,
Class B shares and Class C shares in accordance with a plan of
distribution which is included in the Agreement and has been duly
adopted and approved in accordance with Rule 12b-1 adopted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the
1940 Act (the "Plan").
23
<PAGE>
Distribution services fees are accrued daily and paid
monthly and are charged as expenses of the Fund as accrued. The
distribution services fees attributable to the Class B shares and
Class C shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase
such shares through broker-dealers without the assessment of an
initial sales charge, and at the same time to permit the
Principal Underwriter to compensate broker-dealers in connection
with the sale of such shares. In this regard the purpose and
function of the combined contingent deferred sales charge and
distribution services fee on the Class B shares and Class C
shares are the same as those of the initial sales charge and
distribution services fee with respect to the Class A shares in
that in each case the sales charge and/or distribution services
fee provide for the financing of the distribution of the relevant
class of the Fund's shares.
Under the Agreement, the Treasurer of the Fund reports
the amounts expended under the Plan and the purposes for which
such expenditures were made to the Trustees of the Fund on a
quarterly basis. Also, the Agreement provides that the selection
and nomination of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of
the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, are committed to the
discretion of such disinterested Trustees then in office.
The Agreement became effective on July 22, 1992 and was
amended as of April 30, 1993, with respect to Class C shares and
June 20, 1996 with respect to Advisor Class shares.
The Adviser may, from time to time and from its own
funds or such other resources as may be permitted by rules of the
Commission, make payments for distribution services to the
Principal Underwriter; the latter may in turn pay part or all of
such compensation to brokers or other persons for their
distribution assistance.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, with
respect to Class A shares, the Fund paid distribution services
fees for expenditures under the Agreement in the aggregate amount
of $317,907, which constituted approximately .17% of the Fund's
average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares
during the period, and the Adviser made payments from its own
resources as described above, aggregating $431,203. Of the
$749,249 paid by the Fund and the Adviser under the Plan, with
respect to Class A shares, $78,485 was spent on advertising,
$8,284 on the printing and mailing of prospectuses for persons
other than current shareholders, $409,479 for compensation to
broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries (including
$140,657 to the Fund's Principal Underwriter), $75,577 for
compensation to sales personnel and $177,424 was spent on
printing of sales literature, travel, entertainment, due
diligence and other promotional expenses.
24
<PAGE>
During the Fund's fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, with
respect to Class B shares, the Fund paid distribution services
fees for expenditures under the Agreement in the aggregate amount
of $718,023, which constituted 1.00% of the Fund's average daily
net assets attributable to Class B shares during the period, and
the Adviser made payments from its own resources, as described
above, aggregating $383,771. Of the $1,101,794 paid by the Fund
and the Adviser under the Plan, with respect to Class B shares,
$51,682 was spent on advertising, $6,078 on the printing and
mailing of prospectuses for persons other than current
shareholders, $833,355 for compensation to broker-dealers and
other financial intermediaries (including, $90,129 to the Fund's
Principal Underwriter), $16,161 for compensation to sales
personnel, $102,568 was spent on printing of sales literature,
travel, entertainment, due diligence and other promotional
expenses and $91,950 on interest on Class B shares financing.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, with
respect to Class C shares, the Fund paid distribution services
fees for expenditures under the Agreement, in the aggregate
amount of $236,671, which constituted approximately 1.0%,
annualized of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
Class C shares during the period, and the Adviser made payments
from its own resources, as described above, aggregating $207,100.
Of the $446,376 paid by the Fund and the Adviser under the Plan,
with respect to Class C shares, $25,312 was spent on advertising,
$2,958 on the printing and mailing of prospectuses for persons
other than current shareholders, $326,040 for compensation to
broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries (including,
$44,794 to the Fund's Principal Underwriter), $28,783 for
compensation to sales personnel, and, $50,147 was spent on
printing of sales literature, travel, entertainment, due
diligence and other promotional expenses and $13,136 on interest
on Class C shares financing.
The Agreement will continue in effect for successive
twelve-month periods (computed from each July 1), provided,
however, that such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually by the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of that class, and, in either case, by a majority
of the Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to the Agreement
or interested persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such
party (other than as trustees of the Fund) and who have no direct
or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or
any agreement related thereto. Most recently the continuance of
the Agreement until June 30, 1998 was approved by a vote, cast in
person, of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who
are not "interested persons", as defined in the 1940 Act, at
their meeting held on June 20, 1997.
25
<PAGE>
In the event that the Agreement is terminated or not
continued with respect to the Class A shares, Class B shares or
Class C shares, (i) no distribution services fees (other than
current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the
Fund to the Principal Underwriter with respect to that class, and
(ii) the Fund would not be obligated to pay the Principal
Underwriter for any amounts expended under the Agreement not
previously recovered by the Principal Underwriter from
distribution services fees in respect of shares of such class or
through deferred sales charges.
All material amendments to the Agreement must be
approved by a vote of the Trustees or the holders of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities, voting separately by class, and in
either case, by a majority of the disinterested Trustees, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval; and the Agreement may not be amended in order to
increase materially the costs that a particular class may bear
pursuant to the Agreement without the approval of a majority of
the holders of the outstanding voting shares of the class or
classes affected. The Agreement may be terminated (a) by the
Fund without penalty at any time by a majority vote of the
holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, voting
separately by class or by a majority vote of the Trustees who are
not "interested persons" as defined in the 1940 Act, or (b) by
the Principal Underwriter. To terminate the Agreement, any party
must give the other parties 60 days' written notice; to terminate
the Plan only, the Fund need give no notice to the Principal
Underwriter. The Agreement will terminate automatically in the
event of its assignment.
Transfer Agency Agreement
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., an indirect wholly- owned
subsidiary of the Adviser, receives a transfer agency fee per
account holder of each of the Class A shares, Class B shares,
Class C shares and Advisor Class shares of the Fund, plus
reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. The transfer agency
fee with respect to the Class B and Class C shares is higher than
the transfer agency fee with respect to the Class A and Advisor
Class shares, reflecting the additional costs associated with the
Class B and Class C contingent deferred sales charge. For the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the Fund paid Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. $536,696 for transfer agency services.
26
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________
PURCHASE OF SHARES
_______________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How To Buy Shares."
General
Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis at
a price equal to their net asset value plus an initial sales
charge at the time of purchase ("Class A shares"), with a
contingent deferred sales charge ("Class B shares"), without any
initial sales charge and, as long as the shares are held for one
year or more, without any contingent deferred sales charge
("Class C shares"), or, to investors eligible to purchase Advisor
Class shares, without any initial, contingent deferred or asset-
based sales charge, in each case as described below. Shares of
the Fund that are offered subject to a sales charge are offered
through (i) investment dealers that are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and have entered into
selected dealer agreements with the Principal Underwriter
("selected dealers"), (ii) depository institutions and other
financial intermediaries or their affiliates, that have entered
into selected agent agreements with the Principal Underwriter
("selected agents"), and (iii) the Principal Underwriter.
Advisor Class shares of the Fund may be purchased and
held solely (i) through accounts established under fee-based
programs, sponsored and maintained by registered broker-dealers
or other financial intermediaries and approved by the Principal
Underwriter, (ii) through self- directed defined contribution
employee benefit plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) that have at least
1,000 participants or $25 million in assets, (iii) by the
categories of investors described in clauses (i) through (iv)
below under "--Sales at Net Asset Value" (other than officers,
directors and present and full-time employees of selected dealers
or agents, or relatives of such person, or any trust, individual
retirement account or retirement plan account for the benefit of
such relative, all of whom are not eligible to purchase and hold
Advisor Class shares) or, (iv) by directors and present or
retired full-time employees of CB Commercial Real Estate Group,
Inc. Generally, a fee-based program must charge an asset-based
or other similar fee and must invest at least $250,000 in Advisor
Class shares of the Fund in order to be approved by the Principal
Underwriter for investment in Advisor Class shares.
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund either through
selected broker-dealers, agents, financial intermediaries or
27
<PAGE>
other financial representatives or directly through the Principal
Underwriter. A transaction, service, administrative or other
similar fee may be charged by your broker-dealer, agent,
financial intermediary or other financial representative with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Class A, Class B,
Class C or Advisor Class shares made through such financial
representative. Such financial representative may also impose
requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of
shares that are different from, or in addition to, those imposed
by the Fund, including requirements as to the minimum initial and
subsequent investment amounts. Sales personnel of selected
dealers and agents distributing the Fund's shares may receive
differing compensation for selling Class A, Class B, Class C or
Advisor Class shares.
The Fund may refuse any order for the purchase of
shares. The Fund reserves the right to suspend the sale of its
shares to the public in response to conditions in the securities
markets or for other reasons.
The public offering price of shares of the Fund is their
net asset value, plus, in the case of Class A shares, a sales
charge which will vary depending on the purchase alternative
chosen by the investor, as shown in the table below under
"Class A Shares." On each Fund business day on which a purchase
or redemption order is received by the Fund and trading in the
types of securities in which the Fund invests might materially
affect the value of Fund shares, the per share net asset value is
computed in accordance with the Fund's Agreement and Declaration
of Trust and By-Laws as of the next close of regular trading on
the Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) by dividing the
value of the Fund's total assets, less its liabilities, by the
total number of its shares then outstanding. A Fund business day
is any day on which the Exchange is open for trading.
The respective per share net asset values of the
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares are expected
to be substantially the same. Under certain circumstances,
however, the per share net asset values of the Class B and
Class C shares may be lower than the per share net asset value of
the Class A and Advisor Class shares, as a result of the
differential daily expense accruals of the distribution and
transfer agency fees applicable with respect to those classes of
shares. Even under those circumstances, the per share net asset
values of the four classes eventually will tend to converge
immediately after the payment of dividends, which will differ by
approximately the amount of the expense accrual differential
among the classes.
The Fund will accept unconditional orders for its shares
to be executed at the public offering price equal to their net
28
<PAGE>
asset value next determined (plus applicable Class A sales
charges), as described below. Orders received by the Principal
Underwriter prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange
on each day the Exchange is open for trading are priced at the
net asset value computed as of the close of regular trading on
the Exchange on that day (plus applicable Class A sales charges).
In the case of orders for purchase of shares placed through
selected dealers, agents or financial representatives, as
applicable, the applicable public offering price will be the net
asset value as so determined, but only if the selected dealer,
agent or financial representative receives the order prior to the
close of regular trading on the Exchange and transmits it to the
Principal Underwriter prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. The
selected dealer, agent or financial representative, as
applicable, is responsible for transmitting such orders by
5:00 p.m. If the selected dealer, agent or financial
representative fails to do so, the investor's right to that day's
closing price must be settled between the investor and the
selected dealer, agent or financial representative, as
applicable. If the selected dealer, agent or financial
representative, as applicable, receives the order after the close
of regular trading on the Exchange, the price will be based on
the net asset value determined as of the close of regular trading
on the Exchange on the next day it is open for trading.
Following the initial purchase of Fund shares, a
shareholder may place orders to purchase additional shares by
telephone if the shareholder has completed the appropriate
portion of the Subscription Application or an "Autobuy"
application obtained by calling the "For Literature" telephone
number shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional
Information. Except with respect to certain omnibus accounts,
telephone purchase orders may not exceed $500,000. Payment for
shares purchased by telephone can be made only by electronic
funds transfer from a bank account maintained by the shareholder
at a bank that is a member of the National Automated Clearing
House Association ("NACHA"). If a shareholder's telephone
purchase request is received before 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on a
Fund business day, the order to purchase shares is automatically
placed the following Fund business day, and the applicable public
offering price will be the public offering price determined as of
the close of business on such following business day.
Full and fractional shares are credited to a
subscriber's account in the amount of his or her subscription. As
a convenience to the subscriber, and to avoid unnecessary expense
to the Fund, stock certificates representing shares of the Fund
are not issued except upon written request to the Fund by the
shareholder or his or her authorized selected dealer or agent.
This facilitates later redemption and relieves the shareholder of
the responsibility for and inconvenience of lost or stolen
29
<PAGE>
certificates. No certificates are issued for fractional shares,
although such shares remain in the shareholder's account on the
books of the Fund.
In addition to the discount or commission amount paid to
dealers or agents, the Principal Underwriter from time to time
pays additional cash or other incentives to dealers or agents,
including EQ Financial Consultants, Inc., formerly Equico
Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Principal Underwriter, in
connection with the sale of shares of the Fund. Such additional
amounts may be utilized, in whole or in part, to provide
additional compensation to registered representatives who sell
shares of the Fund. On some occasions, cash or other incentives
will be conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar
amount of the shares of the Fund and/or other Alliance Mutual
Funds, as defined below, during a specific period of time. On
some occasions, such cash or other incentives may take the form
of payment for attendance at seminars, meals, sporting events or
theater performances, or payment for travel, lodging and
entertainment incurred in connection with travel taken by persons
associated with a dealer or agent and their immediate family
members to urban or resort locations within or outside the United
States. Such dealer or agent may elect to receive cash
incentives of equivalent amount in lieu of such payments.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares each
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the
Fund, have the same rights and are identical in all respects,
except that (i) Class A shares bear the expense of the initial
sales charge (or contingent deferred sales charge, when
applicable) and Class B and Class C shares bear the expense of
the deferred sales charge, (ii) Class B shares and Class C shares
each bear the expense of a higher distribution services fee than
do Class A shares, and Advisor Class shares do not bear such a
fee, (iii) Class B and Class C shares bear higher transfer agency
costs than do Class A and Advisor Class shares, (iv) each of
Class A, Class B and Class C shares has exclusive voting rights
with respect to provisions of the Plan pursuant to which its
distribution services fee is paid and other matters for which
separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law,
provided that, if the Fund submits to a vote of the Class A
shareholders, an amendment to the Plan that would materially
increase the amount to be paid thereunder with respect to the
Class A shares, then such amendment will also be submitted to the
Class B and Advisor Class shareholders and the Class A, Class B
and the Advisor Class shareholders will vote separately by class,
and (v) Class B and Advisor Class shares are subject to a
conversion feature. Each class has different exchange privileges
and certain different shareholder service options available.
30
<PAGE>
The Trustees of the Fund have determined that currently
no conflict of interest exists between or among the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares. On an ongoing basis,
the Trustees of the Fund, pursuant to their fiduciary duties
under the 1940 Act and state law, will seek to ensure that no
such conflict arises.
Alternative Retail Purchase Arrangements -- Class A, Class B and
Class C Shares**
Class A, Class B and Class C shares have the following
alternative purchase arrangements: Class A shares are sold to
investors choosing the initial sales charge alternative, Class B
shares are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge
alternative, and Class C shares are sold to investors choosing
the asset-based sales charge alternative. These alternative
purchase arrangements permit an investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that is most beneficial given the amount of the
purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the
shares, and other circumstances. Investors should consider
whether, during the anticipated life of their investment in the
Fund, the accumulated distribution services fee and contingent
deferred sales charges on Class B shares prior to conversion, or
the accumulated distribution services fee and contingent deferred
sales charges on Class C shares, would be less than the initial
sales charge and accumulated distribution services fee on Class A
shares purchased at the same time, and to what extent such
differential would be offset by the higher return of Class A
shares. Class A shares will normally be more beneficial than
Class B shares to the investor who qualifies for reduced initial
sales charges on Class A shares, as described below. In this
regard, the Principal Underwriter will reject any order (except
orders from certain retirement plans) for more than $250,000 for
Class B shares. Class C shares will normally not be suitable for
the investor who qualifies to purchase Class A shares at net
asset value. For this reason, the Principal Underwriter will
reject any order for more than $1,000,000 for Class C shares.
Class A shares are subject to a lower distribution
services fee and, accordingly, pay correspondingly higher
dividends per share than Class B shares or Class C shares.
However, because initial sales charges are deducted at the time
of purchase, most investors purchasing Class A shares would not
have all their funds invested initially and, therefore, would
initially own fewer shares. Investors not qualifying for reduced
initial sales charges who expect to maintain their investment for
an extended period of time might consider purchasing Class A
____________________
** Advisor Class shares are sold only to investors described
above in this section under "-General."
31
<PAGE>
shares because the accumulated continuing distribution charges on
Class B shares or Class C shares may exceed the initial sales
charge on Class A shares during the life of the investment.
Again, however, such investors must weigh this consideration
against the fact that, because of such initial sales charges, not
all their funds will be invested initially.
Other investors might determine, however, that it would
be more advantageous to purchase Class B shares or Class C shares
in order to have all their funds invested initially, although
remaining subject to higher continuing distribution charges and
being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for a four-
year and one-year period, respectively. For example, based on
current fees and expenses, an investor subject to the 4.25%
initial sales charge on Class A shares would have to hold his or
her investment approximately seven years for the Class C
distribution services fee to exceed the initial sales charge plus
the accumulated distribution services fee of Class A shares. In
this example, an investor intending to maintain his or her
investment for a longer period might consider purchasing Class A
shares. This example does not take into account the time value
of money, which further reduces the impact of the Class C
distribution services fees on the investment, fluctuations in net
asset value or the effect of different performance assumptions.
Those investors who prefer to have all of their funds
invested initially but may not wish to retain Fund shares for the
four-year period during which Class B shares are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge may find it more advantageous to
purchase Class C shares.
During the Fund's fiscal years ended in 1997, 1996 and
1995, the aggregate amount of underwriting commission payable
with respect to shares of the Fund were, $161,918, $318,980 and
$357,075, respectively. Of that amount, the Principal
Underwriter received the amounts of $12,581, $11,734 and $16,704,
respectively, representing that portion of the sales charges paid
on shares of the Fund sold during the year which was not
reallowed to selected dealers (and was, accordingly, retained by
the Principal Underwriter). During the Fund's fiscal years ended
in 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Principal Underwriter received
contingent deferred sales charges of $139, $-0- and $-0-,
respectively, on Class A Shares, $157,738, $105,187 and $210,008,
respectively, on Class B shares, and $2,605, $-0- and $-0-,
respectively, on Class C shares.
Class A Shares
The public offering price of Class A shares is the net
asset value plus a sales charge, as set forth below.
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<PAGE>
Sales Charge
Discount Or
Commission
As % of To Dealers
As % of the Public or Agents
Amount of Net Amount Offering As % of
Purchase Invested Price Offering Price
_________ __________ __________ ______________
Less than
$100,000 4.44% 4.25% 4.00%
$100,000 but
less than
$250,000 3.36 3.25 3.00
$250,000 but
less than
$500,000 2.30 2.25 2.00
$500,000 but
less than
$1,000,000* 1.78 1.75 1.50
____________________
* There is no initial sales charge on transactions of $1,000,000
or more.
With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A
shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge equal to 1% of the lesser of the
cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at the
time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price.
In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions. In
determining the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to a
redemption of Class A shares, it will be assumed that the
redemption is, first, of any shares that are not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge (for example, because an initial
sales charge was paid with respect to the shares, or they have
been held beyond the period during which the charge applies or
were acquired upon the reinvestment of dividends or
distributions) and, second, of shares held longest during the
time they are subject to the sales charge. Proceeds from the
contingent deferred sales charge on Class A shares are paid to
the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sales of Class A shares, such as the payment
of compensation to selected dealers and agents for selling
Class A Shares. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more
made through selected dealers or agents, the Adviser may,
33
<PAGE>
pursuant to the Distribution Services Agreement described above,
pay such dealers or agents from its own resources a fee of up to
1% of the amount invested to compensate such dealers or agents
for their distribution assistance in connection with such
purchases.
No initial sales charge is imposed on Class A shares
issued (i) pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of income
dividends or capital gains distributions, or (ii) in exchange for
Class A shares of other "Alliance Mutual Funds" (as that term is
defined under "Combined Purchase Privilege" below), except that
an initial sales charge will be imposed on Class A shares issued
in exchange for Class A shares of AFD Exchange Reserves ("AFDER")
that were purchased for cash without the payment of an initial
sales charge and without being subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge or (iii) upon the automatic conversion of Class B
shares or Advisor Class shares as described below under "Class B
Shares--Conversion Feature" and "--Conversion of Advisor Class
Shares to Class A Shares." The Fund receives the entire net
asset value of its Class A shares sold to investors. The
Principal Underwriter's commission is the sales charge shown
above less any applicable discount or commission "reallowed" to
selected dealers and agents. The Principal Underwriter will
reallow discounts to selected dealers and agents in the amounts
indicated in the table above. In this regard, the Principal
Underwriter may elect to reallow the entire sales charge to
selected dealers and agents for all sales with respect to which
orders are placed with the Principal Underwriter. A selected
dealer who receives reallowance in excess of 90% of such a sales
charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities
Act.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing
the offering price of the Class A shares. The example assumes a
purchase of Class A shares of the Fund aggregating less than
$100,000 subject to the schedule of sales charges set forth above
at a price based upon the net asset value of Class A shares of
the Fund at June 30, 1997.
Net Asset Value per Class A Share at
June 30, 1997 $18.60
Class A Per Share Sales Charge
- 4.25% of offering price (4.44% of
net asset value per share) .83
Class A Per Share Offering Price to
the public $19.52
======
34
<PAGE>
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternative
may under certain circumstances be entitled to pay (i) no initial
sales charge (but may be subject in most such cases to a
contingent deferred sales charge) or (ii) a reduced initial sales
charge. The circumstances under which such investors may pay a
reduced initial sales charge are described below.
Combined Purchase Privilege. Certain persons may
qualify for the sales charge reductions indicated in the schedule
of such charges above by combining purchases of shares of the
Fund into a single "purchase," if the resulting "purchase" totals
at least $100,000. The term "purchase" refers to: (i) a single
purchase by an individual, or to concurrent purchases, which in
the aggregate are at least equal to the prescribed amounts, by an
individual, his or her spouse and their children under the age of
21 years purchasing shares of the Fund for his, her or their own
account(s); (ii) a single purchase by a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust, estate or single
fiduciary account although more than one beneficiary is involved;
or (iii) a single purchase for the employee benefit plans of a
single employer. The term "purchase" also includes purchases by
any "company," as the term is defined in the 1940 Act, but does
not include purchases by any such company which has not been in
existence for at least six months or which has no purpose other
than the purchase of shares of the Fund or shares of other
registered investment companies at a discount. The term
"purchase" does not include purchases by any group of individuals
whose sole organizational nexus is that the participants therein
are credit card holders of a company, policy holders of an
insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or
clients of an investment adviser. A "purchase" may also include
shares, purchased at the same time through a single selected
dealer or agent, of any other "Alliance Mutual Fund." Currently,
the Alliance Mutual Funds include:
AFD Exchange Reserves
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Fund, Inc.
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
-Corporate Bond Portfolio
-U.S. Government Portfolio
Alliance Developing Markets Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Greater China '97 Fund, Inc.
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc.
Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc.
35
<PAGE>
Alliance International Fund
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc.
Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
-California Portfolio
-Insured California Portfolio
-Insured National Portfolio
-National Portfolio
-New York Portfolio
Alliance Municipal Income Fund II
-Arizona Portfolio
-Florida Portfolio
-Massachusetts Portfolio
-Michigan Portfolio
-Minnesota Portfolio
-New Jersey Portfolio
-Ohio Portfolio
-Pennsylvania Portfolio
-Virginia Portfolio
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc.
Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc.
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc.
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc.
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Portfolios
-Alliance Growth Fund
-Alliance Conservative Investors Fund
-Alliance Growth Investors Fund
-Alliance Strategic Balanced Fund
-Alliance Short-Term U.S. Government Fund
Prospectuses for the Alliance Mutual Funds may be
obtained without charge by contacting Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number
shown on the front cover of this Statement of Additional
Information.
Cumulative Quantity Discount (Right Of Accumulation). An
investor's purchase of additional Class A shares of the Fund may
qualify for a Cumulative Quantity Discount. The applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of:
(i) the investor's current purchase;
36
<PAGE>
(ii) the net asset value (at the close of business on
the previous day) of (a) shares of the Fund held
by the investor and (b) all shares of any other
Alliance Mutual Fund held by the investor; and
(iii) the net asset value of all shares described in
paragraph (ii) owned by another shareholder
eligible to combine his or her purchase with that
of the investor into a single "purchase" (see
above).
For example, if an investor owned shares of an Alliance
Mutual Fund worth $200,000 at their then current net asset value
and, subsequently, purchased Class A shares of the Fund worth an
additional $100,000, the sales charge for the $100,000 purchase
would be at the 2.25% rate applicable to a single $300,000
purchase of shares of the Fund, rather than the 3.25% rate.
To qualify for the Combined Purchase Privilege or to
obtain the Cumulative Quantity Discount on a purchase through a
selected dealer or agent, the investor or selected dealer or
agent must provide the Principal Underwriter with sufficient
information to verify that each purchase qualifies for the
privilege or discount.
Statement Of Intention. Class A investors may also
obtain the reduced sales charges shown in the table above by
means of a written Statement of Intention, which expresses the
investor's intention to invest not less than $100,000 within a
period of 13 months in Class A shares (or Class A, Class B,
Class C and/or Advisor Class shares) of the Fund or any other
Alliance Mutual Fund. Each purchase of shares under a Statement
of Intention will be made at the public offering price or prices
applicable at the time of such purchase to a single transaction
of the dollar amount indicated in the Statement of Intention. At
the investor's option, a Statement of Intention may include
purchases of shares of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund
made not more than 90 days prior to the date that the investor
signs a Statement of Intention; however, the 13-month period
during which the Statement of Intention is in effect will begin
on the date of the earliest purchase to be included.
Investors qualifying for the Combined Purchase Privilege
described above may purchase shares of the Alliance Mutual Funds
under a single Statement of Intention. For example, if at the
time an investor signs a Statement of Intention to invest at
least $100,000 in Class A shares of the Fund, the investor and
the investor's spouse each purchase shares of the Fund worth
$20,000 (for a total of $40,000), it will only be necessary to
invest a total of $60,000 during the following 13 months in
shares of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund, to qualify
37
<PAGE>
for the 3.25% sales charge on the total amount being invested
(the sales charge applicable to an investment of $100,000).
The Statement of Intention is not a binding obligation
upon the investor to purchase the full amount indicated. The
minimum initial investment under a Statement of Intention is 5%
of such amount. Shares purchased with the first 5% of such
amount will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in the
name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales
charge applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full
amount indicated is not purchased, and such escrowed shares will
be involuntarily redeemed to pay the additional sales charge, if
necessary. Dividends on escrowed shares, whether paid in cash or
reinvested in additional Fund shares, are not subject to escrow.
When the full amount indicated has been purchased, the escrow
will be released. To the extent that an investor purchases more
than the dollar amount indicated on the Statement of Intention
and qualifies for a further reduced sales charge, the sales
charge will be adjusted for the entire amount purchased at the
end of the 13-month period. The difference in the sales charge
will be used to purchase additional shares of the Fund subject to
the rate of the sales charge applicable to the actual amount of
the aggregate purchases.
Investors wishing to enter into a Statement of Intention
in conjunction with their initial investment in Class A shares of
the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus while current
Class A shareholders desiring to do so can obtain a form of
Statement of Intention by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
at the address or telephone numbers shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information.
Certain Retirement Plans. Multiple participant payroll
deduction retirement plans may also purchase shares of the Fund
or any other Alliance Mutual Fund at a reduced sales charge on a
monthly basis during the 13-month period following such a plan's
initial purchase. The sales charge applicable to such initial
purchase of shares of the Fund will be that normally applicable,
under the schedule of sales charges set forth in this Statement
of Additional Information, to an investment 13 times larger than
such initial purchase. The sales charge applicable to each
succeeding monthly purchase will be that normally applicable,
under such schedule, to an investment equal to the sum of (i) the
total purchase previously made during the 13-month period and
(ii) the current month's purchase multiplied by the number of
months (including the current month) remaining in the 13-month
period. Sales charges previously paid during such period will
not be retroactively adjusted on the basis of later purchases.
38
<PAGE>
Reinstatement Privilege. A shareholder who has caused
any or all of his or her Class A or Class B shares of the Fund to
be redeemed or repurchased may reinvest all or any portion of the
redemption or repurchase proceeds in Class A shares of the Fund
at net asset value without any sales charge, provided that
(i) such reinvestment is made within 120 calendar days after the
redemption or repurchase date and (ii) for Class B shares, a
contingent deferred sales charge has been paid and the Principal
Underwriter has approved, at its discretion, the reinstatement of
such shares. Shares are sold to a reinvesting shareholder at the
net asset value next determined as described above. A
reinstatement pursuant to this privilege will not cancel the
redemption or repurchase transaction; therefore, any gain or loss
so realized will be recognized for federal income tax purposes
except that no loss will be recognized to the extent that the
proceeds are reinvested in shares of the Fund within 30 calendar
days after the redemption or repurchase transaction. Investors
may exercise the reinstatement privilege by written request sent
to the Fund at the address shown on the cover of this Statement
of Additional Information.
Sales at Net Asset Value. The Fund may sell its Class A
shares at net asset value (i.e., without an initial sales charge)
and without a contingent deferred sales charge to certain
categories of investors including:
(i) investment management clients of the Adviser or
its affiliates;
(ii) officers and present or former Trustees of the
Fund; present or former directors and trustees of
other investment companies managed by the
Adviser; present or retired full-time employees
of the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter,
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their
affiliates; officers and directors of ACMC, the
Principal Underwriter and their affiliates;
officers, directors and present full-time
employees of selected dealers or agents; or the
spouse, sibling, direct ancestor or direct
descendent (collectively, "relatives") of any
such person; or any trust, individual retirement
account or retirement plan account for the
benefit of any such person or relative; or the
estate of any such person or relative, if such
sales are made for investment purposes (such
shares may not be resold except to the Fund);
(iii) the Adviser, Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. and their affiliates; certain
employee benefit plans for employees of the
39
<PAGE>
Adviser, the Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. and their affiliates;
(iv) registered investment advisers or other financial
intermediaries who charge a management,
consulting or other fee for their services and
who purchase shares through a broker or agent
approved by the Principal Underwriter and clients
of such registered investment advisers or
financial intermediaries whose accounts are
linked to the master account of such investment
adviser or financial intermediary on the books of
such approved broker or agent;
(v) persons who were shareholders of the Fund before
the commencement of sales of shares of the Fund
subject to a sales charge;
(vi) persons participating in a fee based program,
sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-
dealer or other financial intermediary and
approved by the Principal Underwriter, pursuant
to which persons pay an asset-based fee to such
broker-dealer or other financial intermediary,
its affiliate or agent, for services in the
nature of investment advisory or administrative
services;
(vii) persons who establish to the Principal
Underwriter's satisfaction that they are
investing, within such time period as may be
designated by the Principal Underwriter, proceeds
of redemption of shares of such other registered
investment companies as may be designated from
time to time by the Principal Underwriter; and
(viii) employer-sponsored qualified pensions or profit-
sharing plans (including Section 401(k) plans),
custodial account maintained pursuant to Section
403(b)(7) retirement plans and individual
retirement accounts (including individual
retirement accounts to which simplified employee
pension ("SEP") contributions are made), if such
plans or accounts are established or administered
under programs sponsored by administrators or
other persons that have been approved by the
Principal Underwriter.
40
<PAGE>
Class B Shares
Investors may purchase Class B shares at the public
offering price equal to the net asset value per share of the
Class B shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of
a sales charge at the time of purchase. The Class B shares are
sold without an initial sales charge so that the Fund will
receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are
paid to the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Class B shares, such as the
payment of compensation to selected dealers and agents for
selling Class B shares. The combination of the contingent
deferred sales charge and the distribution services fee enables
the Fund to sell the Class B shares without a sales charge being
deducted at the time of purchase. The higher distribution
services fee incurred by Class B shares will cause such shares to
have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than those
related to Class A shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B shares that
are redeemed within four years of purchase will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge at the rates set forth below
charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The
charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the
cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at the
time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price.
In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
To illustrate, assume that on or after November 19, 1993
an investor purchased 100 Class B shares at $10 per share (at a
cost of $1,000) and in the second year after purchase, the net
asset value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor
has acquired 10 additional Class B shares upon dividend
reinvestment. If at such time the investor makes his or her
first redemption of 50 Class B shares (proceeds of $600), 10
Class B shares will not be subject to charge because of dividend
reinvestment. With respect to the remaining 40 Class B shares,
the charge is applied only to the original cost of $10 per share
and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share.
Therefore, $400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be charged
at a rate of 3.0% (the applicable rate in the second year after
purchase as set forth below).
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if
any, will vary depending on the number of years from the time of
41
<PAGE>
payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge as a %
of Dollar Amount Subject to Charge
Shares Purchased Shares Purchased
Before on or After
Year Since Purchase November 19, 1993 November 19, 1993
First 5.5% 4.0%
Second 4.5% 3.0%
Third 3.5% 2.0%
Fourth 2.5% 1.0%
Fifth 1.5% None
Sixth 0.5% None
Seventh and thereafter None None
In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class B shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that were acquired
upon the reinvestment of dividends or distributions) and, second,
of shares held longest during the time they are subject to the
sales charge. When shares acquired in an exchange are redeemed,
the applicable contingent deferred sales charge and conversion
schedules will be the schedules that applied at the time of the
purchase of shares of the corresponding class of the Alliance
Mutual Fund originally purchased by the shareholder.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on
redemptions of shares (i) following the death or disability, as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), of a shareholder, (ii) to the extent that the redemption
represents a minimum required distribution from an individual
retirement account or other retirement plan to a shareholder who
has attained the age of 70-1/2, (iii) that had been purchased by
present or former Trustees of the Fund, by the relative of any
such person, by any trust, individual retirement account or
retirement plan account for the benefit of any such person or
relative, or by the estate of any such person or relative, or
(iv) pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see "Shareholder
Services--Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below).
Conversion Feature. Eight years after the end of the
calendar month in which the shareholder's purchase order was
accepted, Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A
shares and will no longer be subject to a higher distribution
services fee. Such conversion will occur on the basis of the
relative net asset values of the two classes, without the
imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The purpose
of the conversion feature is to reduce the distribution services
42
<PAGE>
fee paid by holders of Class B shares that have been outstanding
long enough for the Principal Underwriter to have been
compensated for distribution expenses incurred in the sale of
such shares.
For purposes of conversion to Class A, Class B shares
purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions
paid in respect of Class B shares in a shareholder's account will
be considered to be held in a separate sub-account. Each time
any Class B shares in the shareholder's account (other than those
in the sub-account) convert to Class A, an equal pro-rata portion
of the Class B shares in the sub-account will also convert to
Class A.
The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is
subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel
to the effect that the conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income
tax law. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares may
be suspended if such an opinion is no longer available at the
time such conversion is to occur. In that event, no further
conversions of Class B shares would occur, and shares might
continue to be subject to the higher distribution services fee
for an indefinite period which may extend beyond the period
ending eight years after the end of the calendar month in which
the shareholder's purchase order was accepted.
Class C Shares
Investors may purchase Class C shares at the public
offering price equal to the net asset value per share of the
Class C shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of
a sales charge either at the time of purchase or, as long as the
shares are held for one year or more, upon redemption. Class C
shares are sold without an initial sales charge so that the Fund
will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment
and, as long as the shares are held for one year or more, without
a contingent deferred sales charge so that the investor will
receive as proceeds upon redemption the entire net asset value of
his or her Class C shares. The Class C distribution services fee
enables the Fund to sell Class C shares without either an initial
or contingent deferred sales charge, as long as the shares are
held for one year or more. Class C shares do not convert to any
other class of shares of the Fund and incur higher distribution
services fees than Class A shares, and will thus have a higher
expense ratio and pay correspondingly lower dividends than
Class A shares.
Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of
purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1%, charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto.
43
<PAGE>
The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of
the cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at
the time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be
imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price. In addition, no charge will be assessed on
shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions. The contingent deferred sales charge on Class C
shares will be waived on certain redemptions, as described above
under "--Class B Shares." In determining the contingent deferred
sales charge applicable to a redemption of Class C shares, it
will be assumed that the redemption is, first, of any shares that
are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (for
example, because the shares have been held beyond the period
during which the charge applies or were acquired upon the
reinvestment of dividends or distributions) and, second, of
shares held longest during the time they are subject to the sales
charge.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are
paid to the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
related to providing distribution- related services to the Fund
in connection with the sale of the Class C shares, such as the
payment of compensation to selected dealers and agents for
selling Class C shares. The combination of the contingent
deferred sales charge and the distribution services fee enables
the Fund to sell the Class C shares without a sales charge being
deducted at the time of purchase. The higher distribution
services fee incurred by Class C shares will cause such shares to
have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than those
related to Class A shares.
Conversion of Advisor Class Shares to Class A Shares
Advisor Class shares may be held solely through the fee-
based program accounts and employee benefit plans and registered
investment advisory or other financial intermediary relationships
described above under "Purchase of Shares--General," and by
investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons
associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. If
(i) a holder of Advisor Class shares ceases to participate in a
fee-based program or plan that satisfies the requirements to
purchase shares set forth under "Purchase of Shares--General" or
(ii) the holder is otherwise no longer eligible to purchase
Advisor Class shares as described in the Advisor Class Prospectus
and this Statement of Additional Information (each, a "Conversion
Event"), then all Advisor Class shares held by the shareholder
will convert automatically and without notice to the shareholder,
other than the notice contained in the Advisor Class Prospectus
and this Statement of Additional Information, to Class A shares
of the Fund during the calendar month following the month in
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which the Fund is informed of the occurrence of the Conversion
Event. The failure of a shareholder or a fee-based program to
satisfy the minimum investment requirements to purchase Advisor
Class shares shall not constitute a Conversion Event. The
conversion would occur on the basis of the relative net asset
values of the two classes and without the imposition of any sales
load, fee or other charge. Class A shares currently bear a .30%
distribution services fee and have a higher expense ratio than
Advisor Class shares. As a result, Class A shares may pay
correspondingly lower dividends and have a lower net asset value
than Advisor Class shares.
The conversion of Advisor Class shares to Class A shares
is subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of
counsel to the effect that the conversion of Advisor Class shares
to Class A shares does not constitute a taxable event under
federal income tax law. The conversion of Advisor Class shares
to Class A shares may be suspended if such an opinion is no
longer available at the time such conversion is to occur. In
that event, the Advisor Class shareholder would be required to
redeem his Advisor Class shares, which would constitute a taxable
event under federal income tax law.
_______________________________________________________________
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES
_______________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How to Sell Shares." If you are an Advisor Class
shareholder through an account established under a fee-based
program your fee-based program may impose requirements with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares
of the Fund that are different from those described herein. A
transaction fee may be charged by your financial representative
with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class
shares made through such financial representative.
