<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 31, 1997
File No. 2-85921
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 X
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 28 X
_________________
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10105
(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 10105
(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)
<PAGE>
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
____ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective
date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE>
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(as required by Rule 404(c))
N-1A ITEM NO. LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
(Caption)
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 Description of the Fund;
Registrant General Information
Item 5. Management of the Fund Management of the Fund;
General Information
Item 6. Capital Stock and Other Dividends, Distributions
Securities and Taxes; General
Information
Item 7. Purchase of Securities Purchase and Sale of
Being Offered Shares; General
Information
Item 8. Redemption or Repurchase Purchase and Sale of
Shares
Item 9. Pending Legal Proceedings Not Applicable
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 Description of the Fund;
General Information
Item 13. Investment Objectives and Description of the Fund
Policies
<PAGE>
Item 14. Management of the Management of the Fund
Registrant
Item 15. Control Persons and Management of the Fund;
Principal Holders of General Information
Securities
Item 16. Investment Advisory and Management of the Fund
Other Services
Item 17. Brokerage Allocation and Portfolio Transactions
Other Practices
Item 18. Capital Stock and Other General Information
Securities
Item 19. Purchase, Redemption and Purchase, Redemption and
Pricing of Securities Repurchase of Shares
Being Offered
Item 20. Tax Status Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes
Item 21. Underwriters General Information
Item 22. Calculation of General Information
Performance Data
Item 23. Financial Statements Financial Statements;
Report of Independent
Auditors
<PAGE>
THE ALLIANCE BOND 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
OCTOBER 31, 1997
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUNDS GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
- -ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM U.S. -ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT FUND GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
- -U.S. GOVERNMENT -ALLIANCE GLOBAL DOLLAR
PORTFOLIO GOVERNMENT FUND
- -ALLIANCE LIMITED MATURITY -ALLIANCE GLOBAL STRATEGIC
GOVERNMENT FUND INCOME TRUST
MORTGAGE FUND CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
- -ALLIANCE MORTGAGE -CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO
SECURITIES INCOME FUND -ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
MULTI-MARKET FUNDS
- -ALLIANCE WORLD INCOME TRUST
- -ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM
MULTI-MARKET TRUST
- -ALLIANCE MULTI-MARKET
STRATEGY TRUST
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
The Funds at a Glance 2
Expense Information 4
Financial Highlights 7
Glossary 15
Description of the Funds 16
Investment Objectives and Policies 16
Additional Investment Practices 24
Certain Fundamental Investment Policies 35
Risk Considerations 37
Purchase and Sale of Shares 41
Management of the Funds 44
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 46
General Information. 48
Appendix A: Bond Ratings A-1
Appendix B: General Information About Canada,
Mexico and Argentina B-1
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, New York 10105
The Alliance Bond Funds provide a broad selection of investment alternatives to
investors seeking high current income. The U.S. Government Funds invest mainly
in U.S. Government securities and the Mortgage Fund invests in mortgage-related
securities, while the Multi-Market Funds diversify their investments among debt
markets around the world and the Global Bond Funds invest primarily in foreign
government securities. The Corporate Bond Funds invest primarily in corporate
debt 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 that provides
further information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus and
other matters that 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, write Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the indicated address or
call the "For Literature" telephone number shown above.
Each Fund (except Alliance World Income Trust) 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 three
years of purchase (four years of purchase for Alliance Global Strategic Income
Trust and Alliance High Yield Fund) (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"). Alliance World Income Trust offers
only one class of shares, which may be purchased at a price equal to its net
asset value without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge. 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.
ALLIANCE
INVESTING WITHOUT THE MYSTERY.SM
(r)/SM These are registered marks used under licenses from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
1
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 29 of the FORTUNE 100 companies.
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUNDS
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
SEEKS . . . High current income consistent with preservation of capital.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of U.S. Government
securities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
SEEKS . . . As high a level of current income as is consistent with safety of
principal.
INVESTS SOLELY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of U.S. Government securities
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND
SEEKS . . . The highest level of current income, consistent with low volatility
of net asset value.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of U.S. Government
securities, including mortgage-related securities, and repurchase agreements
relating to U.S. Government securities.
MORTGAGE FUND
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
SEEKS . . . A high level of current income consistent with prudent investment
risk.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of mortgage-related
securities.
MULTI-MARKET FUNDS
WORLD INCOME TRUST
SEEKS . . . The highest level of current income that is available from a
portfolio of high-quality debt securities having remaining maturities of not
more than one year.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of debt securities
denominated in the U.S. Dollar and selected foreign currencies. The Fund
maintains at least 35% of its net assets in U.S. Dollar-denominated securities.
SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET TRUST
SEEKS . . . The highest level of current income through investment in a
portfolio of high-quality debt securities having remaining maturities of not
more than three years.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of debt securities
denominated in the U.S. Dollar and selected foreign currencies. While the Fund
normally will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in debt securities
denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund will invest at least 25% of its net
assets in U.S. Dollar-denominated securities.
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY TRUST
SEEKS . . . The highest level of current income that is available from a
portfolio of high-quality debt securities having remaining maturities of not
more than five years.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of debt securities
denominated in the U.S. Dollar and selected foreign currencies. The Fund
expects to maintain at least 70% of its assets in debt securities denominated
in foreign currencies, but not more than 25% of the Fund's total assets may be
invested in debt securities denominated in a single currency other than the
U.S. Dollar.
GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
SEEKS . . . The highest level of current income that is available from a
portfolio of investment grade debt securities issued or guaranteed by the
governments of the United States, Canada and Mexico.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of government securities
denominated in the U.S. Dollar, the Canadian Dollar and the Mexican Peso. The
Fund expects to maintain at least 25% of its assets in securities denominated
in the U.S. Dollar. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 25% of its total
assets in debt securities issued by governmental entities in Argentina.
2
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT FUND
SEEKS . . . Primarily a high level of current income and, secondarily, capital
appreciation.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of sovereign debt
obligations and in U.S. and non-U.S. corporate fixed-income securities.
Substantially all of the Fund's assets are invested in lower-rated securities.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME TRUST
SEEKS . . . Primarily a high level of current income and secondarily capital
appreciation.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of fixed-income
securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers.
CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO
SEEKS . . . Primarily to maximize income over the long term; secondarily, the
Fund will attempt to increase its capital through appreciation of its
investments.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of U.S. Dollar-denominated
corporate bonds issued by domestic and foreign issuers that give promise of
relatively attractive yields.
HIGH YIELD FUND
SEEKS . . . A high total return by maximizing current income and, to the extent
consistent with that objective, capital appreciation.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified mix of high yield, below investment
grade fixed-income securities involving greater volatility of price and risk of
principal and income than higher quality fixed-income securities.
A WORD ABOUT RISK . . .
The prices of the shares of the Alliance Bond Funds will fluctuate daily as the
prices of the individual bonds in which they invest fluctuate, so that your
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Price fluctuations may be caused by changes in the general level of interest
rates or changes in bond credit quality ratings. Changes in interest rates have
a greater effect on bonds with longer maturities than those with shorter
maturities. Some of the Funds invest in high-yield, high-risk bonds that are
rated below investment grade and are considered to have predominantly
speculative characteristics. The prices of non-U.S. Dollar denominated bonds
also fluctuate with changes in foreign exchange rates. Investment in the Global
Bond Funds, the Multi-Market Funds and any other Fund that may invest a
significant amount of its assets in non-U.S. securities involves risks not
associated with Funds that invest primarily in securities of U.S. issuers.
While the Funds invest principally in fixed-income securities, in order to
achieve their investment objectives, the Funds may at times use certain types
of derivative instruments, such as options, futures, forwards and swaps. These
instruments involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than,
the risks presented by more traditional investments. These risks are fully
discussed in this Prospectus. See "Description of the Funds-Additional
Investment Practices" and "-Risk Considerations."
GETTING STARTED . . .
Shares of the Funds are available through your financial representative and
most banks, insurance companies and brokerage firms nationwide. Shares of each
Fund (except WORLD INCOME) 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
CHECK-WRITING
A CHOICE OF PURCHASE PLANS
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS
24 HOUR INFORMATION
ALLIANCE
INVESTING WITHOUT THE MYSTERY.SM
(r)/SM These are registered marks used under licenses from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
3
EXPENSE INFORMATION
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES are one of several factors to consider when
you invest in a Fund. The following tables summarize your maximum transaction
costs from investing in a Fund, other than WORLD INCOME, and annual operating
expenses for each class of shares of each Fund. WORLD INCOME, which has only
one class of shares, has no sales charge on purchases or reinvested dividends,
no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee or exchange fee. For each Fund,
the "Examples" below show the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return, in each class for
the periods specified.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES(B) CLASS B SHARES(D) CLASS C SHARES
-------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) 4.25%(a) None None None
Sales charge imposed on dividend reinvestments None None None None
Deferred sales charge (as a percentage of
original purchase price or redemption
proceeds, whichever is lower) None 3.0% during 4.0% during 1.0% during
the first year, the first year, the first year,
decreasing 1.0% decreasing 1.0% 0% thereafter
annually to 0% annually to 0%
after the third after the fourth
year (c) year (e)
Exchange fee None 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 41.
(B) FOR ALL FUNDS EXCEPT GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD.
(C) CLASS B SHARES OF EACH FUND, OTHER THAN GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH
YIELD, AUTOMATICALLY CONVERT TO CLASS A SHARES AFTER SIX YEARS. SEE "PURCHASE
AND SALE OF SHARES-HOW TO BUY SHARES" -PAGE 41.
(D) FOR GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD ONLY.
(E) SHARES OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD AUTOMATICALLY CONVERT TO
CLASS A SHARES AFTER EIGHT YEARS. SEE "PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES-HOW TO BUY
SHARES"-PAGE 41.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES EXAMPLES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT 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(b)(after waiver) None None None After 1 year $ 56 $ 51 $ 21 $ 31 $ 21
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 85 $ 76 $ 66 $ 66 $ 66
Other expenses After 5 years $116 $113 $113 $113 $113
Interest expense .01% .01% .01% After 10 years $204 $210 $210 $244 $244
Other operating expenses (a)(b)
(after reimbursement) 1.10% 1.10% 1.10%
Total other expenses 1.11% 1.11% 1.10%
Total fund operating expenses(b)(j)
(after waiver/reimbursement) 1.41% 2.11% 2.11%
U.S. GOVERNMENT CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
- ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Management fees .53% .53% .53% After 1 year $ 52 $ 48 $ 18 $ 27 $ 17
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 74 $ 64 $ 54 $ 54 $ 54
Other expenses(a) .19% .20% .19% After 5 years $ 96 $ 94 $ 94 $ 93 $ 93
Total fund operating expenses 1.02% 1.73% 1.72% After 10 years $162 $168 $168 $203 $203
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
- ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Management fees .65% .65% .65% After 1 year $ 64 $ 60 $ 30 $ 40 $ 30
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $109 $101 $ 91 $ 90 $ 90
Other expenses After 5 years $156 $155 $155 $154 $154
Interest expense .64% .64% .63% After 10 years $287 $294 $294 $324 $324
Other operating expenses(a) .63% .65% .64%
Total other expenses 1.27% 1.29% 1.27%
Total fund operating expenses(h) 2.22% 2.94% 2.92%
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 6.
4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES EXAMPLES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME 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 .50% .50% .50% After 1 year $ 59 $ 54 $ 24 $ 34 $ 24
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 93 $ 84 $ 74 $ 74 $ 74
Other expenses After 5 years $130 $127 $127 $127 $127
Interest expense .65% .63% .65% After 10 years $233 $238 $238 $272 $272
Other operating expenses(a) .23% .24% .23%
Total other expenses .88% .87% .88%
Total fund operating expenses(g) 1.68% 2.37% 2.38%
WORLD INCOME
Management fees(c)(after waiver) .49% After 1 year $ 21
12b-1 fees(c)(after waiver) .68% After 3 years $ 66
Other expenses(a) .93% After 5 years $113
Total fund operating After 10 years $243
expenses(c)(after waiver) 2.10%
SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
- ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Management fees .55% .55% .55% After 1 year $ 55 $ 50 $ 20 $ 30 $ 20
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 82 $ 73 $ 63 $ 62 $ 62
Other expenses(a) .44% .45% .43% After 5 years $110 $108 $108 $107 $107
Total fund operating expenses 1.29% 2.00% 1.98% After 10 years $192 $198 $198 $231 $231
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
- ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Management fees .60% .60% .60% After 1 year $ 58 $ 54 $ 24 $ 34 $ 24
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 92 $ 83 $ 73 $ 73 $ 73
Other expenses After 5 years $128 $126 $126 $125 $125
Interest expense .04% .04% .04% After 10 years $229 $235 $235 $268 $268
Other operating expenses(a) .70% .71% .70%
Total other expenses .74% .75% .74%
Total fund operating expenses(d) 1.64% 2.35% 2.34%
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
- ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Management fees(e) .74% .74% .74% After 1 year $ 65 $ 61 $ 31 $ 41 $ 31
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $112 $104 $ 94 $ 94 $ 94
Other expenses After 5 years $162 $160 $160 $160 $160
Interest expense .93% .93% .92% After 10 years $299 $305 $305 $336 $336
Other operating expenses(a) .37% .38% .38%
Total other expenses 1.30% 1.31% 1.30%
Total fund operating expenses(f) 2.34% 3.05% 3.04%
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
- ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Management fees .75% .75% .75% After 1 year $ 58 $ 53 $ 23 $ 33 $ 23
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 89 $ 81 $ 71 $ 70 $ 70
Other expenses(a) .50% .51% .50% After 5 years $123 $121 $121 $120 $120
Total fund operating expenses 1.55% 2.26% 2.25% After 10 years $219 $225 $225 $258 $258
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
- ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Management fees(i)(after waiver) None None None After 1 year $ 61 $ 56 $ 26 $ 36 $ 26
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $100 $ 91 $ 81 $ 81 $ 81
Other expenses(a)(i) After 5 years $141 $138 $138 $138 $138
(after reimbursement) 1.60% 1.60% 1.60% After 10 years $255 $261 $261 $293 $293
Total fund operating
expenses(i)(after waiver/
reimbursement) 1.90% 2.60% 2.60%
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 6.
5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES EXAMPLES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE BOND 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 .57% .57% .57% After 1 year $ 53 $ 48 $ 18 $ 29 $ 18
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 77 $ 67 $ 57 $ 57 $ 57
Other expenses(a) .25% .25% .25% After 5 years $102 $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 $ 99
Total fund operating expenses 1.12% 1.82% 1.82% After 10 years $173 $179 $179 $214 $214
HIGH YIELD CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
- ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Management fees (k) (after waiver) None None None After 1 year $[ ] $[ ] $[ ] $[ ] $[ ]
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $[ ] $[ ] $[ ] $[ ] $[ ]
Other expenses(a) 1.40% 1.40% 1.40% After 5 years $[ ] $[ ] $[ ] $[ ] $[ ]
Total fund operating expenses 1.70% [ ]% [ ]% After 10 years $[ ] $[ ] $[ ] $[ ] $[ ]
</TABLE>
+ ASSUMES REDEMPTION AT END OF PERIOD AND, WITH RESPECT TO SHARES HELD TEN
YEARS, CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES TO CLASS A SHARES AFTER SIX YEARS (EIGHT
YEARS IN THE CASE OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD).
++ ASSUMES NO REDEMPTION AT END OF PERIOD AND, WITH RESPECT TO SHARES HELD TEN
YEARS, CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES TO CLASS A SHARES AFTER SIX YEARS. (EIGHT
YEARS IN THE CASE OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD)
(A) THESE EXPENSES INCLUDE A TRANSFER AGENCY FEE PAYABLE TO ALLIANCE FUND
SERVICES, INC., AN AFFILIATE OF ALLIANCE.
(B) NET OF VOLUNTARY FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS. ABSENT SUCH
WAIVERS AND REIMBURSEMENTS, MANAGEMENT FEES WOULD HAVE BEEN .55%, OTHER
EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 1.57% FOR CLASS A, 1.55% FOR CLASS B AND 1.54% FOR
CLASS C AND TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 2.42% FOR CLASS A,
3.10% FOR CLASS B AND 3.09% FOR CLASS C.
(C) NET OF VOLUNTARY FEE WAIVERS. ABSENT SUCH WAIVERS, ANNUALIZED MANAGEMENT
FEES WOULD HAVE BEEN .65%, ANNUALIZED RULE 12B-1 FEES WOULD HAVE BEEN .90% AND
ANNUALIZED TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 2.48%.
(D) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.60%, FOR CLASS B, 2.31% AND FOR CLASS C, 2.30%.
(E) REPRESENTS .65 OF 1% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY ADJUSTED TOTAL NET ASSETS.
(F) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.41%, FOR CLASS B, 2.12%, AND FOR CLASS C, 2.12%.