Redemption
Subject only to the limitations described below, the
Fund's Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires that the Fund
redeem the shares tendered to it, as described below, at a
redemption price equal to their net asset value as next computed
following the receipt of shares tendered for redemption in proper
form. Except for any contingent deferred sales charge which may
be applicable to Class A, Class B or Class C shares, there is no
redemption charge. Payment of the redemption price will be made
within seven days after the Fund's receipt of such tender for
redemption. If a shareholder is in doubt about what documents
45
<PAGE>
are required by his or her fee-based program or employee benefit
plan, the shareholder should contact his or her financial
representative.
The right of redemption may not be suspended or the date
of payment upon redemption postponed for more than seven days
after shares are tendered for redemption, except for any period
during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend
and holiday closings) or during which the Commission determines
that trading thereon is restricted, or for any period during
which an emergency (as determined by the Commission) exists as a
result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is
not reasonably practicable or as a result of which it is not
reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value
of its net assets, or for such other periods as the Commission
may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the
Fund.
Payment of the redemption price will be made in cash.
The value of a shareholder's shares on redemption or repurchase
may be more or less than the cost of such shares to the
shareholder, depending upon the market value of the Fund's
portfolio securities at the time of such redemption or
repurchase. Redemption proceeds on Class A, Class B and Class C
shares will reflect the deduction of the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any. Payment received by a shareholder upon
redemption or repurchase of his shares, assuming the shares
constitute capital assets in his, will result in long-term or
short-term capital gains (or loss) depending upon the
shareholder's holding period and basis in respect of the shares
redeemed.
To redeem shares of the Fund for which no share
certificates have been issued, the registered owner or owners
should forward a letter to the Fund containing a request for
redemption. The signature or signatures on the letter must be
guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as defined in
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
To redeem shares of the Fund represented by stock
certificates, the investor should forward the appropriate stock
certificate or certificates, endorsed in blank or with blank
stock powers attached, to the Fund with the request that the
shares represented thereby, or a specified portion thereof, be
redeemed. The stock assignment form on the reverse side of each
stock certificate surrendered to the Fund for redemption must be
signed by the registered owner or owners exactly as the
registered name appears on the face of the certificate or,
alternatively, a stock power signed in the same manner may be
attached to the stock certificate or certificates or, where
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<PAGE>
tender is made by mail, separately mailed to the Fund. The
signature or signatures on the assignment form must be guaranteed
in the manner described above.
Telephone Redemption By Electronic Funds Transfer. Each
Fund shareholder is entitled to request redemption by electronic
fund transfer once in any 30 day period (except for certain
omnibus accounts) of shares for which no stock certificates have
been issued by telephone at (800) 221-5672 by a shareholder who
has completed the appropriate portion of the Subscription
Application or, in the case of an existing shareholder, an
"Autosell" application obtained from Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
A telephone redemption request may not exceed $100,000 (except
for certain omnibus accounts), and must be made by 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time on a Fund business day as defined above. Proceeds
of telephone redemptions will be sent by electronic funds
transfer to a shareholder's designated bank account at a bank
selected by the shareholder that is a member of the NACHA.
Telephone Redemption By Check. Except for certain
omnibus accounts or as noted below, each Fund shareholder is
eligible to request redemption by check, once in any 30-day
period, of Fund shares for which no stock certificates have been
issued by telephone at (800) 221-5672 before 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time on a Fund business day in an amount not exceeding $50,000.
Proceeds of such redemptions are remitted by check to the
shareholder's address of record. Telephone redemption by check
is not available with respect to shares (i) for which
certificates have been issued, (ii) held in nominee or "street
name" accounts, (iii) held by a shareholder who has changed his
or her address of record within the preceding 30 calendar days or
(iv) held in any retirement plan account. A shareholder
otherwise eligible for telephone redemption by check may cancel
the privilege by written instruction to Alliance Fund Services,
Inc., or by checking the appropriate box on the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus.
Telephone Redemptions - General. During periods of
drastic economic or market developments, such as the market break
of October 1987, it is possible that shareholders would have
difficulty in reaching Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by telephone
(although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in
connection with the 1987 market break). If a shareholder were to
experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written
instructions to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address shown
on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information. The
Fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate its telephone
redemption service at any time without notice. Neither the Fund
nor the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter or Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. will be responsible for the authenticity of
telephone requests for redemptions that the Fund reasonably
47
<PAGE>
believes to be genuine. The Fund will employ reasonable
procedures in order to verify that telephone requests for
redemptions are genuine, including, among others, recording such
telephone instructions and causing written confirmations of the
resulting transactions to be sent to shareholders. If the Fund
did not employ such procedures, it could be liable for losses
arising from unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Selected dealers or agents may charge a commission for handling
telephone requests for redemptions.
Repurchase
The Fund may repurchase shares through the Principal
Underwriter, selected financial intermediaries or selected
dealers or agents. The repurchase price will be the net asset
value next determined after the Principal Underwriter receives
the request (less the contingent deferred sales charge, if any,
with respect to the Class A, Class B and Class C shares), except
that requests placed through selected dealers or agents before
the close of regular trading on the Exchange on any day will be
executed at the net asset value determined as of such close of
regular trading on that day if received by the Principal
Underwriter prior to its close of business on that day (normally
5:00 p.m. Eastern time). The financial intermediary or selected
dealer or agent is responsible for transmitting the request to
the Principal Underwriter by 5:00 p.m. If the financial
intermediary or selected dealer or agent fails to do so, the
shareholder's right to receive that day's closing price must be
settled between the shareholder and the dealer or agent. A
shareholder may offer shares of the Fund to the Principal
Underwriter either directly or through a selected dealer or
agent. Neither the Fund nor the Principal Underwriter charges a
fee or commission in connection with the repurchase of shares
(except for the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, with
respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). Normally, if
shares of the Fund are offered through a financial intermediary
or selected dealer or agent, the repurchase is settled by the
shareholder as an ordinary transaction with or through the
selected dealer or agent, who may charge the shareholder for this
service. The repurchase of shares of the Fund as described above
is a voluntary service of the Fund and the Fund may suspend or
terminate this practice at any time.
General
The Fund reserves the right to close out an account that
through redemption has remained below $200 for 90 days.
Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to increase the
account value before the account is closed. No contingent
deferred sales charge will be deducted from the proceeds of this
redemption. In the case of a redemption or repurchase of shares
48
<PAGE>
of the Fund recently purchased by check, redemption proceeds will
not be made available until the Fund is reasonably assured that
the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following
the purchase date.
_______________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
_______________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--Shareholder Services." The shareholder services set
forth below are applicable to Class A, Class B, Class C and
Advisor Class shares unless otherwise indicated. If you are an
Advisor Class shareholder through an account established under a
fee-based program your fee-based program may impose requirements
with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class
shares of the Fund that are different from those described
herein. A transaction fee may be charged by your financial
representative with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of
Advisor Class shares made through such financial representative.
Automatic Investment Program
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund through an
automatic investment program utilizing electronic funds transfer
drawn on the investor's own bank account. Under such a program,
pre-authorized monthly drafts for a fixed amount (at least $25)
are used to purchase shares through the selected dealer or
selected agent designated by the investor at the public offering
price next determined after the Principal Underwriter receives
the proceeds from the investor's bank. In electronic form,
drafts can be made on or about a date each month selected by the
shareholder. Investors wishing to establish an automatic
investment program in connection with their initial investment
should complete the appropriate portion of the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus. Current shareholders should
contact Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or telephone
numbers shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional
Information to establish an automatic investment program.
Exchange Privilege
You may exchange your investment in the Fund for shares
of the same class of other Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD
Exchange Reserves, a money market fund managed by Alliance). In
addition, (i) present officers and full-time employees of the
Adviser, (ii) present Directors or Trustees of any Alliance
Mutual Fund and (iii) certain employee benefit plans for
employees of the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter, Alliance
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<PAGE>
Fund Services, Inc. and their affiliates may, on a tax-free
basis, exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Advisor Class
shares of the Fund. Exchanges of shares are made at the net
asset value next determined and without sales or service charges.
Exchanges may be made by telephone or written request. Telephone
exchange requests must be received by Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to
receive that day's net asset value.
Shares will continue to age without regard to exchanges
for purpose of determining the CDSC, if any, upon redemption and,
in the case of Class B shares, for the purpose of conversion to
Class A shares. After an exchange, your Class B shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares in accordance with the
conversion schedule applicable to the Class B shares of the
Alliance Mutual Fund you originally purchased for cash ("original
shares"). When redemption occurs, the CDSC applicable to the
original shares is applied.
Please read carefully the prospectus of the mutual fund
into which you are exchanging before submitting the request. Call
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at (800)-221-5672 to exchange
uncertificated shares. Except with respect to exchange of
Class A shares of the Fund for Advisor Class shares of the Fund,
exchanges of shares as described above in this section are
taxable transactions for Federal tax purposes. The exchange
service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on 60 days
written notice.
All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirements and any other applicable terms set forth in the
Prospectus for the Alliance Mutual Fund whose shares are being
acquired. An exchange is effected through the redemption of the
shares tendered for exchange and the purchase of shares being
acquired at their respective net asset values as next determined
following receipt by the Alliance Mutual Fund whose shares are
being exchanged of (i) proper instructions and all necessary
supporting documents as described in such fund's Prospectus, or
(ii) a telephone request for such exchange in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the following paragraph. Exchanges
involving the redemption of shares recently purchased by check
will be permitted only after the Alliance Mutual Fund whose
shares have been tendered for exchange is reasonably assured that
the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following
the purchase date. Exchanges of shares of Alliance Mutual Funds
will generally result in the realization of a capital gain or
loss for Federal income tax purposes.
Each Fund shareholder, and the shareholder's selected
dealer, agent, or financial representative, as applicable, are
authorized to make telephone requests for exchanges unless
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<PAGE>
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., receives written instruction to the
contrary from the shareholder, or the shareholder declines the
privilege by checking the appropriate box on the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus. Such telephone requests
cannot be accepted with respect to shares then represented by
stock certificates. Shares acquired pursuant to a telephone
request for exchange will be held under the same account
registration as the shares redeemed through such exchange.
Eligible shareholders desiring to make an exchange
should telephone Alliance Fund Services, Inc. with their account
number and other details of the exchange, at (800) 221-5672
before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on a Fund business day as defined
above. Telephone requests for exchange received before 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time on a Fund business day will be processed as of the
close of business on that day. During periods of drastic
economic or market developments, such as the market break of
October 1987, it is possible that shareholders would have
difficulty in reaching Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by telephone
(although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in
connection with the 1987 market break). If a shareholder were to
experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written
instructions to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address shown
on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information.
A shareholder may elect to initiate a monthly "Auto
Exchange" whereby a specified dollar amount's worth of the
shareholder's Fund shares (minimum $25) is automatically
exchanged for shares of another Alliance Mutual Fund. Auto
Exchange transactions normally occur on the 12th day of each
month, or the following Fund business day prior thereto.
None of the Alliance Mutual Funds, the Adviser, the
Principal Underwriter or Alliance Fund Services, Inc. will be
responsible for the authenticity of telephone requests for
exchanges that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine. The
Fund will employ reasonable procedures in order to verify that
telephone requests for exchanges are genuine, including, among
others, recording such telephone instructions and causing written
confirmations of the resulting transactions to be sent to
shareholders. If the Fund did not employ such procedures, it
could be liable for losses arising from unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone instructions. Selected dealers, agents or
financial representative, as applicable, may charge a commission
for handling telephone requests for exchanges.
The exchange privilege is available only in states where
shares of the Alliance Mutual Fund being acquired may be legally
sold. Each Alliance Mutual Fund reserves the right, at any time
on 60 days' notice to its shareholders, to reject any order to
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<PAGE>
acquire its shares through exchange or otherwise to modify,
restrict or terminate the exchange privilege.
Retirement Plans
The Fund may be a suitable investment vehicle for part
or all of the assets held in various types of retirement plans,
such as those listed below. The Fund has available forms of such
plans pursuant to which investments can be made in the Fund and
other Alliance Mutual Funds. Persons desiring information
concerning these plans should contact Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. at the "For Literature" telephone number on the cover of
this Statement of Additional Information, or write to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
Retirement Plans
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Individual Retirement Account ("IRA"). Individuals who
receive compensation, including earnings from self-employment,
are entitled to establish and make contributions to an IRA.
Taxation of the income and gains paid to an IRA by the Fund is
deferred until distribution from the IRA. An individual's
eligible contribution to an IRA will be deductible if neither the
individual nor his or her spouse is an active participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan. If the individual or his or
her spouse is an active participant in an employer-sponsored
retirement plan, the individual's contributions to an IRA may be
deductible, in whole or in part, depending on the amount of the
adjusted gross income of the individual and his or her spouse.
Employer-Sponsored Qualified Retirement Plans. Sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations may sponsor qualified
money purchase pension and profit-sharing plans, including
Section 401(k) plans ("qualified plans"), under which annual tax-
deductible contributions are made within prescribed limits based
on compensation paid to participating individuals. The minimum
initial investment requirement may be waived with respect to
certain of these qualified plans.
If the aggregate net asset value of shares of the
Alliance Mutual Funds held by a qualified plan reaches $1 million
on or before December 15 in any year, all Class B shares and
Class C shares of the Fund held by the plan can be exchanged, at
the plan's request, without any sales charge, for Class A shares
of the Fund.
Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP"). Sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations may sponsor a SEP
under which they make annual tax-deductible contributions to an
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<PAGE>
IRA established by each eligible employee within prescribed
limits based on employee compensation.
403(B)(7) Retirement Plan. Certain tax-exempt
organizations and public educational institutions may sponsor
retirements plans under which an employee may agree that monies
deducted from his or her compensation (minimum $25 per pay
period) may be contributed by the employer to a custodial account
established for the employee under the plan.
The Alliance Plans Division of Frontier Trust Company, a
subsidiary of Equitable, which serves as custodian or trustee
under the retirement plan prototype forms available from the
Fund, charges certain nominal fees for establishing an account
and for annual maintenance. A portion of these fees is remitted
to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. as compensation for its services
to the retirement plan accounts maintained with the Fund.
Distributions from retirement plans are subject to
certain Code requirements in addition to normal redemption
procedures. For additional information please contact Alliance
Fund Services, Inc.
Dividend Direction Plan
A shareholder who already maintains, in addition to the
shareholder's Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class Fund
accounts, a Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class account
with one or more other Alliance Mutual Funds may direct that
income dividends and/or capital gains paid on the shareholder's
Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class Fund shares be
automatically reinvested, in any amount, without the payment of
any sales or service charges, in shares of the same class of such
other Alliance Mutual Fund(s). Further information can be
obtained by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the
address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the
cover of this Statement of Additional Information. Investors
wishing to establish a dividend direction plan in connection with
their initial investment should complete the appropriate section
of the Subscription Application found in the Prospectus. Current
shareholders should contact Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to
establish a dividend direction plan.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
General. Any shareholder who owns or purchases shares
of the Fund having a current net asset value of at least $4,000
(for quarterly or less frequent payments), $5,000 (for bi-monthly
payments) or $10,000 (for monthly payments) may establish a
systematic withdrawal plan under which the shareholder will
periodically receive a payment in a stated amount of not less
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than $50 on a selected date. Systematic withdrawal plan
participants must elect to have their dividends and distributions
from the Fund automatically reinvested in additional shares of
the Fund.
Shares of the Fund owned by a participant in the Fund's
systematic withdrawal plan will be redeemed as necessary to meet
withdrawal payments and such payments will be subject to any
taxes applicable to redemptions and, except as discussed below,
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Shares acquired
with reinvested dividends and distributions will be liquidated
first to provide such withdrawal payments and thereafter other
shares will be liquidated to the extent necessary, and depending
upon the amount withdrawn, the investor's principal may be
depleted. A systematic withdrawal plan may be terminated at any
time by the shareholder or the Fund.
Withdrawal payments will not automatically end when a
shareholder's account reaches a certain minimum level. Therefore,
redemptions of shares under the plan may reduce or even liquidate
a shareholder's account and may subject the shareholder to the
Fund's involuntary redemption provisions. See "Redemption and
Repurchase of Shares--General." Purchases of additional shares
concurrently with withdrawals are undesirable because of sales
charges when purchases are made. While an occasional lump-sum
investment may be made by a holder of Class A shares who is
maintaining a systematic withdrawal plan, such investment should
normally be an amount equivalent to three times the annual
withdrawal or $5,000, whichever is less.
Payments under a systematic withdrawal plan may be made
by check or electronically via the Automated Clearing House
("ACH") network. Investors wishing to establish a systematic
withdrawal plan in conjunction with their initial investment in
shares of the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus, while current
Fund shareholders desiring to do so can obtain an application
form by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or
the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information.
CDSC Waiver for Class B Shares and Class C shares. Under
a systematic withdrawal plan, up to 1% monthly, 2% bi-monthly or
3% quarterly of the value at the time of redemption of the
Class B or Class C shares in a shareholder's account may be
redeemed free of any contingent deferred sales charge.
With respect to Class B shares, the waiver applies only
with respect to shares acquired after July 1, 1995. Class B
shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
(such as shares acquired with reinvested dividends or
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<PAGE>
distributions) will be redeemed first and will count toward the
foregoing limitations. Remaining Class B shares that are held
the longest will be redeemed next. Redemptions of Class B shares
in excess of the foregoing limitations and redemptions of Class B
shares will be subject to any otherwise applicable contingent
deferred sales charge.
With respect to Class C shares, shares held the longest
will be redeemed first and will count toward the foregoing
limitations. Redemptions in excess of those limitations will be
subject to any otherwise applicable contingent deferred sales
charge.
Statements And Reports
Each shareholder of the Fund receives semi-annual and
annual reports which include a portfolio of investments,
financial statements and, in the case of the annual report, the
report of the Fund's independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, as
well as a confirmation of each purchase and redemption. By
contacting his or her broker or Alliance Fund Services, Inc., a
shareholder can arrange for copies of his or her account
statements to be sent to another person.
_______________________________________________________________
NET ASSET VALUE
_______________________________________________________________
The net asset value per share is computed in accordance
with the Fund's Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws as
of the next close of regular trading on the Exchange (currently
4:00 p.m. Eastern time) following receipt of a purchase or
redemption order (and on such other days as the Trustees of the
Fund deem necessary in order to comply with Rule 22c-1 under the
Act), by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets less its
liabilities, by the total number of the Fund's shares then
outstanding. For this purpose, a Fund business day is any day on
which the Exchange is open for trading.
Securities listed or traded on the Exchange or other
United States or foreign securities exchanges are valued at the
last quoted sales prices on such exchanges prior to the time when
assets are valued. Securities listed or traded on certain
foreign exchanges whose operations are similar to the United
States over-the-counter market are valued at the price within the
limits of the latest available current bid and asked prices
deemed best to reflect a fair value. A security which is listed
or traded on more than one exchange is valued at the quotations
on the exchange determined to be the primary market for such
security by the Trustees or their delegates. Listed securities
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that are not traded on a particular day, and securities regularly
traded in the over-the-counter market, are valued at the price
within the limits of the latest available current bid and asked
prices deemed best to reflect a fair value. In instances where
the price of a security determined above is deemed not to be
representative, the security is valued in such a manner as
prescribed by the Trustees to reflect its fair value. All other
assets and securities are valued in a manner determined in good
faith by the Trustees to reflect their fair value. For purposes
of determining the Fund's net asset value per share, all assets
and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies will be
converted into United States dollars at the mean of the bid and
asked prices of such currencies against the United States dollar
last quoted by any major bank. If such quotations are not
available as of the close of the Exchange, the rate of exchange
will be determined in accordance with policies established in
good faith by the Trustees. On an ongoing basis, the Trustees
monitor the Fund's method of valuation.
Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern
securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets is normally
completed well before the close of business of each business day
in New York (i.e., a day on which the Exchange is open). In
addition, European or Far Eastern securities trading generally or
in a particular country or countries may not take place on all
business days in New York. Furthermore, trading takes place in
Japanese markets on certain Saturdays and in various foreign
markets on days which are not business days in New York and on
which the Fund's net asset value is not calculated. The Fund
calculates net asset value per share, and therefore effects
purchases and redemptions of its shares, as of the next close of
regular trading on the Exchange following receipt of a purchase
or redemption order (and on such other days as the Trustees of
the Fund deem necessary in order to comply with Rule 22c-1 under
the Act). Such calculation does not take place contemporaneously
with the determination of the prices of the majority of the
portfolio securities used in such calculation. Events affecting
the values of portfolio securities that occur between the time
their prices are determined and the close of the Exchange will
not be reflected in the Fund's calculation of net asset value
unless the Fund's Trustees deem that the particular event would
materially affect net asset value, in which case an adjustment
will be made.
The Trustees may suspend the determination of the Fund's
net asset value (and the offering and sales of shares), subject
to the rules of the Commission and other governmental rules and
regulations, at a time when: (1) the Exchange is closed, other
than customary weekend and holiday closing, (2) an emergency
exists as a result of which it is not reasonably practical for
the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or to determine
56
<PAGE>
fairly the value of its net assets, or (3) for the protection of
shareholders, the Commission by order permits a suspension of the
right of redemption or a postponement of the date of payment on
redemption.
_______________________________________________________________
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
_______________________________________________________________
Foreign Income Taxes. Investment income received by the
Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to
foreign income taxes withheld at the source. The United States
has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which
entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of such taxes or exemption
from taxes on such income. It is impossible to determine the
effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the
Fund's assets to be invested within various countries is not
known.
U.S. Federal Income Taxes. The Fund intends for each
taxable year to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under
the Code. To the extent that the Fund distributes all of its
taxable income and net capital gain to its shareholders,
qualification relieves the Fund of federal income and excise
taxes. Investors should consult their own counsel for a complete
understanding of the requirements the Fund must meet to qualify
for such treatment. The following discussion relates solely to
U.S. federal income taxes on dividends and distributions by the
Fund and assumes that the Fund qualifies as a regulated
investment company. Investors should consult their own counsel
for further details, including their entitlement to foreign tax
credits that might be "passed through" to them under the rules
described below, and the application of state and local tax laws
to his or her particular situation.
Income dividends and distributions of any realized
short-term capital gains are included in the income of U.S.
shareholders as ordinary income. Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief
Act of 1997, two different tax rates apply to net capital
gains--that is, the excess of net gains from capital assets held
for more than one year over net losses from capital assets held
for not more than one year. One rate (generally 28%) applies to
net gains on capital assets held for more than one year but not
more than 18 months ("mid-term gains"), and a second rate
(generally 20%) applies to the balance of such net capital gains
("adjusted net capital gains"). Except as noted below,
distributions of net capital gains will be treated in the hands
of shareholders as mid-term gains to the extent designated by the
Fund as deriving from net gains from assets held for more than
one year but not more than 18 months, and the balance will be
57
<PAGE>
treated as adjusted net capital gains. Gains derived from assets
sold before May 7, 1997 and held for more than 18 months will be
treated as mid-term gains. Gains derived from assets sold after
May 6, 1997 and before July 29, 1997 and held for more than one
year will be treated as adjusted net capital gains.
Distributions of mid-term gains and adjusted net capital gains
will be taxable to shareholders as such, regardless of how long a
shareholder has held shares in the Fund. The investment
objective of the Fund is such that only a small portion, if any,
of the Fund's distributions is expected to qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
Under current Federal tax law, the amount of an income
dividend or capital gains distribution declared by the Fund
during October, November or December of a year to shareholders of
record as of a specified date during such a month that is paid
during January of the following year is includable in the prior
year's taxable income of shareholders that are calendar year
taxpayers.
There is no fixed dividend rate and there can be no
assurance that the Fund will pay any dividends or realize any
gains. It is the intention to distribute to its shareholders
each fiscal year substantially all of such year's net income and
net realized capital gains, if any. The amount and time of any
such distribution must necessarily depend upon the realization by
the Fund of income and capital gains from investments.
Shareholders will be advised annually as to the tax status of
dividends and capital gains distributions.
Currency Fluctuations - "Section 988" Gains or Losses.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues
interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the
Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities
are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly,
gains or losses from the disposition of foreign currencies, from
the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign
currency, from the disposition of over-the-counter options with
respect to foreign currency, or from the disposition of a forward
contract denominated in a foreign currency (and from regulated
futures contracts and certain non-equity options if the Fund so
elects) which are attributable to fluctuations in the value of
the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the asset
and the date of disposition also are treated as ordinary gain or
loss. These gains or losses, referred to under the Code as
"section 988" gains or losses, increase or decrease the amount of
the Fund's investment company taxable income available to be
distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than
increasing or decreasing the amount of the Fund's net capital
58
<PAGE>
gain. Because section 988 losses reduce the amount of ordinary
dividends the Fund will be allowed to distribute for a taxable
year, such section 988 losses may result in all or a portion of
prior dividend distributions for such year being recharacterized
as a non-taxable return of capital to shareholders, rather than
as an ordinary dividend, reducing each shareholder's basis in his
Fund shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed such
shareholder's basis, each will be treated as a gain from the sale
of shares.
Options, Futures Contracts, and Forward Foreign Currency
Contracts. Certain listed options, forward foreign currency
contracts and regulated futures contracts are considered "section
1256 contracts" for Federal income tax purposes. Section 1256
contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year will
be "marked to market" and treated for Federal income tax purposes
as though sold for fair market value on the last business day of
such taxable year. Gain or loss realized by the Fund on forward
foreign currency contracts will be treated as section 988 gain or
loss, as described above. In general, gain or loss realized by
the Fund on other types of section 1256 contracts will be
considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.
The Fund can elect to exempt its section 1256 contracts which are
part of a "mixed straddle" (as described below) from the
application of section 1256. These results could vary if the
Fund makes one or more elections available under sections 988 and
1256.
The Treasury Department has the authority to issue
regulations that would permit or require the Fund either to
integrate a foreign currency hedging transaction with the
investment that is hedged and treat the two as a single
transaction, or otherwise to treat the hedging transaction in a
manner that is consistent with the hedged investment. Regulations
under this authority generally should not apply to the type of
hedging transactions in which the Fund intends to engage.
Gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the lapse or sale
of put and call equity options held by the Fund will be either
long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the
Fund's holding period with respect to such option. However, gain
or loss realized upon the lapse or closing out of such options
that are written by the Fund will be treated as short-term
capital gain or loss. In general, if the Fund exercises an
option, or if an option that the Fund has written is exercised,
gain or loss on the option will not be separately recognized but
the premium received or paid will be included in the calculation
of gain or loss upon disposition of the property underlying the
option.
59
<PAGE>
Gain or loss realized by the Fund on the lapse or sale
of put and call options on foreign currencies which are traded
over-the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges will be treated
as section 988 gain or loss and will therefore be characterized
as ordinary income or loss and will increase or decrease the
amount of the Fund's net investment income available to be
distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, as described
above. The amount of such gain or loss shall be determined by
subtracting the amount paid, if any, for or with respect to the
option (including any amount paid by the Fund upon termination of
an option written by the Fund) from the amount received, if any,
for or with respect to the option (including any amount received
by the Fund upon termination of an option held by the Fund). In
general, if the Fund exercises such an option on a foreign
currency, or if such an option that the Fund has written is
exercised, gain or loss on the option will be recognized in the
same manner as if the Fund had sold the option (or paid another
person to assume the Fund's obligation to make delivery under the
option) on the date on which the option is exercised, for the
fair market value of the option.
Tax Straddles. Any option, futures contract, or other
position entered into or held by the Fund in conjunction with any
other position held by the Fund may constitute a "straddle" for
federal income tax purposes. A straddle of which at least one,
but not all, the positions are section 1256 contracts may
constitute a "mixed straddle". In general, straddles are subject
to certain rules that may affect the character and timing of the
Fund's gains and losses with respect to straddle positions by
requiring, among other things, that (i) loss realized on
disposition of one position of a straddle not be recognized to
the extent that the Fund has unrealized gains with respect to the
other position in such straddle; (ii) the Fund's holding period
in straddle positions be suspended while the straddle exists
(possibly resulting in gain being treated as short-term capital
gain rather than long-term capital gain); (iii) losses recognized
with respect to certain straddle positions which are part of a
mixed straddle and which are non-section 1256 positions be
treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital loss;
(iv) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions
which would otherwise constitute short-term capital losses be
treated as long-term capital losses; and (v) the deduction of
interest and carrying charges attributable to certain straddle
positions may be deferred. Various elections are available to
the Fund which may mitigate the effects of the straddle rules,
particularly with respect to mixed straddles.
Foreign Tax Credits. Income received by the Fund from
sources within various foreign countries may be subject to
foreign income tax. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's
total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of the
60
<PAGE>
stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect
to "pass through" to the Fund's stockholders the amount of
foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. Pursuant to such
election, stockholders would be required: (i) to include in
gross income their respective pro-rata shares of foreign taxes
paid by the Fund; (ii) treat his pro-rata share of such foreign
taxes as having been paid by him; and (iii) either to deduct
their pro-rata share of foreign taxes in computing their taxable
income, or to use it as a foreign tax credit against Federal
income taxes (but not both). No deduction for foreign taxes
could be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize
deductions. In addition, certain shareholders may be subjected
to rules which limit their ability to fully deduct, or claim a
credit for, their pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the
Fund. A shareholder's foreign tax credit with respect to a
dividend received from the Fund will be disallowed unless the
shareholder holds shares in the Fund on the ex-dividend date and
for at least 15 other days during the 30-day period beginning 15
days prior to the ex-dividend date.
The Fund has met for each fiscal year to date, and
intends to meet for each future fiscal year, the requirements of
the Code to "pass through" to its shareholder foreign income
taxes paid, but there can be no assurance that the Fund will be
able to do so. Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days
after the close of each taxable year of the Fund whether the
foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for that year,
and, if so, the amount of each shareholder's pro-rata share (by
country) of (i) the foreign taxes paid, and (ii) the Fund's gross
income from foreign sources. Of course, shareholders who are not
liable for federal income taxes, such as retirement plans
qualified under Section 401 of the Code, will not be affected by
any such "pass through" of foreign tax credits.
Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required to
withhold United States federal income tax at the rate of 31% of
all taxable distributions payable to shareholders who fail to
provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification
numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been
notified by the Internal Revenue Service that they are subject to
backup withholding. Corporate shareholders and certain other
shareholders specified in the Code are exempt from such backup
withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; any
amounts so withheld may be credited against a shareholder's
United States federal income tax liability or refunded.
Taxation of Foreign Stockholders. The foregoing
discussion relates only to U.S. Federal income tax law as it
affects shareholders who are U.S. residents or U.S. corporations.
The effects of federal income tax law on shareholders who are
non-resident aliens or foreign corporations may be substantially
61
<PAGE>
different. Foreign investors should consult their counsel for
further information as to the U.S. tax consequences of receipt of
income from the Fund.
_______________________________________________________________
BROKERAGE AND PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
_______________________________________________________________
Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of
brokerage commissions. In transactions on stock exchanges in the
United States, these commissions are negotiated, whereas on
foreign stock exchanges these commissions are generally fixed. In
the case of securities traded in the foreign and domestic over-
the-counter markets, there is generally no stated commission, but
the price usually includes an undisclosed commission or markup.
In underwritten offerings, the price includes a disclosed fixed
commission or discount.
Investment information provided to the Adviser is of the
type described in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and is designed to augment the Adviser's own
internal research and investment strategy capabilities. Research
services furnished by broker-dealers through which the Fund
effects securities transactions are used by the Adviser in
carrying out its investment management responsibilities with
respect to all its client accounts. There may be occasions where
the transaction cost charged by a broker-dealer may be greater
than that which another broker-dealer may charge if the Fund
determines in good faith that the amount of such transaction cost
is reasonable in relationship to the value of the brokerage and
research services provided by the executing broker-dealer.
The extent to which commissions that will be charged by
broker-dealers selected by the Fund may reflect an element of
value for research cannot presently be determined. To the extent
that research services of value are provided by broker-dealers
with or through whom the Fund places portfolio transactions, the
Adviser may be relieved of expenses which it might otherwise
bear. Research services furnished by broker-dealers could be
useful and of value to the Adviser in servicing its other clients
as well as the Fund; but, on the other hand, certain research
services obtained by the Adviser as a result of the placement of
portfolio brokerage of other clients could be useful and of value
to it in serving the Fund. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and subject
to seeking best execution, the Fund may consider sales of shares
of the Fund or other investment companies managed by the Adviser
as a factor in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio
transactions for the Fund.
62
<PAGE>
The extent to which commissions that will be charged by
broker-dealers selected by the Fund may reflect an element of
value for research cannot presently be determined. To the extent
that research services of value are provided by broker-dealers
with or through whom the Fund places portfolio transactions, the
Adviser may be relieved of expenses which it might otherwise
bear. Research services furnished by broker-dealers could be
useful and of value to the Adviser in servicing its other clients
as well as the Fund; but, on the other hand, certain research
services obtained by the Adviser as a result of the placement of
portfolio brokerage of other clients could be useful and of value
to it in serving the Fund. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and subject
to seeking best execution, the Fund may consider sales of shares
of the Fund or other investment companies managed by the Adviser
as a factor in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio
transactions for the Fund.
The Fund is permitted to place brokerage orders with
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ"), a
U.S. registered broker-dealer and an affiliate of the Adviser.
With respect to orders placed with DLJ for execution on a
national securities exchange, commissions received must conform
to Section 17(e)(2)(A) of the 1940 Act and Rule 17e-1 thereunder,
which permit an affiliated person of a registered investment
company (such as the Fund), or any affiliated person of such
person, to receive a brokerage commission from such registered
investment company provided that such commission is reasonable
and fair compared to the commissions received by other brokers in
connection with comparable transactions involving similar
securities during a comparable period of time.
During the fiscal years ended in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
the Fund incurred brokerage commissions amounting in the
aggregate to $2,289,060, $887,354 and $1,381,789 respectively.
During the fiscal years ended in 1997, 1996 and 1995, brokerage
commissions amounting in the aggregate to $0, $0 and $0,
respectively, were paid to DLJ and brokerage commissions
amounting in the aggregate to $0, $0, and $0, respectively, were
paid to brokers utilizing the Pershing Division of DLJ. During
the fiscal year ended in June 30, 1997, the brokerage commissions
paid to DLJ constituted 0% of the Fund's aggregate brokerage
commissions and the brokerage commissions paid to brokers
utilizing the Pershing Division of DLJ constituted 0% of the
Fund's aggregate brokerage commissions. During the fiscal year
ended in June 30, 1997, of the Fund's aggregate dollar amount of
brokerage transactions involving the payment of commissions, 0%
were effected through DLJ and 0% were effected through brokers
utilizing the Pershing Division of DLJ. During the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1997, transactions in portfolio securities of the
Fund aggregating $32,564,253 with associated brokerage
63
<PAGE>
commissions of approximately $-0- were allocated to persons or
firms supplying research services to the Fund or the Adviser.
_______________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
_______________________________________________________________
Capitalization. The Fund was organized as a Maryland
Corporation in 1980. In November 1985 the Fund was reorganized
under the laws of Massachusetts as a Massachusetts business
trust. The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized Class A,
Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares of beneficial interest,
par value $.01 per share. All shares of the Fund, when issued,
are fully paid and nonassessable. The Trustees are authorized to
reclassify and issue any unissued shares to any number of
additional classes or series without shareholder approval.
Accordingly, the Trustees in the future, for reasons such as the
desire to establish one or more additional portfolios with
different investment objectives, policies or restrictions, may
create additional classes or series of shares. Any issuance of
shares of another class would be governed by the 1940 Act and the
law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If shares of another
class were issued in connection with the creation of a second
portfolio, each share of either portfolio would normally be
entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of both
portfolios would vote as a single series for the election of
Trustees and on any other matter that affected both portfolios in
substantially the same manner. As to matters affecting each
portfolio differently, such as approval of the Advisory Agreement
and changes in investment policy, shares of each portfolio would
vote as separate classes.
The Fund's shares have non-cumulative voting rights,
which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares
voting for election of Trustees can elect 100% of the directors
if they choose to do so, and in such event the holders of the
remaining less than 50% of the shares voting for such election of
Trustees will not be able to elect any persons or persons as
Trustees.
Procedures for calling a shareholders' meeting for the
removal of Trustees of the Fund, similar to those set forth in
Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, are available to shareholders of
the Fund. Meetings of shareholders may be called by 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shareholders. The rights of the holders of
shares of a series may not be modified except by vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such series.
At October 6, 1997, there were 7,272,983 Class A shares,
4,343,831 Class B shares, 1,303,389 Class C shares and 2,387,754
64
<PAGE>
Advisor Class shares of beneficial interest of the Fund
outstanding. To the knowledge of the Fund, the following persons
owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding
shares of the Fund as of October 6, 1997:
No. of % of
Name and Address Shares Class
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit
of Its Customers
Attn Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr.
East 3rd Floor
Jacksonville,
FL 32246-6486 892,288 12.27%
of Class A
Equitable Investment Plan
401K Plan
Hewitt As Administrator
Attn Sharon Crames
1290 Avenue of the Americas
Area 13A
New York, NY 10104-0101 1,637,905 22.52%
of Class A
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit
of Its Customers
Attn Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr.
East 3rd Floor
Jacksonville,
FL 32246-6486 763,794 17.58%
of Class B
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit
of Its Customers
Attn Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr.
East 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6486 485,995 37.29%
of Class C
65
<PAGE>
Trust For Profit Sharing Plan
For Employees of Alliance
Capital Mgmt. L.P. Plan-G
Attn Jill Smith 32nd Flr
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105-0302 392,846 16.45%
Of Advisor
Class
Dingle & Co.
FBO Ford General Ret Plan #112
c/o Comerica Bank
PO Box 75000
Attn M/C 3446 Mutual Funds
Detroit MI 48275-0001 1,949,073 82.63%
of Advisor
Class
Some shareholders of the Fund are discretionary managed
accounts of the Adviser, which thereby exercised investment
discretion at October 6, 1997 with respect to an aggregate of
[ ] Class A shares, representing approximately [ ]% of all
Class A outstanding shares as of that date.
Principal Underwriter. Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105,
serves as the Funds Principal Underwriter, as such may solicit
orders from the public to purchase shares of the Fund. Under the
Distribution Services Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify
the Principal Underwriter, in the absence of its willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
its obligations thereunder, against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Counsel. Legal matters in connection with the issuance
of the Shares offered hereby are passed upon by Seward & Kissel,
New York, New York. Seward & Kissel has relied upon the opinion
of Sullivan & Worcester, Boston, Massachusetts, for matters
relating to Massachusetts law.
Independent Auditors. Ernst & Young LLP, New York, New
York, have been appointed as independent auditors for the Fund.
Custodian. Brown Brothers & Harriman Co. ("Brown
Brothers"), 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts, will act as
the Fund's custodian for the assets of the Fund but plays no part
in deciding the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.
Subject to the supervision of the Fund's Trustees, Brown Brothers
may enter into sub-custodial agreements for the holding of the
Fund's foreign securities.