(G) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.03%, FOR CLASS B, 1.74%, AND FOR CLASS C, 1.73%.
(H) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.58%, FOR CLASS B, 2.30%, AND FOR CLASS C, 2.29%.
(I) NET OF VOLUNTARY FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. ABSENT SUCH WAIVERS
AND REIMBURSEMENTS, MANAGEMENT FEES WOULD HAVE BEEN .75%, OTHER EXPENSES WOULD
HAVE BEEN 18.15% FOR CLASS A, 17.82% FOR CLASS B, AND 17.74% FOR CLASS C AND
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 19.20% FOR CLASS A, 19.57% FOR
CLASS B, AND 19.49% FOR CLASS C.
(J) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.40% FOR CLASS B, 2.10% AND FOR CLASS C, 2.10%.
(K) NET OF VOLUNTARY FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS. ABSENT SUCH
WAIVERS AND REIMBURSEMENTS, MANAGEMENT FEES WOULD HAVE BEEN .75, OTHER
EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 3.11% (ANNUALIZED) FOR CLASS A, 3.85% (ANNUALIZED)
FOR CLASS B, AND 3.84% (ANNUALIZED) FOR CLASS C; AND TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
WOULD HAVE BEEN 3.86% (ANNUALIZED) FOR CLASS A, 4.60% (ANNUALIZED) FOR
CLASS B, AND 4.59% (ANNUALIZED) FOR CLASS C.
The purpose of the tables on pages 4 and 5 is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that shareholders of 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. With respect to each of SHORT-TERM
U.S. GOVERNMENT, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME,
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME and LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, "interest expense"
represents interest paid by the Fund on borrowings for the purpose of making
additional portfolio investments. Such borrowings are intended to enable each
of those Funds to produce higher net yields to shareholders than the Funds
could pay without such borrowings. See "Description of Funds-Risk
Considerations-Effects of Borrowing." Excluding interest expense, total fund
operating expenses of each of SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, MULTI-MARKET
STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME and
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT would be lower (see notes (b), (d), (f), (g),
(h) and (j) above) and the cumulative expenses shown in the Examples above
with respect to those Funds would be lower. 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. "Other Expenses"
are based on estimated amounts for High Yield's current fiscal year. THE
EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES;
ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. ACTUAL RETURNS WILL
VARY.
6
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. The
information in the tables relating to SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT has been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the independent accountants for the Fund, and
the information in the tables relating to U.S. GOVERNMENT, LIMITED MATURITY
GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, WORLD INCOME, SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET,
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR
GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, CORPORATE BOND and HIGH YIELD has been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditors for these Funds. 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
<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>
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT#
CLASS A
Year Ended 8/31/97 $ 9.66 $.47(h) $.03 $.50 $(.46) $0.00
Year Ended 8/31/96 9.70 .47 (.02) .45 (.49) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.67 .42 .05 .47 (.41) 0.00
Period Ended 8/31/94** 9.77 .14 (.09) .05 (.12) 0.00
Year Ended 4/30/94 10.22 .35 (.29) .06 (.42) 0.00
5/4/92+ to 4/30/93 10.00 .46 .34 .80 (.46) (.12)
CLASS B
Year Ended 8/31/97 $ 9.77 $.41(h) $.02 $.43 $(.39) $0.00
Year Ended 8/31/96 9.81 .41 (.03) .38 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.78 .36 .04 .40 (.34) 0.00
Period Ended 8/31/94** 9.88 .10 (.07) .03 (.11) 0.00
Year Ended 4/30/94 10.31 .40 (.39) .01 (.35) 0.00
5/4/92+ to 4/30/93 10.00 .38 .33 .71 (.38) (.02)
CLASS C
Year Ended 8/31/97 $ 9.76 $.41(h) $.02 $.43 $(.39) $0.00
Year Ended 8/31/96 9.80 .40 (.02) .38 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.77 .34 .06 .40 (.34) 0.00
Period Ended 8/31/94** 9.87 .10 (.07) .03 (.11) 0.00
8/2/93++ to 4/30/94 10.34 .26 (.42) (.16) (.25) 0.00
U.S. GOVERNMENT
CLASS A
Year Ended 6/30/97 $ 7.52 $.57(h) $(.10) $.47 $(.57) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 7.96 .58 (.44) .14 (.58) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 7.84 .64 .13 .77 (.65) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 8.64 .65 (.80) (.15) (.65) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/93 8.34 .69 .29 .98 (.68) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/92 8.01 .70 .35 1.05 (.72) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/91 8.14 .81 (.11) .70 (.83) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/90 8.49 .86 (.38) .48 (.83) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/89 8.51 .89 (.03) .86 (.88) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/88 8.90 .93 (.39) .54 (.93) 0.00
CLASS B
Year Ended 6/30/97 $ 7.52 $.52(h) $(.10) $.42 $(.52) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 7.96 .52 (.44) .08 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 7.84 .58 .13 .71 (.59) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 8.64 .59 (.80) (.21) (.59) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/93 8.34 .62 .30 .92 (.62) 0.00
9/30/91++ to 6/30/92 8.25 .49 .09 .58 (.49) 0.00
CLASS C
Year Ended 6/30/97 $ 7.52 $.52(h) $(.10) $.42 $(.52) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 7.96 .52 (.44) .08 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 7.83 .58 .14 .72 (.59) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 8.64 .59 (.81) (.22) (.59) 0.00
5/3/93++ to 6/30/93 8.56 .10 .08 .18 (.10) 0.00
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT
CLASS A
Six Months Ended 5/31/97
unaudited $ 9.45 $.26(h) $(.14) $.12 $(.27) $0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 9.52 .51(h) (.04) .47 (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 9.51 .52(h) .02 .54 (.50) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 9.94 .42 (.32) .10 (.48) (.01)
Year Ended 11/30/93 9.84 .57 .11 .68 (.58) 0.00
6/1/92+ to 11/30/92 10.00 .35 (.17) .18 (.34) 0.00
CLASS B
Six Months Ended 5/31/97
unaudited $ 9.45 $.24(h) $(.15) $.09 $(.24) $0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 9.52 .44(h) (.04) .40 (.44) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 9.52 .46(h) .01 .47 (.44) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 9.94 .39 (.35) .04 (.42) (.01)
Year Ended 11/30/93 9.84 .49 .12 .61 (.51) 0.00
6/1/92+ to 11/30/92 10.00 .31 (.17) .14 (.30) 0.00
CLASS C
Six Months Ended 5/31/97
unaudited) $ 9.45 $.24(h) $(.15) $.09 $(.24) $0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 9.52 .45(h) (.05) .40 (.45) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 9.52 .46(h) .01 .47 (.44) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 9.94 .37 (.33) .04 (.42) (.01)
5/3/93++ to 11/30/93 9.98 .27 (.03) .24 (.28) 0.00
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTIONS TOTAL NET ASSETS RATIO OF NET
IN EXCESS TOTAL INVESTMENT AT END OF RATIO INVESTMENT
OF NET RETURN DIVIDENDS NET ASSET RETURN PERIOD OF EXPENSES INCOME (LOSS) PORTFOLIO
INVESTMENT OF AND VALUE END BASED ON NET (000'S TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE TURNOVER
INCOME CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF PERIOD ASSET VALUE(B) OMITTED) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS RATE
------------ -------- ------------- ---------- -------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$0.00 $(0.07) $(.53) $9.63 5.29% $3,901 1.41%(d)(e) 4.90% 65%
0.00 0.00 (.49) 9.66 4.71 3,455 1.53(d)(e) 4.85 110
(.03) 0.00 (.44) 9.70 5.14 2,997 1.40(d) 4.56 15
(.03)(a) 0.00 (.15)(c) 9.67 .53 2,272 1.40(d) 3.98 144
(.09)(a) 0.00 (.51)(c) 9.77 .52 2,003 1.27(d) 4.41 55
0.00 0.00 (.58)(c) 10.22 8.20 6,081 1.00*(d) 4.38* 294
$0.00 $(0.07) $(.46) $9.74 4.45% $6,458 2.11%(d)(e) 4.13% 65%
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.77 3.89 6,781 2.23(d)(e) 4.11 110
(.03) 0.00 (.37) 9.81 4.32 6,380 2.10(d) 3.82 15
(.02)(a) 0.00 (.13)(c) 9.78 .28 6,281 2.10(d) 3.22 144
(.09)(a) 0.00 (.44)(c) 9.88 .03 7,184 2.05(d) 3.12 55
0.00 0.00 (.40)(c) 10.31 7.22 1,292 1.75*(d) 3.36* 294
$0.00 $(0.07) $(.46) $9.73 4.45% $5,012 2.11%(d)(e) 4.15% 65%
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.76 3.90 4,850 2.22(d)(e) 4.11 110
(.03) 0.00 (.37) 9.80 4.33 5,180 2.10(d) 3.80 15
(.02)(a) 0.00 (.13)(c) 9.77 .28 7,128 2.10(d) 3.26 144
(.06)(a) 0.00 (.31)(c) 9.87 (1.56) 8,763 2.10*(d) 2.60* 55
$0.00 $(0.01) $(.58) $7.41 6.49% $354,782 1.02% 7.66% 330%
0.00 0.00 (.58) 7.52 1.74 397,894 1.01 7.38 334
0.00 0.00 (.65) 7.96 10.37 463,660 1.01 8.27 190
0.00 0.00 (.65) 7.84 (1.93) 482,595 1.02 7.76 188
0.00 0.00 (.68) 8.64 12.23 527,968 1.10 8.04 386
0.00 0.00 (.72) 8.34 13.52 492,448 1.12 8.43 418
0.00 0.00 (.83) 8.01 8.97 491,910 1.07 10.02 402
0.00 0.00 (.83) 8.14 5.99 510,675 1.09 10.35 455
0.00 0.00 (.88) 8.49 10.87 532,525 1.11 10.70 148
0.00 0.00 (.93) 8.51 6.41 529,909 1.14 10.70 149
$0.00 $(0.01) $(.53) $7.41 5.69% $471,889 1.73% 6.95% 330%
0.00 0.00 (.52) 7.52 1.01 628,628 1.72 6.67 334
0.00 0.00 (.59) 7.96 9.52 774,097 1.72 7.57 190
0.00 0.00 (.59) 7.84 (2.63) 756,282 1.72 7.04 188
0.00 0.00 (.62) 8.64 11.45 552,471 1.81 7.25 386
0.00 0.00 (.49) 8.34 6.95 32,227 1.80* 7.40* 418
$0.00 $(0.01) $(.53) $7.41 5.69% $115,607 1.72% 6.96% 330%
0.00 0.00 (.52) 7.52 1.01 166,075 1.71 6.68 334
0.00 0.00 (.59) 7.96 9.67 181,948 1.71 7.59 190
0.00 0.00 (.59) 7.83 (2.75) 231,859 1.70 6.97 188
0.00 0.00 (.10) 8.64 2.12 67,757 1.80* 6.00* 386
$0.00 $0.00 $(.27) $9.30 1.30% $18,100 2.38%*(e) 5.38%* 67%
0.00 (.03) (.54) 9.45 5.11 16,248 2.22(e) 5.44 159
0.00 (.03) (.53) 9.52 5.91 27,887 2.14(e) 5.53 293
0.00 (.04) (.53) 9.51 1.03 43,173 1.34(e) 4.78 375
0.00 0.00 (.58) 9.94 7.02 59,215 1.54(e) 5.66 499
0.00 0.00 (.34) 9.84 1.84 24,186 1.44*(d)(e) 6.58*(d) 101
$0.00 $0.00 $(.24) $9.30 .94% $40,862 3.12%*(e) 4.64%* 67%
0.00 (.03) (.47) 9.45 4.36 50,386 2.94(e) 4.73 159
0.00 (.03) (.47) 9.52 5.05 84,362 2.85(e) 4.83 293
0.00 (.03) (.46) 9.52 .42 136,458 2.08(e) 4.12 375
0.00 0.00 (.51) 9.94 6.27 168,157 2.26(e) 4.98 499
0.00 0.00 (.30) 9.84 1.50 149,188 2.13*(d)(e) 6.01*(d) 101
$0.00 $0.00 $(.24) $9.30 .94% $35,558 3.10%*(e) 4.66%* 67%
0.00 (.02) (.47) 9.45 4.38 43,457 2.92(e) 4.75 159
0.00 (.03) (.47) 9.52 5.06 68,459 2.85(e) 4.84 293
0.00 (.03) (.46) 9.52 .42 141,838 2.04(e) 4.10 375
0.00 0.00 (.28) 9.94 2.40 228,703 1.74*(e) 3.70* 499
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
9
<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>
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME
CLASS A
Six Months Ended 6/30/97
unaudited $8.51 $ .28(h) $ .02 $ .30 $ (.29) $0.00
Year Ended 12/31/96 8.75 .54(h) (.19) .35 (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/95 8.13 .57(h) .64 1.21 (.57) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/94 9.29 .57 (1.13) (.56) (.58) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/93 9.08 .67 .23 .90 (.67) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/92 9.21 .77 (.09) .68 (.81) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/91 8.79 .88 .41 1.29 (.87) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/90 8.76 .87 .03 .90 (.87) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/89 8.81 .97 (.05) .92 (.97) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/88 9.03 .99 (.23) .76 (.98) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/87 9.74 1.00 (.68) .32 (1.00) (.03)
CLASS B
Six Months Ended 6/30/97
unaudited $8.51 $ .24(h) $ .02 $ .26 $ (.25) $0.00
Year Ended 12/31/96 8.75 .48(h) (.19) .29 (.46) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/95 8.13 .51(h) .64 1.15 (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/94 9.29 .51 (1.14) (.63) (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/93 9.08 .61 .22 .83 (.60) 0.00
1/30/92++ to 12/31/92 9.16 .68 (.08) .60 (.68) 0.00
CLASS C
Six Months Ended 6/30/97
unaudited $8.51 $ .25(h) $ .01 $ .26 $ (.25) $0.00
Year Ended 12/31/96 8.75 .48(h) (.19) .29 (.46) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/95 8.13 .51(h) .64 1.15 (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/94 9.29 .51 (1.14) (.63) (.51) 0.00
5/3/93++ to 12/31/93 9.30 .40 0.00 .40 (.40) 0.00
WORLD INCOME
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $1.67 $ .04(h) $ (.02) $ .02 $ (.05) $0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 1.66 .09(h) .02 .11 (.10) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 1.88 .11(h) (.23) (.12) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 1.90 .18 (.12) .06 (.05) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/93 1.91 .22 (.16) .06 (.07) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/92 1.98 .19 (.17) .02 (.09) 0.00
12/3/90+ to 10/31/91 2.00 .14 (.03) .11 (.13) 0.00
SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET
CLASS A
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $7.73 $ .26(h) $ .01 $ .27 $ (.31) $0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 7.47 .60(h) .35 .95 (.69) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.71 .46(h) (.98) (.52) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 9.25 .93 (.86) .07 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/93 9.25 .92 (.32) .60 (.60) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/92 9.94 .91 (.86) .05 (.72) (.02)
Year Ended 10/31/91 9.89 .97 .06 1.03 (.97) (.01)
Year Ended 10/31/90 9.69 1.09 .19 1.28 (1.08) 0.00
5/5/89+ to 10/31/89 9.70 .53 (.01) .52 (.53) 0.00
CLASS B
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $7.73 $ .23(h) $ .01 $ .24 $ (.28) $0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 7.47 .54(h) .35 .89 (.63) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.71 .41(h) (.99) (.58) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 9.25 .94 (.93) .01 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/93 9.25 .87 (.34) .53 (.53) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/92 9.94 .84 (.86) (.02) (.65) (.02)
Year Ended 10/31/91 9.89 .89 .07 .96 (.90) (.01)
2/5/90++ to 10/31/90 9.77 .74 .12 .86 (.74) 0.00
CLASS C
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $7.73 $ .24(h) $ 0.00 $ .24 $ (.28) $0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 7.47 .51(h) .38 .89 (.63) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.71 .39(h) (.97) (.58) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 9.25 .58 (.57) .01 0.00 0.00
5/3/93++ to 10/31/93 9.18 .28 .05 .33 (.26) 0.00
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY
CLASS A
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $7.23 $ .24(h) $ .04 $ .28 $ (.33) $0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 6.83 .59(h) .48 1.07 (.67) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.04 .77(h) (1.31) (.54) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 8.94 .85 (1.08) (.23) (.09) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/93 8.85 1.02 (.26) .76 (.67) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/92 9.91 1.00 (1.23) (.23) (.81) (.02)
5/29/91+ to 10/28/91 10.00 .42 (.09) .33 (.42) 0.00
CLASS B
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $7.23 $ .22(h) $ .03 $ .25 $ (.30) $0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 6.83 .53(h) .47 1.00 (.60) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.04 .44(h) (1.05) (.61) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 8.94 .88 (1.18) (.30) (.08) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/93 8.85 .92 (.22) .70 (.61) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/92 9.91 1.04 (1.34) (.30) (.74) (.02)
5/29/91+ to 10/28/91 10.00 .39 (.09) .30 (.39) 0.00
CLASS C
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $7.23 $ .21(h) $ .04 $ .25 $ (.30) $0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 6.83 .54(h) .47 1.01 (.61) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.04 .44(h) (1.04) (.60) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 8.94 .46 (.75) (.29) (.09) 0.00
5/3/93++ to 10/31/93 8.76 .32 .16 .48 (.30) 0.00
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
10
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTIONS TOTAL NET ASSETS RATIO OF NET
IN EXCESS TOTAL INVESTMENT AT END OF RATIO INVESTMENT
OF NET RETURN DIVIDENDS NET ASSET RETURN PERIOD OF EXPENSES INCOME (LOSS) PORTFOLIO
INVESTMENT OF AND VALUE END BASED ON NET (000'S TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE TURNOVER
INCOME CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF PERIOD ASSET VALUE(B) OMITTED) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS RATE
- ------------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$0.00 $0.00 $(.29) $8.52 3.54% $380,439 1.56%*(e) 6.55%* 66%
0.00 (.08) (.59) 8.51 4.23 412,899 1.68(e) 6.38 208
0.00 (.02) (.59) 8.75 15.34 502,390 1.66(e) 6.77 285
0.00 (.02) (.60) 8.13 (6.14) 553,889 1.29(e) 6.77 438
(.02) 0.00 (.69) 9.29 10.14 848,069 1.00 7.20 622
0.00 0.00 (.81) 9.08 7.73 789,898 1.18 8.56 555
0.00 0.00 (.87) 9.21 15.44 544,171 1.16 9.92 439
0.00 0.00 (.87) 8.79 11.01 495,353 1.12 10.09 393
0.00 0.00 (.97) 8.76 10.98 556,077 1.13 11.03 328
0.00 0.00 (.98) 8.81 8.64 619,572 1.11 10.80 239
0.00 0.00 (1.03) 9.03 3.49 682,650 1.15 10.79 211
$0.00 $0.00 $(.25) $8.52 3.16% $383,923 2.28%*(e) 5.83%* 66%
0.00 (.07) (.53) 8.51 3.46 477,196 2.37(e) 5.66 208
0.00 (.02) (.53) 8.75 14.48 737,593 2.37(e) 6.06 285
0.00 (.02) (.53) 8.13 (6.84) 921,418 2.00(e) 6.05 438
(.02) 0.00 (.62) 9.29 9.38 1,454,303 1.70 6.47 622
0.00 0.00 (.68) 9.08 7.81 1,153,957 1.67* 5.92* 555
$0.00 $0.00 $(.25) $8.52 3.16% $31,079 2.26%*(e) 5.84%* 66%
0.00 (.07) (.53) 8.51 3.46 35,355 2.38(e) 5.67 208
0.00 (.02) (.53) 8.75 14.46 45,558 2.35(e) 6.07 285
0.00 (.02) (.53) 8.13 (6.84) 58,338 1.97(e) 6.06 438
(.01) 0.00 (.41) 9.29 4.34 91,724 1.67* 5.92* 622
$0.00 $0.00 $(.05) $1.64 1.73% $41,024 2.29%*(d) 4.43% N/A
0.00 0.00 (.10) 1.67 6.98 44,890 2.10(d) 5.37 N/A
0.00 (.10) (.10) 1.66 (6.35) 55,778 1.97(d) 6.46 N/A
0.00 (.03) (.08) 1.88 3.27 103,310 1.70(d) 3.96 N/A
0.00 0.00 (.07) 1.90 3.51 149,623 1.54 (d) 5.14 N/A
0.00 0.00 (.09) 1.91 1.26 318,716 1.59(d) 7.21 N/A
0.00 0.00 (.13) 1.98 6.08 1,059,222 1.85*(d) 7.29* N/A
$0.00 $0.00 $(.31) $7.69 3.51% $402,165 1.28%* 6.82%* 143%
0.00 0.00 (.69) 7.73 13.23 386,545 1.29 7.85 208
0.00 (.72) (.72) 7.47 (5.74) 320,333 1.23 7.39 230
0.00 (.61) (.61) 8.71 .84 593,677 1.13 7.28 109
0.00 0.00 (.60) 9.25 6.67 953,571 1.16 8.26 182
0.00 0.00 (.74) 9.25 .49 1,596,903 1.10 9.00 133
0.00 0.00 (.98) 9.94 10.91 2,199,393 1.09 9.64 146
0.00 0.00 (1.08) 9.89 13.86 1,346,035 1.18 10.81 152
0.00 0.00 (.53) 9.69 5.57 210,294 1.14* 10.83* 10
$0.00 $0.00 $(.28) $7.69 3.13% $185,161 1.99%* 6.05%* 143%
0.00 0.00 (.63) 7.73 12.34 273,109 2.00 7.14 208
0.00 (.66) (.66) 7.47 (6.50) 523,530 1.95 6.69 230
0.00 (.55) (.55) 8.71 .12 1,003,633 1.85 6.58 109
0.00 0.00 (.53) 9.25 5.91 1,742,703 1.87 7.57 182
0.00 0.00 (.67) 9.25 (.24) 2,966,071 1.81 8.28 133
0.00 0.00 (.91) 9.94 10.11 3,754,003 1.81 8.87 146
0.00 0.00 (.74) 9.89 9.07 1,950,330 1.86* 9.90* 152
$0.00 $0.00 $(.28) $7.69 3.13% $7,002 1.97%* 6.09%* 143%
0.00 0.00 (.63) 7.73 12.35 10,031 1.98 7.15 208
0.00 (.66) (.66) 7.47 (6.49) 3,416 1.92 6.66 230
0.00 (.55) (.55) 8.71 .12 8,136 1.83 6.50 109
0.00 0.00 (.26) 9.25 3.66 5,538 1.82* 7.19* 182
$0.00 $0.00 $(.33) $7.18 3.94% $64,439 1.59%* 6.71%* 200%
0.00 0.00 (.67) 7.23 16.37 68,776 1.64(f) 8.40 215
0.00 (.67) (.67) 6.83 (6.47) 76,837 1.60(f) 8.56 400
0.00 (.58) (.67) 8.04 (2.64) 52,385 1.41(f) 7.17 605
0.00 0.00 (.67) 8.94 9.01 82,977 1.94(f) 9.17(g) 200
0.00 0.00 (.83) 8.85 (2.80) 141,526 2.53(f) 10.58(g) 239
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.91 3.68 143,594 2.81*(f) 10.17*(g) 121
$0.00 $0.00 $(.30) $7.18 3.50% $77,031 2.30%* 6.00%* 200%
0.00 0.00 (.60) 7.23 15.35 88,427 2.35(f) 7.69 215
0.00 (.60) (.60) 6.83 (7.31) 116,551 2.29(f) 7.53 400
0.00 (.52) (.60) 8.04 (3.35) 233,896 2.11(f) 6.44 605
0.00 0.00 (.61) 8.94 8.25 431,186 2.64(f) 8.46(g) 200
0.00 0.00 (.76) 8.85 (3.51) 701,465 3.24(f) 9.83(g) 239
0.00 0.00 (.39) 9.91 3.36 662,981 3.53*(f) 9.40*(g) 121
$0.00 $0.00 $(.30) $7.18 3.51% $1,292 2.29%* 5.97%* 200%
0.00 0.00 (.61) 7.23 15.36 1,076 2.34(f) 7.62 215
0.00 (.61) (.61) 6.83 (7.29) 786 2.29(f) 7.55 400
0.00 (.52) (.61) 8.04 (3.34) 1,252 2.08(f) 6.10 605
0.00 0.00 (.30) 8.94 5.54 718 2.44*(f) 7.17*(g) 200
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
11
<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>
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
INCOME
CLASS A
Six Months Ended 5/31/97
unaudited $ 8.01 $ .55(h) $ (.09) $ .46 $ (.49) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 6.75 1.09(h) 1.14 2.23 (.75) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 8.13 1.18(h) (1.59) (.41) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 10.35 1.02 (2.12) (1.10) (.91) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/93 9.70 1.09 .66 1.75 (1.09) (.01)
3/27/92+ to 11/30/92 10.00 .69 (.31) .38 (.68) 0.00
CLASS B
Six Months Ended 5/31/97
unaudited $ 8.01 $ .53(h) $ (.11) $ .42 $ (.45) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 6.75 1.04(h) 1.12 2.16 (.69) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 8.13 1.13(h) (1.61) (.48) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 10.35 .96 (2.13) (1.17) (.84) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/93 9.70 1.01 .67 1.68 (1.02) (.01)
3/27/92+ to 11/30/92 10.00 .64 (.31) .33 (.63) 0.00
CLASS C
Six Months Ended 5/31/97
unaudited $ 8.01 $ .53(h) $ (.11) $ .42 $ (.45) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 6.75 1.05(h) 1.11 2.76 (.69) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 8.13 1.13(h) (1.61) (.48) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 10.34 .96 (2.12) (1.16) (.84) 0.00
5/3/93++ to 11/30/93 10.04 .58 .30 .88 (.58) 0.00
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT
CLASS A
Year Ended 8/31/97 $10.01 $ .88(h) $ 1.85 $ 2.73 $ (.95) $(1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 8.02 .84 2.10 2.94 (.95) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.14 .86 (1.10) (.24) (.88) 0.00
2/25/94+ to 8/31/94 10.00 .45 (.86) (.41) (.45) 0.00
CLASS B
Year Ended 8/31/97 $10.01 $ .81(h) $ 1.84 $ 2.65 $ (.87) $(1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 8.02 .78 2.08 2.86 (.87) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.14 .80 (1.11) (.31) (.81) 0.00
2/25/94+ to 8/31/94 10.00 .42 (.86) (.44) (.42) 0.00
CLASS C
Year Ended 8/31/97 $10.01 $ .82(h) $ 1.84 $ 2.66 $ (.88) $(1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 8.02 .77 2.10 2.87 (.88) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.14 .79 (1.10) (.31) (.81) 0.00
2/25/94+ to 8/31/94 10.00 .42 (.86) (.44) (.42) 0.00
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME
CLASS A
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $10.83 $ .35 $ .50 $ .85 $ (.51) $ (.10)
1/9/96+ to 10/31/96 10.00 .69 .95 1.64 (.81) 0.00
CLASS B
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $10.83 $ .30 $ .52 $ .82 $ (.48) $ (.10)
3/25/96++ to 10/31/96 9.97 .41 1.01 1.42 (.56) 0.00
CLASS C
Six Months Ended 4/30/97
unaudited $10.83 $ .32 $ .50 $ .82 $ (.48) $ (.10)
3/25/96++ to 10/31/96 9.97 .39 1.03 1.42 (.56) 0.00
CORPORATE BOND
CLASS A
Year Ended 6/30/97 $13.29 $1.15(h) $ .97 $ 2.12 $(1.22) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 12.92 1.26 .27 1.53 (1.16) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 12.51 1.19 .36 1.55 (1.14) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 14.15 1.11 (1.36) (.25) (1.11) (.25)
Year Ended 6/30/93 12.01 1.25 2.13 3.38 (1.24) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/92 11.21 1.06 .82 1.88 (1.08) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/91 11.39 1.11 (.06) 1.05 (1.23) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/90 12.15 1.24 (.86) .38 (1.14) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/89 11.82 1.12 .32 1.44 (1.11) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/88 12.24 1.10 (.38) .72 (1.14) 0.00
Nine Months Ended 6/30/87 12.25 .86 (.06) .80 (.81) 0.00
Year Ended 9/30/86 11.52 1.20 .73 1.93 (1.20) 0.00
CLASS B
Year Ended 6/30/97 $13.29 $1.05(h) $ .98 $ 2.03 $(1.13) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 12.92 1.15 .29 1.44 (1.07) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 12.50 1.11 .36 1.47 (1.05) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 14.15 1.02 (1.37) (.35) (1.04) (.25)
1/8/93++ to 6/30/93 12.47 .49 1.69 2.18 (.50) 0.00
CLASS C
Year Ended 6/30/97 $13.29 $1.04(h) $ .99 $ 2.03 $(1.13) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 12.93 1.14 .29 1.43 (1.07) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 12.50 1.10 .38 1.48 (1.05) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 14.15 1.02 (1.37) (.35) (1.05) (.25)
5/3/93++ to 6/30/93 13.63 .16 .53 .69 (.17) 0.00
HIGH YIELD
CLASS A
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97 $10.00 $ .37(h) $1.15 $ 1.52 $ (.35) $ 0.00
CLASS B
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97 $10.00 $ .31(h) $1.19 $ 1.50 $ (.33) $ 0.00
CLASS C
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97 $10.00 $ .32(h) $1.18 $ 1.50 $ (.33) $ 0.00
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
12
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTIONS TOTAL NET ASSETS RATIO OF NET
IN EXCESS TOTAL INVESTMENT AT END OF RATIO INVESTMENT
OF NET RETURN DIVIDENDS NET ASSET RETURN PERIOD OF EXPENSES INCOME (LOSS) PORTFOLIO
INVESTMENT OF AND VALUE END BASED ON NET (000'S TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE TURNOVER
INCOME CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF PERIOD ASSET VALUE(B) OMITTED) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS RATE
- ------------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.49) $ 7.98 5.91% $ 430,758 2.23%*(f) 14.06%* 142%
0.00 (.22) (.97) 8.01 35.22 385,784 2.34(f) 14.82 166
0.00 (.97) (.97) 6.75 (3.59) 252,608 2.62(f) 18.09 180
0.00 (.21) (1.12) 8.13 (11.32) 303,538 1.70(f) 11.22 131
0.00 0.00 (1.10) 10.35 18.99 268,233 1.61(f) 10.77 254
0.00 0.00 (.68) 9.70 3.49 61,702 2.45*(d)(f) 10.93* 86
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.45) $ 7.98 5.44% $1,342,657 2.94%*(f) 13.36%* 142%
0.00 (.21) (.90) 8.01 33.96 1,329,719 3.05(f) 14.20 166
0.00 (.90) (.90) 6.75 (4.63) 1,123,074 3.33(f) 17.31 180
0.00 (.21) (1.05) 8.13 (11.89) 1,639,602 2.41(f) 10.53 131
0.00 0.00 (1.03) 10.35 18.15 1,313,591 2.31(f) 10.01 254
0.00 0.00 (.63) 9.70 3.30 216,317 3.13*(d)(f) 10.16* 86
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.45) $ 7.98 5.44% $ 261,454 2.93%*(f) 13.37%* 142%
$0.00 (.21) (.90) 8.01 33.96 250,676 3.04(f) 14.22 166
0.00 (.90) (.90) 6.75 (4.63) 219,009 3.33(f) 17.32 180
0.00 (.21) (1.05) 8.13 (11.89) 369,714 2.39(f) 10.46 131
0.00 0.00 (.58) 10.34 9.00 310,230 2.21*(f) 9.74* 254
$0.00 $0.00 $(2.10) $10.64 30.04% $ 37,416 1.55% 8.49% 314%
0.00 0.00 (.95) 10.01 38.47 23,253 1.65 9.23 315
0.00 0.00 (.88) 8.02 (1.48) 12,020 1.93 11.25 301
0.00 0.00 (.45) 9.14 (3.77) 10,995 .75*(d) 9.82* 100
$0.00 $0.00 $(2.02) $10.64 29.14% $ 93,377 2.26% 7.81% 314%
0.00 0.00 (.87) 10.01 37.36 84,295 2.37 8.57 315
0.00 0.00 (.81) 8.02 (2.40) 62,406 2.64 10.52 301
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.14 (4.17) 47,030 1.45*(d) 9.11* 100
$0.00 $0.00 $(2.03) $10.64 29.17% $ 25,130 2.25% 7.82% 314%
0.00 0.00 (.88) 10.01 37.40 14,511 2.35 8.52 315
0.00 0.00 (.81) 8.02 (2.36) 9,330 2.63 10.46 301
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.14 (4.16) 10,404 1.45*(d) 9.05* 100
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.61) $11.07 7.71% $ 5,649 1.90%*(d) 6.57%* 730%
0.00 0.00 (.81) 10.83 17.31 2,295 1.90*(d) 8.36* 282
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.58) $11.07 7.63 $ 10,212 2.60 5.79 730
0.00 0.00 (.56) 10.83 14.47 800 2.60*(d) 7.26* 282
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.58) $11.07 7.64 $ 2,470 2.60 5.86 730
0.00 0.00 (.56) 10.83 14.47 750 2.60*(d) 7.03* 282
$0.00 $0.00 $(1.22) $14.19 16.59% $ 370,845 1.12% 8.34% 307%
0.00 0.00 (1.16) 13.29 12.14 277,369 1.20 9.46 389
0.00 0.00 (1.14) 12.92 13.26 230,750 1.24 9.70 387
(.03) 0.00 (1.39) 12.51 (2.58) 219,182 1.30 7.76 372
0.00 0.00 (1.24) 14.15 29.62 216,171 1.39 9.29 579
0.00 0.00 (1.08) 12.01 17.43 60,356 1.48 8.98 610
0.00 0.00 (1.23) 11.21 9.71 62,268 1.44 9.84 357
0.00 0.00 (1.14) 11.39 3.27 68,049 1.51 10.70 480
0.00 0.00 (1.11) 12.15 12.99 52,381 1.84 9.53 104
0.00 0.00 (1.14) 11.82 6.24 37,587 1.81 9.24 98
0.00 0.00 (.81) 12.24 7.32 41,072 1.27 9.17 95
0.00 0.00 (1.20) 12.25 17.19 45,178 1.08 9.80 240
$0.00 $0.00 $(1.13) $14.19 15.80% $ 480,326 1.82% 7.62% 307%
0.00 0.00 (1.07) 13.29 11.38 338,152 1.90 8.75 389
0.00 0.00 (1.05) 12.92 12.54 241,393 1.99 9.07 387
(.01) 0.00 (1.30) 12.50 (3.27) 184,129 2.00 7.03 372
0.00 0.00 (.50) 14.15 17.75 55,508 2.10* 7.18* 579
$0.00 $0.00 $(1.13) $14.19 15.80% $ 174,762 1.82% 7.61% 307%
0.00 0.00 (1.07) 13.29 11.30 83,095 1.90 8.74 389
0.00 0.00 (1.05) 12.93 12.62 51,028 1.84 8.95 387
0.00 0.00 (1.30) 12.50 (3.27) 50,860 1.99 6.98 372
0.00 0.00 (.17) 14.15 5.08 5,115 2.05* 5.51* 579
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.35) $11.17 15.33% $ 5,889 1.70%*(d) 8.04%* 73%
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.33) $11.17 15.07% $ 43,297 2.40*(d) 7.19* 73%
$0.00 $0.00 $ (.33) $11.17 15.07% $ 7,575 2.40*(d) 7.24* 73%
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
13
# PRIOR TO JULY 22, 1993, EQUITABLE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
("EQUITABLE") SERVED AS THE INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE ALLIANCE PORTFOLIOS (THE
"TRUST"), OF WHICH SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT IS A SERIES. ON JULY 22, 1993,
ALLIANCE ACQUIRED THE BUSINESS AND SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS OF EQUITABLE
AND BECAME INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE TRUST.
+ COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.
++ COMMENCEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION.
* ANNUALIZED.
** REFLECTS NEWLY ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR END.
(A) INCLUDES WITH RESPECT TO SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT A RETURN OF CAPITAL FOR
THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1994 OF $(0.08) FOR CLASS A, $(0.08) FOR CLASS B AND
$(0.05) FOR CLASS C AND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994 OF $(0.03) FOR
CLASS A AND $(0.02) FOR CLASS B AND CLASS C.
(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 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.
(C) "TOTAL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS" INCLUDES DIVIDENDS IN EXCESS OF NET
INVESTMENT INCOME AND RETURN OF CAPITAL. SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT HAD
DIVIDENDS IN EXCESS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME, FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
1994, WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES OF $(.01); WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES,
$(.01); AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, $(.01).
(D) NET OF EXPENSES ASSUMED AND/OR WAIVED/REIMBURSED. IF SHORT-TERM U.S.
GOVERNMENT HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 2.20% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993, 2.17% FOR THE YEAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1994, 2.95% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994,
3.71% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995, 3.04% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996 AND 2.42% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B
SHARES, 4.81% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993, 3.21% FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1994,
3.60% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994, 4.33% FOR THE YEAR
ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995, 3.74% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996 AND 3.10% FOR
THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 3.10%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1994, 3.64% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994 (ANNUALIZED), 4.23% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
1995, 3.72% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996 AND 3.10% FOR THE YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 1997. IF LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES, THE
EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 1.55%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992; AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.28% (ANNUALIZED)
FOR 1992. THE RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS FOR LIMITED
MATURITY GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 6.47%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992; AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 5.86% (ANNUALIZED)
FOR 1992. IF WORLD INCOME HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD HAVE
BEEN 1.87% FOR 1992, 1.92% FOR 1993, 2.08% FOR 1994, 2.35% FOR 1995, 2.48% FOR
1996 AND 2.67% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1997. IF NORTH
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD
HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 2.49% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992; AND WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 3.16% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992. IF GLOBAL DOLLAR
GOVERNMENT HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 25, 1994 TO AUGUST
31, 1994, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES,
1.91% (ANNUALIZED); WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.63% (ANNUALIZED); AND
WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 2.59% (ANNUALIZED). IF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME
HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 9, 1996 TO OCTOBER 31, 1996, THE
EXPENSE RATIO WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 19.20%
(ANNUALIZED) AND 5.07% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1997;
WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, FOR THE PERIOD MARCH 25, 1996 TO OCTOBER 31,
1996, 19.57% (ANNUALIZED); AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 19.49%
(ANNUALIZED). IF HIGH YIELD HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD
HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 3.11% (ANNUALIZED); WITH RESPECT
TO CLASS B SHARES, 3.85% (ANNUALIZED); AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES,
3.84% (ANNUALIZED).
(E) IF SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT HAD NOT BORNE INTEREST EXPENSES, THE RATIO OF
EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES
1.40% FOR 1996 AND 1997; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.10% FOR 1996 AND
1997; AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES 2.10% FOR 1996 AND 1997. IF LIMITED
MATURITY GOVERNMENT HAD NOT BORNE INTEREST EXPENSES, THE RATIO OF EXPENSES TO
AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 1.42%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992, 1.33% FOR 1993, 1.20% FOR 1994, 1.41% FOR 1995, 1.58%
FOR 1996, AND 1.62% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997; WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.10% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992, 2.07% FOR 1993, 1.91%
FOR 1994, 2.11% FOR 1995, 2.30% FOR 1996 AND 2.36% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE SIX
MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 1.58% (ANNUALIZED),
FOR 1993, 1.89% FOR 1994, 2.10% FOR 1995, 2.29% FOR 1996 AND 2.34% (ANNUALIZED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997. IF MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND HAD
NOT BORNE INTEREST EXPENSE THE RATIO OF EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD
HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES .97% FOR 1994, 1.03% FOR 1995, 1.03%
FOR 1996 AND 1.07% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1997; WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 1.68% FOR 1994, 1.74% FOR 1995, 1.74% FOR 1996 AND
1.77% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1997; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C
SHARES 1.69% FOR 1994, 1.73% FOR 1995, 1.73% FOR 1996, AND 1.76% (ANNUALIZED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997.
(F) INCLUDES INTEREST EXPENSES. IF MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY HAD NOT BORNE INTEREST
EXPENSES OR LOAN FEES, THE RATIO OF EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE
BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 1.33% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1991, 1.33% FOR
1992, 1.40% FOR 1993, 1.30% FOR 1994, 1.55% FOR 1995, AND 1.60% FOR 1996; WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.05% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1991, 2.05% FOR 1992, 2.11%
FOR 1993, 2.01% FOR 1994, 2.22% FOR 1995, AND 2.31% FOR 1996; WITH RESPECT TO
CLASS C SHARES, 2.11% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993, 1.99% FOR 1994, 2.24% FOR 1995,
AND 2.30% FOR 1996. IF NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME HAD NOT BORNE INTEREST
EXPENSES, THE RATIO OF EXPENSES (NET OF INTEREST EXPENSES) TO AVERAGE NET
ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 1.66% (ANNUALIZED) FOR
1992, 1.33% FOR 1993, 1.37% FOR 1994, 1.51% FOR 1995, 1.41% FOR 1996 AND 1.41%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MAY 31, 1997; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES,
2.35% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992, 2.04% FOR 1993, 2.07% FOR 1994, 2.22% FOR 1995,
2.12% FOR 1996 AND 2.12% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MAY 31, 1997; AND
WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 2.04% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993, 2.06% FOR 1994,
2.21% FOR 1995, 2.12% FOR 1996, AND 2.12% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MAY
31, 1997.
(G) INCLUDES LOAN FEES. IF MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY HAD NOT INCURRED LOAN FEES,
THE RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 11.65% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1991, 11.78% FOR 1992 AND
9.73% FOR 1993; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 10.88% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1991,
11.02% FOR 1992 AND 8.99% FOR 1993; AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 7.50%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993.
(H) BASED ON AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING.
14
GLOSSARY
_______________________________________________________________________________
The following terms are frequently used in this Prospectus. Many of these terms
are explained in greater detail under "Description of the Funds-Additional
Investment Practices" and in Appendix A.
BONDS are fixed, floating and variable rate debt obligations.
DEBT SECURITIES are bonds, debentures, notes, bills and repurchase agreements.
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are debt securities, convertible securities and
preferred stocks and include floating rate and variable rate instruments.
Fixed-income securities may be rated (or if unrated, for purposes of the Funds'
investment policies may be determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality
to those rated) TRIPLE-A (Aaa or AAA), HIGH QUALITY (Aa or AA or above), HIGH
GRADE (A or above) or INVESTMENT GRADE (Baa or BBB or above) by, as the case
may be, Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, or may be lower-rated securities,
as defined below. In the case of "split-rated" fixed-income securities (i.e.,
securities assigned non-equivalent credit quality ratings, such as Baa by
Moody's but BB by S&P, or, to take another example, Ba by Moody's and BB by S&P
but B by Fitch), a Fund will use the rating deemed by Alliance to be the most
appropriate under the circumstances.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES are fixed-income securities rated Ba or BB or below, or
determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality, and are commonly referred
to as "junk bonds."
EQUITY SECURITIES are common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into
common and preferred stocks, and rights and warrants to subscribe for the
purchase of common and preferred stocks.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are bonds, debentures, corporate notes and preferred
stocks that are convertible into common and preferred stock.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES are securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. These securities include
securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, those
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and those
backed only by the credit of the issuing agency itself. The first category
includes U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES (which are U.S. Treasury bills, notes and
bonds) and certificates issued by GNMA (see below). U.S. Government securities
not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States include
certificates issued by FNMA and FHLMC (see below).
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES are pools of mortgage loans that are assembled for
sale to investors (such as mutual funds) by various governmental,
government-related and private organizations. These securities include:
ARMS, which are adjustable-rate mortgage securities;
SMRS, which are stripped mortgage-related securities;
CMOS, which are collateralized mortgage obligations;
GNMA CERTIFICATES, which are securities issued by the Government National
Mortgage Association;
FNMA CERTIFICATES, which are securities issued by the Federal National
Mortgage Association; and
FHLMC CERTIFICATES, which are securities issued by the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation.
INTEREST-ONLY or IO securities are debt securities that receive only the
interest payments on an underlying debt that has been structured to have two
classes, one of which is the IO class and the other of which is the
PRINCIPAL-ONLY or PO class, which class receives only the principal payments on
the underlying debt obligation. POs are similar to, and are sometimes referred
to as, ZERO COUPON SECURITIES, which are debt securities issued without
interest coupons.
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES are securities issued or guaranteed, as to
payment of principal and interest, by a foreign government or any of its
political subdivisions, authorities, agencies or instrumentalities.
SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS are foreign government debt securities, loan
participations between foreign governments and financial institutions and
interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring
the investment characteristics of foreign government securities.
WORLD BANK is the commonly used name for the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.
LIBOR is the London Interbank Offered Rate.
NRSRO is a nationally recognized securities rating organization.
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.
PRIME COMMERCIAL PAPER is commercial paper rated Prime-1 or higher by Moody's,
A-1 or higher by S&P, Fitch-1 by Fitch or Duff 1 by Duff & Phelps. HIGHER
QUALITY COMMERCIAL PAPER is commercial paper rated at least Prime-2 by Moody's,
A-2 by S&P, Fitch-2 by Fitch or Duff 2 by Duff & Phelps.
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").
1940 ACT is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
CODE is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
COMMISSION is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EXCHANGE is the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
15
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
_______________________________________________________________________________
Except as noted, (i) the Funds' investment objectives are "fundamental" and
cannot be changed without a 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
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUNDS
The U.S. Government Funds are diversified investment companies that have been
designed to offer investors high current income consistent with preservation of
capital by investing primarily in U.S. Government securities.
ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
Alliance Short-Term U.S. Government Fund ("Short-Term U.S. Government") seeks
high current income consistent with preservation of capital by investing
primarily in a portfolio of U.S. Government securities. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund maintains an average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity
of not more than three years and invests at least 65% of its total assets in
U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements and forward commitments
relating to U.S. Government securities. In periods of rising interest rates the
Fund may, to the extent it invests in mortgage-related securities, be subject
to the risk that its average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity may be extended
as a result of lower than anticipated prepayment rates. See "Additional
Investment Practices-Mortgage-Related Securities." The Fund's investment
objective is not fundamental.
In addition to investing in U.S. Government securities, the Fund may invest a
portion of its assets in securities of non-governmental issuers. Although these
investments will be of high quality at the time of purchase, they generally
involve higher levels of credit risk than do U.S. Government securities, as
well as the risk (present with all fixed-income securities) of fluctuations in
value as interest rates change. The Fund will not be obligated to dispose of
any security whose credit quality falls below high quality.
The Fund may also (i) invest in certain SMRS, (ii) invest in variable, floating
and inverse floating rate instruments, (iii) make short sales "against the
box," (iv) enter into various hedging transactions, such as interest rate
swaps, caps and floors, (v) enter into reverse repurchase agreements, (vi)
purchase and sell futures contracts for hedging purposes, (vii) purchase and
sell call and put options on futures contracts or on securities, for hedging
purposes or to earn additional income, (viii) make secured loans of portfolio
securities, (ix) enter into repurchase agreements, and (x) purchase securities
for future delivery. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets
in securities the disposition of which is restricted under Federal securities
laws (excluding, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Rule 144A
securities). For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these
practices, see "Additional Investment Practices."
U.S. GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
U.S. Government Portfolio ("U.S. Government") seeks as high a level of current
income as is consistent with safety of principal. As a matter of fundamental
policy, the Fund pursues its objective by investing solely in U.S. Government
securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
These include U.S. Treasury securities, including zero coupon Treasury
securities, and GNMA certificates, including certain SMRS and variable and
floating rate instruments. The average weighted maturity of the Fund's
portfolio of U.S. Government securities is expected to vary between one year or
less and 30 years. For additional information on the use, risks and cost of
these practices, see "Additional Investment Practices." The Fund's investment
objective is not fundamental.
Counsel to the Fund has advised the Fund that, in their view, shares of the
Fund are a legal investment for, among other investors, (i) savings and loan
associations and commercial banks chartered under the laws of the United
States, (ii) savings and loan associations chartered under the laws of
Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut*, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii*,
Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota*, Texas, Utah and Virginia, (iii)
credit unions chartered under the laws of California, Florida*, Georgia,
Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland*, Nevada*, New Hampshire, Ohio*, Oregon*,
Pennsylvania*, South Carolina, Utah, Washington and West Virginia, and (iv)
commercial banks chartered under the laws of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Connecticut*, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii*, Idaho,
Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
Mexico, New York, North Carolina*, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas,
Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Institutions in
the asterisked(*) states should obtain prior state regulatory approval before
investing in shares of the Fund. In addition, the Fund believes that it is
currently a legal investment for savings and loan associations, credit unions
and commercial banks chartered under the laws of certain other states.
ALLIANCE LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc. ("Limited Maturity Government")
seeks the highest level of current income, consistent with low volatility of
net asset value. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund normally has at
least 65% of the value of its total assets invested in U.S. Government
securities, including mortgage-related securities, and repurchase agreements
relating to U.S. Government securities. For a description of these securities,
see "Additional Investment Practices."
16
In pursuing its investment objective and policies, the Fund takes advantage of
a wide range of maturities of debt securities and adjusts the dollar-weighted
average maturity of its portfolio from time to time, depending on its
assessment of relative yields on securities of different maturities and the
expected effect of future changes in interest rates on the market value of the
Fund's portfolio. At all times, however, each security held by the Fund has
either a remaining maturity of not more than ten years or a duration not
exceeding that of a ten-year Treasury note. Duration is a measure that relates
the price volatility of a security to changes in interest rates. The duration
of a debt security is the weighted average term to maturity, expressed in
years, of the present value of all future cash flows, including coupon payments
and principal repayments. Thus, by definition, duration is always less than or
equal to full maturity.