66
<PAGE>
Performance Information
From time to time the Fund advertises its "total
return." The Fund's "total return" is its average annual
compounded total return for its most recently completed one, five
and ten years. The Fund's total return for each such period is
computed, through the use of a formula prescribed by the
Commission, by finding the average annual compounded rate of
return over the period that would equate an assumed initial
amount invested to the value of such investment at the end of the
period. For purposes of computing total return, income dividends
and capital gains distributions paid on shares of the Fund are
assumed to have been reinvested when received and the maximum
sales charge applicable to purchases of Fund shares is assumed to
have been paid.
The Fund's average annual compounded total return for
the one-, five- and ten-year periods ended June 30, 1997 (or
since inception through that date, as noted) was as follows:
Year Ended 5 Years Ended 10 Years Ended
6/30/97 6/30/97 6/30/97
Class A 4.67% 9.32% 6.83%
Class B 4.32% 9.35% __%*
Class C 7.42% __%* N/A
Advisor Class __%* N/A N/A
*Inception Dates: Class B - September 17, 1990
Class C - May 3, 1993
Advisor Class - October 1, 1996
The Fund's total return is computed separately for
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares. The Fund's
total return is not fixed and will fluctuate in response to
prevailing market conditions or as a function of the type and
quality of the securities in the Fund's portfolio and the Fund's
expenses. An investor's principal invested in the Fund is not
fixed and will fluctuate in response to prevailing market
conditions.
Advertisements quoting performance rankings or ratings
of the Fund as measured by financial publications or by
independent organizations such as Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc., and Morningstar, Inc. and advertisements presenting the
historical performance of the Fund may also from time to time be
sent to investors or placed in newspapers and magazines such as
The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Investor's
Daily, Money Magazine, Changing Times, Business Week and Forbes
or other media on behalf of the Fund.
67
<PAGE>
Additional Information. Any shareholder inquiries may
be directed to the shareholder's broker or other financial
adviser or to Alliance Fund Distributors at the address or
telephone numbers shown on the front cover of this Statement of
Additional Information.
This Statement of Additional Information does not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration
Statement filed by the Fund with the Commission under the
Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statement may be
obtained at a reasonable charge from the Commission or may be
examined, without charge, at the offices of the Commission in
Washington, D.C.
_______________________________________________________________
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
_______________________________________________________________
68
00250086.AR5
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 30, 1997
ALLIANCE CAPITAL
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997 ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY SHARES U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS-96.7%
ARGENTINA-0.5%
Telecom Argentina, S.A. (ADR) 29,000 $ 1,522,500
AUSTRALIA-2.0%
Coca-Cola Amatil, Ltd. 139,083 1,806,251
Mayne Nickless, Ltd. 86,000 501,293
Normandy Mining, Ltd. 1,020,000 1,147,525
Qantas Airways, Ltd. 135,697 317,620
WMC, Ltd. 186,623 1,176,596
Woolworths, Ltd. 309,048 1,015,058
------------
5,964,343
BELGIUM-0.5%
Barco NV 4,314 874,025
Delhaize Feres NV 11,500 604,054
------------
1,478,079
BRAZIL-0.7%
Dixie Toga, S.A. 85,928 46,294
Telebras (ADR) 13,000 1,972,750
------------
2,019,044
CANADA-0.0%
Imasco, Ltd. 4 116
DENMARK-0.4%
Den Danske Bank 12,700 1,235,656
FINLAND-3.0%
Huhtamaki Oy Series I 21,000 904,803
Nokia Corp. 27,000 2,040,361
Orion-Yhtymae OY Series B 80,700 3,041,427
Rauma OY 1,865 42,784
Rautaruukki Oy 126,079 1,324,635
UPM-Kymmene Oy (a) 33,000 776,123
Valmet Oy 45,000 779,883
------------
8,910,016
FRANCE-8.8%
Assurance Generale de France (b) 46,702 1,492,442
Banque Nationale de Paris 37,490 1,545,098
Bouygues (b) 15,955 1,312,683
Compagnie Generale des Eaux (b) 11,152 1,428,941
warrants expiring 5/02/01(a) 11,152 6,680
Elf Aquitaine, S.A. (b) 25,800 2,783,399
Legrand (b) 8,500 1,497,014
Legris Industries, S.A. 28,720 1,353,726
Promodes (b) 4,470 1,741,084
SEITA (b) 43,000 1,360,968
SGS-Thomson Microelectronics (a) 9,750 769,820
Societe de Immeubles de France (a) 10,812 625,535
Societe Francaise d'Investissemeants
Immobiliers et de Gestion 9,700 618,970
Societe Generale (b) 21,880 2,442,405
Societe Generale
Temporary Non Tradable Certificates 237 26,456
Technip Compagnie Francaise, S.A. (b) 13,400 1,555,090
Total, S.A. (ADR) (b) 38,298 1,938,836
Cl. B (b) 20,648 2,087,040
Usinor Sacilor (b) 67,000 1,208,501
Worms Et Compagnie (b) 10,224 605,433
------------
26,400,121
GERMANY-2.7%
Adidas AG 9,230 1,021,498
Bayer AG 35,100 1,348,932
Henkel KGaA-Vorzug, pfd. 22,100 1,254,602
Hornbach Holding AG, pfd. 10,400 882,619
Merck KG 27,300 1,204,619
Schmalbach-Lubeca AG (a) 10,880 2,439,406
------------
8,151,676
8
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY SHARES U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
HONG KONG-3.8%
Asia Satellite Telecommunications
Holdings, Ltd. (a) 32,000 $ 98,099
Cheung Kong Holdings 183,000 1,807,017
Citic Pacific, Ltd. 218,000 1,364,734
Dao Heng Bank Group, Ltd. 86,000 470,667
Dickson Concept International, Ltd. 329,000 1,206,046
First Pacific Co., Ltd. 739,383 944,831
Guangshen Railway Co., Ltd. (ADR) (a) 37,600 822,500
Hang Seng Bank 72,000 1,026,938
Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd. 238,752 477,670
warrants expiring 9/30/97 (a) 19,580 20,977
HSBC Holdings Plc. 29,000 872,175
Hysan Development Co., Ltd.
warrants expiring 4/30/98 (a) 4,700 1,820
Swire Pacific, Ltd. Cl. A 101,000 912,576
Television Broadcasting, Ltd. 265,000 1,190,350
------------
11,216,400
INDIA-0.6%
Bajaj Auto, Ltd. (GDR) (c) 20,900 717,915
Industrial Credit & Investment Corp
(GDR) (a) 4,000 57,500
(GDR) (a)(c) 33,300 478,688
State Bank of India (GDR) (a)(c) 14,100 373,650
Videsh Sanchar Nigam (GDR) (c) 11,600 240,700
------------
1,868,453
INDONESIA-0.6%
PT Indosat 334,000 999,116
PT Telekomunikasi Indostat Series B 160,000 261,513
PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (ADR) 13,000 422,500
------------
1,683,129
IRELAND-1.0%
Allied Irish Banks Plc. 310,000 2,363,541
Smurfit /Jefferson/ Group 265,000 763,182
------------
3,126,723
ITALY-2.5%
Credito Italiano 1,000,000 1,828,805
Istituto Mobilaire Italiano 376,000 3,382,877
Telecom Italia S.p.A. 708,700 2,283,757
------------
7,495,439
JAPAN-28.4%
Advantest Corp. 24,400 1,873,484
Amano Corp. 77,000 873,397
Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. 149,000 1,482,070
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi 230,000 4,615,653
Bridgestone Corp. 65,000 1,508,594
Canon, Inc. 72,000 1,960,038
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. 39,000 881,337
Daifuku Co., Ltd. 67,000 882,733
Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. 174,800 2,058,983
Daiwa Securities Co., Ltd. 251,000 1,979,792
DDI Corp. 518 3,823,645
East Japan Railway Co. 181 928,610
Fuji Bank 180,000 2,701,335
Fuji Heavy Industries 295,000 1,539,220
Fuji Photo Film, Co. 21,000 844,691
Hirose Electric Co. 14,000 960,126
Honda Motor Co. 95,000 2,859,698
Japan Securities Finance 103,000 1,015,531
Japan Tobacco, Inc. 333 2,629,483
Kokuyo 43,000 1,163,075
9
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY SHARES U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. 117,000 $ 897,330
Mitsui Marine & Fire Insurance Co. 254,000 1,835,023
Mitsui Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. 405,000 3,056,670
National House Industrial Co. 68,000 895,908
Nintendo Co. 13,400 1,122,415
Nippon Express Co., Ltd. 110,000 878,196
Nippon Steel Co. 299,000 954,838
Nisshin Steel Co., Ltd. 348,000 910,915
Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. 227,000 3,129,395
Rohm Co. 39,000 4,015,356
Santen Pharmaceutical 88,000 1,773,667
Shimano Industrial Co. 55,000 1,151,732
Shiseido Co., Ltd. 61,000 1,005,933
Sony Corp. 34,000 2,963,616
Sumitomo Bank 337,000 5,527,964
Sumitomo Electric Industries 118,000 1,976,791
Sumitomo Marine & Fire Insurance Co. 120,000 984,207
Sumitomo Realty and Development Co., Ltd. 234,000 2,062,124
Taisho Pharmaceutical Co. 35,000 943,635
Takeda Chemical Industries 18,000 505,715
TDK Corp. 67,000 4,916,412
Tokai Bank 118,000 1,214,903
UBE Industries, Ltd. 74,000 215,007
Yakult Honsha Co. 59,000 648,635
Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 131,000 3,520,461
Yamatake Honeywell 48,000 913,009
Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd. 39,000 687,375
------------
85,288,727
MALAYSIA-2.6%
AMMB Holdings Berhad 200,000 1,244,057
warrants expiring 12/31/02 (a) 10,000 13,471
Berjaya Group Berhad 973,000 1,195,048
Berjaya Sports Toto 221,000 1,041,957
Magnum Corp. Berhad 97,000 146,038
Malakoff Berhad 213,000 928,288
Malayan Banking Berhad 73,000 766,442
Resorts World Berhad 233,000 701,585
RHB Capital Berhad
warrants expiring 12/27/99 (a) 82,250 91,570
Telekom Malaysia 366,000 1,711,093
------------
7,839,549
MEXICO-1.2%
Fomento Ecomo, S.A. 304,000 1,809,615
Panamerican Beverages Cl. A 52,000 1,709,500
------------
3,519,115
NETHERLANDS-6.3%
Akzo Nobel NV 35,800 4,905,697
Fortis Amev NV 70,304 3,130,090
Hoogovens & Staalf Cva 34,137 1,902,427
Hunter Douglas NV 16,250 1,382,405
International Nederlanden Groep NV 73,903 3,407,031
Koninklijke KNP BT NV 69,200 1,575,720
Stork NV 34,000 1,385,588
Vendex International NV 23,860 1,306,605
------------
18,995,563
NEW ZEALAND-0.3%
Fletcher Challenge, Ltd.-Forestry Division 197,017 286,383
Lion Nathan, Ltd. 245,000 620,733
------------
907,116
NORWAY-1.2%
Bergesen D.Y. AS Cl. A 71,400 1,697,006
Den Norske Bank Series A 271,000 1,062,398
Orkla AS Cl. A 12,400 916,336
------------
3,675,740
10
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY SHARES U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHILIPPINES-0.2%
Manila Electric Co. Cl. B 110,300 $ 543,638
Philippine Commerce International Bank 10,070 97,356
------------
640,994
PORTUGAL-0.7%
Electricidade de Portugal 114,080 2,072,427
SINGAPORE-1.5%
Development Bank Of Singapore 24,000 302,161
Overseas-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. 127,200 1,316,752
Overseas Union Bank 171,600 1,068,224
Singapore Airlines, Ltd. 20,000 179,059
Singapore Press Holdings., Ltd. 87,000 1,752,535
------------
4,618,731
SOUTH KOREA-0.9%
Korea Electric Power Corp. (common) 15,290 456,289
(ADR) 6,400 119,600
Pohang Iron & Steel Co. (ADR) 20,000 640,000
SK Telecom Co. Ltd., (ADR) 158,923 1,599,163
------------
2,815,052
SPAIN-2.4%
Banco de Santander 39,000 1,201,409
Banco Bilboa Vizcaya 24,000 1,949,287
Tabacalera, S.A. Series A 28,800 1,545,750
Telefonica de Espana 74,000 2,139,004
Unidad Editorial, S.A. (a)(d) 297,500 322,981
------------
7,158,431
SWEDEN-1.1%
Astra AB Series A 54,133 1,009,360
Sparbanken Sverige AB Series A 61,700 1,374,154
Trygg-Hansa Holdings AB Series B 49,500 990,274
------------
3,373,788
SWITZERLAND-5.1%
Baloise Holdings, Ltd. 830 1,977,679
Ciba Specialty Chemical Holding (a) 24,299 2,246,056
Holderbank Financiere Glarus-B 1,810 1,708,997
Nestle, S.A. 1,530 2,017,651
Novartis AG (a) 2,499 3,993,609
Schindler Holdings AG 970 1,212,085
REGD 700 898,665
Zurich Vericher Namen 2,860 1,137,734
------------
15,192,476
THAILAND-0.0%
The Thai Farmers Bank
warrants expiring 9/15/02 (a) 5,625 2,443
UNITED KINGDOM-16.8%
Anglian Water Plc. 168,000 1,822,047
BAA Plc. 216,400 1,993,934
Bass Plc. 238,000 2,904,136
Beazer Holmes Plc. 500,000 1,365,054
Bg Plc. 246,000 900,936
Boots Co. Plc. 98,300 1,151,207
BPB Industries Plc. 670,000 3,619,308
British Aerospace Plc. 65,000 1,446,167
British Petroleum Plc. 63,242 786,434
British Telecommunications Plc. 250,000 1,856,140
BTR Plc. 273,000 933,922
Cable & Wireless 2,229 20,408
Carlton Communications 171,000 1,444,668
Compass Group Plc. 186,400 2,085,217
General Accident Plc. 58,000 844,835
Guinness Plc. 156,000 1,526,996
Holliday Chemical Holdings Plc. 903,800 2,136,469
Kingfisher Plc. 100,193 1,137,517
Ladbroke Group Plc. 727,389 2,857,687
11
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY SHARES U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Powergen Plc. 147,805 $ 1,756,804
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance 123,980 916,369
Rugby Group Plc. 712,870 1,424,058
Scottish & Newcastle Plc. 132,000 1,419,523
Scottish Power Plc. 290,000 1,882,776
Shell Transport & Trading Plc. 266,700 1,818,080
Siebe Plc. 90,000 1,525,198
TI Group Plc. 159,000 1,385,638
Tomkins Plc. 546,000 2,363,208
United Assurance Group Plc. 94,000 668,960
United News & Media, Inc. 130,714 1,515,581
Vodafone Group Plc. 254,000 1,238,903
Whitbread A Plc. 120,000 1,515,210
------------
50,263,390
VENEZUELA-0.7%
Cia Anonima Tel De Venezuela (ADR) 46,000 1,983,750
OTHER-0.2%
Asesores Bursatiles Capital
Fund N.V. (a)(d) 25 517,467
Total Common Stocks and Other Investments
(cost $253,444,079) 289,936,454
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
COMPANY (000) U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS-0.6%
JAPAN-0.6%
Sumitomo Bank International
.75%, 5/31/01 JPY 166,000 $ 1,857,560
MALAYSIA-0.0%
AMMB Holdings Berhad
5.00%, 12/31/02 MYR 100 33,875
7.50%, 12/31/02 100 35,856
------------
69,731
Total Corporate Debt Obligations
(cost $1,601,468) 1,927,291
TIME DEPOSIT-4.0%
Sumitomo Bank
6.38%, 7/01/97
(cost $12,000,000) $12,000 12,000,000
TOTAL INVESTMENTS-101.3%
(cost $267,045,547) 303,863,745
Other assets less liabilities-(1.3%) (4,000,984)
NET ASSETS-100% $299,862,761
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Securities or portion thereof, with an aggregate market value of
$21,453,836 have been segregated to collateralize forward exchange currency
contracts.
(c) Securities are exempt from Registration under Rule 144A of the Securities
Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from
registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 1997,
these securities amounted to $1,810,953 or .60% of net assets.
(d) Restricted and illiquid securities valued at fair value (See Notes A & F).
Glossary of Terms:
ADR - American depository receipt.
GDR - Global depository receipt.
See notes to financial statements.
12
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 1997 ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
ASSETS
Investments in securities, at value (cost $267,045,547) $303,863,745
Cash, at value (cost $4,196,146) 4,190,702
Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold 856,976
Dividends and interest receivable 722,794
Foreign taxes receivable 475,579
Unrealized appreciation of forward exchange
currency contract 189,483
Receivable for investment securities sold 3,151
Total assets 310,302,430
LIABILITIES
Payable for investment securities purchased 7,363,013
Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed 1,948,350
Advisory fee payable 751,221
Distribution fee payable 108,401
Accrued expenses 268,684
Total liabilities 10,439,669
NET ASSETS $299,862,761
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS
Shares of beneficial interest, at par $ 163,430
Additional paid-in capital 253,135,854
Undistributed net investment income 91,546
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign
currency transactions 9,493,804
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign
currency denominated assets and liabilities 36,978,127
$299,862,761
CALCULATION OF MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE
CLASS A SHARES
Net asset value and redemption price per share
($190,173,505/10,177,198 shares of beneficial interest
issued and outstanding) $18.69
Sales charge--4.25% of public offering price .83
Maximum offering price $19.52
CLASS B SHARES
Net asset value and offering price per share
($77,724,738/4,387,957 shares of beneficial interest
issued and outstanding) $17.71
CLASS C SHARES
Net asset value and offering price per share
($23,267,990 / 1,312,100 shares of beneficial interest
issued and outstanding) $17.73
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share
($8,696,528 / 465,787 shares of beneficial interest issued
and outstanding) $18.67
See notes to financial statements.
13
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld
of $724,747) $5,488,691
Interest 376,390 $ 5,865,081
EXPENSES
Advisory fee 2,891,923
Distribution fee - Class A 317,907
Distribution fee - Class B 718,023
Distribution fee - Class C 236,671
Custodian 571,404
Transfer agency 536,696
Administrative 132,740
Audit and legal 119,568
Printing 92,132
Registration 74,759
Trustees' fees 32,000
Miscellaneous 40,413
Total expenses 5,764,236
Less: expense offset arrangement (see Note B) (35,913)
Net expenses 5,728,323
Net investment income 136,758
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Net realized gain on investment transactions 12,024,059
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions (921,021)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of:
Investments 13,238,295
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities 450,403
Net gain on investments and foreign currency transactions 24,791,736
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $24,928,494
See notes to financial statements.
14
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, 1997 JUNE 30, 1996
------------- --------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income $ 136,758 $ 178,791
Net realized gain on investments and
foreign currency transactions 11,103,038 21,749,149
Net change in unrealized appreciation
of investments and foreign currency
denominated assets and liabilities 13,688,698 15,186,325
Net increase in net assets from operations 24,928,494 37,114,265
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
Class A (1,212,031) -0-
Advisor Class (6,456) -0-
Net realized gain on investments and
foreign currency transactions
Class A (11,329,853) (10,091,198)
Class B (4,543,388) (3,210,459)
Class C (1,515,641) (1,293,154)
Advisor Class (47,863) -0-
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS
Net increase (decrease) (2,106,765) 39,204,333
Total increase 4,166,497 61,723,787
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year 295,696,264 233,972,477
End of year (including undistributed net
investment income of $91,546 and $178,791,
respectively) $299,862,761 $295,696,264
See notes to financial statements.
15
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997 ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE A: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Alliance International Fund (the "Fund"), which is a Massachusetts business
trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as a
diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund offers Class A,
Class B, Class C, and Advisor Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a
front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000.
With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within
one year of purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1%. Class B shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge which
declines from 4% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held.
Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares eight years after
the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first
year after purchase. Advisor Class shares are sold without an initial or
contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution
expenses. Advisor Class shares are offered to investors participating in fee
based programs and to certain retirement plan accounts. All four classes of
shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except
that each class bears different distribution expenses and has exclusive voting
rights with respect to its distribution plan. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
1. SECURITY VALUATION
Portfolio securities traded on a United States or European stock exchange for
which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted
sales price on that exchange prior to the time when assets are valued.
Securities listed or traded on certain foreign exchanges whose operations are
similar to the U.S. over-the-counter market are valued at the price within the
limits of the latest available current bid and asked price deemed best to
reflect fair value. Securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at
amortized cost, which approximates market value unless this method does not
reflect fair value. Restricted and illiquid securities are valued at fair value
as determined by the Board of Trustees. In determining fair value,
consideration is given to cost, operations and other financial data.
2. CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under
forward exchange currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the
mean of the quoted bid and asked price of such currencies against the U.S.
dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated at the rates
of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and
expenses are translated at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized foreign exchange losses represent gains and losses from sales and
maturities of debt securities, holding of foreign currency contracts, foreign
currencies, exchange gains and losses realized between the trade and settlement
dates on security transactions, and the difference between the amounts of
dividends, interest and foreign taxes receivable recorded on the Fund's books
and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net
currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and
liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net
unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets
and liabilities.
3. TAXES
It is the Fund's policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its
investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if applicable, to
shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are
required.
4. INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued
daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date securities are
purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified
cost basis. The Fund accretes discounts on short-term securities as adjustments
to interest income.
5. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations.
16
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
Income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with
federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. To the extent these differences are
permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on
their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such
reclassification. During the current fiscal year, permanent differences,
primarily due to foreign currency losses offset by gains on passive foreign
investment companies, resulted in a net increase in undistributed net
investment income, a decrease in accumulated net realized gain on investments
and foreign currency transactions and a decrease in additional paid-in capital.
This reclassification had no affect on net assets.
NOTE B: ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Under an investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays Alliance Capital
Management L.P., (the "Adviser"), a fee at a quarterly rate equal to 1/4 of 1%
(approximately 1% on an annual basis) of quarter end net assets up to $500
million and 3/16 of 1% (approximately .75% on an annual basis) of quarter end
net assets in excess of $500 million. Effective July 1, 1997 the Adviser has
voluntarily agreed to waive unilaterally, for a minimum of two years, that
portion of the Fund's advisory fee on the first $500 million of net assets in
excess of the annualized rate of .85 of 1%. Pursuant to the advisory agreement,
the Fund paid $132,740 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal
and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser for the year ended
June 30, 1997.
The Fund compensates Alliance Fund Services, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Adviser) under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and
facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. Such compensation
amounted to $344,718 for the year ended June 30, 1997.
In addition, for the year ended June 30, 1997, the Fund's expenses were reduced
by $35,913 under an expense offset arrangement with Alliance Fund Services.
Transfer Agency fees reported in the statement of operations exclude these
credits.
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser)
serves as the Distributor of the Fund's shares. The Distributor received
front-end sales charges of $12,581 from the sale of Class A shares and $139,
$157,738, and $2,605 in contingent deferred sales charges from the redemptions
of Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively for the year ended June
30, 1997.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the year ended June
30, 1997, amounted to $2,289,060, none of which was paid to brokers utilizing
the services of the Pershing Division of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corp. ("DLJ"), an affiliate of the Adviser, nor to DLJ directly.
NOTE C: DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the "Agreement")
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the
Agreement the Fund pays a distribution fee to the Distributor at an annual rate
of up to .30 of 1% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A
shares and 1% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Class B and
Class C shares. There is no distribution fee on the Advisor Class shares. The
fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the
Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution
assistance and promotional activities. The Distributor has incurred expenses in
excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amount of
$2,548,113 and $798,577, for Class B and Class C shares, respectively; such
costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement
is in effect. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for
recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs, incurred by the Distributor,
beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides
that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the
Fund's shares.
17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE D: INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term and U.S.
government securities) aggregated $258,925,701 and $273,638,552, respectively,
for the year ended June 30, 1997. There were no purchases or sales of U.S.
government or government agency obligations for the year ended June 30, 1997.
At June 30, 1997, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was
$268,904,263. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation of investments was
$43,259,196 and gross unrealized depreciation of investments was $8,299,714,
resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $34,959,482, excluding foreign
currency.
FORWARD EXCHANGE CURRENCY CONTRACTS
The Fund enters into forward foreign exchange currency contracts in order to
hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign
portfolio holdings and to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments
denominated in foreign currencies. A forward foreign exchange currency contract
is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a
negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between
the original contract and the closing of such contract is included in net
realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the
value of open forward foreign exchange currency contracts are recorded for
financial reporting purposes as unrealized gains or losses.
The Fund's custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment
or liquid assets having a value equal to the aggregate amount of the Fund's
commitments under forward foreign exchange currency contracts entered into with
respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the
terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign
currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
At June 30, 1997, the Fund had an outstanding forward foreign exchange currency
contract as follows:
CONTRACT VALUE ON U.S. $
AMOUNT ORIGINATION CURRENT UNREALIZED
(000) DATE VALUE APPRECIATION
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
FOREIGN CURRENCY
SALE CONTRACT
French Franc
maturing 9/05/97 123,500 $21,296,775 $21,107,292 $189,483
NOTE E: SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
There is an unlimited number of $.01 par value shares of beneficial interest
authorized, divided into four classes, designated Class A, Class B, Class C and
Advisor Class. Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
SHARES AMOUNT
--------------------------- ------------------------------
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 30, JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------ ------------ -------------- --------------
CLASS A
Shares sold 6,622,075 3,791,114 $114,715,975 $ 66,200,675
Shares issued in
reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions 663,141 532,927 11,054,555 8,899,875
Shares converted
from Class B 117,002 29,264 2,047,012 529,368
Shares redeemed (7,939,629) (3,488,059) (137,402,166) (60,868,130)
Net increase
(decrease) (537,411) 865,246 $ (9,584,624) $ 14,761,788
18
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHARES AMOUNT
--------------------------- ------------------------------
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 30, JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------ ------------ -------------- --------------
CLASS B
Shares sold 2,125,113 2,178,890 $ 5,155,961 $ 36,316,916
Shares issued in
reinvestment of
distributions 214,830 141,372 3,409,345 2,259,131
Shares converted
to Class A (123,261) (30,710) (2,047,012) (529,368)
Shares redeemed (1,982,904) (1,161,885) (32,750,197) (19,416,822)
Net increase 233,778 1,127,667 $ 3,768,097 $ 18,629,857
CLASS C
Shares sold 1,792,800 1,333,369 $ 29,797,881 $ 22,186,419
Shares issued in
reinvestment of
distributions 50,633 49,344 804,053 789,018
Shares redeemed (2,075,557) (1,035,865) (34,583,108) (17,162,749)
Net increase
(decrease) (232,124) 346,848 $ (3,981,174) $ 5,812,688
OCT. 2, 1996(A) OCT. 2, 1996(A)
TO JUNE 30, TO JUNE 30,
1997 1997
------------ --------------
ADVISOR CLASS
Shares sold 501,850 $ 8,317,799
Shares issued in
reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions 2,960 49,249
Shares redeemed (39,023) (676,112)
Net increase 465,787 $ 7,690,936
NOTE F: RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES
DATE
SECURITY ACQUIRED U.S. $ COST
- -------- -------- -----------
Asesores Bursatiles Capital Fund NV 10/29/90 $1,066,499
Unidad Editorial, S.A 1/20/92 369,591
The securities shown above are restricted as to sale and have been valued at
fair value in accordance with procedures described in Note A. The value of
these securities at June 30, 1997 was $840,448 representing 0.3% of net assets.
(a) Commencement of distribution.
19
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH
YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
----------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $18.32 $16.81 $18.38 $16.01 $14.98
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss) .06(a) .05(a) .04 (.09) (.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain on
investments and foreign currency
transactions 1.51 2.51 .01 3.02 1.17
Net increase in net asset value from
operations 1.57 2.56 .05 2.93 1.16
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.12) -0- -0- -0- (.04)
Distributions from net realized gains
on investments and foreign currency
transactions (1.08) (1.05) (1.62) (.56) (.09)
Total dividends and distributions (1.20) (1.05) (1.62) (.56) (.13)
Net asset value, end of year $18.69 $18.32 $16.81 $18.38 $16.01
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return(b) 9.30% 15.83% .59% 18.68% 7.86%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) $190,173 $196,261 $165,584 $201,916 $161,048
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.74%(c) 1.72% 1.73% 1.90% 1.88%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets .31% .31% .26% (.50)% (.14)%
Portfolio turnover rate 94% 78% 119% 97% 94%
Average commission rate paid(d) $.0363 -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
See footnote summary on page 23.
20
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH
YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B
----------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $17.45 $16.19 $17.90 $15.74 $14.81
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment loss (.09)(a) (.07)(a) (.01) (.19)(a) (.12)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency
transactions 1.43 2.38 (.08) 2.91 1.14
Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations 1.34 2.31 (.09) 2.72 1.02
LESS: DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized gains on
investments and foreign currency
transactions (1.08) (1.05) (1.62) (.56) (.09)
Net asset value, end of year $17.71 $17.45 $16.19 $17.90 $15.74
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return(b) 8.37% 14.87% (.22)% 17.65% 6.98%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) $77,725 $72,470 $48,998 $29,943 $6,363
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 2.59%(c) 2.55% 2.57% 2.78% 2.70%
Ratio of net investment loss to average
net assets (.51)% (.46)% (.62)% (1.15)% (.96)%
Portfolio turnover rate 94% 78% 119% 97% 94%
Average commission rate paid(d) $.0363 -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
See footnote summary on page 23.
21
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH
PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C
------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 3, 1993(E)
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, TO
---------------------------------------------------- JUNE 30,
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.46 $16.20 $17.91 $15.74 $15.93
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment loss (.09)(a) (.07)(a) (.14) (.11) -0-
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency
transactions 1.44 2.38 .05 2.84 (.19)
Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations 1.35 2.31 (.09) 2.73 (.19)
LESS: DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized gains on
investments and foreign currency
transactions (1.08) (1.05) (1.62) (.56) -0-
Net asset value, end of period $17.73 $17.46 $16.20 $17.91 $15.74
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return(b) 8.42% 14.85% (.22)% 17.72% (1.19)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $23,268 $26,965 $19,395 $13,503 $229
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 2.58%(c) 2.53% 2.54% 2.78% 2.57%(f)
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
to average assets (.51)% (.47)% (.88)% (1.12)% .08%(f)
Portfolio turnover rate 94% 78% 119% 97% 94%
Average commission rate paid(d) $.0363 -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
See footnote summary on page 23.
22
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH
PERIOD
ADVISOR CLASS
OCTOBER 2, 1996(E)
TO
JUNE 30, 1997
-------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.96
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income(a) .16
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and
foreign currency transactions 1.78
Net increase in net asset value from operations 1.94
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.15)
Distributions from net realized gains on investments
and foreign currency transactions (1.08)
Total dividends and distributions (1.23)
Net asset value, end of period $18.67
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return(b) 11.57%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $8,697
Ratio of expenses to average net assets(c)(f) 1.69%
Rate of net investment income to average net assets(f) 1.47%
Portfolio turnover rate 94%
Average commission rate paid $.0363
(a) Based on average shares outstanding.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and
redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charges or contingent
deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment
return. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year
is not annualized.
(c) Ratio reflects expenses grossed up for expense offset arrangement with the
transfer agent. For the year ended June 30, 1997, the net expense ratio was
1.73%, 2.58%, 2.56% and 1.69% for Class A, B, C and Advisor Class shares,
respectively.
(d) For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, a fund is
required to disclose its average commission rate per share for trades on which
commissions are charged. This amount includes commissions paid to foreign
brokers which may materially affect the rate shown. Amounts paid in foreign
currencies have been converted into US dollars using the prevailing exchange
rate on the date of the transaction.
(e) Commencement of distribution.
(f) Annualized.
23
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Alliance International Fund, including the portfolio of investments, as of June
30, 1997, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the
statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then
ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein.
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of
the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of June
30, 1997, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Alliance International Fund at June 30, 1997, the results of its operations for
the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in
the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the indicated
periods, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
New York, New York
August 6, 1997
FOREIGN TAX CREDIT (UNAUDITED)
The Fund paid foreign taxes during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, which
it intends to pass through pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code
to its shareholders.
24
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A: Futures Contracts and Options on
Futures Contracts and Foreign
Currencies
_______________________________________________________________
Futures Contracts
The Fund may enter into financial futures contracts,
including contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery
of foreign currencies and futures contracts based on stock
indices. U.S. futures contracts have been designed by exchanges
which have been designated "contracts markets" by the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), and must be executed through
a futures commission merchant, or brokerage firm, which is a
member of the relevant contract market. Futures contracts trade
on a number of exchange markets, and, through their clearing
corporations, the exchanges guarantee performance of the
contracts as between the clearing members of the exchange.
At the same time a futures contract is purchased or
sold, the Fund must allocate cash or securities as a deposit
payment ("initial deposit"). It is expected that the initial
deposit would be approximately 1/2%-5% of a contract's face
value. Daily thereafter, the futures contract is valued and the
payment of "variation margin" may be required, since each day the
Fund would provide or receive cash that reflects any decline or
increase in the contract's value.
At the time of delivery of securities pursuant to such a
contract, adjustments are made to recognize differences in value
arising from the delivery of securities with a different interest
rate from that specified in the contract. In some (but not many)
cases, securities called for by a futures contract may not have
been issued when the contract was written.
Although futures contracts by their terms call for the
actual delivery or acquisition of securities, in most cases the
contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the
contract without having to make or take delivery of the
securities. The offsetting of a contractual obligation is
accomplished by buying (or selling, as the case may be) on a
commodities exchange an identical futures contract calling for
delivery in the same month. Such a transaction, which is
effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation
to make or take delivery of the securities. Since all
transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled
through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the
A-1
<PAGE>
contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when it
purchases or sells futures contracts.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and
futures markets, due to differences in the nature of those
markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in
the futures market are subject to initial deposit and variation
margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation
margin requirements, investors may close futures contracts
through offsetting transactions which could distort the normal
relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the
liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering
into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take
delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus
producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of
speculators, the margin deposit requirements in the futures
market are less onerous than margin requirements in the
securities market. Therefore, increased participation by
speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price
distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a correct
forecast of general interest rate trends by the Adviser may still
not result in a successful transaction.
In addition, futures contracts entail risks. Although
the Fund believes that use of such contracts will benefit the
Fund, if the Adviser's investment judgment is incorrect about the
general direction of a stock market index for example, the Fund's
overall performance would be poorer than if it had not entered
into any such contract. For example, if the Fund has hedged
against the possibility of a bear market in equities in a
particular country that would adversely affect the price of
equities held in its portfolio and there is a bull market
instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the
increased value of the equities that it has hedged because it
will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In
addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash,
it may have to sell equities from its portfolio to meet daily
variation margin requirements. Such sales may be, but will not
necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising
market. The Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it
may be disadvantageous to do so.
Options On Futures Contracts
The Fund intends to purchase and write options on
futures contracts. The purchase of a call option on a futures
contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call
option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing of
the option compared to either the price of the futures contract
upon which it is based or the price of the underlying securities,
A-2
<PAGE>
it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures
contract or underlying securities.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract
constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the
security or foreign currency which is deliverable upon exercise
of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of
the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the
full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge
against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's
portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures
contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of
the security or foreign currency which is deliverable upon
exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at
expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the
Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which
provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of
securities which the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call
option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a
loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it
receives. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes
in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value
of its futures positions, the Fund's losses from existing options
on futures may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes
in the value of portfolio securities.
The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is
similar in some respects to the purchase of protective put
options on portfolio securities. For example, the Fund may
purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Fund's
portfolio against the risk of a general market decline.
The amount of risk the Fund assumes when it purchases an
option on a futures contract is the premium paid for the option
plus related transaction costs. In addition to the correlation
risks discussed above, the purchase of an option also entails the
risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract
will not be fully reflected in the value of the option purchased.
Options On Foreign Currencies
The Fund may purchase and write options on foreign
currencies in a manner similar to that in which futures contracts
on foreign currencies, or forward contracts, will be utilized.
For example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency
in which portfolio securities are denominated will reduce the
dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the
foreign currency remains constant. In order to protect against
such diminutions in the value of portfolio securities, the Fund
may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value
of the currency does decline, the Fund will have the right to
A-3
<PAGE>
sell such currency for a fixed amount in dollars and will thereby
offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect on its portfolio
which otherwise would have resulted.
Conversely, where a rise in the dollar value of a
currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is
projected, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, the
Fund may purchase call options thereon. The purchase of such
options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the
adverse movements in exchange rates. As in the case of other
types of options, however, the benefit to the Fund deriving from
purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the
amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In
addition, where currency exchange rates do not move in the
direction or to the extent anticipated, the Fund could sustain
losses on transactions in foreign currency options which would
require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of
advantageous changes in such rates.
The Fund may also write options on foreign currencies
for the same purposes. For example, where the Fund anticipates a
decline in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated
securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates it
could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on
the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the
option will most likely not be exercised, and the diminution in
value of portfolio securities will be offset by the amount of the
premium received.
Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option to hedge
against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities
to be acquired, the Fund could write a put option on the relevant
currency which, if rates move in the manner projected, will
expire unexercised and allow the Fund to hedge such increased
cost up to the amount of the premium. As in the case of other
types of options, however, the writing of a foreign currency
option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of
the premium, and only if rates move in the expected direction. If
this does not occur, the option may be exercised and the Fund
would be required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at
a loss which may not be offset by the amount of the premium.
Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund
also may be required to forego all or a portion of the benefits
which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements
in exchange rates.
The Fund intends to write covered call options on
foreign currencies. A call option written on a foreign currency
by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying foreign
currency covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate
right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash
A-4
<PAGE>
consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a
segregated account by its Custodian) upon conversion or exchange
of other foreign currency held in its portfolio. A call option
is also covered if the Fund has a call on the same foreign
currency and in the same principal amount as the call written
where the exercise price of the call held (a) is equal to or less
than the exercise price of the call written or (b) is greater
than the exercise price of the call written if the difference is
maintained by the Fund in cash, U.S. Government Securities or
other appropriate liquid securities in a segregated account with
its Custodian.
The Fund also intends to write call options on foreign
currencies that are not covered for cross-hedging purposes. A
call option on a foreign currency is for cross- hedging purposes
if it is not covered, but is designed to provide a hedge against
a decline in the U.S. dollar value of a security which the Fund
owns or has the right to acquire and which is denominated in the
currency underlying the option due to an adverse change in the
exchange rate. In such circumstances, the Fund collateralizes
the option by maintaining in a segregated account with the Fund's
Custodian, cash or U.S. government securities or other
appropriate liquid securities in an amount not less than the
value of the underlying foreign currency in U.S. dollars marked
to market daily.