The Fund believes that because of the nature of its assets, it is not exposed
to any material risk of loss as a result of default on its portfolio
securities. The Fund is, however, exposed to the risk that the prices of such
securities will fluctuate, in some cases significantly, as interest rates
change.
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in (i) high quality
asset-backed securities, including mortgage-related securities that are not
U.S. Government securities, (ii) Treasury securities issued by private
corporate issuers, (iii) certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and
interest-bearing savings deposits of domestic and foreign banks having total
assets of more than $1 billion, (iv) higher quality commercial paper or, if not
rated, issued by companies that have high quality debt issues outstanding and
(v) high quality debt securities of corporate issuers.
The Fund may also (i) enter into futures contracts and purchase and write
options on futures contracts, (ii) enter into forward commitments for the
purchase or sale of securities, (iii) enter into interest rate swaps, caps and
floors, (iv) invest in Eurodollar instruments, (v) purchase and write put and
call options on foreign currencies, (vi) invest in variable, floating and
inverse floating rate instruments, (vii) enter into repurchase agreements
pertaining to the types of securities in which it invests, (viii) use reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls and (ix) make secured loans of its
portfolio securities. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of
these investment practices, see "Additional Investment Practices."
The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its total assets in debt
securities denominated in U.S. Dollars or in foreign currencies and issued or
guaranteed by foreign governments or issued by foreign non-governmental
issuers, provided that such foreign debt securities are of high quality. The
percentage of the Fund's assets invested in foreign debt securities will vary
and its portfolio of foreign debt securities may include those of a number of
foreign countries or, depending upon market conditions, those of a single
country. See "Risk Considerations-Foreign Investment."
MORTGAGE FUND
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc. ("Mortgage Securities Income")
is a diversified investment company that seeks a high level of current income
to the extent consistent with prudent investment risk. The Fund invests
primarily in a diversified portfolio of mortgage-related securities, including
CMOs, and, as a matter of fundamental policy, maintains at least 65% of its
total assets in mortgage-related securities.
The Fund expects that governmental, government-related or private entities may
create mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to
those described in this Prospectus. The mortgages underlying these securities
may be instruments whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms
to maturity may differ from customary long-term fixed-rate mortgages. As new
types of mortgage-related securities are developed and offered to investors,
the Fund will consider making investments in such new types of securities. The
Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in lower-rated mortgage-related
securities. See "Risk Considerations-Securities Ratings" and "-Investment in
Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities." The average weighted maturity of the
Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is expected to vary between two and
ten years.
The Fund may invest up to 35% of the value of its total assets in (i) U.S.
Government securities, (ii) qualifying bank deposits, (iii) prime commercial
paper or, if not rated, issued by companies which have an outstanding high
quality debt issue, (iv) high grade debt securities secured by mortgages on
commercial real estate or residential rental properties, and (v) high grade
asset-backed securities.
The Fund may also (i) invest in repurchase agreements pertaining to the types
of securities in which it invests, (ii) enter into forward commitments for the
purchase or sale of securities, (iii) purchase put and call options written by
others and write covered put and call options on the types of securities in
which the Fund may invest for hedging purposes, (iv) enter into interest rate
swaps, caps and floors, (v) enter into interest rate futures contracts, (vi)
invest in variable floating and inverse floating rate instruments, and (vii)
lend portfolio securities. The Fund will not invest in illiquid securities if,
as a result, more than 10% of its total assets would be illiquid. For
additional information on the use, risk and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
MULTI-MARKET FUNDS
The Multi-Market Funds are non-diversified investment companies that have been
designed to offer investors a higher yield than a money market fund and less
fluctuation in net asset value than a longer-term bond fund.
17
ALLIANCE WORLD INCOME TRUST
ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET TRUST
ALLIANCE MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY TRUST
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc. ("World Income"), Alliance Short-Term
Multi-Market Trust, Inc. ("Short-Term Multi-Market") and Alliance Multi-Market
Strategy Trust, Inc. ("Multi-Market Strategy") each seek the highest level of
current income, consistent with what Alliance considers to be prudent
investment risk, that is available from a portfolio of high quality debt
securities having remaining maturities of not more than, with respect to WORLD
INCOME, one year, with respect to SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET, three years, and
with respect to MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, five years. Each Fund seeks high current
yields by investing in a portfolio of debt securities denominated in the U.S.
Dollar and selected foreign currencies. The Multi-Market Funds seek investment
opportunities in foreign, as well as domestic, securities markets. WORLD
INCOME, which is not a money market fund, will maintain at least 35% of its net
assets in U.S. Dollar-denominated securities. SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET will
normally maintain a substantial portion of its assets in debt securities
denominated in foreign currencies, but will invest at least 25% of its net
assets in U.S. Dollar-denominated securities. MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY normally
expects to maintain at least 70% of its assets in debt securities denominated
in foreign currencies.
In pursuing their investment objectives, the Multi-Market Funds seek to
minimize credit risk and fluctuations in net asset value by investing only in
short-term debt securities. Normally, a high proportion of these Funds'
portfolios consists of money market instruments. Alliance actively manages the
Multi-Market Funds' portfolios in accordance with a multi-market investment
strategy, allocating a Fund's investments among securities denominated in the
U.S. Dollar and the currencies of a number of foreign countries and, within
each such country, among different types of debt securities. Alliance adjusts
each Multi-Market Fund's exposure to each currency such that the percentage of
assets invested in securities of a particular country or denominated in a
particular currency varies in accordance with Alliance's assessment of the
relative yield and appreciation potential of such securities and the relative
strength of a country's currency. Fundamental economic strength, credit quality
and interest rate trends are the principal factors considered by Alliance in
determining whether to increase or decrease the emphasis placed upon a
particular type of security or industry sector within a Fund's investment
portfolio. None of the Multi-Market Funds invests more than 25% of its net
assets in debt securities denominated in a single currency other than the U.S.
Dollar.
The returns available from short-term foreign currency-denominated debt
instruments can be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. Alliance
believes that the use of foreign currency hedging techniques, including
"cross-hedges" (see "Additional Investment Practices-Forward Foreign Currency
Exchange Contracts"), can help protect against declines in the U.S. Dollar
value of income available for distribution to shareholders and declines in the
net asset value of a Fund's shares resulting from adverse changes in currency
exchange rates. For example, the return available from securities denominated
in a particular foreign currency would diminish in the event the value of the
U.S. Dollar increased against such currency. Such a decline could be partially
or completely offset by an increase in value of a cross-hedge involving a
forward exchange contract to sell a different foreign currency, where such
contract is available on terms more advantageous to a Fund than a contract to
sell the currency in which the position being hedged is denominated. It is
Alliance's belief that cross-hedges can therefore provide significant
protection of net asset value in the event of a general rise in the U.S. Dollar
against foreign currencies. However, a cross-hedge cannot protect against
exchange rate risks perfectly, and if Alliance is incorrect in its judgment of
future exchange rate relationships, a Fund could be in a less advantageous
position than if such a hedge had not been established.
Each Multi-Market Fund invests in debt securities denominated in the currencies
of countries whose governments are considered stable by Alliance. In addition
to the U.S. Dollar, such currencies include, among others, the Australian
Dollar, Austrian Schilling, British Pound Sterling, Canadian Dollar, Danish
Krone, Dutch Guilder, European Currency Unit ("ECU"), French Franc, Irish
Pound, Italian Lira, Japanese Yen, Mexican Peso, New Zealand Dollar, Norwegian
Krone, Spanish Peseta, Swedish Krona, Swiss Franc and German Mark.
An issuer of debt securities purchased by a Multi-Market Fund may be domiciled
in a country other than the country in whose currency the instrument is
denominated. In addition, the Funds may purchase debt securities (sometimes
referred to as "linked" securities) that are denominated in one currency while
the principal amounts of, and value of interest payments on, such securities
are determined with reference to another currency. In this regard, as of the
date of this Prospectus each Fund has invested in U.S. Dollar denominated
securities issued by Mexican issuers and/or Peso-linked securities. The value
of these investments may fluctuate inversely in correlation with changes in the
Peso-U.S. Dollar exchange rate and with the general level of interest rates in
Mexico. For a general description of Mexico, see Appendix B and each
Multi-Market Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Each Multi-Market Fund may invest in debt securities denominated in the ECU,
which is a "basket" consisting of specified amounts of the currencies of
certain of the member states of the European Union, a fifteen-nation
organization engaged in cooperative economic activities. The specific amounts
of currencies comprising the ECU may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers of
the European Union to reflect changes in relative values of the underlying
currencies.
Each Multi-Market Fund may invest in debt securities issued by supranational
organizations including the World Bank, which was chartered to finance
development projects in developing member countries; the European Union; the
European Coal and Steel Community, which is an economic union of various
European nations' steel and coal industries; and the Asian
18
Development Bank, which is an international development bank established to
lend funds, promote investment and provide technical assistance to member
nations in the Asian and Pacific regions.
Each Multi-Market Fund seeks to minimize investment risk by limiting its
portfolio investments to debt securities of high quality, and WORLD INCOME will
invest 65% (and normally substantially all) of its total assets in high quality
income-producing debt securities. Accordingly, the Multi-Market Funds'
portfolio securities will consist of (i) U.S. Government securities, (ii) high
quality foreign government securities, (iii) obligations issued by
supranational entities and corporate debt securities having a triple-A rating,
with respect to WORLD INCOME, or a high quality rating, with respect to
SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET and MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, (iv) certificates of deposit
and bankers' acceptances issued or guaranteed by, or time deposits maintained
at, banks (including foreign branches of foreign banks) having total assets of
more than $1 billion, with respect to WORLD INCOME, or $500 million, with
respect to SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET and MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, and determined by
Alliance to be of high quality, and (v) prime commercial paper or unrated
commercial paper determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality and issued
by U.S. or foreign companies having outstanding: in the case of WORLD INCOME,
triple-A debt securities; in the case of MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, high quality
debt securities; and in the case of SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET, high grade debt
securities.
As a matter of fundamental policy, each Multi-Market Fund concentrates at least
25% of its total assets in debt instruments issued by domestic and foreign
companies engaged in the banking industry, including bank holding companies.
Such investments may include certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers'
acceptances, and obligations issued by bank holding companies, as well as
repurchase agreements entered into with banks (as distinct from non-banks) in
accordance with the policies set forth with respect to the Funds in "Additional
Investment Practices-Repurchase Agreements." See "Risk
Considerations-Investment in the Banking Industry."
Each Multi-Market Fund may also (i) invest in indexed commercial paper, (ii)
enter into futures contracts and purchase and write options on futures
contracts, (iii) purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies,
(iv) purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts, (v) with
respect to SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET and MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, enter into
interest rate swaps, caps and floors, (vi) invest in variable, floating and
inverse floating rate instruments, (vii) make secured loans of its portfolio
securities, and (viii) enter into repurchase agreements. A Multi-Market Fund
will not invest in illiquid securities if, as a result, more than 10% of its
assets would be so invested. For additional information on the use, risks and
costs of these practices, see "Additional Investment Practices." MULTI-MARKET
STRATEGY maintains borrowings of approximately 25% of its total assets less
liabilities (other than the amount borrowed). See "Risk Considerations-Effects
of Borrowing."
GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
The Global Bond Funds are non-diversified investment companies that have been
designed to offer investors a high level of current income through investments
primarily in foreign government securities.
ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc. ("North American
Government Income") seeks the highest level of current income, consistent with
what Alliance considers to be prudent investment risk, that is available from a
portfolio of debt securities issued or guaranteed by the United States, Canada
and Mexico, their political subdivisions (including Canadian provinces but
excluding states of the United States), agencies, instrumentalities or
authorities ("Government securities"). The Fund invests in investment grade
securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar, the Canadian Dollar and the Mexican
Peso and expects to maintain at least 25% of its assets in securities
denominated in the U.S. Dollar. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 25% of
its total assets in debt securities issued by governmental entities of
Argentina ("Argentine Government securities"). The Fund expects that it will
not retain a debt security which is down graded below BBB or Baa, or, if
unrated, determined by Alliance to have undergone similar credit quality
deterioration, subsequent to purchase by the Fund. There may be circumstances,
however, such as the downgrading to below investment grade of all of the
securities of a governmental issuer in one of the countries in which the Fund
has substantial investments, under which the Fund, after considering all the
circumstances, would conclude that it is in the best interests of the
shareholders to retain its holdings in securities of that issuer. The average
weighted maturity of the Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is
expected to vary between one year or less and 30 years.
Alliance believes that the increasingly integrated economic relationship among
the United States, Canada and Mexico, characterized by the reduction and
projected elimination of most barriers to free trade among the three nations
and the growing coordination of their fiscal and monetary policies, will over
the long term benefit the economic performance of all three countries and
promote greater correlation of currency fluctuation among the U.S. and Canadian
Dollars and the Mexican Peso. See, however, Appendix B and the Fund's Statement
of Additional Information with respect to the current state of the Mexican
economy.
Alliance will actively manage the Fund's assets in relation to market
conditions and general economic conditions and adjust the Fund's investments in
an effort to best enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. Thus,
the percentage of the Fund's assets invested in a particular country or
denominated in a particular currency will vary in accordance with Alliance's
assessment of the relative yield and appreciation potential of such securities
and the relationship of the country's currency to the U.S. Dollar. The Fund
invests at least, and normally substantially more than, 65% of its total assets
in Government securities. To the extent that its assets are not invested in
Government securities, however, the Fund may invest the
19
balance of its total assets in investment grade debt securities issued by the
governments of countries located in Central and South America or any of their
political subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities or authorities, provided
that such securities are denominated in their local currencies. The Fund will
not invest more than 10% of its total assets in debt securities issued by the
governmental entities of any one such country, except that the Fund may invest
up to 25% of its total assets in Argentine Government securities. The Fund will
normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in income-producing
securities. For a general description of Canada, Mexico and Argentina, see
Appendix B and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Canadian Government securities include the sovereign debt of Canada or any of
its provinces and Government of Canada bonds and Government of Canada Treasury
bills. Canada Treasury bills are debt obligations with maturities of less than
one year. A new issue of Government of Canada bonds frequently consists of
several different bonds with maturities ranging from one to 25 years.
All Canadian provinces have outstanding bond issues and several provinces also
guarantee bond issues of provincial authorities, agents and Crown corporations.
Each new issue yield is based upon a spread from an outstanding Government of
Canada issue of comparable term and coupon. Many Canadian municipalities,
municipal financial authorities and Crown corporations raise funds through the
bond market in order to finance capital expenditures. Unlike U.S. municipal
securities, which have special tax status, Canadian municipal securities have
the same tax status as other Canadian Government securities and trade similarly
to such securities. The Canadian municipal market may be less liquid than the
provincial bond market.
Canadian Government securities in which the Fund may invest include a modified
pass-through vehicle issued pursuant to the program established under the
National Housing Act of Canada. Certificates issued pursuant to this program
benefit from the guarantee of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, a
federal Crown corporation that is (except for certain limited purposes) an
agency of the Government of Canada whose guarantee is an unconditional
obligation of the Government of Canada in most circumstances (similar to that
of GNMA in the United States).
Mexican Government securities denominated and payable in the Mexican Peso
include (i) Cetes, which are book-entry securities sold directly by the Mexican
Government on a discount basis and with maturities that range from seven to 364
days, (ii) Bonds, which are long-term development bonds issued directly by the
Mexican Government with a minimum term of 364 days, and (iii) Ajustabonos,
which are adjustable-rate bonds with a minimum three-year term issued directly
by the Mexican Government with the face amount adjusted each quarter by the
quarterly inflation rate.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in Argentine Government
securities that are denominated and payable in the Argentine Peso. Argentine
Government securities include (i) Bono de Inversion y Crecimiento ("BIC"),
which are investment and growth bonds issued directly by the Argentine
Government with maturities of up to ten years, (ii) Bono de Consolidacion
Economica ("BOCON"), which are economic consolidation bonds issued directly by
the Argentine Government with maturities of up to ten years and (iii) Bono de
Credito a la Exportacion ("BOCREX"), which are export credit bonds issued
directly by the Argentine government with maturities of up to four years.
Although not all Argentine Government securities are rated investment grade
quality by S&P, Moody's, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, Alliance believes that there
are unrated Argentine Government securities that are of investment grade
quality.
The Fund may also (i) enter into futures contracts and purchase and write
options on futures contracts for hedging purposes, (ii) purchase and write put
and call options on foreign currencies, (iii) purchase or sell forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, (iv) write covered put and call options and
purchase put and call options on U.S. Government and foreign government
securities traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges, and write put and
call options for cross-hedging purposes, (v) enter into interest rate swaps,
caps and floors, (vi) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale
of securities, (vii) invest in variable, floating and inverse floating rate
instruments, (viii) make secured loans of its portfolio securities, and (ix)
enter into repurchase agreements. The Fund will not invest in illiquid
securities if, as a result, 10% of its net assets would be so invested. For
additional information on the use, risks and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices." The Fund also maintains borrowings of
approximately one-third of the Fund's total assets less liabilities (other than
the amount borrowed). See "Risk Considerations-Effects of Borrowing."
ALLIANCE GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT FUND
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc. ("Global Dollar Government") seeks
primarily a high level of current income, and secondarily capital appreciation.
In seeking to achieve these objectives, the Fund invests at least 65% of its
total assets in sovereign debt obligations. The Fund's investments in sovereign
debt obligations will emphasize obligations of a type customarily referred to
as "Brady Bonds" that are issued as part of debt restructurings and that are
collateralized in full as to principal due at maturity by zero coupon U.S.
Government securities ("collateralized Brady Bonds"). See "Additional
Investment Practices-Brady Bonds" and "Risk Considerations-Sovereign Debt
Obligations." The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in U.S.
and non-U.S. corporate fixed-income securities. See "Risk Considerations-U.S.
Corporate Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund will limit its investments in
sovereign debt obligations and U.S. and non-U.S. corporate fixed-income
securities to U.S. Dollar-denominated securities. Alliance expects that, based
upon current market conditions, the Fund's portfolio of U.S. fixed-income
securities will have an average maturity range of approximately nine to 15
years and the Fund's portfolio of non-U.S. fixed-income securities will have an
average maturity range of approximately 15 to 25 years. Alliance anticipates
that the Fund's portfolio of sovereign debt obligations will have a longer
average maturity.
20
Substantially all of the Fund's assets will be invested in lower-rated
securities, which may include securities having the lowest rating for
non-subordinated debt instruments (i.e., rated C by Moody's or CCC or lower by
S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch) and unrated securities of comparable investment
quality. These securities are considered to have extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing, to have a current identifiable
vulnerability to default, to be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest
and repay principal when due in the event of adverse business, financial or
economic conditions, and/or to be in default or not current in the payment of
interest or principal. For a description of bond ratings, see Appendix A. The
Fund may also invest in investment grade securities. Unrated securities will be
considered for investment by the Fund when Alliance believes that the financial
condition of the issuers of such obligations and the protection afforded by the
terms of the obligations themselves limit the risk to the Fund to a degree
comparable to that of rated securities which are consistent with the Fund's
investment objectives and policies. As of August 31, 1997, the percentages of
the Fund's assets invested in securities rated (or considered by Alliance to be
of equivalent quality to securities rated) in particular rating categories were
5% in A and above, 67% in Ba or BB, 9% in B, 2% in CCC and 5% in non-rated. See
"Risk Considerations-Securities Ratings," "-Investment in Fixed-Income
Securities Rated Baa and BBB," "-Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income
Securities" and Appendix A.
With respect to its investments in sovereign debt obligations and non-U.S.
corporate fixed-income securities, the Fund will emphasize investments in
countries that are considered at the time of purchase to be emerging or
developing countries by the World Bank. A substantial part of the Fund's
investment focus is expected to be in securities or obligations of Argentina,
Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Russia and Venezuela because these
countries are now, or are expected by Alliance at a future date to be, the
principal participants in debt restructuring programs (including, in the case
of Argentina, Mexico, the Philippines and Venezuela, issuers of currently
outstanding Brady Bonds) that, in Alliance's opinion, will provide the most
attractive investment opportunities for the Fund. Alliance anticipates that
other countries that will provide investment opportunities for the Fund
include, among others, Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
Jordan, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Poland, Thailand, Turkey and Uruguay. See
"Additional Investment Practices-Brady Bonds."
The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in the sovereign debt
obligations and corporate fixed-income securities of issuers in any one of
Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Russia or Venezuela, each
of which is an emerging market country, and the Fund will limit investments in
the sovereign debt obligations of each such country (or of any other single
foreign country) to less than 25% of its total assets. The Fund expects that it
will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in the sovereign debt
obligations and corporate fixed-income securities of issuers in any other
single foreign country and is not required to invest any minimum amount of its
assets in the securities or obligations of issuers located in any particular
country.
A substantial portion of the Fund's investments will be in (i) securities which
were initially issued at discounts from their face values ("Discount
Obligations") and (ii) securities purchased by the Fund at a price less than
their stated face amount or, in the case of Discount Obligations, at a price
less than their issue price plus the portion of "original issue discount"
previously accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a "market discount."
The Fund may also (i) invest in structured securities, (ii) invest in fixed and
floating rate loans that are arranged through private negotiations between an
issuer of sovereign debt obligations and one or more financial institutions and
in participations in and assignments of these types of loans, (iii) invest in
other investment companies, (iv) invest in warrants, (v) enter into interest
rate swaps, caps and floors, (vi) enter into forward commitments for the
purchase or sale of securities, (vii) make secured loans of its portfolio
securities, (viii) enter into repurchase agreements pertaining to the types of
securities in which it invests, (ix) use reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls, (x) enter into standby commitment agreements, (xi) make short
sales of securities or maintain a short position, (xii) write put and call
options on securities of the types in which it is permitted to invest and write
call options for cross-hedging purposes, (xiii) purchase and sell
exchange-traded options on any securities index composed of the types of
securities in which it may invest, and (xiv) invest in variable, floating and
inverse floating rate instruments. The Fund may also at any time, with respect
to up to 35% of its total assets, temporarily invest funds awaiting
reinvestment or held for reserves for dividends and other distributions to
shareholders in U.S. Dollar-denominated money market instruments. For
additional information on the use, risks and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices." While the Fund does not currently intend to
do so, it reserves the right to borrow an amount not to exceed one-third of the
Fund's assets less liabilities (other than the amount borrowed). See "Risk
Considerations-Effects of Borrowing."
ALLIANCE GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME TRUST
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc. ("Global Strategic Income") is a
non-diversified investment company that seeks primarily a high level of current
income and secondarily capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its investment
objectives by investing primarily in a portfolio of fixed-income securities of
U.S. and non-U.S. companies and U.S. Government and foreign government
securities and supranational entities, including lower-rated securities. The
Fund may also use derivative instruments to attempt to enhance income. The
average weighted maturity of the Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is
expected to vary between five years and 30 years in accordance with Alliance's
changing perceptions of the relative attractiveness of various maturity ranges.
21
Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the value of the Fund's total
assets will be invested in the fixed-income securities of issuers located in
three countries, one of which may be the United States. No more than 25% of the
value of its total assets, however, will be invested in the securities of any
one foreign government. U.S. Government securities in which the Fund may invest
include mortgage-related securities and zero coupon securities. Fixed-income
securities in which the Fund may invest include preferred stock,
mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and zero coupon securities.
The Fund may also invest in rights and warrants (for debt securities or for
equity securities that are acquired in connection with debt instruments), and
loan participations and assignments.
The Fund will maintain at least 65% of the value of its total assets in
investment grade securities and may maintain not more than 35% of the value of
its total assets in lower-rated securities. See "Risk Considerations-Securities
Ratings" and "-Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities." Unrated
securities will be considered for investment by the Fund when Alliance believes
that the financial condition of the issuers of such obligations and the
protection afforded by the terms of the obligations themselves limit the risk
to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities which are
consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies. Lower-rated
securities in which the Fund may invest include Brady Bonds and fixed-income
securities of issuers located in emerging markets. There is no minimum rating
requirement applicable to the Fund's investments in lower-rated fixed-income
securities.
The Fund may also: (i) invest in foreign currencies, (ii) purchase and write
put and call options on securities and foreign currencies, (iii) purchase or
sell forward foreign exchange contracts, (iv) invest in variable, floating and
inverse floating rate instruments, (v) invest in indexed commercial paper, (vi)
invest in structured securities, (vii) lend portfolio securities amounting to
not more than 25% of its total assets, (viii) enter into repurchase agreements
pertaining to the types of securities in which it invests, (ix) use reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls, (x) purchase and sell securities on a
forward commitment basis, (xi) enter into standby commitments, (xii) 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 purchase and write options on futures
contracts, (xiii) invest in Eurodollar instruments, (xiv) enter into interest
rate swaps, caps and floors, and (xv) make short sales of securities or
maintain a short position. For additional information on the use, risks and
costs of these policies and practices see "Additional Investment Practices" and
"Risk Consideration." The Fund may borrow in order to purchase securities or
make other investments, although it currently intends to limit its ability to
borrow to an amount not to exceed 25% of its total assets. See "Risk
Considerations-Effects of Borrowing."
CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO
Corporate Bond Portfolio ("Corporate Bond") is a diversified investment company
that seeks primarily to maximize income over the long term consistent with
providing reasonable safety in the value of each shareholder's investment, and
secondarily to increase its capital through appreciation of its investments in
order to preserve and, if possible, increase the purchasing power of each
shareholder's investment. In pursuing these objectives, the Fund's policy is to
invest in readily marketable securities which give promise of relatively
attractive yields, but which do not involve substantial risk of loss of
capital. The Fund follows a policy of maintaining at least 65% of its net
assets invested in debt securities. Such objectives and policies cannot be
changed without the approval of the shareholders. Although the Fund also
follows a policy of maintaining at least 65% of its total assets invested in
corporate bonds, it is permitted to invest in securities of non-corporate
issuers.
The Fund follows an investment strategy which in certain respects can be
regarded as more aggressive than the strategies of many other funds investing
primarily in corporate bonds. In this regard, the Fund's investment portfolio
normally tends to have a relatively long average maturity and duration, and to
place significant emphasis on both foreign corporate and sovereign debt
obligations and corporate bonds that are expected to benefit from improvement
in their issuers' credit fundamentals. Consequently, in recent years the Fund
frequently has experienced greater net asset value volatility than most other
corporate bond funds. Prospective investors in the Fund should therefore be
prepared to accept the degree of volatility associated with its investment
strategy. See "Risk Considerations."
There is no minimum rating requirement applicable to the Fund's investments in
fixed-income securities, except the Fund expects that it will not retain a
security that is downgraded below B, or if unrated, determined by Alliance to
have undergone similar credit quality deterioration subsequent to purchase.
Currently, the Fund believes its objectives and policies may best be
implemented by investing at least 65% of its total assets in fixed-income
securities considered investment grade or higher. The remainder of the Fund's
assets may be invested in lower-rated fixed-income securities. See "Risk
Considerations-Securities Ratings," "-Investment in Fixed-Income Securities
Rated Baa and BBB," "-Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities" and
Appendix A. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, on a weighted average
basis, the percentages of the Fund's assets invested in securities rated (or
considered by Alliance to be of equivalent quality to securities rated) in
particular rating categories were 29% in A and above, 41% in Baa or BBB, 14% in
Ba or BB, and 12% in B. The Fund did not invest in securities rated below B by
each of Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch or, if not rated, considered by
Alliance to be of equivalent quality to securities so rated.
22
The Fund may invest up to 50% of the value of its total assets in foreign debt
securities which will consist primarily of corporate fixed-income securities
and sovereign debt obligations. Not more than 15% of the Fund's total assets
may be invested in sovereign debt obligations in the form of foreign
government loan participations and assignments, which may be lower rated and
considered to be predominantly speculative as regards the issuer's capacity to
pay interest and repay principal. All of the Fund's investments, whether
foreign or domestic, are U.S. Dollar-denominated.
Within the foregoing limitations, the Fund has complete flexibility as to the
types of securities in which it will invest and the relative proportions
thereof, and the Fund plans to vary the proportions of its holdings of long-
and short-term fixed-income securities and of equity securities in order to
reflect its assessment of prospective cyclical changes even if such action may
adversely affect current income. However, substantially all of the Fund's
investments will be income producing. The average weighted maturity of the
Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is expected to vary between one
year or less and 30 years.
The Fund may also (i) invest in structured securities, (ii) invest in fixed and
floating rate loans that are arranged through private negotiations between an
issuer of sovereign debt obligations and one or more financial institutions and
in participations in and assignments of these type of loans, (iii) for hedging
purposes, purchase put and call options written by others and write covered put
and call options on the types of securities in which the Fund may invest, (iv)
for hedging purposes, enter into various hedging transactions, such as interest
rate swaps, caps and floors, (v) invest in variable, floating and inverse
floating rate instruments, (vi) invest in zero coupon and pay-in-kind
securities, and (vii) invest in CMOs and multi-class pass-through. As a matter
of fundamental policy, the Fund will not purchase illiquid securities. For
additional information on the use, risks and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC. ("High Yield") is a diversified management
investment company that seeks primarily to achieve high total return by
maximizing current income and, to the extent consistent with that objective,
capital appreciation. The Fund will pursue this objective by investing
primarily in a diversified mix of high yield, below investment grade
fixed-income securities involving greater volatility of price and risk of
principal and income than higher quality fixed-income securities. The below
investment grade debt securities in which the Fund may invest are known as
"junk bonds."
The Fund attempts to achieve its objective by investing primarily in a
diversified mix of high yield, below investment grade fixed-income securities
involving greater volatility of price and risk of principal and income than
higher fixed-income securities. The Fund will be managed to maximize current
income by taking advantage of market developments, yield disparities and
variations in the creditworthiness of issuers. The Fund will use various
strategies in attempting to achieve its objective.
Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in high yield fixed-income securities rated below investment grade by
two or more NRSROs (i.e., rated lower than Baa by Moody's or lower than BBB or
lower by S&P) or unrated but deemed by Alliance to be equivalent to such
lower-rated securities. The Fund will not, however, invest more than 10% of its
total assets in (i) fixed-income securities which are rated lower than B3 or B-
or their equivalents by two or more NRSROs or if unrated are of equivalent
quality as determined by Alliance, and (ii) money market instruments of any
entity which has an outstanding issue of unsecured debt that is rated lower
than B3 or B- or their equivalents by two or more NRSROs or if unrated is of
equivalent quality as determined by Alliance.
As of August 31, 1997, on a weighted average basis, the percentages of the
Fund's assets invested in securities rated (or considered by Alliance to be of
equivalent quality to securities rated) in particular rating categories were
12% in A and above, 3% in Ba or BB, 53% in B 2% in CCC and 13% in unrated
securities. The Fund did not invest in securities rated below CCC by each of
Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch or, if not rated, considered by
Alliance to be of equivalent quality to securities so rated.
Certain of the Fund's investments will be in fixed-income securities which are
providing high current yields because of risks other than credit. For example,
the Fund may invest in securities which have prepayment risks, and non-U.S.
dollar denominated foreign securities, which have currency risks.
See Appendix A, "Bond Ratings," for a description of each rating category. In
the event that any securities held by the Fund fall below those ratings, the
Fund will not be obligated to dispose of such securities and may continue to
hold such securities if, in the opinion of Alliance, such investment is
considered appropriate under the circumstances.
A portion of the Fund's assets are also expected to be invested in foreign
securities, and the Fund may buy and sell foreign currencies principally for
the purpose of preserving the value of foreign securities or in anticipation of
purchasing foreign securities. See "Risk Considerations-Foreign Investment" and
"-Currency Considerations."
In addition, and although not to be emphasized, in furtherance of its
investment objective, the Fund may (i) invest in mortgage-backed and
asset-backed securities, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) invest in
loan participations and assignments of loans to corporate, governmental, or
other borrowers originally made by institutional lenders or lending syndicates,
(iv) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities and
purchase and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, (v)
write covered put and call options on fixed-income securities, securities
indices and foreign currencies and purchase put or call options on fixed-income
securities, securities indices and foreign curencies, (vi) purchase and sell
futures contracts and related options on debt securities and on indices of debt
securities, (vii) enter into contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific
currency for hedging purposes only, and (viii) lend portfolio securities. For
additional information on the uses, risks and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
23
In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may from time to time make investments
in (i) U.S. Government securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances, bank notes, time deposits and interest bearing savings deposits
issued or guaranteed by certain domestic and foreign banks, (iii) commercial
paper (rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or, if not rated, issued
by domestic or foreign companies having high quality outstanding debt
securities) and participation interests in loans extended by banks to such
companies, (iv) corporate debt obligations with remaining maturities of less
than one year rated at least high quality as well as corporate debt obligations
rated at least high grade provided the corporation also has outstanding an
issue of commercial paper rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 Moody's, and
(v) floating rate or master demand notes.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
Some or all of the Funds may engage in the following investment practices to
the extent described in this Prospectus. See the Statement of Additional
Information of each Fund for a further discussion of the uses, risks and costs
of engaging in these practices.
DERIVATIVES. The Funds may use derivatives in furtherance of their investment
objectives. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is
derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. These
assets, rates, and indices may include bonds, stocks, mortgages, commodities,
interest rates, currency exchange rates, bond indices and stock indices.
Derivatives can be used to earn income or protect against risk, or both. For
example, one party with unwanted risk may agree to pass that risk to another
party who is willing to accept the risk, the second party being motivated, for
example, by the desire either to earn income in the form of a fee or premium
from the first party, or to reduce its own unwanted risk by attempting to pass
all or part of that risk to the first party.