Additional Risks Of Options On Futures Contracts, Forward
Contracts and Options on Foreign Currencies
Unlike transactions entered into by the Fund in futures
contracts, options on foreign currencies and forward contracts
are not traded on contract markets regulated by the CFTC or (with
the exception of certain foreign currency options) by the
Commission. To the contrary, such instruments are traded through
financial institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign
currency options are also traded on certain national securities
exchanges, such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the
Chicago Board Options Exchange, subject to regulation by the
Commission. Similarly, options on currencies may be traded over-
the-counter. In an over-the-counter trading environment, many of
the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be
available. For example, there are no daily price fluctuation
limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to
an unlimited extent over a period of time. Although the
purchaser of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the
premium plus related transaction costs, this entire amount could
be lost. Moreover, the option writer and a trader of forward
contracts could lose amounts substantially in excess of their
initial investments, due to the margin and collateral
requirements associated with such positions.
A-5
<PAGE>
Options on foreign currencies traded on national
securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the
Commission, as are other securities traded on such exchanges. As
a result, many of the protections provided to traders on
organized exchanges will be available with respect to such
transactions. In particular, all foreign currency option
positions entered into on a national securities exchange are
cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation
("OCC"), thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default.
Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a
national securities exchange may be more readily available than
in the over-the-counter market, potentially permitting the Fund
to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or
expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market
movements.
The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign
currency options, however, is subject to the risks of the
availability of a liquid secondary market described above, as
well as the risks regarding adverse market movements, margining
of options written, the nature of the foreign currency market,
possible intervention by governmental authorities and the effects
of other political and economic events. In addition, exchange-
traded options on foreign currencies involve certain risks not
presented by the over-the-counter market. For example, exercise
and settlement of such options must be made exclusively through
the OCC, which has established banking relationships in
applicable foreign countries for this purpose. As a result, the
OCC may, if it determines that foreign governmental restrictions
or taxes would prevent the orderly settlement of foreign currency
option exercises, or would result in undue burdens on the OCC or
its clearing member, impose special procedures on exercise and
settlement, such as technical changes in the mechanics of
delivery of currency, the fixing of dollar settlement prices or
prohibitions on exercise.
In addition, futures contracts, options on futures
contracts, forward contracts and options on foreign currencies
may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions are
subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in
or the prices of foreign currencies or securities. The value of
such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other
complex foreign political and economic factors, (ii) lesser
availability than in the United States of data, on which to make
trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon
economic events occurring in foreign markets during nonbusiness
hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different
exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin
requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading
volume.
A-6
<PAGE>
_____________________________________________________________
APPENDIX B: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT JAPAN
_____________________________________________________________
The information in this section is based on material
obtained by the Fund from various Japanese governmental and other
sources believed to be accurate but has not been independently
verified by the Fund or the Adviser. It is not intended to be a
complete description of Japan, its economy or the consequences of
investing in Japanese securities.
Japan, located in eastern Asia, consists of four main
islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, and many small
islands. Its population is approximately 126 million.
GOVERNMENT
The government of Japan is a representative democracy
whose principal executive is the Prime Minister. Japan's
legislature (known as the Diet) consists of two houses, the House
of Representatives (the lower house) and the House of Councillors
(the upper house).
POLITICS
From 1955 to 1993, Japan's government was controlled by
the Liberal Democratic Party (the "LDP"), the major conservative
party. In August 1993, after a main faction left the LDP over
the issue of political reform, a non-LDP coalition government was
formed consisting of centrist and leftist parties and was headed
by Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa. In April 1994, Mr. Hosokawa
resigned due to allegations of personal financial irregularities.
The coalition members thereafter agreed to choose as prime
minister the foreign minister, Tsutomu Hata. As a result of the
formation of a center-right voting bloc, however, the Japan
Socialist Party (the "JSP"), a leftist party, withdrew from the
coalition. Consequently, Mr. Hata's government was a minority
coalition, the first since 1955, and was therefore unstable. In
June 1994, Mr. Hata and his coalition were replaced by a new
coalition made up of the JSP (since renamed the "Social
Democratic Party (the "SDP")), the LDP and the small New Party
Sakigake (the "Sakigake"). This coalition, which surprised many
because of the historic rivalries between the LDP and the SDP,
was led by Tomiichi Murayama, the first Socialist prime minister
in 47 years. Mr. Murayama stepped down in January 1996 and was
succeeded as Prime Minister by Liberal Democrat Ryutaro
Hashimoto. By September 1996, when Prime Minister Hashimoto
called for a general election on October 20, 1996, the stability
of the SDP-LDP-Sakigake coalition had become threatened. Both
the SDP and the Sakigake had lost more than half their seats in
B-1
<PAGE>
the lower house of the Diet when a faction of the Sakigake split
off to form the Democratic Party of Japan. Their strength was
further diminished as a result of the October 20, 1996 general
election. Although the LDP was 12 seats short of winning a
majority in the election, it has been able to reduce the margin
to three seats and to achieve enough support from its two former
coalition parties, the SDP and the Sakigake, as well as
independents and other conservatives, to return Japan to a
single-party government for the first time since 1993. Mr.
Hashimoto was reappointed as Prime Minister on November 7, 1996.
The opposition is dominated by the New Frontier Party, which was
established in December 1994 by various opposition groups and
parties.
ECONOMY
The Japanese economy maintained an average annual growth
rate of 2.1% in real GDP terms from 1990 through 1994, compared
with 2.4% for the United States during the same period. In 1995
and 1996, Japan's real GDP growth was 1.4% and 3.6%,
respectively. A growth rate of approximately 2.0% has been
forecast for 1997; however, in September 1997 the government
announced that GDP shrank by 2.9% in the second quarter, the
largest quarterly drop in 25 years, causing the forecast to drop
to 1.1%. Inflation has remained low, 1.3% in 1993, 0.7% in 1994,
- -0.1% in 1995 and 0.1% in 1996. It is estimated that inflation
in 1997 will be about 1%. As a result of the growing economy and
low inflation, private consumer demand has grown strongly but
will be affected by higher consumer taxes that went into effect
in 1997. Unemployment is still at its highest level in forty
years and is not expected to fall appreciably in the foreseeable
future. In addition, employment has been shifting from the
manufacturing sector to the service sector, a trend that was
expected to continue in 1997.
Japan's post World War II reliance on heavy industries
has shifted to higher technology products assembly and, most
recently, to automobile, electrical and electronic production.
Japan's success in exporting its products has generated sizable
trade surpluses. Japan is in a difficult phase in its relations
with its trading partners that is partly due to the concentration
of Japanese exports in products such as automobiles, machine
tools and semiconductors and the large trade surpluses ensuing
therefrom, recent large and visible Japanese real estate
investments in the United States and an overall trade imbalance
as indicated by Japan's balance of payments. Although it is
probable that the recent improvement of the United States economy
and an increased competitiveness and success in manufacturing,
such as with the U.S. automobile industry, has had a negative
effect on Japan's growth, Japan's overall trade surplus for 1994
was the largest in its history, amounting to almost $145 billion.
B-2
<PAGE>
Exports totaled $386 billion, up 9.3% from 1993, and imports were
$242 billion, up 13.6% from 1993. The current account surplus in
1994 was $130 billion, down 1.5% from from a record high in 1993.
In 1995, Japan's overall trade surplus amounted to $132 billion.
Exports totaled $429 billion, up 10.0% from 1994, and imports
were $297 billion, up 22.8% from 1994. In 1995, the current
account surplus decreased 14.6% to $111 billion. In 1996,
Japan's overall trade surplus amounted to $83 billion, exports
totaled $400 billion, down 6.8% from 1995, and imports totaled
$317 billion, up 6.7% from 1995. During the first nine months of
1997, the trade surplus, which had been declining since its 1994
high, reversed course and increased approximately 37% from the
same period in 1996. This upward trend of the trade surplus is
expected to continue in the near future. Japan remains the
largest creditor nation and a significant donor of foreign aid.
On October 1, 1994, the U.S. and Japan reached an
agreement that may lead to more open Japanese markets with
respect to insurance, glass and medical and telecommunications
equipment. In June 1995, the two countries agreed in principal
to increase Japanese imports of American automobiles and
automotive parts. The final wording of the agreement is
ambiguous, and therefore it is likely that this issue will
continue to be a source of tension between the two countries.
Other current sources of tension between the two countries, are
disputes in connection with trade in semiconductors and
photographic supplies, deregulation of the Japanese insurance
market, a dispute over aviation rights and access to Japanese
ports. It is expected that the friction between the United
States and Japan with respect to trade issues will continue for
the foreseeable future.
In response to pressures caused by the slumping Japanese
economy, the fragile financial markets and the appreciating Yen,
the Japanese government, in April and June 1995, announced
emergency economic packages that focused on higher and
accelerated public works spending and increased aid for post-
earthquake reconstruction in the Kobe area. These measures
helped to increase public investment and lead to faster GDP
growth, but failed to produce fundamental changes.
In addition to the government's emergency economic
packages announced in 1995, the Bank of Japan attempted to assist
the financial markets by lowering its official discount rate to a
record low in 1995. However, large amounts of bad debt have
prevented banks from expanding their loan portfolios despite low
discount rates. Japanese banks have suffered several years of
declining profits and many banks have required public funds to
avert insolvency. In June 1995, the Finance Ministry announced
an expansion of deposit insurance and restrictions on rescuing
insolvent banks. In June 1996, six bills designed to address the
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large amount of bad debt in the banking system were passed by the
Diet. By March 1997, the Finance Ministry estimated that the
extent of non-performing debt at all financial institutions had
declined 19.8% from its estimate a year earlier. Nevertheless,
the financial system's fragility is expected to continue for the
foreseeable future.
In November 1996, Prime Minister Hashimoto announced a
set of initiatives to deregulate the financial sector by the year
2001. Known as "Tokyo's Big Bang," the proposed reforms include
changes in tax laws to favor investors, the lowering of barriers
between banking, securities and insurance, abolition of foreign
exchange restrictions and other measures designed to revive
Tokyo's status in the international capital markets and to
stimulate the economy. In June 1997, the government announced a
detailed blueprint for implementing the Big Bang. Legislation to
implement certain reforms has already been approved. These
include a liberalization of foreign exchange restrictions and a
repeal of the ban on holding companies.
A growing budget deficit and the threat of a budget
crisis have resulted in a tightening of fiscal policy. In March
1997, Prime Minister Hashimoto announced the first detailed plan
for fiscal reform. The plan calls for the lowering of the budget
deficit to below 3% of GDP by Fiscal Year 2003/2004. In June
1997, specific proposals for spending cuts were approved by the
cabinet and a Fiscal Reform Law, incorporating the proposals into
binding targets, will be presented to the Diet late in 1997.
Measures to control and reduce the budget deficit mitigate
against the government utilizing a direct fiscal stimulus package
to stimulate the economy. Instead, the emphasis will remain on
monetary policy to stimulate the economy.
Between 1985 and 1995, the Japanese Yen generally
appreciated against the U.S. Dollar. Between 1990 and 1994 the
Yen's real effective exchange rate appreciated by approximately
36%. On April 19, 1995, the Japanese Yen reached an all time
high of 79.75 against the U.S. Dollar. Since its peak of April
19, 1995, the Yen has generally decreased in value against the
U.S. Dollar. On April 30, 1997, the exchange rate reached a low
of 127.03 Yen per U.S. Dollar, the lowest the exchange rate had
been in almost five years. On September 30, 1997, the exchange
rate was 120.50 Yen per U.S. Dollar.
JAPANESE STOCK EXCHANGES. Currently, there are eight
stock exchanges in Japan. The Tokyo Stock Exchange (the "TSE"),
the Osaka Securities Exchange and the Nagoya Stock Exchange are
the largest, together accounting for approximately 98.9% of the
share trading volume and for about 98.8% of the overall trading
value of all shares traded on Japanese stock exchanges during the
year ended December 31, 1996. The other stock exchanges are
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located in Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Niigata and Sapporo. The
chart below presents annual share trading volume (in millions of
shares) and overall year-end market value (in billions of yen)
information with respect to each of the three major Japanese
stock exchanges for the years 1989 through 1996. Trading volume
and the value of foreign stocks are not included.
All Exchanges TOKYO OSAKA NAGOYA
VOLUME VALUE VOLUME VALUE VOLUME VALUE VOLUME VALUE
________ ______ _____ _____ ______ _____ ______ _____
1989 256,296 386,395 222,599 332,617 25,096 41,679 7,263 10,395
1990 145,837 231,837 123,099 186,667 17,187 35,813 4,323 7,301
1991 107,844 134,160 93,606 110,897 10,998 18,723 2,479 3,586
1992 82,563 80,456 66,408 60,110 12,069 15,575 3,300 3,876
1993 101,173 106,123 86,935 86,889 10,440 14,635 2,780 3,459
1994 105,937 114,622 84,514 87,356 14,904 19,349 4,720 5,780
1995 120,149 115,840 92,034 83,564 21,094 24,719 5,060 5,462
1996 126,496 136,170 101,170 101,893 20,783 27,280 4,104 5,391
Source: The Tokyo Stock Exchange 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 Fact
Books.
THE TOKYO STOCK EXCHANGE
OVERVIEW OF THE TOKYO STOCK EXCHANGE. The TSE is the
largest of the Japanese stock exchanges and as such is widely
regarded as the principal securities exchange for all of Japan.
In 1996, the TSE accounted for 74.8% of the market value and
79.2% of the share trading volume on all Japanese stock
exchanges. A foreign stock section on the TSE, consisting of
shares of non-Japanese companies, listed 67 non-Japanese
companies at the end of 1996. The market for stock of Japanese
issuers on the TSE is divided into a First Section and a Second
Section. The First Section is generally for larger, established
companies (in existence for five years or more) that meet listing
criteria relating to the size and business condition of the
issuing company, the liquidity of its securities and other
factors pertinent to investor protection. The TSE's Second
Section is for smaller companies and newly listed issuers.
SECTOR ANALYSIS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND SECTIONS. The
TSE's domestic stocks include a broad cross-section of companies
involved in many different areas of the Japanese economy. At the
end of 1996, the three largest industry sectors, based on market
value, listed on the first section of the TSE were banking, with
100 companies representing 20.0% of all domestic stocks listed on
the TSE; electric appliances, with 129 companies representing
12.5% of all domestic stocks so listed; and transportation
equipment with 60 companies representing 9.6% of all domestic
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stocks so listed. No other industry sector represented more than
5% of TSE listed domestic stocks.
MARKET GROWTH OF THE TSE. The First and Second Sections
of the TSE grew in terms of both average daily trading value and
aggregate year-end market value from 1982, when they were l28,320
million yen and 98,090 billion yen, respectively, through the end
of 1989, when they were 1,335,810 million yen and 611,152 billion
yen, respectively. Following the peak in 1989, both average
daily trading value and aggregate year-end market value declined
through 1992 when they were 243,362 million yen and 289,483
billion yen, respectively. In 1993 and 1994, both average daily
trading value and aggregate year-end market value increased and
were 353,208 and 353,666 million yen, respectively, and 324,357
and 358,392 billion yen, respectively. In 1995, average daily
trading value decreased to 335,598 million yen and aggregate
year-end market value increased to 365,716 billion yen. In 1996,
average daily trading volume increased to 412,521 million yen and
aggregate year-end market value decreased to 347,578 billion yen.
MARKET PERFORMANCE OF THE FIRST SECTION. As measured by
the TOPIX, a capitalization-weighted composite index of all
common stocks listed in the First Section, the performance of the
First Section reached a peak of 2,884.80 on December 18, 1989.
Thereafter, the TOPIX declined approximately 45% through
December 29, 1995. On December 30, 1996 the TOPIX closed at
1,470.94, down approximately 7% from the end of 1995. On
September 30, 1997, the TOPIX closed at 1,388.32, down
approximately 6% from the end of 1996. The price/earnings ratios
of First Section companies are on average high in comparison with
other major stock markets.
JAPANESE FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Under Japan's Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control
Law and cabinet orders and ministerial ordinances thereunder (the
"Foreign Exchange Controls"), prior notification to the Minister
of Finance of Japan (the "Minister of Finance") of the
acquisition of shares in a Japanese company from a resident of
Japan (including a corporation) by a non-resident of Japan
(including a corporation) is required unless the acquisition is
made from or through a securities company designated by the
Minister of Finance or if the yen equivalent of the aggregate
purchase price of shares is not more than 100 million Yen. Even
in these situations, if a foreign investor intends to acquire
shares of a Japanese corporation listed on a Japanese stock
exchange or traded on a Japanese over-the-counter market
(regardless of the person from or through whom the foreign
investor acquires such shares) and as a result of the acquisition
the foreign investor would directly or indirectly hold 10% or
more of the total outstanding shares of that corporation, the
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foreign investor must file a report within 15 days from the day
of such acquisition with the Minister of Finance and any other
minister with proper jurisdiction. In instances where the
acquisition concerns national security or meets certain other
conditions specified in the Foreign Exchange Controls, the
foreign investor must file a prior notification with respect to
the proposed acquisition with the Minister of Finance and any
other minister with proper jurisdiction. The ministers may make
a recommendation to modify or prohibit the proposed acquisition
if they consider that the acquisition would impair the safety and
maintenance of public order in Japan or harmfully influence the
smooth operation of the Japanese economy. If the foreign
investor does not accept the recommendation, the ministers may
issue an order modifying or prohibiting the acquisition. In
certain limited and exceptional circumstances, the Foreign
Exchange Controls give the Minister of Finance the power to
require prior approval for any acquisition of shares in a
Japanese company by a non-resident of Japan.
In general, the acquisition of shares by non-resident
shareholders by way of stock splits, as well as the acquisition
of shares of a Japanese company listed on a Japanese stock
exchange by non-residents upon exercise of warrants or conversion
of convertible bonds, are not subject to any of the foregoing
notification or reporting requirements. Under the Foreign
Exchange Controls, dividends paid on share, held by non-residents
of Japan and the proceeds of any sales of shares within Japan
may, in general, be converted into any foreign currency and
remitted abroad.
Certain provisions of the Foreign Exchange Controls are
scheduled to be repealed or liberalized beginning in April 1998,
pursuant to legislation that was approved in May 1997 as part of
the plan to implement the Big Bang.
REGULATION OF THE JAPANESE EQUITIES MARKETS
The principal securities law in Japan is the Securities
and Exchange Law ("SEL") which provides overall regulation for
the issuance of securities in public offerings and private
placements and for secondary market trading. The SEL was amended
in 1988 in order to liberalize the securities market; to regulate
the securities futures, index, and option trade; to add
disclosure regulations; and to reinforce the prevention of
insider trading. Insider trading provisions are applicable to
debt and equity securities listed on a Japanese stock exchange
and to unlisted debt and equity securities issued by a Japanese
corporation that has securities listed on a Japanese stock
exchange or registered with the Securities Dealers Association
(the "SDA"). In addition, each of the eight stock exchanges in
Japan has its own constitution, regulations governing the sale
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and purchase of securities and standing rules for exchange
contracts for the purchase and sale of securities on the
exchange, as well as detained rules and regulations covering a
variety of matters, including rules and standards for listing and
delisting of securities.
The loss compensation incidents involving preferential
treatment of certain customers by certain Japanese securities
companies, which came to light in 1991, provided the impetus for
amendments to the SEL, which took effect in 1992, as well as two
reform bills passed by the Diet in 1992. The amended SEL now
prohibits securities companies from the operation of
discretionary accounts, loss compensation or provision of
artificial gains in securities transactions, directly or
indirectly, to their customers and making offers or agreements
with respect thereto. Despite these amendments, there have been
certain incidents involving loss compensation. To ensure that
securities are traded at their fair value, the SDA and the TSE
have promulgated certain rules, effective in 1992, which, among
other things, explicitly prohibit any transaction undertaken with
the intent to provide loss compensation of illegal gains
regardless of whether the transaction otherwise technically
complies with the rules. The reform bill passed by the Diet,
which took effect in 1992 and 1993, provides for the
establishment of a new Japanese securities regulator and for a
variety of reforms designed to revitalize the Japanese financial
and capital markets by permitting banks and securities companies
to compete in each other's field of business, subject to various
regulations and restrictions.
Further reforms in the regulation of the securities
markets are anticipated over the next several years as the Big
Bang is implemented.
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PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements
Included in the Prospectus:
Financial Highlights.
Included in the Statement of Additional Information:
Portfolio of Investments - June 30, 1997.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities - June 30,
1997.
Statement of Operations for the year ended June 30,
1997.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets - years ended
June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997.
Notes to Financial Statements - June 30, 1997.
Report of Independent Auditors.
Included in Part C of the Registration Statement:
All other schedules 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 which are included
in the Statement of Additional Information of the
Registration Statement.
(b) Exhibits
(1) First Amended and Restated Agreement and
Declaration of Trust - Filed herewith.
(2) By-Laws - Filed herewith.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Investment Advisory Agreement between the
Registrant and Alliance Capital Management L.P. -
Filed herewith.
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(6) (a) Distribution Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc. - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6
(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed October 22, 1993; Form of
Amendment to Distribution Services Agreement
between Registrant and Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. - Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 6 (a) of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed October 1, 1996.
(b) Selected Dealer Agreement between Alliance
Fund Distributors, Inc. and selected dealers
offering shares of Registrant - Filed
herewith.
(c) Selected Agent Agreement between Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. and selected agents making
available shares of Registrant - Filed
herewith.
(7) Not applicable.
(8) Custodian Contract between the Registrant and Brown
Brothers Harriman & Co. - Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 8 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A,
filed October 28, 1988.
(9) Transfer Agency Agreement - Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 9 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 of Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, filed October 27, 1989.
(10) Not applicable.
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors - Filed herewith.
(12) Not applicable.
(13) Not applicable.
(14) Not applicable.
(15) Rule 12b-1 Plan - See Exhibit 6 hereto.
(16) Schedule for computation for each performance
quotation - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(16) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 of
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Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A,
filed August 30, 1991.
(17) Financial Data Schedule - Incorporated by reference
to the (i) Financial Data Schedule contained in the
Registrant's most recent Semi-Annual Report on Form
N-SAR with respect to a fiscal year ended and
(ii) Financial Data Schedule contained in any more
recent such report of the Registrant with respect
to a six-month period ended.
(18) Rule 18f-3 Plan - Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (18) of Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form N-1A, filed April 22, 1996.
ITEM 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with
Registrant.
None.
ITEM 26. Number of Holders of Securities.
Number of Record Holders
Title of Class (as of October 6, 1997)
Shares of Beneficial Class A - 11,285
Interest Class B - 9,712
par value $.01 Class C - 2,325
Advisor Class - 59
Other Exhibits:
Powers of Attorney for John D. Carifa, David H. Dievler, John H.
Dobkin, W. H. Henderson, Stig Host, Richard M. Lilly and Alan
Stoga - Incorporated by reference to Other Exhibits of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed October
1, 1996.
ITEM 27. Indemnification
It is the Registrant's policy to indemnify its trustees
and officers, employees and other agents as set forth in
Article VIII and Article III of Registrant's Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, filed as Exhibit 1 in response
to Item 24 and Section 6 of the Distribution Agreement
filed as Exhibit 6 in response to Item 24, all as set
forth below. The liability of the Registrant's trustees
and officers is dealt with in Article VIII of
Registrant's First Amended and Restated Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, as set forth below. The Adviser's
liability for loss suffered by the Registrant or its
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shareholders is set forth in Section 4 of the Advisory
Agreement filed as Exhibit 5 in response to Item 24, as
set forth below.
Article VIII of Registrant's First Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust reads as follows:
SECTION 8.1 Trustees, Shareholders, etc. Not Personally
Liable; Notice. The Trustees and officers of the Trust,
in incurring any debts, liabilities or obligations, or
in limiting or omitting any other actions for or in
connection with the Trust, are or shall be deemed to be
acting as Trustees or officers of the Trust and not in
their own capacities. No Shareholder shall be subject
to any personal liability whatsoever in tort, contract
or otherwise to any other Person or Persons in
connection with the assets or the affairs of the Trust
or of any Portfolio, and subject to Section 8.4 hereof,
no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust
shall be subject to any personal liability whatsoever in
tort, contract, or otherwise, to any other Person or
Persons in connection with the assets or affairs of the
Trust or of any Portfolio, save only that arising from
his own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office or the discharge of his functions.
The Trust (or if the matter relates only to a particular
Portfolio, that Portfolio) shall be solely liable for
any and all debts, claims, demands, judgments, decrees,
liabilities or obligations of any and every kind,
against or with respect to the Trust or such Portfolio
in tort, contract or otherwise in connection with the
assets or the affairs of the Trust or such Portfolio,
and all Persons dealing with the Trust or any Portfolio
shall be deemed to have agreed that resort shall be had
solely to the Trust Property of the Trust or the
Portfolio Assets of such Portfolio, as the case may be,
for the payment or performance thereof.
The Trustees shall use their best efforts to ensure that
every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or
undertaking made or issued by the Trustees or by any
officers or officer shall give notice that this
Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall recite to
the effect that the same was executed or made by or on
behalf of the Trust or by them as Trustees or Trustee or
as officers or officer, and not individually, and that
the obligations of such instrument are not binding upon
any of them or the Shareholders individually but are
binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust,
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or the particular Portfolio in question, as the case may
be, but the omission thereof shall not operate to bind
any Trustees or Trustee or officers or officer or
Shareholders or Shareholder individually, or to subject
the Portfolio Assets of any Portfolio to the obligations
of any other Portfolio.
SECTION 8.2 Trustees' Good Faith Action; Expert Advice;
No Bond or Surety. The exercise by the Trustees of
their powers and discretions hereunder shall be binding
upon everyone interested. Subject to Section 8.4 hereof,
a Trustee shall be liable for his own willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the
office of Trustee, and for nothing else, and shall not
be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or
law. Subject to the foregoing, (i) the Trustees shall
not be responsible or liable in any event for any
neglect or wrongdoing of any officer, agent, employee,
consultant, Adviser, Administrator, Distributor or
Principal Underwriter, Custodian or Transfer Agent,
Dividend Disbursing Agent, Shareholder Servicing Agent
or Accounting Agent of the Trust, nor shall any Trustee
be responsible for the act or omission of any other
Trustee; (ii) the Trustees may take advice of counsel or
other experts with respect to the meaning and operation
of this Declaration of Trust and their duties as
Trustees, and shall be under no liability for any act or
omission in accordance with such advice or for failing
to follow such advice; and (iii) in discharging their
duties, the Trustees, when acting in good faith, shall
be entitled to rely upon the books of account of the
Trust and upon written reports made to the Trustees by
any officer appointed by them, any independent public
accountant, and (with respect to the subject matter of
the contract involved) any officer, partner or
responsible employee of a Contracting Party appointed by
the Trustees pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof. The
Trustees as such shall not be required to give any bond
or surety or any other security for the performance of
their duties.
SECTION 8.3 Indemnification of Shareholders. If any
Shareholder (or former Shareholder) of the Trust shall
be charged or held to be personally liable for any
obligation or liability of the Trust solely by reason of
being or having been a Shareholder and not because of
such Shareholder's acts or omissions or for some other
reason, the Trust (upon proper and timely request by the
Shareholder) shall assume the defense against such
charge and satisfy any judgment thereon, and the
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Shareholder or former Shareholder (or the heirs,
executors, administrators or other legal representatives
thereof, or in the case of a corporation or other
entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall
be entitled (but solely out of the assets of the
Portfolio of which such Shareholder or former
Shareholder is or was the holder of Shares) to be held
harmless from and indemnified against all loss and
expense arising from such liability.
SECTION 8.4 Indemnification of Trustees, Officers, etc.
Subject to the limitations set forth hereinafter in this
Section 8.4, the Trust shall indemnify (from the assets
of the Portfolio or Portfolios to which the conduct in
question relates) each of its Trustees and officers
(including Persons who serve at the Trust's request as
directors, officers or trustees of another organization
in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder,
creditor or otherwise [hereinafter, together with such
Person's heirs, executors, administrators or personal
representative, referred to as a "Covered Person"])
against all liabilities, including but not limited to
amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise
or as fines and penalties, and expenses, including
reasonable accountants' and counsel fees, incurred by
any Covered Person in connection with the defense or
disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding,
whether civil or criminal, before any court or
administrative or legislative body, in which such
Covered Person may be or may have been involved as a
party or otherwise or with which such Covered Person may
be or may have been threatened, while in office or
thereafter, by reason of being or having been such a
Trustee or officer, director or trustee, except with
respect to any matter as to which it has been determined
that such Covered Person (i) did not act in good faith
in the reasonable belief that such Covered Person's
action was in or not opposed to the best interests of
the Trust or (ii) had acted with willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person's
office (either and both of the conduct described in (i)
and (ii) being referred to hereafter as "Disabling
Conduct"). A determination that the Covered Person is
entitled to indemnification may be made by (i) a final
decision on the merits by a court or other body before
whom the proceeding was brought that the Covered Person
to be indemnified was not liable by reason of Disabling
Conduct, (ii) dismissal of a court action or an
administrative proceeding against a Covered Person for
insufficiency of evidence of Disabling Conduct, or (iii)
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a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the
facts, that the indemnitee was not liable by reason of
Disabling Conduct by (a) a vote of a majority of a
quorum of Trustees who are neither "interested persons"
of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940
Act nor parties to the proceeding, or (b) an independent
legal counsel in a written opinion. Expenses, including
accountants' and counsel fees so incurred by any such
Covered Person (but excluding amounts paid in
satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines or
penalties), may be paid from time to time by the
Portfolio or Portfolios to which the conduct in question
related in advance of the final disposition of any such
action, suit or proceeding; provided, that the Covered
Person shall have undertaken to repay the amounts so
paid to such Portfolio or Portfolios if it is ultimately
determined that indemnification of such expenses is not
authorized under this Article VIII and (i) the Covered
Person shall have provided security for such
undertaking, (ii) the Trust shall be insured against
losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or
(iii) a majority of a quorum of the disinterested
Trustees, or an independent legal counsel in a written
opinion, shall have determined, based on a review of
readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type
inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the
Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to
indemnification.
SECTION 8.5 Compromise Payment. As to any matter
disposed of by a compromise payment by any such Covered
Person referred to in Section 8.4 hereof, pursuant to a
consent decree or otherwise, no such indemnification
either for said payment or for any other expenses shall
be provided unless such indemnification shall be
approved (i) by a majority of a quorum of the
disinterested Trustees or (ii) by an independent legal
counsel in a written opinion. Approval by the Trustees
pursuant to clause (i) or by independent legal counsel
pursuant to clause (ii) shall not prevent the recovery
from any Covered Person of any amount paid to such
Covered Person in accordance with either of such clauses
as indemnification if such Covered Person is
subsequently adjudicated by a court of competent
jurisdiction not to have acted in good faith in the
reasonable belief that such Covered Person's action was
in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust or
to have been liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved
in the conduct of such Covered Person's office.
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SECTION 8.6 Indemnification Not Exclusive, etc. The
right of indemnification provided by this Article VIII
shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to
which any such Covered Person may be entitled. As used
in this Article VIII, a "disinterested" Person is one
against whom none of the actions, suits or other
proceedings in question, and no other action, suit or
other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then
or has been pending or threatened. Nothing contained in
this Article VIII shall affect any rights to
indemnification to which personnel of the Trust, other
than Trustees and officers, and other Persons may be
entitled by contract or otherwise under law, nor the
power of the Trust to purchase and maintain liability
insurance on behalf of any such Person.
SECTION 8.7 Liability of Third Persons Dealing with
Trustees. No person dealing with the Trustees shall be
bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any
transaction made or to be made by the Trustees or to see
to the application of any payments made or property
transferred to the Trust or upon its order.
Article III of Registrant's First Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust reads, in pertinent
part, as follows:
"Without limiting the foregoing and to the extent
not inconsistent with the 1940 Act or other
applicable law, the Trustees shall have power and
authority:
(s) Indemnification. In addition to the
mandatory indemnification provided for in
Article VIII hereof and to the extent permitted
by law, to indemnify or enter into agreements
with respect to indemnification with any Person
with whom this Trust has dealings, including,
without limitation, any independent contractor,
to such extent as the Trustees shall determine."
The Advisory Agreement between Registrant and
Alliance Capital Management L.P. provides that Alliance
Capital Management L.P. will not be liable under such
agreement for any mistake of judgment or in any event
whatsoever except for lack of good faith and that
nothing therein shall be deemed to protect, or purport
to protect, Alliance Capital Management L.P. against any
liability to Registrant or its security holders to which
it would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
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performance of its duties thereunder, or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties
thereunder.
The Distribution Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. provides
that the Registrant will indemnify, defend and hold
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., and any person who
controls it within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, free and harmless from
and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and
expenses which Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. or any
controlling person may incur arising out of or based
upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in Registrant's Registration Statement or
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or
arising out of, or based upon any alleged omission to
state a material fact required to be stated in or
necessary to make the statements in either thereof any
one of the foregoing not misleading, provided that
nothing therein shall be so construed as to protect
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. against any liability
to Registrant or its security holders to which it would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties thereunder, or by reason of reckless disregard of
its obligations and duties thereunder.
The foregoing summaries are qualified by the entire
text of Registrant's First Amended and Restated
Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Advisory
Agreement between Registrant and Alliance Capital
Management L.P. and the Distribution Services Agreement
between Registrant and Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act")
may be permitted to trustees, 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 expressed in the Securities 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 trustee, officer or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit
or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
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<PAGE>
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
In accordance with Release No. IC-11330
(September 2, 1980), the Registrant will indemnify its
trustees, officers, investment adviser and principal
underwriters only if (1) a final decision on the merits
was issued by the court or other body before whom the
proceeding was brought that the person to be indemnified
(the "indemnitee") was not liable by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office ("disabling conduct") or (2) a reasonable
determination is made, based upon a review of the facts,
that the indemnitee was not liable by reason of
disabling conduct, by (a) the vote of a majority of a
quorum of the trustees who are neither "interested
persons" of the Registrant as defined in section
2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 nor
parties to the proceeding ("disinterested, non-party
trustees"), or (b) an independent legal counsel in a
written opinion. The Registrant will advance attorneys
fees or other expenses incurred by its trustees,
officers, investment adviser or principal underwriters
in defending a proceeding, upon the undertaking by or on
behalf of the indemnitee to repay the advance unless it
is ultimately determined that he is entitled to
indemnification and, as a condition to the advance,
(1) the indemnitee shall provide a security for his
undertaking, (2) the Registrant shall be insured against
losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or
(3) a majority of a quorum of disinterested, non-party
trustees of the Registrant, or an independent legal
counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based on
a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a
full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to
believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found
entitled to indemnification.
The Registrant participates in a joint
trustees/directors and officers liability insurance
policy issued by the ICI Mutual Insurance Company.
Coverage under this policy has been extended to
directors, trustees and officers of the investment
companies managed by Alliance Capital Management L.P.
Under this policy, outside trustees and directors are
covered up to the limits specified for any claim against
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<PAGE>
them for acts committed in their capacities as trustee
or director. A pro rata share of the premium for this
coverage is charged to each investment company and to
the Adviser.
ITEM 28. Business and Other Connections of Adviser.
The descriptions of Alliance Capital Management L.P.
under the captions "Management of the Fund" in the
Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional
Information constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of
this Registration Statement are incorporated by
reference herein.
The information as to the directors and executive
officers of Alliance Capital Management Corporation, the
general partner of Alliance Capital Management L.P., set
forth in Alliance Capital Management L.P.'s Form ADV
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
April 21, 1988 (File No. 801-32361) and amended through
the date hereof, is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 29. Principal Underwriters
(a) Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. the Registrant's
Principal Underwriter in connection with the sale
of shares of the Registrant, also acts as Principal
Underwriter or Distributor for the following
investment companies:
ACM Institutional Reserves Inc.
AFD Exchange Reserves Inc.
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
Alliance Capital Reserves
Alliance Developing Markets Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Government Reserves
Alliance Greater China '97 Fund, Inc.
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc.
Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc.
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Money Market Fund
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc.
Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
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<PAGE>
Alliance Municipal Income Fund II
Alliance Municipal Trust
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc.
Alliance North American Government Income Trust,
Inc.
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc.
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc.
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc.
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc.
Fiduciary Management Associates
The Alliance Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Portfolios
(b) The following are the Directors and Officers of Alliance
Fund Distributors, Inc., the principal place of business
of which is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York, 10105.
POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
NAME WITH UNDERWRITER WITH REGISTRANT
Michael J. Laughlin Chairman
Robert L. Errico President
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr. Senior Vice President, Secretary
General Counsel, and
Secretary
James S. Comforti Senior Vice President
James L. Cronin Senior Vice President
Daniel J. Dart Senior Vice President
Richard A. Davies Senior Vice President
and Managing Director
Byron M. Davis Senior Vice President
Anne S. Drennan Senior Vice President
and Treasurer
Mark J. Dunbar Senior Vice President
Bradley F. Hanson Senior Vice President
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<PAGE>
Geoffrey L. Hyde Senior Vice President
Robert H. Joseph, Jr. Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Richard E. Khaleel Senior Vice President
Stephen R. Laut Senior Vice President
Daniel D. McGinley Senior Vice President
Ryne A. Nishimi Senior Vice President
Antonios G. Poleondakis Senior Vice President
Robert E. Powers Senior Vice President
Richard K. Saccullo Senior Vice President
Gregory K. Shannahan Senior Vice President
Joseph F. Sumanski Senior Vice President
Peter J. Szabo Senior Vice President
Nicholas K. Willett Senior Vice President
Richard A. Winge Senior Vice President
Jamie A. Atkinson Vice President
Benji A. Baer Vice President
Kenneth F. Barkoff Vice President
Casimir Bolanowski Vice President
Timothy W. Call Vice President
Kevin T. Cannon Vice President
John R. Carl Vice President
William W. Collins, Jr. Vice President
Leo H. Cook Vice President
Richard W. Dabney Vice President
John F. Dolan Vice President
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<PAGE>
Sohaila S. Farsheed Vice President
William C. Fisher Vice President
Gerard J. Friscia Vice President &
Controller
Andrew L. Gangolf Vice President & Secretary
Assistant General
Counsel
Mark D. Gersten Vice President Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer
Joseph W. Gibson Vice President
Charles M. Greenberg Vice President
Alan Halfenger Vice President
William B. Hanigan Vice President
Daniel M. Hazard Vice President
George R. Hrabovsky Vice President
Valerie J. Hugo Vice President
Scott Hutton Vice President
Thomas K. Intoccia Vice President
Larry P. Johns Vice President
Richard D. Keppler Vice President
Gwenn M. Kessler Vice President
Donna M. Lamback Vice President
James M. Liptrot Vice President
James P. Luisi Vice President
Christopher J. MacDonald Vice President
Michael F. Mahoney Vice President
Lori E. Master Vice President
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<PAGE>
Shawn P. McClain Vice President
Maura A. McGrath Vice President
Thomas F. Monnerat Vice President
Joanna D. Murray Vice President
Jeanette M. Nardella Vice President
Nicole Nolan-Koester Vice President
John C. O'Connell Vice President
John J. O'Connor Vice President
Robert T. Pigozzi Vice President
James J. Posch Vice President
Domenick Pugliese Vice President & Assistant
Assistant General Secretary
Counsel
Bruce W. Reitz Vice President
Dennis A. Sanford Vice President
Karen C. Satterberg Vice President
Robert C. Schultz Vice President
Raymond S. Sclafani Vice President
Richard J. Sidell Vice President
Andrew D. Strauss Vice President
Michael J. Tobin Vice President
Joseph T. Tocyloski Vice President
Martha D. Volcker Vice President
Patrick E. Walsh Vice President
William C. White Vice President
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<PAGE>
Emilie D. Wrapp Vice President & Assistant
Special Counsel Secretary
Charles M. Barrett Assistant Vice
President
Robert F. Brendli Assistant Vice
President
Maria L. Carreras Assistant Vice
President
John P. Chase Assistant Vice
President
Russell R. Corby Assistant Vice
President
John W. Cronin Assistant Vice
President
Ralph A. DiMeglio Assistant Vice
President
Faith C. Dunn Assistant Vice
President
John C. Endahl Assistant Vice
President
John E. English Assistant Vice
President
Duff C. Ferguson Assistant Vice
President
John Grambone Assistant Vice
President
Brian S. Hanigan Assistant Vice
President
James J. Hill Assistant Vice
President
Edward W. Kelly Assistant Vice
President
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<PAGE>
Michael Laino Assistant Vice
President
Nicholas J. Lapi Assistant Vice
President
Patrick Look Assistant Vice
President &
Assistant Treasurer
Richard F. Meier Assistant Vice
President
Catherine N. Peterson Assistant Vice
President
Carol H. Rappa Assistant Vice
President
Clara Sierra Assistant Vice
President
Vincent T. Strangio Assistant Vice
President
Wesley S. Williams Assistant Vice
President
Christopher J. Zingaro Assistant Vice
President
Mark R. Manley Assistant Secretary
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 30. Location of Accounts and Records.