Derivatives can be used by investors such as the Funds to earn income and
enhance returns, to hedge or adjust the risk profile of a portfolio, and either
to replace more traditional direct investments or to obtain exposure to
otherwise inaccessible markets. Each of the Funds is permitted to use
derivatives for one or more of these purposes, although most of the Funds
generally use derivatives primarily as direct investments in order to enhance
yields and broaden portfolio diversification. Each of these uses entails
greater risk than if derivatives were used solely for hedging purposes.
Derivatives are a valuable tool which, when used properly, can provide
significant benefit to Fund shareholders. A Fund may take a significant
position in those derivatives that are within its investment policies if, in
Alliance's judgement, this represents the most effective response to current or
anticipated market conditions. The MULTI-MARKET FUNDS, HIGH YIELD and GLOBAL
STRATEGIC INCOME in particular generally make extensive use of carefully
selected forwards and other derivatives to achieve the currency hedging that is
an integral part of their investment strategy. Alliance's use of derivatives is
subject to continuous risk assessment and control from the standpoint of each
Fund's investment objectives and policies.
Derivatives may be (i) standardized, exchange-traded contracts or (ii)
customized, privately negotiated contracts. Exchange-traded derivatives tend to
be more liquid and subject to less credit risk than those that are privately
negotiated.
There are four principal types of derivative instruments-options, futures,
forwards and swaps-from which virtually any type of derivative transaction can
be created.
OPTIONS-An option, which may be standardized and exchange-traded, or
customized and privately negotiated, is an agreement that, for a premium
payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the
obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount
based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the exercise
price) during a period of time or on a specified date. A call option entitles
the holder to purchase, and a put option entitles the holder to sell, the
underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset,
rate or index). Likewise, when an option is exercised the writer of the option
is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or to purchase (in the case
of a put option) the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an
underlying asset, rate or index).
FUTURES-A futures contract is an agreement that obligates the buyer to buy
and the seller to sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset (or settle
for cash the value of a contract based on an underlying asset, rate or index)
at a specific price on the contract maturity date. Futures contracts are
standardized, exchange-traded instruments and are fungible (i.e., considered to
be perfect substitutes for each other). This fungibility allows futures
contracts to be readily offset or cancelled through the acquisition of equal
but opposite positions, which is the primary method in which futures contracts
are liquidated. A cash-settled futures contract does not require physical
delivery of the underlying asset but instead is settled for cash equal to the
difference between the values of the contract on the date it is entered into
and its maturity date.
FORWARDS-A forward contract is an obligation by one party to buy, and the
other party to sell, a specific quantity of an underlying commodity or other
tangible asset for an agreed upon price at a future date. Forward contracts are
customized, privately negotiated agreements designed to satisfy the objectives
of each party. A forward contract usually results in the delivery of the
underlying asset upon maturity of the contract in return for the agreed upon
payment.
24
SWAPS-A swap is a customized, privately negotiated agreement that obligates
two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals (payment
dates) based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or
rates (interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps, currency exchange
rates in the case of currency swaps) for a specified amount of an underlying
asset (the "notional" principal amount). The payment flows are netted against
each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. Except
for currency swaps, the notional principal amount is used solely to calculate
the payment streams but is not exchanged. With respect to currency swaps,
actual principal amounts of currencies may be exchanged by the counterparties
at the initiation, and again upon the termination, of the transaction.
Debt instruments that incorporate one or more of these building blocks for the
purpose of determining the principal amount of and/or rate of interest payable
on the debt instruments are often referred to as "structured securities." An
example of this type of structured security is indexed commercial paper. The
term is also used to describe certain securities issued in connection with the
restructuring of certain foreign obligations. See "Indexed Commercial Paper"
and "Structured Securities" below. The term "derivative" is also sometimes used
to describe securities involving rights to a portion of the cash flows from an
underlying pool of mortgages or other assets from which payments are passed
through to the owner of, or that collateralize, the securities. These
securities are described below under "Mortgage-Related Securities" and "Other
Asset-Backed Securities."
Derivatives involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than,
the risks presented by more traditional investments. Following is a general
discussion of important risk factors and issues concerning the use of
derivatives that investors should understand before investing in a Fund.
MARKET RISK-This is the general risk attendant to all investments that the
value of a particular investment will change in a way detrimental to the Fund's
interest.
MANAGEMENT RISK-Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that
require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated
with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not
only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without
the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible
market conditions. In particular, the use and complexity of derivatives require
the maintenance of adequate controls to monitor the transactions entered into,
the ability to assess the risk that a derivative adds to a Fund's portfolio,
and the ability to forecast price, interest rate or currency exchange rate
movements correctly.
CREDIT RISK-This is the risk that a loss may be sustained by a Fund as a
result of the failure of another party to a derivative (usually referred to as
a "counterparty") to comply with the terms of the derivative contract. The
credit risk for exchange-traded derivatives is generally less than for
privately negotiated derivatives, since the clearing house, which is the issuer
or counterparty to each exchange-traded derivative, provides a guarantee of
performance. This guarantee is supported by a daily payment system (i.e.,
margin requirements) operated by the clearing house in order to reduce overall
credit risk. For privately negotiated derivatives, there is no similar clearing
agency guarantee. Therefore, the Funds consider the creditworthiness of each
counterparty to a privately negotiated derivative in evaluating potential
credit risk.
LIQUIDITY RISK-Liquidity risk exists when a particular instrument is
difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly
large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many privately
negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or
liquidate a position at an advantageous price.
LEVERAGE RISK-Since many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse
changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, rate or index can result
in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative
itself. In the case of swaps, the risk of loss generally is related to a
notional principal amount, even if the parties have not made any initial
investment. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss,
regardless of the size of the initial investment.
OTHER RISKS-Other risks in using derivatives include the risk of mispricing
or improper valuation of derivatives and the inability of derivatives to
correlate perfectly with underlying assets, rates and indices. Many
derivatives, in particular privately negotiated derivatives, are complex and
often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash
payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a Fund.
Derivatives do not always perfectly or even highly correlate or track the value
of the assets, rates or indices they are designed to closely track.
Consequently, a Fund's use of derivatives may not always be an effective means
of, and sometimes could be counterproductive to, furthering the Fund's
investment objective.
DERIVATIVES USED BY THE FUNDS. Following is a description of specific
derivatives currently used by one or more of the Funds.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. In purchasing an option on securities, a Fund would be
in a position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the price of the
underlying securities 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 not greater than the premium paid for the option. Thus,
a Fund would realize a loss if the price of the underlying security declined or
remained the same (in the case of a call) or increased or remained the same (in
the case of a put) or otherwise did not increase (in the case of a put) or
decrease (in the case of a call) by more than the amount of the premium. If a
put or call option purchased by a Fund were permitted to expire without being
sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund.
25
A Fund may write a put or call option in return for a premium, which is
retained by the Fund whether or not the option is exercised. Except with
respect to uncovered call options written for cross-hedging purposes, none of
the Funds will write uncovered call or put options on securities. 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.
The risk involved in writing an uncovered put option is that there could be a
decrease in the market value of the underlying securities. If this occurred, a
Fund could be obligated to purchase the underlying security at a higher price
than its current market value. Conversely, the risk involved in writing an
uncovered call option is that there could be an increase in the market value of
the underlying security, and a Fund could be obligated to acquire the
underlying security at its current price and sell it at a lower price. The risk
of loss from writing an uncovered put option is limited to the exercise price
of the option, whereas the risk of loss from writing an uncovered call option
is potentially unlimited.
A Fund may write a call option on a security that it does not own in order to
hedge against a decline in the value of a security that it owns or has the
right to acquire, a technique referred to as "cross-hedging." 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
exceeds that to be received from writing a covered call option, while at the
same time achieving the desired hedge. The correlation risk involved in
cross-hedging may be greater than the correlation risk involved with other
hedging strategies.
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, CORPORATE
BOND and HIGH YIELD generally purchase or write privately negotiated options on
securities. A Fund that does so 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. Alliance has
adopted procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such counterparties.
Privately negotiated options purchased or written by a Fund may be illiquid,
and it may not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at an
advantageous time. See "Illiquid Securities" below. Neither MORTGAGE SECURITIES
INCOME nor CORPORATE BOND will purchase an option on a security if, immediately
thereafter, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options purchased by such
Fund would exceed 2% of the Fund's total assets. Nor will either such Fund
write an option if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate value of the Fund's
portfolio securities subject to outstanding options would exceed 15% of the
Fund's total assets.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES INDICES. An option on a securities index is similar to an
option on a security except that, rather than taking or making 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.
OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. A Fund invests in options on foreign currencies
that are privately negotiated or traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges for the
purpose of protecting against declines in the U.S. Dollar value of foreign
currency denominated securities held by a Fund and against increases in the
U.S. Dollar cost of securities to be acquired. The purchase of an option on a
foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in
exchange rates, although if rates move adversely, a Fund may forfeit the entire
amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.
RIGHTS AND WARRANTS. GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may invest in warrants, and
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may invest in rights and warrants, which are option
securities permitting their holders to subscribe for other securities. GLOBAL
DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may invest in warrants, and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may
invest in rights and warrants, for debt securities or for equity securities
that are acquired in connection with debt instruments. Rights are similar to
warrants except that they have a substantially shorter duration. Rights and
warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the
underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result,
an investment in rights and warrants may be considered more speculative than
certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a right or a
warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying
securities, and a right or a warrant ceases to have value if it is not
exercised prior to its expiration date. GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may invest up
to 20% of its total assets in rights and warrants.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Futures contracts that a
Fund may buy and sell may include futures contracts on fixed-income or other
securities or foreign currencies, and contracts based on interest rates or
financial indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities, foreign
government securities or corporate debt securities.
Options on futures contracts are options that call for the delivery of futures
contracts upon exercise. Options on futures contracts written or purchased by a
Fund will be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges and, except with respect to
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, will be used only for
hedging purposes.
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, WORLD INCOME, SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET,
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME and GLOBAL STRATEGIC
INCOME will not enter into a futures contract or write or purchase an option on
a futures contract 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
26
the Fund would exceed 50% of its total assets. MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME will
not write or purchase options on futures contracts. Nor will LIMITED MATURITY
GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, WORLD INCOME, SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET,
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME or GLOBAL STRATEGIC
INCOME enter into a futures contract or, if otherwise permitted, write or
purchase an option on a futures contract, 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. In addition,
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME will not enter into any
futures contract (i) other than one on fixed-income securities or based on
interest rates, or (ii) if immediately thereafter the sum of the then aggregate
futures market prices of financial instruments required to be delivered under
open futures contract sales and the aggregate futures market prices of
instruments required to be delivered under open futures contract purchases
would exceed 30% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
HIGH YIELD will not purchase or sell futures contracts or options on futures
contracts unless either (i) the futures contracts or options thereon are for
"bona fide hedging" purposes (as that term is defined under the Commodities
Futures Trading Commission regulations) or (ii) if for other purposes, the sum
of amounts of initial margin deposits and premiums required to establish
non-hedging positions would not exceed 5% of the Fund's liquidation value.
EURODOLLAR INSTRUMENTS. Eurodollar instruments are essentially U.S.
Dollar-denominated futures contracts or options thereon that are linked to
LIBOR. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate
for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings.
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME intend to use
Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in
LIBOR (to which many short-term borrowings and floating rate securities in
which each Fund invests are linked).
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. Each Fund that purchases or sells
forward contracts on foreign currencies ("forward contracts") attempts to
minimize the risk to it from adverse changes in the relationship between the
U.S. Dollar and other currencies. 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 (a "transaction hedge"). 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 (a "position hedge"). 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 (a
"cross-hedge").
FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Forward commitments are forward contracts for the purchase
or sale of securities, including 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 or approval of a proposed financing by appropriate authorities
(i.e., a "when, as and if issued" trade).
When forward commitments with respect to fixed-income securities are
negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at
the time the commitment is made, but payment for and delivery of 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 accrues to the purchaser
prior to the settlement date. At the time a Fund enters 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 would be canceled if the required conditions did not occur and
the trade were canceled.
The use of forward commitments helps 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 bond
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. No forward commitments will be made by
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR
GOVERNMENT or GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME if, as a result, the Fund's aggregate
forward commitments under such transactions would be more than 25% of the total
assets of GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and 30% of the total assets of each of the
other Funds.
A Fund's right to receive or deliver a security under a forward commitment may
be sold prior to the settlement date. The Funds enter into forward commitments,
however, only with the intention of actually receiving securities or delivering
them, as the case may be. If a Fund, however, 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 realize a gain
or incur a loss.
27
INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS (SWAPS, CAPS AND FLOORS). Each Fund that may enter
into interest rate swap, cap or floor transactions expects to do so primarily
for hedging purposes, which may include preserving a return or spread on a
particular investment or portion of its portfolio or protecting against an
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) computed based on a
contractually-based principal (or "notional") amount. Interest rate swaps are
entered into 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). Interest rate caps and floors are similar to options in that the
purchase of an interest rate cap or floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent
that a specified index exceeds (in the case of a cap) or falls below (in the
case of a floor) a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest
on a notional amount from the party selling the interest rate cap or 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.
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.
SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
INCOME and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may enter into interest rate swaps involving
payments to the same currency or in different currencies. SHORT-TERM U.S.
GOVERNMENT, LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, GLOBAL
DOLLAR GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and CORPORATE BOND 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 NRSRO. Each of SHORT-TERM
MULTI-MARKET, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME and
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME will enter into interest rate swap, cap or floor
transactions with its respective custodian, and with other counterparties, but
only if: (i) for transactions with maturities under one year, such other
counterparty has outstanding prime commercial paper; or (ii) for transactions
with maturities greater than one year, the counterparty has high quality debt
securities outstanding.
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 well established and relatively liquid. Caps and floors are less liquid
than swaps. These transactions do not involve the delivery of securities or
other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, unless there is a
counterparty default, the risk of loss to a Fund from interest rate
transactions is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is
contractually obligated to make.
STANDBY COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS. Standby commitment agreements are similar to put
options that 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. The
Funds will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price considered advantageous
and unavailable on a firm commitment basis. No Fund will enter into a standby
commitment with a remaining term in excess of 45 days. The Funds will limit
their investments in standby commitments so that the aggregate purchase price
of the securities subject to the commitments does not exceed 20% or 25% with
respect to GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, of their respective assets.
There is no guarantee that the security subject to a standby commitment will be
issued. In addition, 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
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.
INDEXED COMMERCIAL PAPER. Indexed commercial paper may have its principal
linked to changes in foreign currency exchange rates whereby its principal
amount is adjusted upwards or downwards (but not below zero) at maturity to
reflect changes in the referenced exchange rate. Each Fund that invests in such
commercial paper may do so without limitation. A Fund will receive interest and
principal payments on such commercial paper in the currency in which such
commercial paper is denominated, but the amount of principal payable by the
issuer at maturity will change in proportion to the change (if any) in the
exchange rate between the two specified currencies between the date the
instrument is issued and the date the instrument matures. While such commercial
paper entails the risk of loss of principal, the potential for realizing gains
as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates enables a Fund to
hedge (or cross-hedge) against a decline in the U.S. Dollar value of
investments denominated in foreign currencies while providing an attractive
money market rate of return. A Fund will purchase such commercial paper for
hedging purposes only, not for speculation.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. U.S. Government securities may be backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States, supported only by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the
28
U.S. Treasury or backed only by the credit of the issuing agency itself. These
securities include:
(i) the following U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States and differ only in their interest rates,
maturities and times of issuance: U.S. Treasury bills (maturities of one year
or less with no interest paid and hence issued at a discount and repaid at full
face value upon maturity), U.S. Treasury notes (maturities of one to ten years
with interest payable every six months) and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally
maturities of greater than ten years with interest payable every six months);
(ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, such as securities issued by GNMA, the Farmers Home Administration,
the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Export-Import Bank, the
General Services Administration and the Small Business Administration; and
(iii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Government, such as securities issued by FNMA and FHLMC, and governmental
CMOs.
The maturities of the U.S. Government securities listed in paragraphs (i) and
(ii) above usually range from three months to 30 years. Such securities, except
GNMA certificates, normally provide for periodic payments of interest in fixed
amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. For
information regarding GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC certificates and CMOs, see
"Mortgage-Related Securities" below.
U.S. Government securities also include zero coupon securities and
principal-only securities and certain SMRS. In addition, other U.S. Government
agencies and instrumentalities have issued stripped securities that are similar
to SMRS. Such securities include those that are issued with an IO class and a
PO class. See "Mortgage-Related Securities" below and "Zero Coupon and
Principal-Only Securities" below. Although these stripped securities are
purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment
banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently
developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and,
accordingly, these securities may be illiquid.