The majority of the accounts, books and other
documents required to be maintained by Section
31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the
Rules thereunder are maintained as follows:
journals, ledgers, securities records and other
original records are maintained principally at the
offices of Alliance Fund Services, Inc., 500 Plaza
Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094 and at the
offices of Brown Brothers Harriman & Company, the
Registrant's Custodian, 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109. All other records so required
to be maintained are maintained at the offices of
Alliance Capital Management L.P., 1345 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York, 10105.
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<PAGE>
ITEM 31. Management Services.
Not applicable.
ITEM 32. Undertakings
(c) The Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to
whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the
Registrant's latest report to shareholders, upon
request and without charge.
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<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to its
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Amendment to its
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of New York
and the State of New York, on the 27th day of October, 1997.
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
By/s/John D. Carifa
__________________
John D. Carifa
Chairman
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, this Amendment to the Registration Statement
has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
and on the date indicated.
Signature Title Date
1. Principal
Executive Officer:
/s/ John D. Carifa Chairman and October 27, 1997
__________________ President
John D. Carifa
2. Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer:
/s/ Mark D. Gersten Treasurer and October 27, 1997
_____________________ Chief Financial
Mark D. Gersten Officer
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<PAGE>
3. All of the Directors:
David H. Dievler
John H. Dobkin
William H. Foulk, Jr.
Stig Host
Richard M. Lilly
Alan J. Stoga
By: /s/ Edmund P. Bergan, Jr. October 27, 1997
_________________________
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr.
(Attorney-in-Fact)
C-20
<PAGE>
Index to Exhibits
(1) Restated Agreement of Declaration and Trust
(2) By-Laws
(5) Investment Advisory Agreement
(6)(b) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement
(6)(c) Form of Selected Agent Agreement
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors
00250086.AR3
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
_____________________________________
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
_____________________________________
Dated: December 13, 1990
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
Index
Page
RECITALS ................................................. 1
ARTICLE 1 THE TRUST................................... 2
Section 1.1 Name........................................ 2
Section 1.2 Location.................................... 2
Section 1.3 Nature of Trust............................. 2
Section 1.4 Definitions................................. 2
Section 1.5 Real Property to be Converted
into Personal Property.................... 7
ARTICLE 2 PURPOSE OF THE TRUST........................ 7
ARTICLE 3 POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES...................... 7
Section 3.1 Powers in General........................... 7
(a) Investments............................ 8
(b) Disposition of Assets.................. 9
(c) Ownership Powers....................... 9
(d) Form of Holding........................ 9
(e) Reorganization, etc.................... 9
(f) Voting Trusts, etc..................... 9
(g) Contracts, etc......................... 10
(h) Guarantees, etc........................ 10
(i) Partnerships, etc...................... 10
(j) Insurance.............................. 10
(k) Pensions, etc.......................... 10
(l) Power of Collection and Litigation..... 11
(m) Issuance and Repurchase of Shares...... 11
(n) Offices................................ 11
(o) Expenses............................... 11
(p) Agents, etc............................ 11
(q) Accounts............................... 12
(r) Valuation.............................. 12
(s) Indemnification........................ 12
(t) General................................ 12
i
<PAGE>
Section 3.2 Borrowings; Financings;
Issuance of Securities.................... 12
Section 3.3 Deposits.................................... 13
Section 3.4 Allocations................................. 13
Section 3.5 Further Powers; Limitations................. 13
ARTICLE 4 TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS....................... 14
Section 4.1 Number, Designation, Election,
Term, etc................................. 14
(a) Initial Trustee........................ 14
(b) Number................................. 14
(c) Election and Term...................... 14
(d) Resignation and Retirement............. 14
(e) Removal................................ 15
(f) Vacancies.............................. 15
(g) Acceptance of Trusts................... 15
(h) Effect of Death, Resignation, etc...... 15
(i) Conveyance............................. 16
(j) No Accounting.......................... 16
(k) Filings................................ 16
Section 4.2 Trustees' Meetings; Participation
by Telephone, etc......................... 16
Section 4.3 Committees; Delegation...................... 17
Section 4.4 Officers.................................... 17
Section 4.5 Compensation of Trustees and Officers....... 17
Section 4.6 Ownership of Shares and Securities
of the Trust.............................. 17
Section 4.7 Right of Trustees and Officers to Own
Property or to Engage in Business;
Authority of Trustees to Permit Others
to Do Likewise............................ 18
Section 4.8 Reliance on Experts......................... 18
Section 4.9 Surety Bonds................................ 19
Section 4.10 Apparent Authority of Trustees
and Officers.............................. 19
Section 4.11 Other Relationships Not Prohibited.......... 19
ii
<PAGE>
Section 4.12 Payment of Trust Expenses................... 20
Section 4.13 Ownership of the Trust Property............. 20
ARTICLE 5 DELEGATION OF MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES... 20
Section 5.1 Appointment; Action by
Less than All Trustees.................... 20
Section 5.2 Certain Contracts........................... 21
(a) Advisory............................... 21
(b) Administration......................... 22
(c) Distribution........................... 22
(d) Custodian.............................. 22
(e) Transfer and Dividend
Disbursing Agency.................... 22
(f) Shareholder Servicing.................. 22
(g) Accounting............................. 23
ARTICLE 6 PORTFOLIOS AND SHARES....................... 23
Section 6.1 Description of Portfolio and Shares......... 23
(a) Shares; Portfolios; Series
of Shares............................ 23
(b) Establishment, etc. of Portfolios;
Authorization of Shares.............. 23
(c) Character of Separate Portfolios
and Shares Thereof................... 24
(d) Consideration for Shares............... 24
Section 6.2 Establishment and Designation of the
International Portfolio; General
Provisions for All Portfolios............. 25
(a) Assets Belonging to Portfolios......... 25
(b) Liabilities of Portfolios.............. 25
(c) Class A Shares and Class B Shares...... 26
(d) Dividends.............................. 26
(e) Liquidation............................ 27
(f) Voting................................. 27
(g) Redemption by Shareholder.............. 27
(h) Redemption at the Option of the Trust.. 28
(i) Conversion of Class B Shares........... 28
(j) Net Asset Value........................ 29
(k) Transfer............................... 30
(1) Equality............................... 30
(m) Rights of Fractional Shares............ 30
(n) Conversion Rights...................... 30
iii
<PAGE>
Section 6.3 Ownership of Shares......................... 31
Section 6.4 Investments in the Trust.................... 31
Section 6.5 No Pre-emptive Rights....................... 31
Section 6.6 Status of Shares............................ 31
ARTICLE 7 SHAREHOLDERS' VOTING
POWERS AND MEETINGS....................... 32
Section 7.1 Voting Powers............................... 32
Section 7.2 Number of Votes and Manner
of Voting; Proxies........................ 33
Section 7.3 Meetings.................................... 33
Section 7.4 Record Dates................................ 33
Section 7.5 Quorum and Required Vote.................... 34
Section 7.6 Action by Written Consent................... 34
Section 7.7 Inspection of Records....................... 34
Section 7.8 Additional Provisions....................... 34
ARTICLE 8 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY;
INDEMNIFICATION .................... 35
Section 8.1 Trustees, Shareholders, etc. Not
Personally Liable; Notice................. 35
Section 8.2 Trustees' Good Faith Action;
Expert Advice; No Bond or Surety ......... 35
Section 8.3 Indemnification of
Shareholders............................... 36
Section 8.4 Indemnification of Trustees,
Officers, etc............................. 36
Section 8.5 Compromise Payment.......................... 37
Section 8.6 Indemnification Not Exclusive, etc.......... 38
Section 8.7 Liability of Third Persons
Dealing with Trustees..................... 38
iv
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 9 DURATION; REORGANIZATION;
AMENDMENTS .................... 38
Section 9.1 Duration and Termination of Trust........... 38
Section 9.2 Reorganization.............................. 39
Section 9.3 Amendments; etc............................. 39
Section 9.4 Filing of Copies of
Declaration and Amendments................ 40
ARTICLE 10 MISCELLANEOUS............................... 40
Section 10.1 Governing Law............................... 40
Section 10.2 Counterparts................................ 41
Section 10.3 Reliance by Third Parties................... 41
Section 10.4 References; Headings........................ 41
Section 10.5 Use of the Name "Alliance".................. 41
Signatures................................................ 42
Acknowledgment ........................................... 43
v
<PAGE>
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
This CONSENT TO AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT, made as of
this 13th day of December, 1990, by the Trustees whose signatures
are set forth below,
W I T N E S S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of
Alliance International Fund, a trust with transferable shares
under Massachusetts law (the "Trust"), was signed and delivered
on October 2, 1985 by Bryan G. Tyson of Brookline, Massachusetts
as Settlor (the "Settlor"), and Thomas E. Weesner of Boston,
Massachusetts, as trustee (the "Initial Trustee"), at One Post
Office Square, City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and thereafter filed in the
offices of the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
the Clerk of the City of Boston; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to votes by at least a Majority of the
Trustees at meetings duly called and held on July 27, 1990 and
December 13, 1990, and a Majority Shareholder Vote at a meeting
duly called and held on August 30, 1990, the Declaration was
amended to provide for the classification of Shares of Beneficial
Interest of any Series of the Trust as hereinafter provided and
to make conforming changes in the Declaration; and
WHEREAS, Section 9.3 and Section 9.4 of the Declaration
provide certain procedures for the amendment and restatement
thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees have determined that it is
desirable and in the best interests of the Trust and the
Shareholders that the Declaration be amended and restated as
herein provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, being at least a
Majority of the Trustees, do hereby consent, pursuant to
Section 9.3 of the Declaration, that the Agreement and
Declaration of Trust of Alliance International Fund, be amended
and restated, and hereby declare, for the benefit of all Persons
who now are or shall hereafter become holders of Shares of
Beneficial Interest of the Trust, of any Series, that the
Trustees will hold the sum delivered to the Initial Trustee upon
his execution of the Declaration, and all other and further cash,
<PAGE>
securities and other property of every type and description which
they may in any way acquire in their capacity as such Trustees,
together with the income therefrom and the proceeds thereof, IN
TRUST NEVERTHELESS, to manage and dispose of the same for the
benefit of the holders from time to time of the Shares of
Beneficial Interest of the several Series being issued and to be
issued hereunder and in the manner and subject to the provisions
hereof, to wit:
ARTICLE 1
THE TRUST
SECTION 1.1. Name. The name of the Trust shall be
"ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND,"
and so far as may be practicable the Trustees shall conduct the
Trust's activities, execute all documents and sue or be sued
under that name, which name (and the word "Trust" wherever used
in this Agreement and Declaration of Trust, except where the
context otherwise requires) shall refer to the Trustees in their
capacity as Trustees, and not individually or personally, and
shall not refer to the officers, agents or employees of the Trust
or of such Trustees, or to the holders of the Shares of
Beneficial Interest of the Trust, of any Series. If the Trustees
determine that the use of such name is not practicable, legal or
convenient at any time or in any jurisdiction, or if the Trust is
required to discontinue the use of such name pursuant to
Section 10.5 hereof, then subject to that Section, the Trustees
may use such other designation, or they may adopt such other name
for the Trust as they deem proper, and the Trust may hold
property and conduct its activities under such designation or
name.
SECTION 1.2. Location. The Trust shall have an office
in Boston, Massachusetts, unless changed by the Trustees to
another location in Massachusetts or elsewhere, but such office
need not be the sole or principal office of the Trust. The Trust
may have such other offices or places of business as the Trustees
may from time to time determine to be necessary or expedient.
SECTION 1.3. Nature of Trust. The Trust shall be a
trust with transferable shares under the laws of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, of the type referred to in Section 1 of
Chapter 182 of the Massachusetts General Laws and commonly termed
a Massachusetts business trust. The Trust is not intended to be,
shall not be deemed to be, and shall not be treated as, a general
partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, corporation or
joint stock company. The Shareholders shall be beneficiaries and
their relationship to the Trustees shall be solely in that
1
<PAGE>
capacity in accordance with the rights conferred upon them
hereunder.
SECTION 1.4. Definitions. As used in this Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, the following terms shall have the
meanings set forth below unless the context thereof otherwise
requires:
"Accounting Agent" shall have the meaning designated in
Section 5.2(g) hereof.
"Administrator" shall have the meaning designated in
Section 5.2(b) hereof.
"Affiliated Person" shall have the meaning assigned to
it in the 1940 Act.
"By-Laws" shall mean the By-Laws of the Trust, as
amended from time to time.
"Certificate of Designation" shall have the meaning
designated in Section 6.1 hereof.
"Certificate of Termination" shall have the meaning
designated in Section 6.1 hereof.
"Class A Shares" shall mean, with respect to a Series
that the Trustees shall have determined shall include Class B
Shares, all Shares of such Series that are not Class B Shares.
"Class B Shares" shall mean a class of Shares of a
Series representing the beneficial interests in the assets of a
particular Portfolio, the proceeds of the redemption of which may
be reduced, to the extent determined by the Trustees, by the
amount of a contingent deferred sales charge payable on such
redemption pursuant to Section 6.2(g) hereof.
"Commission" shall have the same meaning as in the 1940
Act.
"Contracting Party" shall have the meaning designated in
the preamble to Section 5.2 hereof.
"Covered Person" shall have the meaning designated in
Section 8.4 hereof.
"Custodian" shall have the meaning designated in
Section 5.2(d) hereof.
"Declaration" and "Declaration of Trust" shall mean this
Agreement and Declaration of Trust and all amendments or
2
<PAGE>
modifications thereof as from time to time in effect. References
in this Agreement and Declaration of Trust to "hereof", "herein"
and "hereunder" shall be deemed to refer to the Declaration of
Trust generally, and shall not be limited to the particular text,
Article or Section in which such words appear.
"Disabling Conduct" shall have the meaning designated in
Section 8.4 hereof.
"Distributor" shall have the meaning designated in
Section 5.2(c) hereof.
"Dividend Disbursing Agent" shall have the meaning
designated in Section 5.2(e) hereof.
"General Items" shall have the meaning defined in
Section 6.2(a) hereof.
"Initial Trustee" shall have the meaning defined in the
preamble hereto.
"Investment Advisor" shall have the meaning stated in
Section 5.2(a) hereof.
"Majority of the Trustees" shall mean a majority of the
Trustees in office at the time in question. At any time at which
there shall be only one (1) Trustee in office, such term shall
mean such Trustee.
"Majority Shareholder Vote," as used with respect to the
election of any Trustee at a meeting of Shareholders, shall mean
the vote for the election of such Trustee of a plurality of all
outstanding Shares of the Trust, without regard to Series,
represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon,
provided that a quorum (as determined in accordance with the
By-Laws) is present, and as used with respect to any other action
required or permitted to be taken by Shareholders, shall mean the
vote for such action of the holders of that majority of all
outstanding Shares (or, where a separate vote of Shares of any
particular Series is to be taken, the affirmative vote of that
majority of the outstanding Shares of that Series) of the Trust
which consists of: (i) a majority of all Shares (or of Shares of
the particular Series) represented in person or by proxy and
entitled to vote on such action at the meeting of Shareholders at
which such action is to be taken, provided that a quorum (as
determined in accordance with the By-Laws) is present; or (ii) if
such action is to be taken by written consent of Shareholders, a
majority of all Shares (or of Shares of the particular Series)
issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on such action;
provided, that (iii) as used with respect to any action requiring
the affirmative vote of "a majority of the outstanding voting
3
<PAGE>
securities", as the quoted phrase is defined in the 1940 Act, of
the Trust or of any Portfolio, "Majority Shareholder Vote" means
the vote for such action at a meeting of Shareholders of the
smallest majority of all outstanding Shares of the Trust (or of
Shares of the particular Portfolio) entitled to vote on such
action which satisfies such 1940 Act voting requirement.
"1940 Act" shall mean the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder,
both as amended from time to time, and any order or orders
thereunder which may from time to time be applicable to the
Trust.
"Person" shall mean and include individuals, as well as
corporations, limited partnerships, general partnerships, joint
stock companies, joint ventures, associations, banks, trust
companies, land trusts, business trusts or other organizations
established under the laws of any jurisdiction, whether or not
considered to be legal entities, and governments and agencies and
political subdivisions thereof.
"Portfolio" or "Portfolios" shall mean one or more of
the separate components of the assets of the Trust which are now
or hereafter established and designated under or in accordance
with the provisions of Article 6 hereof.
"Portfolio Assets" shall have the meaning defined in
Section 6.2(a) hereof.
"Principal Underwriter" shall have the meaning
designated in Section 5.2(c) hereof.
"Prospectus," as used with respect to any Portfolio or
Series of Shares, shall mean the prospectus relating to such
Portfolio or Series which constitutes part of the currently
effective Registration Statement of the Trust under the
Securities Act of 1933, as such prospectus may be amended or
supplemented from time to time.
"Securities" shall mean any and all bills, notes, bonds,
debentures or other obligations or evidences of indebtedness,
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper,
repurchase agreements or other money market instruments; stocks,
shares or other equity ownership interests; and warrants, options
or other instruments representing rights to subscribe for,
purchase, receive or otherwise acquire or to sell, transfer,
assign or otherwise dispose of, and scrip, certificates, receipts
or other instruments evidencing any ownership rights or interests
in, any of the foregoing and "when issued" and "delayed delivery"
contracts for securities, issued, guaranteed or sponsored by any
governments, political subdivisions or governmental authorities,
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agencies or instrumentalities, by any individuals, firms,
companies, corporations, syndicates, associations or trusts, or
by any other organizations or entities whatsoever, irrespective
of their forms or the names by which they may be described,
whether or not they be organized and operated for profit, and
whether they be domestic or foreign with respect to The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States of America.
"Securities of the Trust" shall mean any Securities
issued by the Trust.
"Series" shall mean one or more of the series of Shares
authorized by the Trustees to represent the beneficial interest
in one or more of the Portfolios.
"Settlor" shall have the meaning stated in the first
"Whereas" clause set forth above.
"Shareholder" shall mean as of any particular time any
Person shown of record at such time on the books of the Trust as
a holder of outstanding Shares of any Series, and shall include a
pledgee into whose name any such Shares are transferred in
pledge.
"Shareholder Servicing Agent" shall have the meaning
designated in Section 5.2(f) hereof.
"Shares" shall mean the transferable units into which
the beneficial interest in the Trust and each Portfolio of the
Trust (as the context may require) shall be divided from time to
time, and includes fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares.
All references herein to ~Shares" which are not accompanied by a
reference to any particular Series or Portfolio shall be deemed
to apply to outstanding Shares without regard to Series.
"Single Class Voting," as used with respect to any
matter to be acted upon at a meeting or by written consent of
Shareholders, shall mean a style of voting in which each holder
of one or more Shares shall be entitled to one vote on the matter
in question for each Share standing in his name on the records of
the Trust, irrespective of Series, and all outstanding Shares of
all Series vote as a single class.
"Statement of Additional Information", as used with
respect to any Portfolio or Series of Shares, shall mean the
statement of additional information relating to such Portfolio or
Series, which constitutes part of the currently effective
Registration Statement of the Trust under the Securities Act of
1933, as such statement of additional information may be amended
or supplemented from time to time.
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"Transfer Agent" shall have the meaning defined in
Section 5.2(e) hereof.
"Trust" shall have the meaning stated in the first
"Whereas" clause set forth above.
"Trust Property" shall mean, as of any particular time,
any and all property which shall have been transferred, conveyed
or paid to the Trust or the Trustees, and all interest,
dividends, income, earnings, profits and gains therefrom, and
proceeds thereof, including any proceeds derived from the sale,
exchange or liquidation thereof, and any funds or payments
derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form
the same may be, and which at such time is owned or held by, or
for the account of, the Trust or the Trustees, without regard to
the Portfolio to which such property is allocated.
"Trustees" shall mean, collectively, the Initial
Trustee, so long as he shall continue in office, and all other
individuals who at the time in question have been duly elected or
appointed as Trustees of the Trust in accordance with the
provisions hereof and who have qualified and are then in office.
At any time at which there shall be only one (1) Trustee in
office, such term shall mean such single Trustee.
SECTION 1.5. Real Property to be Converted into
Personal Property. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof,
any real property at any time forming part of the Trust Property
shall be held in trust for sale and conversion into personal
property at such time or times and in such manner and upon such
terms as the Trustees shall approve, but the Trustees shall have
power until the termination of this Trust to postpone such
conversion as long as they in their uncontrolled discretion shall
think fit, and for the purpose of determining the nature of the
interest of the Shareholders therein, all such real property
shall at all times be considered as personal property.
ARTICLE 2
PURPOSE OF THE TRUST
The purpose of the Trust shall be to engage in the
business of being an investment company, and as such of
subscribing for, purchasing or otherwise acquiring, holding for
investment or trading in, borrowing, lending and selling short,
selling, assigning, negotiating or exchanging and otherwise
disposing of, and turning to account, realizing upon and
generally dealing in and with, in any manner, (a) Securities of
all kinds, (b) precious metals and other minerals, contracts to
purchase and sell, and other interests of every nature and kind
in, such metals or minerals, and (c) rare coins and other
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numismatic items, and all as the Trustees in their discretion
shall determine to be necessary, desirable or appropriate, and to
exercise and perform any and every act, thing or power necessary,
suitable or desirable for the accomplishment of such purpose, the
attainment of any of the objects or the furtherance of any of the
powers given hereby which are lawful purposes, objects or powers
of a trust with transferable shares of the type commonly termed a
Massachusetts business trust; and to do every other act or acts
or thing or things incidental or appurtenant to or growing out of
or in connection with the aforesaid objects, purposes or powers,
or any of them, which a trust of the type commonly termed a
Massachusetts business trust is not now or hereafter prohibited
from doing, exercising or performing.
ARTICLE 3
POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES
SECTION 3.1. Powers in General. The Trustees shall
have, without other or further authorization, full, entire,
exclusive and absolute power, control and authority over, and
management of, the business of the Trust and over the Trust
Property, to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole
owners of the business and property of the Trust in their own
right, and with such powers of delegation as may be permitted by
this Declaration, subject only to such limitations as may be
expressly imposed by this Declaration of Trust or by applicable
law. The enumeration of any specific power or authority herein
shall not be construed as limiting the aforesaid power or
authority or any specific power or authority. Without limiting
the foregoing, the Trustees may adopt By-Laws not inconsistent
with this Declaration of Trust providing for the conduct of the
business and affairs of the Trust and may amend and repeal them
to the extent that such By-Laws do not reserve that right to the
Shareholders; they may select, and from time to time change, the
fiscal year of the Trust; they may adopt and use a seal for the
Trust, provided, that unless otherwise required by the Trustees,
it shall not be necessary to place the seal upon, and its absence
shall not impair the validity of, any document, instrument or
other paper executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Trust:
they may from time to time in accordance with the provisions of
Section 6.1 hereof establish one or more Portfolios to which they
may allocate such of the Trust Property, subject to such
liabilities, as they shall deem appropriate, each such Portfolio
to be operated by the Trustees as a separate and distinct
investment medium and with separately defined investment
objectives and policies and distinct investment purposes, all as
established by the Trustees, or from time to time changed by
them; they may as they consider appropriate elect and remove
officers and appoint and terminate agents and consultants and
hire and terminate employees, any one or more of the foregoing of
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whom may be a Trustee; they may appoint from their own number,
and terminate, any one or more committees consisting of one or
more Trustees, including without implied limitation an Executive
Committee, which may, when the Trustees are not in session and
subject to the 1940 Act, exercise some or all of the power and
authority of the Trustees as the Trustees may determine; in
accordance with Section 5.2 they may employ one or more
Investment Advisors, Administrators and Custodians and may
authorize any Custodian to employ subcustodians or agents and to
deposit all or any part of such assets in a system or systems for
the central handling of Securities, retain Transfer, Dividend
Disbursing, Accounting or Shareholder Servicing Agents or any of
the foregoing, provide for the distribution of Shares by the
Trust through one or more Distributors, Principal Underwriters or
otherwise, set record dates or times for the determination of
Shareholders entitled to participate in, benefit from or act with
respect to various matters; and in general they may delegate to
any officer of the Trust, to any Committee of the Trustees and to
any employee, Investment Advisor, Administrator, Distributor,
Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent, or any
other agent or consultant of the Trust, such authority, powers,
functions and duties as they consider desirable or appropriate
for the conduct of the business and affairs of the Trust,
including without implied limitation the power and authority to
act in the name of the Trust and of the Trustees, to sign
documents and to act as attorney-in-fact for the Trustees.
Without limiting the foregoing and to the extent not inconsistent
with the 1940 Act or other applicable law, the Trustees shall
have power and authority:
(a) Investments. To invest and reinvest cash and
other property; to buy, for cash or on margin, and
otherwise acquire and hold, Securities created or issued
by any Persons, including Securities maturing after the
possible termination of the Trust; to make payment
therefor in any lawful manner in exchange for any of the
Trust Property; and to hold cash or other property
uninvested without in any event being bound or limited
by any present or future law or custom in regard to
investments by trustees;
(b) Disposition of Assets. Upon such terms and
conditions as they deem best, to lend, sell, exchange,
mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, grant security interests
in, encumber, negotiate, convey, transfer or otherwise
dispose of, and to trade in, any and all of the Trust
Property, free and clear of all trusts, for cash or on
terms, with or without advertisement, and on such terms
as to payment, security or otherwise, all as they shall
deem necessary or expedient;
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(c) Ownership Powers. To vote or give assent, or
exercise any and all other rights, powers and privileges
of ownership with respect to, and to perform any and all
duties and obligations as owners of, any Securities or
other property forming part of the Trust Property, the
same as any individual might do; to exercise powers and
rights of subscription or otherwise which in any manner
arise out of ownership of Securities, and to receive
powers of attorney from, and to execute and deliver
proxies or powers of attorney to, such Person or Persons
as the Trustees shall deem proper, receiving from or
granting to such Person or Persons such power and
discretion with relation to Securities or other property
of the Trust, all as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(d) Form of Holding. To hold any Security or
other property in a form not indicating any trust,
whether in bearer, unregistered or other negotiable
form, or in the name of the Trustees or of the Trust, or
of the Portfolio to which such Securities or property
belong, or in the name of a Custodian, subcustodian or
other nominee or nominees, or otherwise, upon such
terms, in such manner or with such powers, as the
Trustees may determine, and with or without indicating
any trust or the interest of the Trustees therein;
(e) Reorganization, etc. To consent to or
participate in any plan for the reorganization,
consolidation or merger of any corporation or issuer,
any Security of which is or was held in the Trust or any
Portfolio; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage,
purchase or sale of property by such corporation or
issuer, and to pay calls or subscriptions with respect
to any Security forming part of the Trust Property;
(f) Voting Trusts, etc. To join with other
holders of any Securities in acting through a committee,
depository, voting trustee or otherwise, and in that
connection to deposit any Security with, or transfer any
Security to, any such committee, depository or trustee,
and to delegate to them such power and authority with
relation to any Security (whether or not so deposited or
transferred) as the Trustees shall deem proper, and to
agree to pay, and to pay, such portion of the expenses
and compensation of such committee, depository or
trustee as the Trustees shall deem proper;
(g) Contracts, etc. To enter into, make and
perform all such obligations, contracts, agreements and
undertakings of every kind and description, with any
Person or Persons, as the Trustees shall in their
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discretion deem expedient in the conduct of the business
of the Trust, for such terms as they shall see fit,
whether or not extending beyond the term of office of
the Trustees, or beyond the possible expiration of the
Trust; to amend, extend, release or cancel any such
obligations, contracts, agreements or understandings;
and to execute, acknowledge, deliver and record all
written instruments which they may deem necessary or
expedient in the exercise of their powers;
(h) Guarantees, etc. To endorse or guarantee the
payment of any notes or other obligations of any Person;
to make contracts of guaranty or suretyship, or
otherwise assume liability for payment thereof; and to
mortgage and pledge the Trust Property or any part
thereof to secure any of or all such obligations;
(i) Partnerships, etc. To enter into joint
ventures, general or limited partnerships and any other
combinations or associations;
(j) Insurance. To purchase and pay for entirely
out of Trust Property such insurance as they may deem
necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the
business, including, without limitation, insurance
policies insuring the assets of the Trust and payment of
distributions and principal on its portfolio
investments, and insurance policies insuring the
Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents,
consultants, Investment Advisors, managers,
Administrators, Distributors, Principal Underwriters, or
other independent contractors, or any thereof (or any
Person connected therewith), of the Trust, individually,
against all claims and liabilities of every nature
arising by reason of holding, being or having held any
such office or position, or by reason of any action
alleged to have been taken or omitted by any such Person
in any such capacity, including any action taken or
omitted that may be determined to constitute negligence,
whether or not the Trust would have the power to
indemnify such Person against such liability;
(k) Pensions, etc. To pay pensions for faithful
service, as deemed appropriate by the Trustees, and to
adopt, establish and carry out pension, profit-sharing,
share bonus, share purchase, savings, thrift and other
retirement, incentive and benefit plans, trusts and
provisions, including the purchasing of life insurance
and annuity contracts as a means of providing such
retirement and other benefits, for any or all of the
Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust;
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(l) Power of Collection and Litigation. To
collect, sue for and receive all sums of money coming
due to the Trust, to employ counsel, and to commence,
engage in, prosecute, intervene in, join, defend,
compound, compromise, adjust or abandon, in the name of
the Trust, any and all actions, suits, proceedings,
disputes, claims, controversies, demands or other
litigation or legal proceedings relating to the Trust,
the business of the Trust, the Trust Property, or the
Trustees, officers, employees, agents and other
independent contractors of the Trust, in their capacity
as such, at law or in equity, or before any other bodies
or tribunals, and to compromise, arbitrate-or otherwise
adjust any dispute to which the Trust may be a party,
whether or not any suit is commenced or any claim shall
have been made or asserted;
(m) Issuance and Repurchase of Shares. To issue,
sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire, hold,
resell, reissue, dispose of, transfer, and otherwise
deal in Shares of any Series, and, subject to Article 6
hereof, to apply to any such repurchase, redemption,
retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares of any
Series, any of the Portfolio Assets belonging to the
Portfolio to which such Series relates, whether
constituting capital or surplus or otherwise, to the
full extent now or hereafter permitted by applicable
law; provided, that any Shares belonging to the Trust
shall not be voted, directly or indirectly;
(n) Offices. To have one or more offices, and to
carry on all or any of the operations and business of
the Trust, in any of the States, Districts or
Territories of the United States, and in any and all
foreign countries, subject to the laws of such State,
District, Territory or country;
(o) Expenses. To incur and pay any and all such
expenses and charges as they may deem advisable
"including without limitation appropriate fees to
themselves as Trustees), and to pay all such sums of
money for which they may be held liable by way of
damages, penalty, fine or otherwise;
(p) Agents, etc. To retain and employ any and all
such servants, agents, employees, attorneys, brokers,
investment advisers, accountants, architects, engineers,
builders, escrow agents, depositories, consultants,
ancillary trustees, custodians, agents for collection,
insurers, banks and officers, as they think best for the
business of the Trust or any Portfolio, to supervise and
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direct the acts of any of the same, and to fix and pay
their compensation and define their duties;
(q) Accounts. To determine, and from time to time
change, the method or form in which the accounts of the
Trust shall be kept;
(r) Valuation. Subject to the requirements of the
1940 Act, to determine from time to time the value of
all or any part of the Trust Property and of any
services, Securities, property or other consideration to
be furnished to or acquired by the Trust, and from time
to time to revalue all or any part of the Trust Property
in accordance with such appraisals or other information
as is, in the Trustees' sole judgment, necessary and
satisfactory;
(s) Indemnification. In addition to the mandatory
indemnification provided for in Article 8 hereof and to
the extent permitted by law, to indemnify or enter into
agreements with respect to indemnification with any
Person with whom this Trust has dealings, including,
without limitation, any independent contractor, to such
extent as the Trustees shall determine; and
(t) General. To do all such other acts and things
and to conduct, operate, carry on and engage in such
other lawful businesses or business activities as they
shall in their sole and absolute discretion consider to
be incidental to the business of the Trust or any
Portfolio as an investment company, and to exercise all
powers which they shall in their discretion consider
necessary, useful or appropriate to carry on the
business of the Trust or any Portfolio, to promote any
of the purposes for which the Trust is formed, whether
or not such things are specifically mentioned herein, in
order to protect or promote the interests of the Trust
or any Portfolio, or otherwise to carry out the
provisions of this Declaration.
SECTION 3.2. Borrowings; Financings; Issuance of
Securities. The Trustees have power to borrow or in any other
manner raise such sum or sums of money, and to incur such other
indebtedness for goods or services, or for or in connection with
the purchase or other acquisition of property, as they shall deem
advisable for the purposes of the Trust, in any manner and on any
terms, and to evidence the same by negotiable or non-negotiable
Securities which may mature at any time or times, even beyond the
possible date of termination of the Trust; to issue Securities of
any type for such cash, property, services or other
considerations, and at such time or times and upon such terms, as
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they may deem advisable; and to reacquire any such Securities.
Any such Securities of the Trust may, at the discretion of the
Trustees, be made convertible into Shares of any Series, or may
evidence the right to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise
acquire Shares of any Series, at such times and on such terms as
the Trustees may prescribe.
SECTION 3.3. Deposits. Subject to the requirements of
the 1940 Act, the Trustees shall have power to deposit any moneys
or Securities included in the Trust Property with any one or more
banks, trust companies or other banking institutions, whether or
not such deposits will draw interest. Such deposits are to be
subject to withdrawal in such manner as the Trustees may
determine, and the Trustees shall have no responsibility for any
loss which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust
company or other banking institution with which any such moneys
or Securities have been deposited, other than liability based on
their gross negligence or willful fault.
SECTION 3.4. Allocations. The Trustees shall have
power to determine whether moneys or other assets received by the
Trust shall be charged or credited to income or capital, or
allocated between income and capital, including the power to
amortize or fail to amortize any part or all of any premium or
discount, to treat any part or all of the profit resulting from
the maturity or sale of any asset, whether purchased at a premium
or at a discount, as income or capital, or to apportion the same
between income and capital, to apportion the sale price of any
asset between income and capital, and to determine in what manner
any expenses or disbursements are to be borne as between income
and capital, whether or not in the absence of the power and
authority conferred by this Section 3.4 such assets would be
regarded as income or as capital or such expense or disbursement
would be charged to income or to capital; to treat any dividend
or other distribution on any investment as income or capital, or
to apportion the same between income and capital; to provide or
fail to provide reserves, including reserves for depreciation,
amortization or obsolescence in respect of any Trust Property in
such amounts and by such methods as they shall determine; to
allocate less than all of the consideration paid for Shares of
any Series to the shares of beneficial interest account of the
Portfolio to which such Shares relate and to allocate the balance
thereof to paid-in capital of that Portfolio, and to reallocate
such amounts from time to time; all as the Trustees may
reasonably deem proper.
SECTION 3.5. Further Powers; Limitations. The
Trustees shall have power to do all such other matters and
things, and to execute all such instruments, as they deem
necessary, proper or desirable in order to carry out, promote or
advance the interests of the Trust, although such matters or
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things are not herein specifically mentioned. Any determination
as to what is in the interests of the Trust made by the Trustees
in good faith shall be conclusive. In construing the provisions
of this Declaration of Trust, the presumption shall be in favor
of a grant of power to the Trustees. The Trustees shall not be
required to obtain any court order to deal with the Trust
Property. The Trustees may limit their right to exercise any of
their powers through express restrictive provisions in the
instruments evidencing or providing the terms for any Securities
of the Trust or in other contractual instruments adopted on
behalf of the Trust.
ARTICLE 4
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
SECTION 4.1. Number, Designation, Election, Term, etc.
(a) Initial Trustee. Upon his execution of this
Declaration of Trust or a counterpart hereof or some
other writing in which he accepts such Trusteeship and
agrees to the provisions hereof, the individual whose
signature is affixed hereto as Initial Trustee shall
become the Initial Trustee hereof.
(b) Number. The Trustees serving as such, whether
named above or hereafter becoming Trustees, may increase
(to not more than twenty (20)) or decrease the number of
Trustees to a number other than the number theretofore
determined by a written instrument signed by a Majority
of the Trustees (or by an officer of the Trust pursuant
to the vote of a Majority of the Trustees). No decrease
in the number of Trustees shall have the effect of
removing any Trustee from office prior to the expiration
of his term, but the number of Trustees may be decreased
in conjunction with the removal of a Trustee pursuant to
subsection (e) of this Section 4.1.
(c) Election and Term. The Trustees shall be
elected by the Shareholders of the Trust at the first
meeting of Shareholders immediately prior to the initial
public offering of Shares of the Trust, and the term of
office of any Trustees in office before such election
shall terminate at the time of such election. Subject to
Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act and to the preceding
sentence of this subsection (c), the Trustees shall have
the power to set and alter the terms of office of the
Trustees, and at any time to lengthen or shorten their
own terms or make their terms of unlimited duration, to
elect their own successors and, pursuant to
subsection (f) of this Section 4.1, to appoint Trustees
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to fill vacancies; provided, that Trustees shall be
elected by a Majority Shareholder Vote at any such time
or times as the Trustees shall determine that such
action is required under Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act
or, if not so required, that such action is advisable;
and further provided, that, after the initial election
of Trustees by the Shareholders, the term of office of
any incumbent Trustee shall continue until the
termination of this Trust or his earlier death,
resignation, retirement, bankruptcy, adjudicated
incompetency or other incapacity or removal, or if not
so terminated, until the election of such Trustee's
successor in office has become effective in accordance
with this subsection (c)
(d) Resignation and Retirement. Any Trustee may
resign his trust or retire as a Trustee, by a written
instrument signed by him and delivered to the other
Trustees or to any officer of the Trust, and such
resignation or retirement shall take effect upon such
delivery or upon such later date as is specified in such
instrument.
(e) Removal. Any Trustee may be removed with or
without cause at any time: (i) by written instrument,
signed by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the number of
Trustees prior to such removal, specifying the date upon
which such removal shall become effective; or (ii) by
vote of Shareholders holding not less than two-thirds
(2/3) of the Shares of each Series then outstanding,
cast in person or by proxy at any meeting called for the
purpose; or (iii) by a written declaration signed by
Shareholders holding not less than two-thirds (2/3) of
the Shares of each Series then outstanding and filed
with the Trust's Custodian.
(f) Vacancies. Any vacancy or anticipated vacancy
resulting from any reason, including an increase in the
number of Trustees, may (but need not unless required by
the 1940 Act) be filled by a Majority of the Trustees,
subject to the provisions of Section 16(a) of the 1940
Act, through the appointment in writing of such other
individual as such remaining Trustees in their
discretion shall determine; provided, that if there
shall be no Trustees in office, such vacancy or
vacancies shall be filled by vote of the Shareholders.
Any such appointment or election shall be effective upon
such individual's written acceptance of his appointment
as a Trustee and his agreement to be bound by the
provisions of this Declaration of Trust, except that any
such appointment in anticipation of a vacancy to occur
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by reason of retirement, resignation or increase in the
number of Trustees to be effective at a later date shall
become effective only at or after the effective date of
said retirement, resignation or increase in the number
of Trustees.
(g) Acceptance of Trusts. Any individual
appointed as a Trustee under subsection (f), and any
individual elected as a Trustee under subsection (c), of
this Section 4.1 who was not, immediately prior to such
election, acting as a Trustee, shall accept such
appointment or election in writing and agree in such
writing to be bound by the provisions hereof, and
whenever such individual shall have executed such
writing and any conditions to such appointment or
election shall have been satisfied, such individual
shall become a Trustee and the Trust Property shall vest
in the new Trustee, together with the continuing
Trustees, without any further act or conveyance.
(h) Effect of Death, Resignation, etc. No
vacancy, whether resulting from the death, resignation,
retirement, removal or incapacity of any Trustee, an
increase in the number of Trustees or otherwise, shall
operate to annul or terminate the Trust hereunder or to
revoke or terminate any existing agency or contract
created or entered into pursuant to the terms of this
Declaration of Trust. Until such vacancy is filled as
provided in this Section 4.1, the Trustees in office (if
any), regardless of their number, shall have all the
powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all
the duties imposed upon the Trustees by this
Declaration. A written instrument certifying the
existence of such vacancy signed by a Majority of the
Trustees shall be conclusive evidence of the existence
of such vacancy.
(i) Conveyance. In the event of the resignation
or removal of a Trustee or his otherwise ceasing to be a
Trustee, such former Trustee or his legal representative
shall, upon request of the continuing Trustees, execute
and deliver such documents as may be required for the
purpose of consummating or evidencing the conveyance to
the Trust or the remaining Trustees of any Trust
Property held in such former Trustee's name, but the
execution and delivery of such documents shall not be
requisite to the vesting o~ title to the Trust Property
in the remaining Trustees, as provided in subsection (g)
of this Section 4.1 and in Section 4.13 hereof.
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(j) No Accounting. Except to the extent required
by the 1940 Act or under circumstances which would
justify his removal for cause, no Person ceasing to be a
Trustee (nor the estate of any such Person) shall be
required to make an accounting to the Shareholders or
remaining Trustees upon such cessation.
(k) Filings. Whenever there shall be a change in
the composition of the Trustees, the Trust shall cause
to be filed in the office of the Secretary of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in each other place
where the Trust is required to file amendments to this
Declaration a copy of (i) the instrument by which (in
the case of the appointment of a new Trustee, or the
election of an individual who was not theretofore a
Trustee) the new Trustee accepted his appointment or
election and agreed to be bound by the terms of this
Declaration, or (in the case of a resignation) by which
the former Trustee resigned as such, together in either
case with a certificate of one of the other Trustees as
to the circumstances of such election, appointment or
resignation, or (ii) in the case of the removal or death
of a Trustee, a certificate of one of the Trustees as to
the circumstances of such removal or resignation.
SECTION 4.2. Trustees' Meetings; Participation by
Telephone, etc. An annual meeting of Trustees shall be held not
later than the last day of the fourth month after the end of each
fiscal year of the Trust and special meetings may be held from
time to time, in each case, upon the call of such officers as may
be hereunto authorized by the By-Laws or vote of the Trustees, or
by any two (2) Trustees, or pursuant to a vote of the Trustees
adopted at a duly constituted meeting of the Trustees, and upon
such notice as shall be provided in the By-Laws. The Trustees may
act with or without a meeting, and a written consent to any
matter, signed by a Majority of the Trustees, shall be equivalent
to action duly taken at a meeting of the Trustees, duly called
and held. Except as otherwise provided by the 1940 Act or other
applicable law, or by this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws,
any action to be taken by the Trustees may be taken by a majority
of the Trustees present at a meeting of Trustees (a quorum,
consisting of at least a Majority of the Trustees, being
present), within or without Massachusetts. If authorized by the
By-Laws, all or any one or more Trustees may participate in a
meeting of the Trustees or any Committee thereof by means of
conference telephone or similar means of communication by means
of which all Persons participating in the meeting can hear each
other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to such means of
communication shall constitute presence in person at such
meeting. The minutes of any meeting thus held shall be prepared
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in the same manner as a meeting at which all participants were
present in person.
SECTION 4.3. Committees; Delegation. The Trustees
shall have power, consistent with their ultimate responsibility
to supervise the affairs of the Trust, to delegate from time to
time to an Executive Committee, and to one or more other
Committees, or to any single Trustee, the doing of such things
and the execution of such deeds or other instruments, either in
the name of the Trust or the names of the Trustees or as their
attorney or attorneys in fact, or otherwise as the Trustees may
from time to time deem expedient, and any agreement, deed,
mortgage, lease or other instrument or writing executed by the
Trustee or Trustees or other Person to whom such delegation was
made shall be valid and binding upon the Trustees and upon the
Trust.
SECTION 4.4. Officers. The Trustees shall annually
elect such officers or agents, who shall have such powers, duties
and responsibilities as the Trustees may deem to be advisable,
and as they shall specify by resolution or in the By-Laws.
Except as may be provided in the By-Laws, any officer elected by
the Trustees may be removed at any time with or without cause.
Any two (2) or more offices may be held by the same individual.
SECTION 4.5. Compensation of Trustees and Officers.
The Trustees shall fix the compensation of all officers and
Trustees. Without limiting the generality of any of the
provisions hereof, the Trustees shall be entitled to receive
reasonable compensation for their general services as such, and
to fix the amount of such compensation, and to pay themselves or
any one or more of themselves such compensation for special
services, including legal, accounting, or other professional
services, as they in good faith may deem reasonable. No Trustee
or officer resigning and (except where a right to receive
compensation for a definite future period shall be expressly
provided in a written agreement with the Trust, duly approved by
the Trustees) no Trustee or officer removed shall have any right
to any compensation as such Trustee or officer for any period
following his resignation or removal, or any right to damages on
account of his removal, whether his compensation be by the month,
by the year or otherwise.
SECTION 4.6. Ownership of Shares and Securities of the
Trust. Any Trustee, and any officer, employee or agent of the
Trust, and any organization in which any such Person is
interested, may acquire, own, hold and dispose of Shares of any
Series and other Securities of the Trust for his or its
individual account, and may exercise all rights of a holder of
such Shares or Securities to the same extent and in the same
manner as if such Person were not such a Trustee, officer,
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employee or agent of the Trust; subject, in the case of Trustees
and officers, to the same limitations as directors or officers
(as the case may be) of a Massachusetts business corporation; and
the Trust may issue and sell or cause to be issued and sold and
may purchase any such Shares or other Securities from any such
Person or any such organization, subject only to the general
limitations, restrictions or other provisions applicable to the
sale or purchase of Shares of such Series or other Securities of
the Trust generally.
SECTION 4.7. Right of Trustees and Officers to Own
Property or to Engage in Business; Authority of Trustees to
Permit Others to Do Likewise. The Trustees, in their capacity as
Trustees, and (unless otherwise specifically directed by vote of
the Trustees) the officers of the Trust in their capacity as
such, shall not be required to devote their entire time to the
business and affairs of the Trust. Except as otherwise
specifically provided by vote of the Trustees, or by agreement in
any particular case, any Trustee or officer of the Trust may
acquire, own, hold and dispose of, for his own individual
account, any property, and acquire, own, hold, carry on and
dispose of, for his own individual account, any business entity
or business activity, whether similar or dissimilar to any
property or business entity or business activity invested in or
carried on by the Trust, and without first offering the same as
an investment opportunity to the Trust, and may exercise all
rights in respect thereof as if he were not a Trustee or officer
of the Trust. The Trustees shall also have power, generally or in
specific cases, to permit employees or agents of the Trust to
have the same rights (or lesser rights) to acquire, hold, own and
dispose of property and businesses, to carry on businesses, and
to accept investment opportunities without offering them to the
Trust, as the Trustees have by virtue of this Section 4.7.
SECTION 4.8. Reliance on Experts. The Trustees and
officers may consult with counsel, engineers, brokers,
appraisers, auctioneers, accountants, investment bankers,
securities analysts or other Persons (any of which may be a firm
in which one or more of the Trustees or officers is or are
members or otherwise interested) whose profession gives authority
to a statement made by them on the subject in question, and who
are reasonably deemed by the Trustees or officers in question to
be competent, and the advice or opinion of such Persons shall be
full and complete personal protection to all of the Trustees and
officers in respect of any action taken or suffered by them in
good faith and in reliance on or in accordance with such advice
or opinion. In discharging their duties, Trustees and officers,
when acting in good faith, may rely upon financial statements of
the Trust represented to them to be correct by any officer of the
Trust having charge of its books of account, or stated in a
written report by an independent certified public accountant
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fairly to present the financial position of the Trust. The
Trustees and officers may rely, and shall be personally protected
in acting, upon any instrument or other document believed by them
to be genuine.
SECTION 4.9. Surety Bonds. No Trustee, officer,
employee or agent of the Trust shall, as such, be obligated to
give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of
any of his duties, unless required by applicable law or
regulation, or unless the Trustees shall otherwise determine in
any particular case.
SECTION 4.10. Apparent Authority of Trustees and
Officers. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other Person
dealing with the Trustees or any officer of the Trust shall be
bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any
transaction purporting to be made by the Trustees or by such
officer, or to make inquiry concerning or be liable for the
application of money or property paid, loaned or delivered to or
on the order of the Trustees or of such officer.
SECTION 4.11. Other Relationships Not Prohibited. The
fact that:
(i) any of the Shareholders, Trustees or officers
of the Trust is a shareholder, director, officer,
partner, trustee, employee, manager, adviser, principal
underwriter or distributor or agent of or for any
Contracting Party (as defined in Section 5.2 hereof), or
of or for any parent or affiliate of any Contracting
Party, or that the Contracting. Party or any parent or
affiliate thereof is a Shareholder or has an interest in
the Trust or any Portfolio, or that
(ii) any Contracting Party may have a contract
providing for the rendering of any similar services to
one or more other corporations, trusts, associations,
partnerships, limited partnerships or other
organizations, or have other business or interests,
shall not affect the validity of any contract for the
performance and assumption of services, duties and
responsibilities to, for or of the Trust and/or the
Trustees or disqualify any Shareholder, Trustee or
officer of the Trust from voting upon or executing the
same or create any liability or accountability to the
Trust or to the holders of Shares of any Series;
provided that, in the case of any relationship or
interest referred to in the preceding clause (i) on the
part of any Trustee or officer of the Trust, either (x)
the material facts as to such relationship or interest
have been disclosed to or are known by the Trustees not
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having any such relationship or interest and the
contract involved is approved in good faith by a
majority of such Trustees not having any such
relationship or interest (even though such unrelated or
disinterested Trustees are less than a quorum of all of
the Trustees), (y) the material facts as to such
relationship or interest and as to the contract have
been disclosed to or are known by the Shareholders
entitled to vote thereon and the contract involved is
specifically approved in good faith by vote of the
Shareholders, or (z) the specific contract involved is
fair to the Trust as of the time it is authorized,
approved or ratified by the Trustees or by the
Shareholders.
SECTION 4.12. Payment of Trust Expenses. The Trustees
are authorized to pay or to cause to be paid out of the principal
or income of the Trust, or partly out of principal and partly out
of income, and according to any allocation to particular
Portfolios made by them pursuant to Section 6.2(b) hereof, all
expenses, fees, charges, taxes and liabilities incurred or
arising in connection with the business and affairs of the Trust
or in connection with the management thereof, including, but not
limited to, the Trustees' compensation and such expenses and
charges for the services of the Trust's officers, employees,
Investment Advisor, Administrator, Distributor, Principal
Underwriter, auditor, counsel, Custodian, Transfer Agent,
Dividend Disbursing Agent, Accounting Agent, Shareholder
Servicing Agent, and such other agents, consultants, and
independent contractors and such other expenses and charges as
the Trustees may deem necessary or proper to incur.
SECTION 4.13. Ownership of the Trust Property. Legal
title to all the Trust Property shall be vested in the Trustees
as joint tenants, except that the Trustees shall have power to
cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by or in the
name of one or more of the Trustees, or in the name of the Trust,
or of any particular Portfolio, or in the name of any other
Person as nominee, on such terms as the Trustees may determine;
provided, that the interest of the Trust and of the respective
Portfolio therein is appropriately protected. The right, title
and interest of the Trustees in the Trust Property shall vest
automatically in each Person who may hereafter become a Trustee.
Upon the termination of the term of office of a Trustee as
provided in Section 4.1(c), (d) or (e) hereof, such Trustee shall
automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any
of the Trust Property, and the right, title and interest of such
Trustee in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in the
remaining Trustees. Such vesting and cessation of title shall be
effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been
executed and delivered pursuant to Section 4.1(i) hereof.
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ARTICLE 5
DELEGATION OF MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION 5.1. Appointment; Action by Less than All
Trustees. The Trustees shall be responsible for the general
operating policy of the Trust and for the general supervision of
the business of the Trust conducted by officers, agents,
employees or advisers of the Trust or by independent contractors,
but the Trustees shall not be required personally to conduct all
the business of the Trust and, consistent with their ultimate
responsibility as stated herein, the Trustees may appoint, employ
or contract with one or more officers, employees and agents to
conduct, manage and/or supervise the operations of the Trust, and
may grant or delegate such authority to such officers, employees
and/or agents as the Trustees may, in their sole discretion, deem
to be necessary or desirable, without regard to whether such
authority is normally granted or delegated by trustees. With
respect to those matters of the operation and business of the
Trust which they shall elect to conduct themselves, except as
otherwise provided by this Declaration or the By-Laws, if any,
the Trustees may authorize any single Trustee or defined group of
Trustees, or any committee consisting of a number of Trustees
less than the whole number of Trustees then in office without
specification of the particular Trustees required to be included
therein, to act for and to bind the Trust, to the same extent as
the whole number of Trustees could do, either with respect to one
or more particular matters or classes of matters, or generally.
SECTION 5.2. Certain Contracts. Subject to compliance
with the provisions of the 1940 Act, but notwithstanding any
limitations of present and future law or custom in regard to
delegation of powers by trustees generally, the Trustees may, at
any time and from time to time in their discretion and without
limiting the generality of their powers and authority otherwise
set forth herein, enter into one or more contracts with any one
or more corporations, trusts, associations, partnerships, limited
partnerships or other types of organizations, or individuals
("Contracting Party"), to provide for the performance and
assumption of some or all of the following services, duties and
responsibilities to, for or on behalf of the Trust and/or any
Portfolio, and/or the Trustees, and to provide for the
performance and assumption of such other services, duties and
responsibilities in addition to those set forth below, as the
Trustees may deem appropriate:
(a) Advisory. An investment advisory or
management agreement whereby the Investment Advisor
shall undertake to furnish the Trust such management,
investment advisory or supervisory, administrative,
accounting, legal, statistical and research facilities
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and services, and such other facilities and services, if
any, as the Trustees shall from time to time consider
desirable, all upon such terms and conditions as the
Trustees may in their discretion determine to be not
inconsistent with this Declaration, the applicable
provisions of the 1940 Act or any applicable provisions
of the By-Laws. Any such advisory or management
agreement and any amendment thereto shall be subject to
approval by a Majority Shareholder Vote at a meeting of
the Shareholders of the Trust. Notwithstanding any
provisions of this Declaration, the Trustees may
authorize the Investment Advisor (subject to such
general or specific instructions as the Trustees may
from time to time adopt) to effect purchases, sales,
loans or exchanges of portfolio securities of the Trust
on behalf of the Trustees or may authorize any officer
or employee of the Trust or any Trustee to effect such
purchases, sales, loans or exchanges pursuant to
recommendations of the Investment Advisor (and all
without further action by the Trustees). Any such
purchases, sales, loans and exchanges shall be deemed to
have been authorized by all of the Trustees. The
Trustees may, in their sole discretion, call a meeting
of Shareholders in order to submit to a vote of
Shareholders at such meeting the approval of continuance
of any such investment advisory or management agreement.
If the Shareholders of any Portfolio should fail to
approve any such investment advisory or management
agreement, the Investment Advisor may nonetheless serve
as Investment Advisor with respect to any other
Portfolio whose Shareholders shall have approved such
contract
(b) Administration. An agreement whereby the
agent, subject to the general supervision of the
Trustees and in conformity with any policies of the
Trustees with respect to the operations of the Trust and
each Portfolio, will supervise all or any part of the
operations of the Trust and each Portfolio, and will
provide all or any part of the administrative and
clerical personnel, office space and office equipment
and services appropriate for the efficient
administration and operations of the Trust and each
Portfolio (any such agent being herein referred to as an
"Administrator").
(c) Distribution. An agreement providing for the
sale of Shares of any one or more Series to net the
Trust not less than the net asset value per Share (as
described in Section 6.2(j) hereof) and pursuant to
which the Trust may appoint the other party to such
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agreement as its principal underwriter or sales agent
for the distribution of such Shares. The agreement
shall contain such terms and conditions as the Trustees
may in their discretion determine to be not inconsistent
with this Declaration, the applicable provisions of the
1940 Act and any applicable provisions of the By-Laws
(any such agent being herein referred to as a
"Distributor" or a "Principal Underwriter", as the case
may be).
(d) Custodian. The appointment of a bank or trust
company having an aggregate capital, surplus and
undivided profits (as shown in its last published
report) of at least two million dollars (2,000,000) as
custodian of the Securities and cash of the Trust and of
each Portfolio and of the accounting records in
connection therewith (any such agent being herein
referred to as a "Custodian").
(e) Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agency. An
agreement with an agent to maintain records of the
ownership of outstanding Shares, the issuance and
redemption and the transfer thereof (any such agent
being herein referred to as a "Transfer Agent"), and to
disburse any dividends declared by the Trustees and in
accordance with the policies of the Trustees and/or the
instructions of any particular Shareholder to reinvest
any such dividends (any such agent being herein referred
to as a "Dividend Disbursing Agent").
(f) Shareholder Servicing. An agreement with an
agent to provide service with respect to the
relationship of the Trust and its Shareholders, records
with respect to Shareholders and their Shares, and
similar matters (any such agent being herein referred to
as a "Shareholder Servicing Agent").
(g) Accounting. An agreement with an agent to
handle all or any part of the accounting
responsibilities, whether with respect to the Trust's
properties, Shareholders or otherwise (any such agent
being herein referred to as an "Accounting Agent").
The same Person may be the Contracting Party for some or all of
the services, duties and responsibilities to, for and of the
Trust and/or the Trustees, and the contracts with respect thereto
may contain such terms interpretive of or in addition to the
delineation of the services, duties and responsibilities provided
for, including provisions that are not inconsistent with the 1940
Act relating to the standard of duty of and the rights to
indemnification of the Contracting Party and others, as the
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Trustees may determine. Nothing herein shall preclude, prevent or
limit the Trust or a Contracting Party from entering into sub-
contractual arrangements relative to any of the matters referred
to in subsections (a)through (g) of this Section 5.2.
ARTICLE 6
PORTFOLIOS AND SHARES
SECTION 6.1. Description of Portfolios and Shares.
(a) Shares; Portfolios; Series of Shares. The
beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into
Shares having a nominal or par value of one cent ($.01)
per Share, and all of one class, of which an unlimited
number may be issued. The Trustees shall have the
authority from time to time to establish and designate
one or more separate, distinct and independent
Portfolios into which the assets of the Trust shall be
divided, and to authorize a separate Series of Shares
for each such Portfolio (each of which Series, including
without limitation each Series authorized in Section 6.2
hereof, shall represent interests only in the Portfolio
with respect to which such Series was authorized), as
they deem necessary or desirable. Except as otherwise
provided as to a particular Portfolio herein, or in the
Certificate of Designation therefor, the Trustees shall
have all the rights and powers, and be subject to all
the duties and obligations, with respect to each such
Portfolio and the assets and affairs thereof as they
have under this Declaration with respect to the Trust
and the Trust Property in general.
(b) Establishment, etc. of Portfolios;
Authorization of Shares. The establishment and
designation of any Portfolio in addition to the
Portfolios established and designated in Section 6.2
hereof and the authorization of the Shares thereof shall
be effective upon the execution by a Majority of the
Trustees (or by an officer of the Trust pursuant to the
vote of a Majority of the Trustees) of an instrument
setting forth such establishment and designation and the
relative rights and preferences of the Shares of such
Portfolio and the manner in which the same may be
amended (a "Certificate of Designation"), and may
provide that the number of Shares of such Series which
may be issued is unlimited, or may limit the number
issuable. At any time that there are no Shares
outstanding of any particular Portfolio previously
established and designated, including any Portfolio
established and designated in Section 6.2 hereof, the
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Trustees may by an instrument executed by a Majority of
the Trustees (or by an officer of the Trust pursuant to
the vote of a Majority of the Trustees) terminate such
Portfolio and the establishment and designation thereof
and the authorization of its Shares (a "Certificate of
Termination"). Each Certificate of Designation,
Certificate of Termination and any instrument amending a
Certificate of Designation shall have the status of an
amendment to this Declaration of Trust, and shall be
filed and become effective as provided in Section 9.4
hereof.
(c) Character of Separate Portfolios and Shares
Thereof. Each Portfolio established hereunder shall be
a separate component of the assets of the Trust, and the
holders of Shares of the Series representing the
beneficial interest in the assets of that Portfolio
shall be considered Shareholders of such Portfolio, but
such Shareholders shall also be considered Shareholders
of the Trust for purposes of receiving reports and
notices and, except as otherwise provided herein or in
the Certificate of Designation of a particular Portfolio
as to such Portfolio, or as required by the 1940 Act or
other applicable law, the right to vote, all without
distinction by Series. The Trustees shall have
exclusive power without the requirement of Shareholder
approval to establish and designate such separate and
distinct Portfolios, and to fix and determine the
relative rights and preferences as between the shares of
the respective Portfolios, and as between Class A Shares
and Class B Shares of a particular Portfolio, as to
rights of redemption and the price, terms and manner of
redemption, special and relative rights as to dividends
and other distributions and on liquidation, sinking or
purchase fund provisions, conversion rights, and
conditions under which the Shareholders of the several
Portfolios shall have separate voting rights or no
voting rights.
(d) Consideration for Shares. The Trustees may
issue Shares of any Series for such consideration (which
may include property subject to, or acquired in
connection with the assumption of, liabilities) and on
such terms as they may determine (or for no
consideration if pursuant to a Share dividend or
split-up), all without action or approval of the
Shareholders. All Shares when so issued on the terms
determined by the Trustees shall be fully paid and non-
assessable (but may be subject to mandatory contribution
back to the Trust as provided in Section 6.2(j) hereof).
The Trustees may classify or reclassify any unissued
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Shares, or any Shares of any Series previously issued
and reacquired by the Trust, into Shares of one or more
other Portfolios that may be established and designated
from time to time.
SECTION 6.2. Establishment and Designation of the
International Portfolio; General Provisions for All Portfolios.
Without limiting the authority of the Trustees set forth in
Section 6.1(a) hereof to establish and designate further
Portfolios, there is hereby established and designated the
International Portfolio. The Shares of such Portfolio, and the
Shares of any further Portfolios that may from time to time be
established and designated by the Trustees shall (unless the
Trustees otherwise determine with respect to some further
Portfolio at the time of establishing and designating the same)
have the following relative rights and preferences:
(a) Assets Belonging to Portfolios. Any portion
of the Trust Property allocated to a particular
Portfolio, and all consideration received by the Trust
for the issue or sale of Shares of such Portfolio,
together with all assets in which such consideration is
invested or reinvested, all interest, dividends, income,
earnings, profits and gains therefrom, and proceeds
thereof, including any proceeds derived from the sale,
exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or
payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds
in whatever form the same may be, shall be held by the
Trustees in trust for the benefit of the holders of
Shares of that Portfolio and shall irrevocably belong to
that Portfolio for all purposes, and shall be so
recorded upon the books of account of the Trust, and the
Shareholders of such Portfolio shall not have, and shall
be conclusively deemed to have waived, any claims to the
assets of any Portfolio of which they are not
Shareholders. Such consideration, assets, interest,
dividends, income, earnings, profits, gains and
proceeds, together with any General Items allocated to
that Portfolio as provided in the following sentence,
are herein referred to collectively as "Portfolio
Assets" of such Portfolio, and as assets "belonging to"
that Portfolio. In the event that there are any assets,
income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, funds,
or payments which are not readily identifiable as
belonging to any particular Portfolio (collectively,
"General Items"), the Trustees shall allocate such
General Items to and among any one or more of the
Portfolios established and designated from time to time
in such manner and on such basis as they, in their sole
discretion, deem fair and equitable; and any General
Items so allocated to a particular Portfolio shall
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belong to and be part of the Portfolio Assets of that
Portfolio. Each such allocation by the Trustees shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all
Portfolios for all purposes.
(b) Liabilities of Portfolios. The assets
belonging to each particular Portfolio shall be charged
with the liabilities in respect of that Portfolio and
all expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable
to that Portfolio, and any general liabilities,
expenses, costs, charges or reserves of the Trust which
are not readily identifiable as pertaining to any
particular Portfolio shall be allocated and charged by
the Trustees to and among any one or more of the
Portfolios established and designated from time to time
in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in
their sole discretion deem fair and equitable. The
indebtedness, expenses, costs, charges and reserves
allocated and so charged to a particular Portfolio are
herein referred to as "liabilities of" that Portfolio.
Each allocation of liabilities, expenses, costs, charges
and reserves by the Trustees shall be conclusive and
binding upon-the Shareholders of all Portfolios for all
purposes. Any creditor of any Portfolio may look only
to the assets of that Portfolio to satisfy such
creditor's debt.
(c) Class A Shares and Class B Shares. An
unlimited number of Class A Shares of a particular
Portfolio may be issued and an unlimited number of
Class B Shares of a particular Portfolio may be issued.
All Shares of the International Portfolio outstanding on
the date that this subsection (c) of Section 6.2 becomes
effective shall be Class A Shares.
(d) Dividends. Dividends and distributions on
Shares of a particular Portfolio may be paid with such
frequency as the Trustees may determine, which may be
daily or otherwise pursuant to a standing resolution or
resolutions adopted only once or with such frequency as
the Trustees may determine, to the Shareholders of that
Portfolio, from such of the income, accrued or realized,
and capital gains, realized or unrealized, and out of
the assets belonging to that Portfolio, as the Trustees
may determine, after providing for actual and accrued
liabilities of that Portfolio. All dividends and
distributions on Shares of a particular Portfolio shall
be distributed pro rata to the Shareholders of that
Portfolio in proportion to the number of such Shares
held by such holders at the date and time of record
established for the payment of such dividends or
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distributions, except that the dividends and
distributions of investment income and capital gains
with respect to the Class A Shares and the Class B
Shares, respectively, of a particular Portfolio shall be
in such amount as may be declared from time to time by
the Trustees, and such dividends and distributions may
vary as between such classes to reflect differing
allocations of the expenses of the Portfolio between the
Shareholders of the Class A Shares and the Shareholders
of the Class B Shares and any resultant differences
between the net asset value of the Class A Shares and
the net asset value of the Class B Shares to such extent
and for such purposes as the Trustees may deem
appropriate and that, in connection with any dividend or
distribution program or procedure, the Trustees may
determine that no dividend or distribution shall be
payable on Shares as to which the Shareholder's purchase
order and/or payment have not been received by the time
or times established by the Trustees under such program
or procedure, or that dividends or distributions shall
be payable on Shares which have been tendered by the
holder thereof for redemption or repurchase, but the
redemption or repurchase proceeds of which have not yet
been paid to such Shareholder. Such dividends and
distributions may be made in cash or Shares of that
Portfolio or a combination thereof as determined by the
Trustees, or pursuant to any program that the Trustees
may have in effect at the time for the election by each
Shareholder of the mode of the making of such dividend
or distribution to that Shareholder. Any such dividend
or distribution paid in Shares will be paid at the net
asset value thereof as determined in accordance with
subsection (j) of this Section 6.2.
(e) Liquidation. In the event of the liquidation
or dissolution of the Trust, the Shareholders of each
Portfolio of which Shares are outstanding shall be
entitled to receive, when and as declared by the
Trustees, the excess of the Portfolio Assets over the
liabilities of such Portfolio. The assets so
distributable to the Shareholders of any particular
Portfolio shall be distributed among such Shareholders
in proportion to the number of Shares of that Portfolio
held by them and recorded on the books of the Trust.
The liquidation of any particular Portfolio may be
authorized by vote of a Majority of the Trustees,
subject to the affirmative vote of "a majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of that Portfolio, as the
quoted phrase is defined in the 1940 Act, determined in
accordance with clause (iii) of the definition of
"Majority Shareholder Vote" in Section 1.4 hereof.
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(f) Voting. The Shareholders shall have the
voting rights set forth in or determined under Article 7
hereof.
(g) Redemption by Shareholder. Each holder of
Shares of a particular Portfolio shall have the right at
such times as may be permitted by the Trust, but no less
frequently than once each week, to require the Trust to
redeem all or any part of his Shares of that Portfolio
at a redemption price equal to the net asset value per
Share of that Portfolio next determined in accordance
with subsection (j) of this Section 6.2 after the Shares
are properly tendered for redemption; provided, that the
Trustees may from time to time, in their discretion,
determine and impose a fee for such redemption and that
the proceeds of the redemption of a Class B Share
(including a fractional Share) of a particular Portfolio
shall be reduced by the amount of any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge payable on such
redemption to the distributor of the Class B Shares
pursuant to the terms of the initial issuance of the
Shares (to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or
regulations or exemptions thereunder) and the Trust
shall promptly pay to such distributor the amount of
such deferred sales charge. Payment of the redemption
price shall be in cash; provided, however, that if the
Trustees determine, which determination shall be
conclusive, that conditions exist which make payment
wholly in cash unwise or undesirable, the Trust may make
payment wholly or partly in Securities or other assets
belonging to such Portfolio at the value of such
Securities or assets used in such determination of net
asset value. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust
may postpone payment of the redemption price and may
suspend the right of the holders of Shares of any
Portfolio to require the Trust to redeem Shares of that
Portfolio during any period or at any time when and to
the extent permissible under the 1940 Act.
(h) Redemption at the Option of the Trust. Each
Share of any Portfolio shall be subject to redemption at
the option of the Trust at the redemption price which
would be applicable if such Share were then being
redeemed by the Shareholder pursuant to subsection (g)
of this Section 6.2: (i) at any time, if the Trustees
determine in their sole discretion that failure to so
redeem may have materially adverse consequences to the
holders of the Shares of the Trust or of any Portfolio,
or (ii) upon such other conditions with respect to
maintenance of Shareholder accounts of a minimum amount
as may from time to time be determined by the Trustees
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and set forth in the then current Prospectus of such
Portfolio. Upon such redemption the holders of the
Shares so redeemed shall have no further right with
respect thereto other than to receive payment of such
redemption price.
(i) Conversion of Class B Shares. (i) Each
Class B Share of a particular Portfolio, other than a
Share purchased through the automatic reinvestment of a
dividend or a distribution with respect to the Class B
Shares of such Portfolio, shall be converted
automatically, and without any action or choice on the
part of the Shareholder thereof, into Class A Shares of
such Portfolio on the date that is the first Trust
business day in the month following the month in which
the eighth anniversary date of the date of issuance of
the Share falls (the "Conversion Date").
(ii) Each Class B Share of a particular
Portfolio purchased through the automatic reinvestment
of a dividend or a distribution with respect to the
Class B Shares of such Portfolio shall be segregated in
a separate sub-account on the share records of the Trust
for each of the Shareholders of record thereof. On any
Conversion Date, a number of the Shares held in the
sub-account of the Shareholder of record of the Share or
Shares being converted, calculated in accordance with
the next following sentence, shall be converted
automatically, and without any action or choice on the
part of the Shareholder, into Class A Shares of such
Portfolio. The number of Shares in the Shareholder's
sub-account so converted shall bear the same relation to
the total number of Shares maintained in the sub-account
on the Conversion Date (immediately prior to conversion)
as the number of Shares of the Shareholder converted on
the Conversion Date pursuant to paragraph (i)(i) hereof
bears to the total number of Class B Shares of the
Shareholder on the Conversion Date (immediately prior to
conversion) not purchased through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or distributions with respect
to the Class B Shares of such Portfolio.
(iii) The number of Class A Shares of a
particular Portfolio into which a Class B Share of such
Portfolio is converted pursuant to paragraphs (i)(i) and
(i)(ii) hereof shall equal the number (including for
this purpose fractions of a Share) obtained by dividing
the net asset value per Share of the Class B Shares for
purposes of sales and redemptions thereof on the
Conversion Date by the net asset value per Share of the
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Class A Shares for purposes of sales and redemptions
thereof on the Conversion Date.
(iv) On the Conversion Date, the Class B
Shares of a particular Portfolio converted into Class A
Shares of such Portfolio will cease to accrue dividends
and will no longer be deemed outstanding and the rights
of the holders thereof (except the right to receive the
number of Class A Shares into which Class B Shares have
been converted and declared but unpaid dividends to the
Conversion Date) will cease. Certificates representing
Class A Shares resulting from the conversion need not be
issued until certificates representing Class B Shares
converted, if issued, have been received by the Trust or
its agent duly endorsed for transfer.
(v) The Trust will appropriately reflect the
conversion of Class B Shares of a particular Portfolio
into Class A Shares of such Portfolio on the first
periodic statements of account sent to Shareholders of
record affected which provide account information with
respect to a reporting period which includes the
Conversion Date.
(j) Net Asset Value. The net asset value per
Share of any Portfolio at any time shall be the quotient
obtained by dividing the value of the net assets of such
Portfolio at such time (being the current value of the
assets belonging to such Portfolio, less its then
existing liabilities) by the total number of Shares of
that Portfolio then outstanding, all determined in
accordance with the methods and procedures, including
without limitation those with respect to rounding,
established by the Trustees from time to time. The net
asset value of a Class A Share of a particular Portfolio
and the net asset value of a Class B Share of such
Portfolio shall be separately computed, and may vary
from one another. The Trustees shall establish
procedures for the allocation of investment income or
capital gains and expenses and liabilities of a
particular Portfolio between the Class A Shares and the
Class B Shares. The Trustees may determine to maintain
the net asset value per Share of any Portfolio at a
designated constant dollar amount and in connection
therewith may adopt procedures not inconsistent with the
1940 Act for the continuing declaration of income
attributable to that Portfolio as dividends payable in
additional Shares of that Portfolio at the designated
constant dollar amount and for the handling of any
losses attributable to that Portfolio. Such procedures
may provide that in the event of any loss each
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Shareholder shall be deemed to have contributed to the
shares of beneficial interest account of that Portfolio
his pro rata portion of the total number o Shares
required to be cancelled in order to permit the net
asset value per Share of that Portfolio to be
maintained, after reflecting such loss, at the
designated constant dollar amount. Each Shareholder of
the Trust shall be deemed to have expressly agreed, by
his investment in any Portfolio with respect to which
the Trustees shall have adopted any such procedure, to
make the contribution referred to in the preceding
sentence in the event of any such loss.
(k) Transfer. All Shares of each particular
Portfolio shall be transferable, but transfers of Shares
of a particular Portfolio will be recorded on the Share
transfer records of the Trust applicable to that
Portfolio only at such times as Shareholders shall have
the right to require the Trust to redeem Shares of that
Portfolio and at such other times as may be permitted by
the Trustees.
(l) Equality. All Shares of each particular
Portfolio shall represent an equal proportionate
interest in the assets belonging to that Portfolio
(subject to the liabilities of that Portfolio), and each
Share of any particular Portfolio shall be equal to each
other Share thereof; but the provisions of this sentence
shall not restrict any distinctions between Class A
Shares and Class B Shares permissible under this
Section 6.2 or under Section 7.1 hereof nor any
distinctions permissible under subsection (d) of this
Section 6.2 that may exist with respect to dividends and
distributions on Shares of the same Portfolio. The
Trustees may from time to time divide or combine the
Shares of any particular Portfolio into a greater or
lesser number of Shares of that Portfolio without
thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interest
in the assets belonging to that Portfolio or in any way
affecting the rights of the holders of Shares of any
other Portfolio.
(m) Rights of Fractional Shares. Any fractional
Share of any Series shall carry proportionately all the
rights and obligations of a whole Share of that Series,
including rights and obligations with respect to voting,
receipt of dividends and distributions, redemption of
Shares, and liquidation of the Trust or of the Portfolio
to which they pertain.
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(n) Conversion Rights. Subject to compliance with
the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Trustees shall
have the authority to provide that holders of Shares of
any Portfolio shall have the right to convert said
Shares into Shares of one or more other Portfolios in
accordance with such requirements and procedures as the
Trustees may establish.
SECTION 6.3. Ownership of Shares. The ownership of
Shares shall be recorded on the books of the Trust or of a
Transfer Agent or similar agent for the Trust, which books shall
be maintained separately for the Shares of each Series that has
been authorized. Certificates evidencing the ownership of Shares
need not be issued except as the Trustees may otherwise determine
from time to time, and the Trustees shall have power to call
outstanding Share certificates and to replace them with book
entries. The Trustees may make such rules as they consider
appropriate for the issuance of Share certificates, the use of
facsimile signatures, the transfer of Shares and similar matters.
The record books of the Trust as kept by the Trust or any
Transfer Agent or similar agent, as the case may be, shall be
conclusive as to who are the Shareholders and as to the number of
Shares of each Portfolio held from time to time by each such
Shareholder.
The holders of Shares of each Portfolio shall upon
demand disclose to the Trustees in writing such information with
respect to their direct and indirect ownership of Shares of such
Portfolio as the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, or to comply with the
requirements of any other authority.
SECTION 6.4. Investments in the Trust. The Trustees
may accept investments in any Portfolio of the Trust from such
Persons and on such terms and for such consideration, not
inconsistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act, as they from
time to time authorize. The Trustees may authorize any
Distributor, Principal Underwriter, Custodian, Transfer Agent or
other Person to accept orders for the purchase of Shares that
conform to such authorized terms and to reject any purchase
orders for Shares, whether or not conforming to such authorized
terms.
SECTION 6.5. No Pre-emptive Rights. Shareholder, by
virtue of holding Shares of any Portfolio, shall have any
preemptive or other right to subscribe to any additional Shares
of that Portfolio, or to any shares of any other Portfolio, or
any other Securities issued by the Trust.
SECTION 6.6. Status of Shares. Every Shareholder, by
virtue of having become a Shareholder, shall be held to have
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expressly assented and agreed to the terms hereof and to have
become a party hereto. Shares shall be deemed to be personal
property, giving only the rights provided herein. Ownership of
Shares shall not entitle the Shareholder to any title in or to
the whole or any part of the Trust Property or right to call for
a partition or division of the same or for an accounting, nor
shall the ownership of Shares constitute the Shareholders
partners. The death of a Shareholder during the continuance of
the Trust shall not operate to terminate the Trust or any
Portfolio, nor entitle the representative of any deceased
Shareholder to an accounting or to take any action in court or
elsewhere against the Trust or the Trustees, but only to the
rights of said decedent under this Declaration of Trust.
ARTICLE 7
SHAREHOLDERS' VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS
SECTION 7.1. Voting Powers. The Shareholders shall
have power to vote only (i) for the election or removal of
Trustees as provided in Sections 4.1(c) and (e) hereof, (ii) with
respect to the approval or termination in accordance with the
1940 Act of any contract with a Contracting Party as provided in
Section 5.2 hereof as to which Shareholder approval is as
required by the 1940 Act, (iii) with respect to any termination
or reorganization of the Trust or any Portfolio to the extent and
as provided in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 hereof, (iv) with respect to
any amendment of this Declaration of Trust to the extent and as
provided in Section 9.3 hereof, (v) to the same extent as the
stockholders of a Massachusetts business corporation as to
whether or not a court action, proceeding or claim should or
should not be brought or maintained derivatively or as a class
action on behalf of the Trust or any Portfolio, or the
Shareholders of any of them (provided, however, that a
Shareholder of a particular Portfolio shall not in any event be
entitled to maintain a derivative or class action on behalf of
any other Portfolio or the Shareholders thereof), and (vi) with
respect to such additional matters relating to the Trust as may
be required by the 1940 Act, this Declaration of Trust, the
By-Laws or any registration of the Trust with the Commission (or
any successor agency) or any State, or as the Trustees may
consider necessary or desirable. If and to the extent that the
Trustees shall determine that such action is required by law,
they shall cause each matter required or permitted to be voted
upon at a meeting or by written consent of Shareholders to be
submitted to a separate vote of the outstanding Shares of each
Portfolio entitled to vote thereon; provided, that (i) when
expressly required by this Declaration or by the 1940 Act,
actions of Shareholders shall be taken by Single Class Voting of
all outstanding Shares of each Series whose holders are entitled
to vote thereon; (ii) when the Trustees determine that any matter
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to be submitted to a vote of Shareholders affects only the rights
or interests of Shareholders of one or more but not all
Portfolios, then only the Shareholders of the Portfolios so
affected shall be entitled to vote thereon; (iii) the
Shareholders of the Class A Shares of a particular Portfolio
shall have (A) exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions
of any distribution plan adopted by the Trustees pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (a "Plan") applicable to the
Class A Shares and (B) no voting rights with respect to
provisions of any plan applicable to the Class B Shares of such
Portfolio; and (iv) the Shareholders of the Class B Shares of a
particular Portfolio shall have (A) exclusive voting rights with
respect to provisions of any Plan applicable to the Class B
Shares and (B) no voting rights with respect to provisions of any
Plan applicable to Class A Shares of such Portfolio.
SECTION 7.2. Number of Votes and Manner of Voting;
Proxies. On each matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders,
each holder of Shares of any Series shall be entitled to a number
of votes equal to the number of Shares of such Series standing in
his name on the books of the Trust. There shall be no cumulative
voting in the election of Trustees. Shares may be voted in
person or by proxy. A proxy with respect to Shares held in the
name of two (2) or more Persons shall be valid if executed by any
one of them unless at or prior to exercise of the proxy the Trust
receives a specific written notice to the contrary from any one
of them. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a
Shareholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior
to its exercise and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest
on the challenger. Until Shares are issued, the Trustees may
exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action
required by law, this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws to be
taken by Shareholders.
SECTION 7.3. Meetings. Meetings of Shareholders may
be called by the Trustees from time to time for the purpose of
taking action upon any matter requiring the vote or authority of
the - Shareholders as herein provided, or upon any other matter
deemed by the Trustees to be necessary or desirable. Written
notice of any meeting of Shareholders shall be given or caused to
be given by the Trustees by mailing such notice at least seven
(7) days before such meeting, postage prepaid, stating the time,
place and purpose of the meeting, to each Shareholder at the
Shareholder's address as it appears on the records of the Trust.
The Trustees shall promptly call and give notice of a meeting of
Shareholders for the purpose of voting upon removal of any
Trustee of the Trust when requested to do so in writing by
Shareholders holding not less than ten percent (10%) of the
Shares then outstanding. If the Trustees shall fail to call or
give notice of any meeting of Shareholders for a period of thirty
(30) days after written application by Shareholders holding at
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least ten percent (10%) of the Shares then outstanding requesting
that a meeting be called for any other purpose requiring action
by the Shareholders as provided herein or in the By-Laws, then
Shareholders holding at least ten percent (10%) of the Shares
then outstanding may call and give notice of such meeting, and
thereupon the meeting shall be held in the manner provided for
herein in case of call thereof by the Trustees.
SECTION 7.4. Record Dates. For the purpose of
determining the Shareholders who are entitled to vote or act at
any meeting or any adjournment thereof, or who are entitled to
participate in any dividend or distribution, or for the purpose
of any other action, the Trustees may from time to time close the
transfer books for such period, not exceeding thirty (30) days
(except at or in connection with the termination of the Trust),
as the Trustees may determine; or without closing the transfer
books the Trustees may fix a date and time not more than sixty
(60) days prior to the date of any meeting of Shareholders or
other action as the date and time of record for the determination
of Shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting or any
adjournment thereof or to be treated as Shareholders of record
for purposes of such other action, and any Shareholder who was a
Shareholder at the date and time so fixed shall be entitled to
vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof or to be treated
as a Shareholder of record for purposes of such other action,
even though he has since that date and time disposed of his
Shares, and no Shareholder becoming such after that date and time
shall be so entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment
thereof or to be treated as a Shareholder of record for purposes
of such other action.
SECTION 7.5. Quorum and Required Vote. A majority of
the Shares entitled to vote shall be a quorum for the transaction
of business at a Shareholders' meeting, but any lesser number
shall be sufficient for adjournments. Any adjourned session or
sessions may be held within a reasonable time after the date set
for the original meeting without the necessity of further notice.
A Majority Shareholder Vote at a meeting of which a quorum is
present shall decide any question, except when a different vote
is required or permitted by any provision of the 1940 Act or
other applicable law or by this Declaration of Trust or the
By-Laws, or when the Trustees shall in their discretion require a
larger vote or the vote of a majority or larger fraction of the
Shares of one or more particular Series.
SECTION 7.6. Action by Written Consent. Subject to
the provisions of the 1940 Act and other applicable law, any
action taken by Shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a
majority of Shareholders entitled to vote on the matter (or such
larger proportion thereof or of the Shares of any particular
Series as shall be required by the 1940 Act or by any express
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provision of this Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws or as shall
be permitted by the Trustees) consent to the action in writing
and if the writings in which such consent is given are filed with
the records of the meetings of Shareholders, to the same extent
and for the same period as proxies given in connection with a
Shareholders' meeting. Such consent shall be treated for all
purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of Shareholders.
SECTION 7.7. Inspection of Records. The records of
the Trust shall be open to inspection by Shareholders to the same
extent as is permitted stockholders of a Massachusetts business
corporation under the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law.
SECTION 7.8. Additional Provisions. The By-Laws may
include further provisions for Shareholders' votes and meetings
and related matters not inconsistent with the provisions hereof.
ARTICLE 8
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 8.1. Trustees, Shareholders, etc. Not
Personally Liable; Notice. The Trustees and officers of the
Trust, in incurring any debts, liabilities or obligations, or in
limiting or omitting any other actions for or in connection with
the Trust, are or shall be deemed to be acting as Trustees or
officers of the Trust and not in their own capacities. No
Shareholder shall be subject to any personal liability whatsoever
in tort, contract or otherwise to any other Person or Persons in
connection with the assets or the affairs of the Trust or of any
Portfolio, and subject to Section 8.4 hereof, no Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be subject to any
personal liability whatsoever in tort, contract, or otherwise, to
any other Person or Persons in connection with the assets or
affairs of the Trust or of any Portfolio, save only that arising
from his own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office or the discharge of his functions. The Trust (or if the
matter relates only to a particular Portfolio, that Portfolio)
shall be solely liable for any and all debts, claims, demands,
judgments, decrees, liabilities or obligations of any and every
kind, against or with respect to the Trust or such Portfolio in
tort, contract or otherwise in connection with the assets or the
affairs of the Trust or such Portfolio, and all Persons dealing
with the Trust or any Portfolio shall be deemed to have agreed
that resort shall be had solely to the Trust Property of the
Trust or the Portfolio Assets of such Portfolio, as the case may
be, for the payment or performance thereof.
The Trustees shall use their best efforts to ensure that
every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or
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undertaking made or issued by the Trustees or by any officers or
officer shall give notice that this Declaration of Trust is on
file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
shall recite to the effect that the same was executed or made by
or on behalf of the Trust or by them as Trustees or Trustee or as
officers or officer, and not individually, and that the
obligations of such instrument are not binding upon any of them
or the Shareholders individually but are binding only upon the
assets and property of the Trust, or the particular Portfolio in
question, as the case may be, but the omission thereof shall not
operate to bind any Trustees or Trustee or officers or officer or
Shareholders or Shareholder individually, or to subject the
Portfolio Assets of any Portfolio to the obligations of any other
Portfolio.
SECTION 8.2. Trustees' Good Faith Action; Expert
Advice; No Bond or Surety. The exercise by the Trustees of their
powers and discretions hereunder shall be binding upon everyone
interested. Subject to Section 8.4 hereof, a Trustee shall be
liable for his own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of the office of Trustee, and for nothing else, and shall
not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law.
Subject to the foregoing, (i) the Trustees shall not be
responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing
of any officer, agent, employee, consultant, Investment Advisor,
Administrator, Distributor or Principal Underwriter, Custodian or
Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent, Shareholder Servicing
Agent or Accounting Agent of the Trust, nor shall any Trustee be
responsible for the act or omission of any other Trustee;
(ii) the Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts
with respect to the meaning and operation of this Declaration of
Trust and their duties as Trustees, and shall be under no
liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice
or for failing to follow such advice; and (iii) in discharging
their duties, the Trustees, when acting in good faith, shall be
entitled to rely upon the books of account of the Trust and upon
written reports made to the Trustees by any officer appointed by
them, any independent public accountant, and (with respect to the
subject matter of the contract involved) any officer, partner or
responsible employee of a Contracting Party appointed by the
Trustees pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof. The Trustees as such
shall not be required to give any bond or surety or any other
security for the performance of their duties.
SECTION 8.3. Indemnification of Shareholders. If any
Shareholder (or former Shareholder) of the Trust shall be charged
or held to be personally liable for any obligation or liability
of the Trust solely by reason of being or having been a
Shareholder and not because of such Shareholder's acts or
omissions or for some other reason, the Trust (upon proper and
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timely request by the Shareholder) shall assume the defense
against such charge and satisfy any judgment thereon, and the
Shareholder or former Shareholder (or the heirs, executors,
administrators or other legal representatives thereof, or in the
case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other
general successor) shall be entitled (but solely out of the
assets of the Portfolio of which such Shareholder or former
Shareholder is or was the holder of Shares) to be held harmless
from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from
such liability.
SECTION 8.4. Indemnification of Trustees, Officers,
etc. Subject to the limitations set forth hereinafter in this
Section 8.4, the Trust shall indemnify (from the assets of the
Portfolio or Portfolios to which the conduct in question relates)
each of its Trustees and officers (including Persons who serve at
the Trust's request as directors, officers or trustees of another
organization in which the Trust has any interest as a
shareholder, creditor or otherwise thereinafter, together with
such Person's heirs, executors, administrators or personal
representative, referred to as a "Covered Person"]) against all
liabilities, including but not limited to amounts paid in
satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and
penalties, and expenses, including reasonable accountants' and
counsel fees, incurred by any Covered Person in connection with
the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other
proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or
administrative or legislative body, in which such Covered Person
may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with
which such Covered Person may be or may have been threatened,
while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having been
such a Trustee or officer, director or trustee, except with
respect to any matter as to which it has been determined that
such Covered Person (i) did not act in good faith in the
reasonable belief that such Covered Person's action was in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Trust or (ii) had acted with
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered
Person's office (either and both of the conduct described in
(i) and (ii) being referred to hereafter as "Disabling Conduct").
A determination that the Covered Person is entitled to
indemnification may be made by (i) a final decision on the merits
by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought
that the Covered Person to be indemnified was not liable by
reason of Disabling Conduct, (ii) dismissal, of a court action or
an administrative proceeding against a Covered Person for
insufficiency of evidence of Disabling Conduct, or (iii) a
reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that
the indemnitee was not liable by reason of Disabling Conduct by
(a) a vote of a majority of a quorum of Trustees who are neither
"interested persons" of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19)
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of the 1940 Act nor parties to the proceeding, or (b) an
independent legal counsel in a written opinion. Expenses,
including accountants' and counsel fees so incurred by any such
Covered Person (but excluding amounts paid in satisfaction of
judgments, in compromise or as fines or penalties), may be paid
from time to time by the Portfolio or Portfolios to which the
conduct in question related in advance of the final disposition
of any such action, suit or proceeding; provided, that the
Covered Person shall have undertaken to repay the amounts so paid
to such Portfolio or Portfolios if it is ultimately determined
that indemnification of such expenses is not authorized under
this Article 8 and (i) the Covered Person shall have provided
security for such undertaking, (ii) the Trust shall be insured
against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or
(iii) a majority of a quorum of the disinterested Trustees, or an
independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have
determined, based on a review of readily available facts (as
opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to
believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled
to indemnification.
SECTION 8.5. Compromise Payment. As to any matter
disposed of by a compromise payment by any such Covered Person
referred to in Section 8.4 hereof, pursuant to a consent decree
or otherwise, no such indemnification either for said payment or
for any other expenses shall be provided unless such
indemnification shall be approved (i) by a majority of a quorum
of the disinterested Trustees or (ii) by an independent legal
counsel in a written opinion. Approval by the Trustees pursuant
to clause (i) or by independent legal counsel pursuant to clause
(ii) shall not prevent the recovery from any Covered Person of
any amount paid to such Covered Person in accordance with either
of such clauses as indemnification if such Covered Person is
subsequently adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction not
to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such
Covered Person's action was in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Trust or to have been liable to the Trust or its
Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of such Covered Person's office.
SECTION 8.6. Indemnification Not Exclusive, etc. The
right of indemnification provided by this Article 8 shall not be
exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any such Covered
Person may be entitled. As used in this Article 8, a
"disinterested" Person is one against whom none of the actions,
suits or other proceedings in question, and no other action, suit
or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has
been pending or threatened. Nothing contained in this Article 8
shall affect any rights to indemnification to which personnel of
the Trust, other than Trustees and officers, and other Persons
41
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may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law, nor the power
of the Trust to purchase and maintain liability insurance on
behalf of any such Person.
SECTION 8.7. Liability of Third Persons Dealing with
Trustees. No person dealing with the Trustees shall be bound to
make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction made
or to be made by the Trustees or to see to the application of any
payments made or property transferred to the Trust or upon its
order.
ARTICLE 9
DURATION; REORGANIZATION; AMENDMENTS
SECTION 9.1. Duration and Termination of Trust.
Unless terminated as provided herein, the Trust shall continue
without limitation of time and, without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, no change, alteration or modification with
respect to any Portfolio or Series of Shares shall operate to
terminate the Trust. The Trust may be terminated at any time by
a Majority of the Trustees, subject to the favorable vote of the
holders of not less than a majority of the Shares outstanding and
entitled to vote of each Portfolio of the Trust, or by an
instrument or instruments in writing without a meeting, consented
to by the holders of not less than a majority of such Shares, or
by such greater or different vote of Shareholders of any Series
as may be established by the Certificate of Designation by which
such Series was authorized. Upon termination, after paying or
otherwise providing for all charges, taxes, expenses and
liabilities, whether due or accrued or anticipated as may be
determined by the Trustees, the Trust shall in accordance with
such procedures as the Trustees consider appropriate reduce the
remaining assets to distributable form in cash, Securities or
other property, or any combination thereof, and distribute the
proceeds to the Shareholders, in conformity with the provisions
of Section 6.2(e) hereof.
SECTION 9.2. Reorganization. The Trustees may sell,
convey and transfer all or substantially all of the assets of the
Trust, or the assets belonging to any one or more Portfolios, to
another trust, partnership, association or corporation organized
under the laws of any state of the United States, or may transfer
such assets to another Portfolio of the Trust, in exchange for
cash, Shares or other Securities (including, in the case of a
transfer to another Portfolio of the Trust, Shares of such other
Portfolio), or to the extent permitted by law then in effect may
merge or consolidate the Trust or any Portfolio with any other
Trust or any corporation, partnership, or association organized
under the laws of any state of the United States, all upon such
terms and conditions and for such consideration when and as
42
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authorized by vote or written consent of a Majority of the
Trustees and approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of
not less than a majority of the Shares outstanding and entitled
to vote of each Portfolio whose assets are affected by such
transaction, or by an instrument or instruments in writing
without a meeting, consented to by the holders of not less than a
majority of such Shares, and/or by such other vote of any Series
as may be established by the Certificate of Designation with
respect to such Series. Following such transfer, the Trustees
shall distribute the cash, Shares or other Securities or other
consideration received in such transaction (giving due effect to
the assets belonging to and indebtedness of, and any other
differences among, the various Portfolios of which the assets
have so been transferred) among the Shareholders of the Portfolio
of which the assets have been so transferred; and if all of the
assets of the Trust have been so transferred, the Trust shall be
terminated. Nothing in this Section 9.2 shall be construed as
requiring approval of Shareholders for the Trustees to organize
or assist in organizing one or more corporations, trusts,
partnerships, associations or other organizations, and to sell,
convey or transfer less than substantially all of the Trust
Property or the assets belonging to any Portfolio to such
organizations or entities.
SECTION 9.3. Amendments; etc. All rights granted to
the Shareholders under this Declaration of Trust are granted
subject to the reservation of the right to amend this Declaration
of Trust as herein provided, except that no amendment shall
repeal the limitations on personal liability of any Shareholder
or Trustee or the prohibition of assessment upon the Shareholders
(otherwise than as permitted under Section 6.2(j)) without the
express consent of each Shareholder or Trustee involved. Subject
to the foregoing, the provisions of this Declaration of Trust
(whether or not related to the rights of Shareholders) may be
amended at any time, so long as such amendment does not adversely
affect the rights of any Shareholder with respect to which such
amendment is or purports to be applicable and so long as such
amendment is not in contravention of applicable law, including
the 1940 Act, by an instrument in writing signed by a Majority of
the Trustees (or by an officer of the Trust pursuant to the vote
of a Majority of the Trustees). Any amendment to this
Declaration of Trust that adversely affects the rights of all
Shareholders may be adopted at any time by an instrument in
writing signed by a Majority of the Trustees (or by an officer of
the Trust pursuant to a vote of a Majority of the Trustees) when
authorized to do so by the vote in accordance with Section 7.1
hereof of Shareholders holding a majority of all the Shares
outstanding and entitled to vote, without regard to Series, or if
said amendment adversely affects the rights of the Shareholders
of less than all of the Portfolios, by the vote of the holders of
a majority of all the Shares entitled to vote of each Portfolio
43
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so affected. Subject to the foregoing, any such amendment shall
be effective when the instrument containing the terms thereof and
a certificate (which may be a part of such instrument) to the
effect that such amendment has been duly adopted, and setting
forth the circumstances thereof, shall have been executed and
acknowledged by a Trustee or officer of the Trust and filed as
provided in Section 9.4 hereof.
SECTION 9.4. Filing of Copies of Declaration and
Amendments. The original or a copy of this Declaration and of
each amendment hereto (including each Certificate of Designation
and Certificate of Termination), as well as the certificates
called for by Section 4.1(k) hereof as to changes in the
Trustees, shall be kept at the office of the Trust where it may
be inspected by any Shareholder, and one copy of each such
instrument shall be filed with the Secretary of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, as well as with any other governmental office
where such filing may from time to time be required by the laws
of Massachusetts. A restated Declaration, integrating into a
single instrument all of the provisions of this Declaration which
are then in effect and operative, may be executed from time to
time by a Majority of the Trustees and shall, upon filing with
the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts; be conclusive
evidence of all amendments contained therein and may thereafter
be referred to in lieu of the original Declaration and the
various amendments thereto.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 10.1. Governing Law. This Declaration of Trust
is executed and delivered in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and with reference to the laws thereof, and the rights of all
parties and the construction and effect of every provision hereof
shall be subject to and construed according to the laws of said
Commonwealth.
SECTION 10.2. Counterparts. This Declaration of Trust
and any amendment thereto may be simultaneously executed in
several counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed
to be an original, and such counterparts, together, shall
constitute but one and the same instrument, which shall be
sufficiently evidenced by any such original counterpart.
SECTION 10.3. Reliance by Third Parties. Any
certificate executed by an individual who, according to the
records in the office of the Secretary of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts appears to be a Trustee hereunder, certifying to:
(a) the number or identity of Trustees or Shareholders, (b) the
due authorization of the execution of any instrument or writing,
44
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(c) the form of any vote passed as a meeting of Trustees or
Shareholders, (d) the fact that the number of Trustees or
Shareholders present at any meeting or executing any written
instrument satisfies the requirements of this Declaration of
Trust, (e) the form of any By-Law adopted, or the identity of any
officers elected, by the Trustees, or (f) the existence or non-
existence of any fact or facts which in any manner relate to the
affairs of the Trust, shall be conclusive evidence as to the
matters so certified in favor of any Person dealing with the
Trustees, or any of them, and the successors of such Person.
SECTION 10.4. References; Headings. The masculine
gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders. Headings
are placed herein for convenience of reference only and shall not
be taken as a part of this Declaration or control or affect the
meaning, construction or effect hereof.
SECTION 10.5. Use of the Name "Alliance". Alliance
Capital Management Corporation ("Alliance") has consented to the
use by the Trust of the identifying name ('"Alliance"'), which is
a property right of Alliance. The Trust will only use the name
"Alliance" as a component of its name and for no other purpose,
and will not purport to grant to any third party the right to use
the name "Alliance: for any purpose. Alliance or any corporate
affiliate of Alliance may use or grant to others the right to use
the name "Alliance", as all or a portion of a corporate or
business name or for any commercial purpose, including a grant of
such right to any other investment company. At the request of
Alliance, the Trust will take such action as may be required to
provide its consent to the use of such name by Alliance, or any
corporate affiliate of Alliance, or by any Person to whom
Alliance or an affiliate of Alliance shall have granted the right
to the use of the name "Alliance". Upon the termination of any
investment advisory or management agreement into which Alliance
and the Trust may enter, the Trust shall, upon request by
Alliance, cease to use the name "Alliance" as a component of its
name, and shall not use such name or initials as a part of its
name or for any other commercial purpose, and shall cause its
officers and Trustees to take any and all actions which Alliance
may request to effect the foregoing and to reconvey to Alliance
or such corporate affiliate any and all rights to such name.
45
00250086.AR9
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being at least a
Majority of the Trustees of Alliance International Fund, have set
their hands and seal, for themselves and their assigns, unto this
Restated Declaration of Trust of Alliance International Fund, all
as of the day and year first above written.
/s/ John D. Carifa /s/ David H. Dievler
_____________________________ ___________________________
John D. Carifa David H. Dievler
/s/ Rodman L. Drake /s/ William H. Henderson
_____________________________ ___________________________
Rodman L. Drake William H. Henderson
/s/ James D. Hodgson /s/ Stig Host
_____________________________ __________________________
James D. Hodgson Stig Host
/s/ John C. West /s/ Robert C. White
_____________________________ __________________________
John C. West Robert C. White
46
00250086.AR9
<PAGE>
A C K N O W L E D G M E N T
STATE OF NEW YORK )
) ss.
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
December 13, 1990
Then personally appeared the above-named John D. Carifa
and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his free act and
deed.
Before me,
/s/ Mary Ann Capaldo
____________________________
Mary Ann Capaldo
Notary Public
My Commission expires: January 6,
1992
47
00250086.AR9
<PAGE>
___________________________
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
BY-LAWS
___________________________
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
By-Laws
Index
Page
RECITALS ................................................. 1
ARTICLE I SHAREHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDERS'
MEETINGS.................................. 1
Section 1.1 Meetings.................................... 1
Section 1.2 Presiding Officer; Secretary................ 1
Section 1.3 Authority of Chairman of
Meeting to Interpret Declaration
and By-Laws.............................. 1
Section 1.4 Voting; Quorum.............................. 2
Section 1.5 Inspectors.................................. 2
Section 1.6 Shareholders' Action in Writing............. 2
ARTICLE II TRUSTEES AND TRUSTEES' MEETINGS............. 3
Section 2.1 Number of Trustees.......................... 3
Section 2.2 Regular Meetings of Trustees................ 3
Section 2.3 Special Meetings of Trustees................ 3
Section 2.4 Notice of Meetings.......................... 3
Section 2.5 Quorum...................................... 3
Section 2.6 Participation by Telephone.................. 4
Section 2.7 Location of Meetings........................ 4
Section 2.8 Votes....................................... 4
Section 2.9 Rulings of Chairman......................... 4
Section 2.10 Trustees' Action in Writing................. 4
Section 2.11 Resignations................................ 4
i
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ARTICLE III OFFICERS.................................... 4
Section 3.1 Officers of the Trust....................... 4
Section 3.2 Time and Terms of Election.................. 5
Section 3.3 Resignation and Removal..................... 5
Section 3.4 Fidelity Bond............................... 5
Section 3.5 Chairman of the Trustees.................... 5
Section 3.6 Vice Chairmen............................... 5
Section 3.7 President................................... 6
Section 3.8 Nice Presidents............................. 6
Section 3.9 Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers.......... 6
Section 3.10 Controller and Assistant Controllers........ 7
Section 3.11 Secretary and Assistant Secretaries......... 7
Section 3.12 Substitutions............................... 7
Section 3.13 Execution of Deeds, etc..................... 7
Section 3.14 Power to Vote Securities.................... 8
ARTICLE IV COMMITTEES.................................. 8
Section 4.1 Power of Trustees to
Designate Committees...................... 8
Section 4.2 Rules for Conduct of Committee Affairs...... 8
Section 4.3 Trustees may Alter, Abolish,
etc., Committees.......................... 8
Section 4.4 Minutes; Review by Trustees................. 9
ARTICLE V SEAL........................................ 9
ARTICLE VI SHARES...................................... 9
Section 6.1 Issuance of Shares.......................... 9
Section 6.2 Uncertificated Shares....................... 9
Section 6.3 Share Certificates.......................... 9
ii
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Section 6.4 Lost, Stolen, etc., Certificates............ 10
Section 6.5 Record Transfer of Pledged Shares........... 10
ARTICLE VII CUSTODIAN................................... 10
ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS.................................. 11
Section 8.1 By-Laws Subject to Amendment................ 11
Section 8.2 Notice of Proposal to Amend
By-Laws Required.......................... 11
iii
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
BY-LAWS
These Articles are the By-Laws of ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
FUND, a trust with transferable shares established under the laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "Trust"), pursuant to
an Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust (the
"Declaration") made the 2nd day of October, 1985, and filed in
the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. These By-Laws
have been adopted by the Trustees pursuant to the authority
granted by Section 3.1 of the Declaration.
All words and terms capitalized in these By-Laws, unless
otherwise defined herein, shall have the same meanings as they
have in the Declaration.
ARTICLE I
SHAREHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS
SECTION 1.1. Meetings. A meeting of the Shareholders
of the trust shall be held whenever called by the Trustees and
whenever election of a Trustee or Trustees by Shareholders is
required by the provisions of the 1940 Act. Meetings of
Shareholders shall also be called by the Trustees when requested
in writing by Shareholders holding at least ten percent (10%) of
the Shares then outstanding for the purpose of voting upon
removal of any Trustee, or if the Trustees shall fail to call or
give notice of any such meeting of Shareholders for a period of
thirty (30) days after such application, then Shareholders
holding at least ten percent (10%) of the Shares then outstanding
may call and give notice of such meeting. Notice of
Shareholders' meetings shall be given as provided in the
Declaration.
SECTION 1.2. Presiding Officer; Secretary. The
Chairman of the Trustees, or in his absence the Vice Chairman or
Chairmen, if any, in the order of their seniority or as the
Trustees shall otherwise determine, and in the absence of the
Chairman and all Vice Chairmen, if any, the President, shall
preside at each Shareholders' meeting as chairman of the meeting,
or in the absence of the Chairman, all Vice Chairmen and the
President, the Trustees present at the meeting shall elect one of
their number as chairman of the meeting. Unless otherwise
provided for by the Trustees, the Secretary of the Trust shall be
the secretary of all meetings of Shareholders and shall record
the minutes thereof.
SECTION 1.3. Authority of Chairman of Meeting to
Interpret Declaration and By-Laws. At any Shareholders' meeting
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the chairman of the meeting shall be empowered to determine the
construction or interpretation of the Declaration or these
By-Laws, or any part thereof or hereof, and his ruling shall be
final.
SECTION 1.4. Voting; Quorum. At each meeting of
Shareholders, except as otherwise provided by the Declaration,
every holder of record of Shares entitled to vote shall be
entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of Shares
standing in his name on the Share register of the Trust.
Shareholders may vote by proxy and the form of any such proxy may
be prescribed from time to time by the Trustees. A quorum shall
exist if the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of
the Trust entitled to vote without regard to Series, are present
in person or by proxy, but any lesser number shall be sufficient
for adjournments. At all meetings of the Shareholders, votes
shall be taken by ballot for all matters which may be binding
upon the Trustees pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Declaration. On
other matters, votes of Shareholders need not be taken by ballot
unless otherwise provided for by the Declaration or by vote of
the Trustees, or as required by the Act or the Regulations, but
the chairman of the meeting may in his discretion authorize any
matter to be voted upon by ballot.
SECTION 1.5. Inspectors. At any meeting of
Shareholders, the chairman of the meeting may appoint one or more
Inspectors of Election or Balloting to supervise the voting at
such meeting or any adjournment thereof. If Inspectors are not
so appointed, the chairman of the meeting may, and on the request
of any Shareholder present or represented and entitled to vote
shall, appoint one or more Inspectors for such purpose. Each
Inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his duties,
shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of
Inspector of Election or Balloting, as the case may be, at such
meeting with strict impartiality and according to the best of his
ability. If appointed, Inspectors shall take charge of the polls
and, when the vote is completed, shall make a certificate of the
result of the vote taken and of such other facts as may be
required by law.
SECTION 1.6. Shareholders' Action in Writing. Nothing
in this Article I shall limit the power of the Shareholders to
take any action by means of written instruments without a
meeting, as permitted by Section 7.6 of the Declaration.
2
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ARTICLE II
TRUSTEES AND TRUSTEES' MEETINGS
SECTION 2.1. Number of Trustees. There shall initially
be one (1) Trustee, and the number of Trustees shall thereafter
be such number, authorized by the Declaration, as from time to
time shall be fixed by a vote adopted by a Majority of the
Trustees.
SECTION 2.2. Regular Meetings of Trustees. Regular
meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice at
such places and at such times as the Trustees may from time to
time determine; provided, that notice of such determination, and
of the time, place and purposes of the first regular meeting
thereafter, shall be given to each absent Trustee in accordance
with Section 2.4 hereof.
SECTION 2.3. Special Meetings of Trustees. Special
meetings of the Trustees may be held at any time and at any place
when called by the Chairman of the Trustees, any Vice Chairman,
the President or the Treasurer or by two (2) or more Trustees, or
if there shall be less than three (3) Trustees, by any Trustee;
provided, that notice of the time, place and purposes thereof is
given to each Trustee in accordance with Section 2.4 hereof by
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or by the officer or the
Trustees calling the meeting.
SECTION 2.4. Notice of Meetings. Notice of any regular
or special meeting of the Trustees shall be sufficient if given
in writing to each Trustee, and if sent by mail at least five (5)
days, or by telegram at least twenty-four (24) hours, before the
meeting, addressed to his usual or last known business or
residence address, or if delivered to him in person at least
twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. Notice of a special
meeting need not be given to any Trustee who was present at an
earlier meeting, not more than thirty-one (31) days prior to the
subsequent meeting, at which the subsequent meeting was called.
Notice of a meeting may be waived by any Trustee by written
waiver of notice, executed by him before or after the meeting,
and such waiver shall be filed with the records of the meeting.
Attendance by a Trustee at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of
notice, except where a Trustee attends a meeting for the purpose
of protesting prior thereto or at its commencement the lack of
notice.
SECTION 2.5. Quorum; Presiding Officer. At any meeting
of the Trustees, a Majority of the Trustees shall constitute a
quorum. Any meeting may be adjourned from time to time by a
majority of the votes cast upon the question, whether or not a
quorum is present, and the meeting may be held as adjourned
3
<PAGE>
without further notice. Unless the Trustees shall otherwise
elect, generally or in a particular case, the Chairman of the
Trustees, or in his absence the Vice Chairman or Vice Chairmen,
if any, in the order of their seniority or as the Trustees shall
otherwise determine, or in the absence of the Chairman and all
Vice Chairmen, if any, and if he shall be a Trustee, the
President, shall preside at each meeting of the Trustees as
chairman of the meeting.
SECTION 2.6. Participation by Telephone. One or more
of the Trustees may participate in a meeting thereof or of any
Committee of the Trustees by means of a conference telephone or
similar communications equipment allowing all persons
participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time.
Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person
at a meeting.
SECTION 2.7. Location of Meetings. Trustees' meetings
may be held at any place, within or without Massachusetts.
SECTION 2.8. Votes. Voting at Trustees' meetings may
be conducted orally, by show of hands, or, if requested by any
Trustee, by written ballot. The results of all voting shall be
recorded by the Secretary in the minute book.
SECTION 2.9. Rulings of Chairman. All other rules of
conduct adopted and used at any Trustees' meeting shall be
determined by the chairman of such meeting, whose ruling on all
procedural matters shall be final.
SECTION 2.10. Trustees' Action in Writing. Nothing in
this Article II shall limit the power of the Trustees to take
action by means of a written instrument without a meeting, as
provided in Section 4.2 of the Declaration.
SECTION 2.11. Resignations. Any Trustee may resign at
any time by written instrument signed by him and delivered to the
Chairman, the President or the Secretary or to a meeting of the
Trustees. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt
unless specified to be effective at some other time.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
SECTION 3.1. Officers of the Trust. The officers of
the Trust shall consist of a Chairman of the Trustees, a
President, a Treasurer and a Secretary, and may include one or
more Vice Chairmen, Vice Presidents, Assistant Treasurers and
Assistant Secretaries, and such other officers as the Trustees
may designate. Any person may hold more than one office. Except
4
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for the Chairman and any Vice Chairmen, no officer need be a
Trustee.
SECTION 3.2. Time and Terms of Election. The Chairman,
the President, the Treasurer and the Secretary shall be elected
by the Trustees at their first meeting and thereafter at the
annual meeting of the Trustees, as provided in Section 4.2 of the
Declaration. Such officers shall hold office until the next
annual meeting of the Trustees and until their successors shall
have been duly elected and qualified, and may be removed at any
meeting by the affirmative vote of a Majority of the Trustees.
All other officers of the Trust may be elected or appointed at
any meeting of the Trustees. Such officers shall hold office for
any term, or indefinitely, as determined by the Trustees, and
shall be subject to removal, with or without cause, at any time
by the Trustees.
SECTION 3.3. Resignation and Removal. Any officer may
resign at any time by giving written notice to the Trustees.
Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein,
and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such
resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. If the
office of any officer or agent becomes vacant by reason of death,
resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or
otherwise, the Trustees may choose a successor, who shall hold
office for the unexpired term in respect of which such vacancy
occurred. Except to the extent expressly provided in a written
agreement with the Trust, no officer resigning or removed shall
have any right to any compensation for any period following such
resignation or removal, or any right to damage on account of such
removal.
SECTION 3.4. Fidelity Bond. The Trustees may, in their
discretion, direct any officer appointed by them to furnish at
the expense of the Trust a fidelity bond approved by the
Trustees, in such amount as the Trustees may prescribe.
SECTION 3.5. Chairman of the Trustees. Unless the
Trustees otherwise provide, the Chairman of the Trustees shall
preside at all meetings of the Shareholders and of the Trustees.
The Chairman shall be the chief executive officer of the Trust
and, subject to the supervision of the Trustees, shall have
general charge and supervision of the business, property and
affairs of the Trust and such other powers and duties as the
Trustees may prescribe, and unless otherwise provided by law, the
Declaration, these By-Laws or specific vote of the trustees,
shall have and may exercise all of the powers given to the
Trustees by the Declaration and by these By-Laws.
SECTION 3.6. Vice Chairmen. If the Trustees shall
elect one or more Vice Chairmen, the Vice Chairman or if there
5
<PAGE>
shall be more than one, such Vice Chairmen in the order of their
seniority or as otherwise designated by the Trustees, shall
preside at meetings of the Shareholders and of the Trustees, and
shall exercise such other powers and duties of the Chairman as
the Trustees shall determine.
SECTION 3.7. President. The President shall be the
chief administrative officer of the Trust and, subject to the
supervision of the Chairman, shall have general charge of the
operations of the Trust and general supervision of the personnel
of the Trust, and such other powers and duties as the Trustees or
the Chairman shall prescribe. In the absence or disability of
the Chairman, the President shall exercise the powers and duties
of the Chairman, except to the extent that the Trustees shall
have delegated such powers and duties to the Vice Chairman or
Chairmen, and except that he shall not preside at meetings of the
Trustees if he is not himself a Trustee.
SECTION 3.8. Vice Presidents. In the absence or
disability of the President, the Vice President or, if there
shall be more than one, the Vice Presidents in the order of their
seniority or as otherwise designated by the Trustees, shall
exercise all of the powers and duties of the President. The Vice
Presidents shall have the power to execute bonds, notes,
mortgages and other contracts, agreements and instruments in the
name of the Trust, and shall do and perform such other duties as
the Trustees, the Chairman or the President shall direct.
SECTION 3.9. Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers. The
Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Trust, and
shall have the custody of the Trust's funds and Securities, and
shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and
disbursements in books belonging to the Trust and shall deposit
all moneys, and other valuable effects in the name and to the
credit of the trust, in such depositories as may be designated by
the Trustees, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements,
shall have such other duties and powers as may be prescribed from
time to time by the Trustees or the Chairman, and shall render to
the Trustees, whenever they may require it, an. account of all
his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of
the Trust. If no Controller is elected, the Treasurer shall also
have the duties and powers of the Controller, as provided in
these By-Laws. Any Assistant Treasurer shall have such duties
and powers as shall be prescribed from time to time by the
Trustees or the Treasurer, and shall be responsible to and shall
report to the Treasurer. In the absence or disability of the
Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer or, if there shall be more
than one, the Assistant Treasurers in the order of their
seniority or as otherwise designated by the Trustees or the
Chairman, shall have the powers and duties of the Treasurer.
6
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SECTION 3.10. Controller and Assistant Controllers. If
a Controller is elected, he shall be the chief accounting officer
of the Trust and shall be in charge of its books of account and
accounting records and of its accounting procedures, and shall
have such duties and powers as are commonly incident to the
office of a controller, and such other duties and powers as may
be prescribed from time to time by the Trustees. The Controller
shall be responsible to and shall report to the Trustees, but in
the ordinary conduct of the Trust's business, shall be under the
supervision of the Treasurer. Any Assistant Controller shall
have such duties and powers as shall be prescribed from time to
time by the Trustees or the Controller, and shall be responsible
to and shall report to the Controller. In the absence or
disability of the Controller, the Assistant Controller or, if
there shall be more than one, the Assistant Controllers in the
order of their seniority or as otherwise designated by the
Trustees or the Chairman, shall have the powers and duties of the
Controller.
SECTION 3.11. Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The
Secretary shall, if and to the extent requested by the Trustees,
attend all meetings of the Trustees, any Committee of the
Trustees and/or the Shareholders and record all votes and the
minutes of proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose,
shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the
Trustees, any Committee of the Trustees, and of the Shareholders
and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the
Trustees. The Secretary, or in his absence any Assistant
Secretary, shall affix the Trust's seal to any instrument
requiring it, and when so affixed, it shall be attested by the
signature of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary. The
Secretary shall be the custodian of the Share records and all
other books, records and papers of the Trust (other than
financial) and shall see that all books, reports, statements,
certificates and other documents and records required by law are
properly kept and filed. In the absence or disability of the
Secretary, the Assistant Secretary or, if there shall be more
than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order of their
seniority or as otherwise designated by the Trustees or the
Chairman, shall have the powers and duties of the Secretary.
SECTION 3.12. Substitutions. In case of the absence or
disability of any officer of the Trust, or for any other reason
that the Trustees may deem sufficient, the Trustees may delegate,
for the time being, the powers or duties, or any of them, of such
officer to any other officer, or to any Trustee.
SECTION 3.13. Execution of Deeds, etc. Except as the
Trustees may generally or in particular cases otherwise authorize
or direct, all deeds, leases, transfers, contracts, proposals,
bonds, notes, checks, drafts and other obligations made, accepted
7
<PAGE>
or endorsed by the Trust shall be signed or endorsed on behalf of
the Trust by the Chairman, the President, one of the Vice
Presidents or the Treasurer.
SECTION 3.14. Power to Vote Securities. Unless
otherwise ordered by the Trustees, the Treasurer shall have full
power and authority on behalf of the Trust to give proxies for,
and/or to attend and to act and to vote at, any meeting of
stockholders of any corporation in which the Trust may hold
stock, and at any such meeting the Treasurer or his proxy shall
possess and may exercise any and all rights and powers incident
to the ownership of such stock which, as the owner thereof, the
Trust might have possessed and exercised if present. The
Trustees, by resolution from time to time, or, in the absence
thereof, the Treasurer, may confer like powers upon any other
person or persons as attorneys and proxies of the Trust.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES
SECTION 4.1. Power of Trustees to Designate Committees.
The Trustees, by vote of a Majority of the Trustees, may elect
from their number an Executive Committee and any other Committees
and may delegate thereto some or all of their powers except those
which by law, by the Declaration or by these By-Laws may not be
delegated; provided, that the Executive Committee shall not be
empowered to elect the Chairman of the Trustees, the President,
the Treasurer or the Secretary, to amend the By-Laws, to exercise
the powers of the Trustees under this Section 4.1 or under
Section 4.3 hereof, or to perform any act for which the action of
a Majority of the Trustees is required by law, by the Declaration
or by these By-Laws. The members of any such Committee shall
serve at the pleasure of the Trustees.
SECTION 4.2. Rules for Conduct of Committee Affairs.
Except as otherwise provided by the Trustees, each Committee
elected or appointed pursuant to this Article IV may adopt such
standing rules and regulations for the conduct of its affairs as
it may deem desirable, subject to review and approval of such
rules and regulations by the Trustees at the next succeeding
meeting of the Trustees, but in the absence of any such action or
any contrary provisions by the Trustees, the business of each
Committee shall be conducted, so far as practicable, in the same
manner as provided herein and in the Declaration for the
Trustees.
SECTION 4.3. Trustees May Alter, Abolish, etc.,
Committees. The Trustees may at any time alter or abolish any
Committee, change the membership of any Committee, or revoke,
rescind or modify any action of any Committee or the authority of
8
<PAGE>
any Committee with respect to any matter or class of matters;
provided, that no such action shall impair the rights of any
third parties.
SECTION 4.4. Minutes; Review by Trustees. Any Committee
to which the Trustees delegate any of their powers or duties
shall keep records of its meetings and shall report its actions
to the Trustees.
ARTICLE V
SEAL
The seal of the Trust shall consist of a flat-faced
circular die with the word "Massachusetts", together with the
name of the Trust, the words "Trust Seal", and the year of its
organization cut or engraved thereon, but, unless otherwise
required by the Trustees, the seal shall not be necessary to be
placed on, and its absence shall not impair the validity of, any
document, instrument or other paper executed and delivered by or
on behalf of the Trust.
ARTICLE VI
SHARES
SECTION 6.1. Issuance of Shares. The Trustees may
issue Shares of any or all Series either in certificated or
uncertificated form, they may issue certificates to the holders
of Shares of a Series which was originally issued in
uncertificated form, and if they have issued Shares of any Series
in certificated form, they may at any time discontinue the
issuance of Share certificates for such Series and may, by
written notice to such Shareholders of such Series require the
surrender of their Share certificates to the Trust for
cancellation, which surrender and cancellation shall not affect
the ownership of Shares for such Series.
SECTION 6.2. Uncertificated Shares. For any Series of
Shares for which the Trustees issue Shares without certificates,
the Trust or the Transfer Agent may either issue receipts
therefor or may keep accounts upon the books of the Trust for the
record holders of such Shares, who shall in either case be
deemed, for all purposes hereunder, to be the holders of such
Shares as if they had received certificates therefor and shall be
held to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms hereof
and of the Declaration.
SECTION 6.3. Share Certificates. For any Series of
Shares for which the Trustees shall issue Share certificates,
each Shareholder of such Series shall be entitled to a
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<PAGE>
certificate stating the number of Shares owned by him in such
form as shall be prescribed from time to time by the Trustees.
Such certificate shall be signed by the Chairman or a Vice
Chairman, or the President or a Vice-President, and by the
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Trust. Such signatures may be
facsimiles if the certificate is countersigned by a Transfer
Agent, or by a Registrar, other than a Trustee, officer or
employee of the Trust. In case any officer who has signed or
whose facsimile signature has been placed on such certificate
shall cease to be such officer before such certificate is issued,
it may be issued by the Trust with the same effect as if he were
such officer at the time of its issue.
SECTION 6.4. Lost, Stolen, etc., Certificates. If any
certificate for certificated Shares shall be lost, stolen,
destroyed or mutilated, the Trustees may authorize the issuance
of a new certificate of the same tenor and for the same number of
Shares in lieu thereof. The Trustees shall require the surrender
of any mutilated certificate in respect of which a new
certificate is issued, and may, in their discretion, before the
issuance of a new certificate, require the owner of a lost,
stolen or destroyed certificate, or the owner's legal
representative, to make an affidavit or affirmation setting forth
such facts as to the loss, theft or destruction as they deem
necessary, and to give the Trust a bond in such reasonable sum as
the Trustees direct, in order to indemnify the Trust.
SECTION 6.5. Record Transfer of Pledged Shares. A
pledgee of Shares pledged as collateral security shall be
entitled to a new certificate in his name as pledgee, in the case
of certificated Shares, or to be registered as the holder in
pledge of such Shares in the case of uncertificated Shares;
provided, that the instrument of pledge substantially describes
the debt or duty that is intended to be secured thereby. Any
such new certificate shall express on its face that it is held as
collateral security, and the name of the pledgor shall be stated
thereon, and any such registration of uncertificated Shares shall
be in a form which indicates that the registered holder holds
such Shares in pledge. After such issue or registration, and
unless and until such pledge is released, such pledgee and his
successors and assigns shall alone be entitled to the rights of a
Shareholder, and entitled to vote such Shares.
ARTICLE VII
CUSTODIAN
The Trust shall at all times employ a bank or trust
company having a capital, surplus and undivided profits of at
least Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) as Custodian of the
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<PAGE>
capital assets of the Trust. The Custodian shall be compensated
for its services by the Trust upon such basis as shall be agreed
upon from time to time between the Trust and the Custodian.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 8.1. By-Laws Subject to Amendment. These
By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part,
at any time by vote of the holders of a majority of the Shares
(or whenever there shall be more than one Series of Shares, of
the holders of a majority of the Shares of each Series) issued,
outstanding and entitled to vote. The Trustees, by vote of a
Majority of the Trustees, may alter, amend or repeal these
By-Laws, in whole or in part, including By-Laws adopted by the
Shareholders, except with respect to any provision hereof which
by law, the Declaration or these By-Laws requires action by the
Shareholders; provided, that no later than the time of giving
notice of the meeting of Shareholders next following the
alteration, amendment or repeal of these By-Laws, in whole or in
part, notice thereof, stating the substance of such action shall
be given to all Shareholders entitled to vote. By-Laws adopted
by the Trustees may be altered, amended or repealed by the
Shareholders.
SECTION 8.2. Notice of Proposal to Amend By-Laws
Required. No proposal to amend or repeal these By-Laws or to
adopt new By-Laws shall be acted upon at a meeting unless either
(i) such proposal is stated in the notice or in the waiver of
notice, as the case may be, of the meeting of the Trustees or
Shareholders at which such action is taken, or (ii) all of the
Trustees or Shareholders, as the case may be, are present at such
meeting and all agree to consider such proposal without
protesting the lack of notice.
11
00250086.AS0
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
July 22, 1992
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
Dear Sirs:
We herewith confirm our agreement with you as follows:
1. We are an open-end, diversified management investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"Act"). We are currently authorized to issue one class of shares
and our Trustees are authorized to reclassify and issue any
unissued shares to any number of additional classes or series
("Portfolios") each having its own investment objective, policies
and restrictions, all as more fully described in the Prospectus
and the Statement of Additional Information constituting parts of
the Registration Statement filed on our behalf under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Act. We are engaged in the
business of investing and reinvesting our assets in securities of
the type and in accordance with the limitations specified in our
Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, Registration Statements filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act
of 1933 and the Act, and any representations made in our
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, all in such
manner and to such extent as may from time to time be authorized
by our Trustees. We enclose copies of the documents listed above
and will from time to time furnish you with any amendments
thereof.
2. (a) We hereby employ you to manage the investment and
reinvestment of the assets in each of our Portfolios as above
specified, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
to provide management and other services specified below.
(b) You will make decisions with respect to all
purchases and sales of securities in each of our Portfolios. To
carry out such decisions, you are hereby authorized, as our agent
and attorney-in-fact, for our account and at our risk and in our
name, to place orders for the investment and reinvestment of our
assets. In all purchases, sales and other transactions in
securities in each of our Portfolios you are authorized
toexercise full discretion and act for us in the same manner and
with the same force and effect as we might or could do with
<PAGE>
respect to such purchases, sales or other transactions, as well
as with respect to all other things necessary or incidental to
the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other
transactions.
(c) You will report to our Trustees at each meeting
thereof all changes in each Portfolio since the prior report, and
will also keep us in touch with important developments affecting
any Portfolio and on your own initiative will furnish us from
time to time with such information as you may believe appropriate
for this purpose, whether concerning the individual companies
whose securities are included in our Portfolios, the industries
in which they engage, or the conditions prevailing in the economy
generally. You will also furnish us with such statistical and
analytical information with respect to securities in each of our
Portfolios as you may believe appropriate or as we reasonably may
request. In making such purchases and sales of securities in
each of our Portfolios, you will bear in mind the policies set
from time to time by our Trustees as well as the limitations
imposed by our Declaration of Trust and in our Registration
Statements under the Act and the Securities Act of 1933, the
limitations in the Act and of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended in respect of regulated investment companies and the
investment objective, policies and restrictions for each of our
Portfolios.
(d) It is understood that you will from time to time
employ or associate with yourselves such persons as you believe
to be particularly fitted to assist you in the execution of your
duties hereunder, the cost of performance of such duties to be
borne and paid by you. No obligation may be incurred on our
behalf in any such respect. During the continuance of this
agreement at our request you will provide to us persons
satisfactory to our Trustees to serve as our officers. You or
your affiliates will also provide persons, who may be our
officers, to render such clerical, accounting, administrative and
other services to us as we may from time to time request of you.
Such personnel may be employees of you or your affiliates. We
will pay to you or your affiliates the cost of such personnel for
rendering such services to us at such rates as shall from time to
time be agreed upon between us, provided that all time devoted to
the investment or reinvestment of securities in each of our
Portfolios (or to the promotion of the sale of our shares) shall
be for your account. Nothing contained herein shall be construed
to restrict our right to hire our own employees or to contract
for services to be performed by third parties. Furthermore, you
or your affiliates (other than us) shall furnish us without
charge with such administrative and management supervision and
assistance and such office facilities as you may believe
appropriate or as we may reasonably request subject to the
requirements of any regulatory authority to which you may be
2
<PAGE>
subject. You or your affiliates (other than us) shall also be
responsible for the payment of any expenses incurred in promoting
the sale of our shares (other than the portion of the promotional
expenses to be borne by us in accordance with an effective plan
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act and the costs of printing
our prospectuses and other reports to shareholders and fees
related to registration with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and with state regulatory authorities).
3. It is further agreed that you shall be responsible for
the portion of the net expenses of all of our Portfolios (except
interest, taxes, brokerage and extraordinary expenses) incurred
by us during each of our fiscal years or portion thereof that
this agreement is in effect between us which in any such year
exceeds the limits prescribed by any state in which our shares
are qualified for sale. We hereby confirm that, subject to the
foregoing, we shall be responsible and hereby assume the
obligation for payment of all our other expenses, including: (a)
payment of the fee payable to you under paragraph 5 hereof; (b)
custody, transfer and dividend disbursing expenses; (c) fees of
trustees who are not your affiliated persons; (d) legal and
auditing expenses; (e) clerical, accounting, administrative and
other office costs; (f) the cost of personnel providing services
to us, as provided in subparagraph (d) of paragraph 2 above; (g)
costs of printing our prospectuses and shareholder reports; (h)
cost of maintenance of our existence as a trust; (i) interest
charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; (j) costs of
stationery and supplies; (k) expenses and fees related to proxy
solicitations and registrations and filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and with state regulatory authorities;
and (l) such promotional expenses as may be contemplated by an
effective plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act provided,
however, that our payment of such promotional expenses shall be
in the amounts, and in accordance with the procedures, set forth
in such plan.
4. We shall expect of you, and you will give us the benefit
of, your best judgment and efforts in rendering these services to
us, and we agree as an inducement to your undertaking these
services that you shall not be liable hereunder for any mistake
of judgment or in any event whatsoever, except for lack of good
faith, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect,
or purport to protect, you against any liability to us or to
oursecurity holders to which you would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in
the performance of your duties hereunder, or by reason of your
reckless disregard of your obligations and duties hereunder.
5. In consideration of the foregoing we will pay you a
quarterly fee, payable for the preceding quarter on the first
business day of January, April, July and October, of 1/4 of 1% of
3
<PAGE>
the value of the aggregate net assets of each Portfolio managed
by you up to $500 million and 3/16 of 1% of the value of such
assets above $500 million at the close of business on the last
business day immediately preceding such payment date; provided
that, for the portion of any quarter, if this agreement becomes
effective after the beginning of such quarter or terminates prior
to the end of such quarter, such compensation shall be prorated
according to the proportion which such portion of a quarter bears
to a full quarter. Your reimbursement, if any, of our expenses,
as provided in paragraph 3 hereof will be annualized on a monthly
basis. Payment of the advisory fee will be reduced or postponed,
if necessary, with any adjustments made after the end of the
year.
6. This agreement shall become effective on the date hereof
and shall remain in effect until June 30, 1993 and thereafter for
successive twelve-month periods (computed from each July 1) with
respect to each Portfolio provided that such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by our Trustees or by
majority vote of the holders of the outstanding voting securities
(as defined in the Act) of such Portfolio, and, in either case,
by a majority of our Trustees who are not parties to this
agreement or interested persons, as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, of any such party (other than as trustees of
our Trust) provided further, however, that if the continuation of
this agreement is not approved as to a Portfolio, you may
continue to render to such Portfolio the services described
herein in the manner and to the extent permitted by the Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder. Upon the effectiveness of
this agreement, it shall supersede all previous agreements
between us covering the subject matter hereof. This agreement
may be terminated with respect to any Portfolio at any time,
without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities (as so defined) of such Portfolio,
or by a vote of a majority of our entire Trustees on sixty days'
written notice to you, or by you with respect to any Portfolio on
sixty days' written notice to us.
7. This agreement may not be transferred, assigned, sold or
in any manner hypothecated or pledged by you and this
agreementshall terminate automatically in the event of any such
transfer, assignment, sale, hypothecation or pledge by you. The
terms "transfer", "assignment" and "sale" as used in this
paragraph shall have the meanings ascribed thereto by governing
law and any interpretation thereof contained in rules or
regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder.
8. (a) Except to the extent necessary to perform your
obligations hereunder, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or
restrict your right, or the right of any of your employees or any
of the Directors of Alliance Capital Management Corporation,
4
<PAGE>
general partner, who may also be a trustee, officer or employee
of ours, or persons otherwise affiliated with us (within the
meaning of the Act) to engage in any other business or to devote
time and attention to the management or other aspects of any
other business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, or to
render services of any kind to any other trust, corporation,
firm, individual or association.
(b) You will notify us of any change in the general
partners of your partnership within a reasonable time after such
change.
9. Notice is hereby given that this agreement is entered
into on our behalf by an officer of our Trust in his capacity as
an officer and not individually and that the obligations of, or
arising out of, this agreement are not binding upon any of our
Trustees, officers, shareholders, employees or agents
individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of
our Trust.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding,
will you kindly so indicate by signing and returning to us the
enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
Alliance International Fund
By /s/ David H. Dievler
___________________________
David H. Dievler
Chairman and President
Accepted:
July 22, 1992
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
By: Alliance Capital Management Corporation,
general partner
By /s/ John D. Carifa
_______________________________
John D. Carifa
Executive Vice President
5
00250086.AR4
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE FUND DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
1345 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10105
(800) 221-5672
(LOGO)
___________, 199
Selected Dealer Agreement
For Broker/Dealers
(other than Bank Subsidiaries)
Dear Sirs:
As the principal underwriter of shares of certain
registered investment companies presently or hereafter managed by
Alliance Capital Management L.P., shares of which companies are
distributed by us pursuant to our Distribution Services
Agreements with such companies (the "Funds"), we invite you to
participate as principal in the distribution of shares of any and
all of the Funds upon the following terms and conditions:
1. You are to offer and sell such shares only at the
public offering prices which shall be currently in effect, in
accordance with the terms of the then current prospectuses and
statements of additional information of the Funds. You agree to
act only as principal in such transactions and shall not have
authority to act as agent for the Funds, for us, or for any other
dealer in any respect. All orders are subject to acceptance by
us and become effective only upon confirmation by us.
2. On each purchase of shares by you from us, the
total sales charges and discount to selected dealer, if any,
shall be as stated in each Fund's then current prospectus.
Such sales charges and discount to selected dealers are
subject to reductions under a variety of circumstances as
described in each Fund's then current prospectus and statement of
additional information. To obtain these reductions, we must be
notified when the sale takes place which would qualify for the
reduced charge.
There is no sales charge or discount to selected dealers
on the reinvestment of dividends.
3. As a selected dealer, you are hereby authorized (i)
to place orders directly with the Funds for their shares to be
resold by us to you subject to the applicable terms and
conditions governing the placement of orders by us set forth in
the Distribution Services Agreement between each Fund and us and
<PAGE>
subject to the applicable compensation provisions set forth in
each Fund's then current prospectus and statement of additional
information and (ii) to tender shares directly to the Funds or
their agent for redemption subject to the applicable terms and
conditions set forth in the Distribution Services Agreement.
4. Repurchases of shares will be made at the net asset
value of such shares in accordance with the then current
prospectuses and statements of additional information of the
Funds.
5. You represent that you are a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and that you agree to
abide by the Rules of Fair Practice of such Association.
6. This Agreement is in all respects subject to Rule
26 of the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. which shall control any provisions to
the contrary in this Agreement.
7. You agree:
(a) To purchase shares only from us or only from
your customers.
(b) To purchase shares from us only for the
purpose of covering purchase orders already received or for your
own bona fide investment.
(c) That you will not purchase any shares from
your customers at prices lower than the redemption or repurchase
prices then quoted by the Fund. You shall, however, be permitted
to sell shares for the account of their record owners to the
Funds at the repurchase prices currently established for such
shares and may charge the owner a fair commission for handing the
transaction.
(d) That you will not withhold placing customers'
orders for shares so as to profit yourself as a result of such
withholding.
(e) That if any shares confirmed to you hereunder
are redeemed or repurchased by any of the Funds within seven
business days after such confirmation of your original order, you
shall forthwith refund to us the full discount allowed to you on
such sales. We shall notify you of such redemption or repurchase
within ten days from the date of delivery of the request therefor
or certificates to us or such Fund. Termination or cancellation
of this Agreement shall not relieve you or us from the
requirements of this subparagraph.
2
<PAGE>
8. We shall not accept from you any conditional orders
for shares. Delivery of certificates for shares purchased shall
be made by the Funds only against receipt of the purchase price,
subject to deduction for the discount reallowed to you and our
portion of the sales charge on such sales. If payment for the
shares purchased is not received within the time customary for
such payments, the sale may be cancelled forthwith without any
responsibility or liability on our part or on the part of the
Funds (in which case you will be responsible for any loss,
including loss of profit, suffered by the Funds resulting from
your failure to make payment as aforesaid), or, at our option, we
may sell the shares ordered back to the Funds (in which case we
may hold you responsible for any loss, including loss of profit
suffered by us resulting from your failure to make payment as
aforesaid).
9. You will not offer or sell any of the shares except
under circumstances that will result in compliance with the
applicable Federal and State securities laws and in connection
with sales and offers to sell shares you will furnish to each
person to whom any such sale or offer is made a copy of the
applicable then current prospectus. We shall be under no
liability to you except for lack of good faith and for
obligations expressly assumed by us herein. Nothing herein
contained, however, shall be deemed to be a condition,
stipulation or provision binding any persons acquiring any
security to waive compliance with any provision of the Securities
Act of 1933, or of the Rules and Regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, or to relieve the parties hereto from
any liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933.
10. From time to time during the term of this Agreement
we may make payments to you pursuant to one or more of the
distribution plans adopted by certain of the Funds pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act")
in consideration, with respect to each such Fund, of your
furnishing distribution services hereunder and providing
administrative, accounting and other services, including personal
service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. We have
no obligation to make any such payments and you waive any such
payment until we receive monies therefor from the Fund. Any such
payments made pursuant to this Section 10 shall be subject to the
following terms and conditions:
(a) Any such payments shall be in such amounts as
we may from time to time advise you in writing but in any event
not in excess of the amounts permitted by the plan in effect with
respect to each particular Fund. Any such payments shall be in
addition to the selling concession, if any, allowed to you
pursuant to this Agreement. Such payments shall include a
service fee in the amount of .25 of 1% per annum of the average
3
<PAGE>
daily net assets of certain Funds attributable to your clients.
Any such service fee shall be paid to you solely for personal
service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
(b) The provisions of this Section 10 relate to
the plan adopted by a particular Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1. In
accordance with Rule 12b-1, any person authorized to direct the
disposition of monies paid or payable by a Fund pursuant to this
Section 10 shall provide the Fund's Board of Directors, and the
Directors shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of
the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made.
(c) The provisions of this Section 10 applicable
to each Fund shall remain in effect for not more than a year and
thereafter for successive annual periods only so long as such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually in
conformity with Rule 12b-1 and the Act. The provisions of this
Section 10 shall automatically terminate with respect to a
particular Plan in the event of the assignment (as defined by the
Act) of this Agreement, in the event such Plan terminates or is
not continued or in the event this Agreement terminates or ceases
to remain in effect. In addition, the provisions of this Section
10 may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either
party with respect to any particular Plan on not more than 60
days' nor less than 30 days' written notice delivered or mailed
by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the other party.
11. No person is authorized to make any representations
concerning shares of the Funds except those contained in the
current prospectus, statement of additional information, and
printed information issued by each Fund or by us as information
supplemental to each prospectus. We shall supply prospectuses
and statements of additional information, reasonable quantities
of reports to shareholders, supplemental sales literature, sales
bulletins, and additional information as issued. You agree to
distribute prospectuses and reports to shareholders of the Funds
to your customers in compliance with the applicable requirements,
except to the extent that we expressly undertake to do so on your
behalf. You agree not to use other advertising or sales material
relating to the Funds, unless approved in writing by us in
advance of such use. Any printed information furnished by us
other than the then current prospectus and statement of
additional information for each Fund, periodic reports and proxy
solicitation materials are our sole responsibility and not the
responsibility of the Funds, and you agree that the Funds shall
have no liability or responsibility to you in these respects
unless expressly assumed in connection therewith.
12. In connection with your distribution of shares of a
Fund, you shall conform to such written compliance standards as
4
<PAGE>
we have provided you in the past or may from time to time provide
to you in the future.
13. We, our affiliates and the Funds shall not be
liable for any loss, expense, damages, costs or other claim
arising out of any redemption or exchange pursuant to telephone
instructions from any person or our refusal to execute such
instructions for any reason.
14. Either party to this Agreement may cancel this
Agreement by giving written notice to the other. Such notice
shall be deemed to have been given on the date on which it was
either delivered personally to the other party or any officer or
member thereof, or was mailed postpaid or delivered to a
telegraph office for transmission to the other party at his or
its address as shown below. This Agreement may be amended by us
at any time and your placing of an order after the effective date
of any such amendment shall constitute your acceptance thereof.
15. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York and shall be binding upon
both parties thereto when signed by us and accepted by you in the
space provided below.
Very truly yours,
ALLIANCE FUND DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By: _______________________
(Authorized Signature)
Bank or Firm Name _______________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
City _____________________ State ____________ Zip Code __________
ACCEPTED BY (signature) _____________________ Title _____________
Name (print) ________________________________ Title _____________
Date _____________________ 199__ Phone # ________________________
5
<PAGE>
Please return two signed copies of this Agreement (one
of which will be signed above by us and thereafter returned to
you) in the accompanying return envelope to:
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas, 38th Floor
New York, NY 10105
6
00250086.AR7
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE FUND DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
1345 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10105
(800) 221-5672
(LOGO)
___________, 199
Selected Agent Agreement
For Depository Institutions and Their Subsidiaries
Dear Sirs:
As the principal underwriter of shares of certain
registered investment companies presently or hereafter managed by
Alliance Capital Management L.P., shares of which companies are
distributed by us pursuant to our Distribution Services
Agreements with such companies (the "Funds"), we invite you,
acting as agent for your customers, to make available to your
customers shares of any or all of the Funds upon the following
terms and conditions:
1. The customers in question will be for all purposes
your customers. We shall execute transactions in shares of the
Funds for each of your customers only upon your authorization, it
being understood in all cases that (a) you are acting as the
agent for the customer; (b) each transaction is initiated solely
upon the order of the customer; (c) each transaction is for the
account of the customer and not for your account; (d) the
transactions are without recourse against you by the customer;
(e) except as we otherwise agree, each transaction is effected on
a fully disclosed basis; (f) as between you and the customer, the
customer will have full beneficial ownership of the shares; (g)
you shall provide no investment advice and exercise no investment
discretion regarding the purchase, sale, or redemption of the
shares; and (h) you shall make appropriate disclosure to your
customers that any Fund's shares are not endorsed by you, do not
constitute your obligation and are not entitled to federal
deposit insurance.
2. You are to sell shares of the Funds only at the
public offering prices which shall be currently in effect, in
accordance with the terms of the then current prospectuses and
statements of additional information of the Funds. You agree to
act only as agent for your customers in such transactions and
shall not have authority to act as agent for the Funds or for us
<PAGE>
in any respect. All orders are subject to acceptance by us and
become effective only upon confirmation by us.
3. On each purchase of shares of a Fund authorized by
you, the total sales charge and commission, if any, shall be as
stated in the Fund's then current prospectus. Such sales charges
and commissions are subject to reductions under a variety of
circumstances as described in each Fund's then current prospectus
and statement of additional information. To obtain such a
reduction, you must provide us with such information as we may
request to establish that a particular transaction qualifies for
the reduction. There is no sales charge or commission to
selected agents on the reinvestment of dividends.
4. As a selected agent, you are hereby authorized (i)
to place orders directly with the Funds for their shares to be
resold by us through you subject to the applicable terms and
conditions governing the placement of orders by us set forth in
the Distribution Services Agreement between each Fund and us and
subject to the applicable compensation provisions set forth in
each Fund's then current prospectus and statement of additional
information, and (ii) to tender shares directly to the Funds or
their agent for redemption or repurchase subject to the
applicable terms and conditions set forth in the Distribution
Services Agreement.
5. Redemptions and repurchases of shares will be made
at the net asset value of such shares in accordance with the then
current prospectuses and statements of additional information of
the Funds.
6. You represent that you are either:
(a) a bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"),
duly authorized to engage in the transactions to be performed
hereunder and not required to register as a broker-dealer
pursuant to the 1934 Act; or
(b) a bank (as so defined) or an affiliate of a
bank, in either case registered as a broker-dealer pursuant to
the 1934 Act and a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., and that you agree to abide by the
rules and regulations of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc.
7. You agree:
(a) to order shares of the Funds only from us and
to act as agent only for your customers;
2
<PAGE>
(b) to order shares from us only for the purpose
of covering purchase orders already received;
(c) that you will not purchase any shares from
your customers at prices lower than the redemption or repurchase
prices then quoted by the Funds, provided, however, that you
shall be permitted to sell shares for the accounts of their
record owners to the Funds at the repurchase prices currently
established for such shares and may charge the owner a fair
commission for handling the transaction;
(d) that you will not withhold placing customers'
orders for shares so as to profit yourself as a result of such
withholding; and
(e) that if any shares confirmed through you
hereunder are redeemed or repurchased by any of the Funds within
seven business days after such confirmation of your original
order, you shall forthwith refund to us the full commission
reallowed to you on such sales. We shall notify you of such
redemption or repurchase within ten days from the date of
delivery of the request therefor or certificates to us or such
Fund. Termination or cancellation of this Agreement shall not
relieve you or us from the requirements of this subparagraph.
8. We shall not accept from you any conditional orders
for shares. Delivery of certificates for shares purchased shall
be made by the Funds only against receipt of the purchase price,
subject to deduction for the commission reallowed to you and our
portion of the sales charge on such sale. If payment for the
shares purchased is not received within the time customary for
such payments, the sale may be cancelled forthwith without any
responsibility or liability on our part or on the part of the
Funds (in which case you will be responsible for any loss,
including loss of profit, suffered by the Funds resulting from
your failure to make payment as aforesaid).
9. You will not accept orders for shares of any of the
Funds except under circumstances that will result in compliance
with the applicable Federal and State securities laws and banking
laws, and in connection with sales of shares to your customers
you will furnish, unless we agree otherwise, to each customer who
has ordered shares a copy of the applicable then current
prospectus. We shall be under no liability to you except for
lack of good faith and for obligations expressly assumed by us
herein. Nothing herein contained, however, shall be deemed to be
a condition, stipulation or provision binding any persons
acquiring any security to waive compliance with any provision of
the Securities Act of 1933 or of the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or to relieve the parties
3
<PAGE>
hereto from any liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933.
10. From time to time during the term of this Agreement
we may make payments to you pursuant to one or more of the
distribution plans adopted by certain of the Funds pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"),
to compensate you with respect to the shareholder accounts of
your customers in such Funds for providing administrative,
accounting and other services, including personal service and/or
the maintenance of such accounts. We have no obligation to make
any such payments and you waive any such payment until we receive
monies therefor from the fund. Any such payments made pursuant
to this Section 10 shall be subject to the following terms and
conditions:
(a) Any such payments shall be in such amounts as
we may from time to time advise you in writing but in any event
not in excess of the amounts permitted by the plan in effect with
respect to each particular Fund. Such payments shall include a
service fee in the amount of .25 of 1% per annum of the average
daily net assets of certain Funds attributable to your clients.
Any such service fee shall be paid to you solely for personal
service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
(b) The provisions of this Section 10 relate to
the plan adopted by a particular Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1. In
accordance with Rule 12b-1, any person authorized to direct the
disposition of monies paid or payable by a Fund pursuant to this
Section 10 shall provide the Fund's Board of Directors, and the
Directors shall review, at lest quarterly, a written report of
the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made.
(c) The provisions of this Section 10 applicable
to each Fund remain in effect for not more than a year and
thereafter for successive annual periods only so long as such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually in
conformity with Rule 12b-1 and the Act. The provisions of this
Section 10 shall automatically terminate with respect to a
particular Plan in the event of the assignment (as defined by the
Act) of this Agreement, in the event such Plan terminates or is
not continued or in the event this Agreement terminates or ceases
to remain in effect. In addition, the provisions of this Section
10 may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either
party with respect to any particular Plan on not more than 60
days' nor less than 30 days' written notice delivered or mailed
by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the other party.
11. No person is authorized to make any representation
concerning shares of the Funds except those contained in the
4
<PAGE>
current prospectus, statement of additional information, and
printed information issued by each Fund or by us as information
supplemental to each prospectus. We shall supply prospectuses
and statements of additional information, reasonable quantities
of reports to shareholders, supplemental sales literature, sales
bulletins, and additional information as issued. You agree to
distribute prospectuses and reports to shareholders of the Funds
to your customers in compliance with applicable requirements,
except to the extent that we expressly undertake to do so on your
behalf. You agree not to use other advertising or sales material
relating to the Funds except in compliance with all laws and
regulations applicable to you and unless approved in writing by
us in advance of such use. Any printed information furnished by
us other than the then current prospectus and statement of
additional information for each Fund, periodic reports and proxy
solicitation materials are our sole responsibility and not the
responsibility of the Funds, and you agree that the Funds shall
have no liability or responsibility to you in these respects
unless expressly assumed in connection therewith.
12. In connection with your making shares of a Fund
available to your customers, you shall conform to such written
compliance standards as we have provided you in the past or may
from time to time provide to you in the future.
13. We, our affiliates and the Funds shall not be
liable for any loss, expense, damages, costs or other claim
arising out of any redemption or exchange pursuant to telephone
instructions from any person or our refusal to execute such
instructions for any reason.
14. Either party to this Agreement may cancel this
Agreement by giving written notice to the other. Such notice
shall be deemed to have been given as of the date on which it was
either delivered personally to the other party or any officer or
member thereof, or was mailed postpaid or delivered to a
telegraph office for transmission to the other party at his or
its address as shown below. This Agreement may be amended by us
at any time and your placing of an order after the effective date
of any such amendment shall constitute your acceptance thereof.
If you are a bank or an affiliate of a bank, this Agreement will
automatically terminate if you cease to be, or the bank of which
you are an affiliate ceases to be, a bank as defined in the 1934
Act.
5
<PAGE>
15. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York and shall be binding upon
both parties hereto when signed by us and accepted by you in the
space provided below.
Very truly yours,
ALLIANCE FUND DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By:__________________________
(Authorized Signature)
Bank or Firm Name _______________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
City _____________________ State ____________ Zip Code __________
ACCEPTED BY (signature) _____________________ Title _____________
Name (print) ________________________________ Title _____________
Date _____________________ 199__ Phone # ________________________
Please return two signed copies of this Agreement (one
of which will be signed by us and thereafter returned to you) in
the accompanying return envelope to:
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas, 38th Floor
New York, NY 10105
6
00250086.AR6
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions
"Financial Highlights", "Conversion Feature - Description of
Class A Shares", "Shareholder Services - Statements and Reports"
and "General Information - Independent Auditors" and to the use
of our report dated August 6, 1997 included in this Registration
Statement (Form N-1A No. 2-70428) of Alliance International Fund.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
October 28, 1997
00250086.AS4