Guarantees of securities by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities guarantee only the payment of principal and interest on the
securities, and do not guarantee the securities' yield or value or the yield or
value of the shares of a Fund that holds the securities.
U.S. Government securities are considered among the safest of fixed-income
investments. As a result, however, their yields are generally lower than the
yields available from other fixed-income securities.
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. The mortgage-related securities in which a Fund
may invest typically are securities representing interests in pools of mortgage
loans made to home owners. The mortgage loan pools may be assembled for sale to
investors (such as a Fund) by governmental or private organizations.
Mortgage-related securities issued by GNMA are backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States; those issued by FNMA and FHLMC are not so backed.
Mortgage-related securities bear interest at either a fixed rate or an
adjustable rate determined by reference to an index rate. Mortgage-related
securities frequently provide for monthly payments that consist of both
interest and principal, unlike more traditional debt securities, which normally
do not provide for periodic repayments of principal.
Securities representing interests in pools created by private issuers generally
offer a higher rate of interest than securities representing interests in pools
created by governmental issuers because there are no direct or indirect
governmental guarantees of the underlying mortgage payments. However, private
issuers sometimes obtain committed loan facilities, lines of credit, letters of
credit, surety bonds or other forms of liquidity and credit enhancement to
support the timely payment of interest and principal with respect to their
securities if the borrowers on the underlying mortgages fail to make their
mortgage payments. The ratings of such non-governmental securities are
generally dependent upon the ratings of the providers of such liquidity and
credit support and would be adversely affected if the rating of such an
enhancer were downgraded. A Fund may buy mortgage-related securities without
credit enhancement if the securities meet the Fund's investment standards.
Although the market for mortgage-related securities is becoming increasingly
liquid, those of certain private organizations may not be readily marketable.
One type of mortgage-related security is of the "pass-through" variety. The
holder of a pass-through security is considered to own an undivided beneficial
interest in the underlying pool of mortgage loans and receives a pro rata share
of the monthly payments made by the borrowers on their mortgage loans, net of
any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities. Prepayments of
mortgages resulting from the sale, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying
properties are also paid to the holders of these securities, which, as
discussed below, frequently causes these securities to experience significantly
greater price and yield volatility than experienced by traditional fixed-income
securities. Some mortgage-related securities, such as securities issued by
GNMA, are referred to as "modified pass-through" securities. The holders of
these securities are entitled to the full and timely payment of principal and
interest, net of certain fees, regardless of whether payments are actually made
on the underlying mortgages.
Another form of mortgage-related security is a "pay-through" security, which is
a debt obligation of the issuer secured by a pool of mortgage loans pledged as
collateral that is legally required to be paid by the issuer regardless of
whether payments are actually made on the underlying mortgages.
29
Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) are the predominant type of
"pay-through" mortgage-related security. In a CMO, a series of bonds or
certificates is issued in multiple classes. Each class of a CMO, often referred
to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific coupon rate and has a stated
maturity or final distribution date. Principal prepayments on collateral
underlying a CMO may cause one or more tranches of the CMO to be retired
substantially earlier than the stated maturities or final distribution dates of
the collateral. The principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may be
allocated among several classes of a series of a CMO in many ways. In a common
structure, payments of principal, including any principal prepayments, on the
underlying mortgages are applied to the classes of the series of a CMO in the
order of their respective stated maturities or final distribution dates, so
that no payment of principal will be made on any class of a CMO until all other
classes having an earlier stated maturity or final distribution date have been
paid in full. One or more tranches of a CMO may have coupon rates that reset
periodically, or "float," at a specified increment over an index such as LIBOR.
Floating-rate CMOs may be backed by fixed or adjustable rate mortgages. To
date, fixed-rate mortgages have been more commonly utilized for this purpose.
Floating-rate CMOs are typically issued with lifetime caps on the coupon rate
thereon. These caps, similar to the caps on adjustable-rate mortgages described
below, represent a ceiling beyond which the coupon rate on a floating-rate CMO
may not be increased regardless of increases in the interest rate index to
which the floating-rate CMO is tied. The collateral securing the CMOs may
consist of a pool of mortgages, but may also consist of mortgage-backed bonds
or pass-through securities. CMOs may be issued by a U.S. Government
instrumentality or agency or by a private issuer. Although payment of the
principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately
issued CMOs may be guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, these CMOs represent
obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by
GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC, any other governmental agency or any other person or entity.
Another type of mortgage-related security, known as adjustable-rate mortgage
securities (ARMS), bears interest at a rate determined by reference to a
predetermined interest rate or index. There are two main categories of rates or
indices: (i) rates based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities and (ii)
indices derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of funds index or a
moving average of mortgage rates. Some rates and indices closely mirror changes
in market interest rate levels, while others tend to lag changes in market rate
levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile.
ARMS may be secured by fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable-rate mortgages. ARMS
secured by fixed-rate mortgages generally have lifetime caps on the coupon
rates of the securities. To the extent that general interest rates increase
faster than the interest rates on the ARMS, these ARMS will decline in value.
The adjustable-rate mortgages that secure ARMS will frequently have caps that
limit the maximum amount by which the interest rate or the monthly principal
and interest payments on the mortgages may increase. These payment caps can
result in negative amortization (i.e., an increase in the balance of the
mortgage loan). Furthermore, since many adjustable-rate mortgages only reset on
an annual basis, the values of ARMS tend to fluctuate to the extent that
changes in prevailing interest rates are not immediately reflected in the
interest rates payable on the underlying adjustable-rate mortgages.
Stripped mortgage-related securities (SMRS) are mortgage-related securities
that are usually structured with two classes of securities collateralized by a
pool of mortgages or a pool of mortgaged-backed bonds or pass-through
securities, with each class receiving different proportions of the principal
and interest payments from the underlying assets. A common type of SMRS has one
class of interest-only securities (IOs) receiving all of the interest payments
from the underlying assets; while the other class of securities, principal-only
securities (POs), receives all of the principal payments from the underlying
assets. IOs and POs are extremely sensitive to interest rate changes and are
more volatile than mortgage-related securities that are not stripped. IOs tend
to decrease in value as interest rates decrease, while POs generally increase
in value as interest rates decrease. If prepayments of the underlying mortgages
are greater than anticipated, the amount of interest earned on the overall pool
will decrease due to the decreasing principal balance of the assets. Changes in
the values of IOs and POs can be substantial and occur quickly, such as
occurred in the first half of 1994 when the value of many POs dropped
precipitously due to increases in interest rates. For this reason, none of the
Funds relies on IOs and POs as the principal means of furthering its investment
objective.
The value of mortgage-related securities is affected by a number of factors.
Unlike traditional debt securities, which have fixed maturity dates,
mortgage-related securities may be paid earlier than expected as a result of
prepayments of underlying mortgages. Such prepayments generally occur during
periods of falling mortgage interest rates. If property owners make unscheduled
prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will result in the early
payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. In that event, a Fund
may be unable to invest the proceeds from the early payment of the
mortgage-related securities in investments that provide as high a yield as the
mortgage-related securities. Early payments associated with mortgage-related
securities causes these securities to experience significantly greater price
and yield volatility than is experienced by traditional fixed-income
securities. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by the level of
general interest rates, general economic conditions and other social and
demographic factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of
mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of
mortgage-related securities. Conversely, during periods of rising interest
rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective life of
mortgage-related securities, subjecting them to greater risk of decline in
market value in response to rising interest rates. If the life of a
mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, a Fund may not be able to
realize the rate of return it expected.
30
As with fixed-income securities generally, the value of mortgage-related
securities can also be adversely affected by increases in general interest
rates relative to the yield provided by such securities. Such an adverse effect
is especially possible with fixed-rate mortgage securities. If the yield
available on other investments rises above the yield of the fixed-rate mortgage
securities as a result of general increases in interest rate levels, the value
of the mortgage-related securities will decline. Although the negative effect
could be lessened if the mortgage-related securities were to be paid earlier
(thus permitting a Fund to reinvest the prepayment proceeds in investments
yielding the higher current interest rate), as described above the rate of
mortgage prepayments and early payments of mortgage-related securities
generally tend to decline during a period of rising interest rates.
Although the values of ARMS may not be affected as much as the values of
fixed-rate mortgage securities by rising interest rates, ARMS may still decline
in value as a result of rising interest rates. Although, as described above,
the yields on ARMS vary with changes in the applicable interest rate or index,
there is often a lag between increases in general interest rates and increases
in the yield on ARMS as a result of relatively infrequent interest rate reset
dates. In addition, adjustable-rate mortgages and ARMS often have interest rate
or payment caps that limit the ability of the adjustable-rate mortgages or ARMS
to fully reflect increases in the general level of interest rates.
OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The securitization techniques used to develop
mortgage-related securities are being applied to a broad range of financial
assets. Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various
types of assets, including automobile loans and leases, credit card
receivables, home equity loans, equipment leases and trade receivables, are
being securitized in structures similar to the structures used in mortgage
securitizations. These asset-backed securities are subject to risks associated
with changes in interest rates and prepayment of underlying obligations similar
to the risks of investment in mortgage-related securities discussed above.
Each type of asset-backed security also entails unique risks depending on the
type of assets involved and the legal structure used. For example, credit card
receivables are generally unsecured obligations of the credit card holder and
the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal
consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off
certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due.
There have also been proposals to cap the interest rate that a credit card
issuer may charge. In some transactions, the value of the asset-backed security
is dependent on the performance of a third party acting as credit enhancer or
servicer. Furthermore, in some transactions (such as those involving the
securitization of vehicle loans or leases) it may be administratively
burdensome to perfect the interest of the security issuer in the underlying
collateral and the underlying collateral may become damaged or stolen.
ZERO COUPON AND PRINCIPAL-ONLY SECURITIES. Zero coupon securities and
principal-only (PO) securities are debt securities that have been issued
without interest coupons or stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, and
include receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt
obligations and coupons. Such a security pays no interest to its holder during
its life. Its value to an investor consists of the difference between its face
value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which is
generally an amount significantly less than its face value. Such securities
usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and are subject
to greater fluctuations in market value in response to changing interest rates
than debt obligations of comparable maturities and credit quality that make
current distributions of interest. On the other hand, because there are no
periodic interest payments to be reinvested prior to maturity, these securities
eliminate reinvestment risk and "lock in" a rate of return to maturity.
Zero coupon Treasury securities are U.S. Treasury bills issued without interest
coupons. Principal-only Treasury securities are U.S. Treasury notes and bonds
that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, and receipts or
certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations and
coupons. Currently the only U.S. Treasury security issued without coupons is
the Treasury bill. Although the U.S. Treasury does not itself issue Treasury
notes and bonds without coupons, under the U.S. Treasury STRIPS program
interest and principal payments on certain long-term Treasury securities may be
maintained separately in the Federal Reserve book entry system and may be
separately traded and owned. In addition, in the last few years a number of
banks and brokerage firms have separated ("stripped") the principal portions
from the coupon portions of U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and sold them
separately in the form of receipts or certificates representing undivided
interests in these instruments (which instruments are generally held by a bank
in a custodial or trust account). The staff of the Commission has indicated
that, in its view, these receipts or certificates should be considered as
securities issued by the bank or brokerage firm involved and, therefore, should
not be included in a Fund's categorization of U.S. Government securities. The
Funds disagree with the staff's position but will not treat such securities as
U.S. Government securities until final resolution of the issue.
Current federal tax law requires that a holder (such as a Fund) of a zero
coupon security accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was
purchased as income each year even though the holder receives no interest
payment in cash on the security during the year. As a result, in order to make
the distributions necessary for a Fund not to be subject to federal income or
excise taxes, the Fund might be required to pay out as an income distribution
each year an amount, obtained by liquidation of portfolio securities or
borrowings if necessary, greater than the total amount of cash that the Fund
has
31
actually received as interest during the year. Each Fund believes, however,
that it is highly unlikely that it would be necessary to liquidate portfolio
securities or borrow money in order to make such required distributions or to
meet its investment objective. For a discussion of the tax treatment of zero
coupon Treasury securities, see "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes-Zero Coupon
Treasury Securities" in the Statement of Additional Information of each Fund
that is permitted to invest in such securities.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and CORPORATE BOND may also invest in "pay-in-kind"
debentures (i.e., debt obligations the interest on which may be paid in the
form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which have
characteristics similar to zero coupon securities.
VARIABLE, FLOATING AND INVERSE FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS. Fixed-income
securities may have fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Variable and
floating rate securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically,
according to a specified formula. A "variable" interest rate adjusts at
predetermined intervals (e.g., daily, weekly or monthly), while a "floating"
interest rate adjusts whenever a specified benchmark rate (such as the bank
prime lending rate) changes.
A Fund may invest in fixed-income securities that pay interest at a coupon rate
equal to a base rate, plus additional interest for a certain period of time if
short-term interest rates rise above a predetermined level or "cap." The amount
of such an additional interest payment typically is calculated under a formula
based on a short-term interest rate index multiplied by a designated factor.
Leveraged inverse floating rate debt instruments are sometimes known as inverse
floaters. The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite
direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is
indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent
that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the
change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in
inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in market value, such
that, during periods of rising interest rates, the market values of inverse
floaters will tend to decrease more rapidly than those of fixed rate securities.
STRUCTURED SECURITIES. Structured securities in which GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT,
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and CORPORATE BOND may invest represent interests in
entities organized and operated solely for the purpose of restructuring the
investment characteristics of sovereign debt obligations, with respect to
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, or foreign government
securities, with respect to CORPORATE BOND. This type of restructuring involves
the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, of
specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans or Brady Bonds) and the
issuance by that entity of one or more classes of structured securities backed
by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on
the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured
securities to create securities with different investment characteristics such
as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the
extent of the payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent
on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Because
structured securities typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit
risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments.
Structured securities of a given class may be either subordinated or
unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated
structured securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks
than unsubordinated structured securities. GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may invest
up to 25% of its total assets, and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and CORPORATE BOND
may invest without limit, in these types of structured securities.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. A Fund's investments in loans are expected
in most instances to be in the form of participations in loans and assignments
of all or a portion of loans from third parties. A Fund's investment in loan
participations typically will result in the Fund having a contractual
relationship only with the lender and not with the borrower. A Fund will
acquire participations only if the lender interpositioned between the Fund and
the borrower is a lender having total assets of more than $25 billion and whose
senior unsecured debt is rated investment grade or higher. When a Fund
purchases a loan assignment from a lender it will acquire direct rights against
the borrower on the loan. Because loan assignments are arranged through private
negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the
rights and obligations acquired by a Fund as the purchaser of an assignment may
differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
The assignability of certain sovereign debt obligations, with respect to GLOBAL
DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, or foreign government
securities, with respect to CORPORATE BOND and HIGH YIELD, is restricted by the
governing documentation as to the nature of the assignee such that the only way
in which the Fund may acquire an interest in a loan is through a participation
and not an assignment. A Fund may have difficulty disposing of assignments and
participations because to do so it will have to assign such securities to a
third party. Because there may not be a liquid market for such investments,
they can probably be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors.
The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse effect on the value
of such investments and a Fund's ability to dispose of particular
participations and assignments when necessary to meet its liquidity needs in
response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market for
participations and assignments also may make it more difficult for the Fund to
assign a value to these investments for purposes of valuing the Fund's
portfolio and calculating its net asset value.
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may invest up to 25%, and
CORPORATE BOND may invest up to 15%, of their total assets, in loan
participations and assignments.
32
The government that is the borrower on the loan will be considered by a Fund to
be the issuer of a loan participation or assignment for purposes of its
fundamental investment policy that it may not invest 25% or more of its total
assets in securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities
in the same industry (i.e., foreign government).
BRADY BONDS. Brady Bonds are created through the exchange of existing
commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new obligations in connection
with debt restructurings under a plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of
the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan"). Brady Bonds have been
issued only recently, and, accordingly, do not have a long payment history.
They may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies
(although most are U.S. Dollar-denominated) and they are actively traded in the
over-the-counter secondary market.
U.S. Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed-rate
par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full
as to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations that
have the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady
Bonds generally are collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in
the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest
payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at
regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to "value
recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute
supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Brady
Bonds are often viewed as having up to four valuation components: (i)
collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity, (ii) collateralized
interest payments, (iii) uncollateralized interest payments, and (iv) any
uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect
to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of
the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as
collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors,
nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral
will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted
Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face
amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments that would have then
been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the
residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults
with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of
countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as
speculative.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Convertible securities include bonds, debentures,
corporate notes and preferred stocks that are convertible into common stock.
Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the same general
characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which provide a stable
stream of income with generally higher yields 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 enable investors 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 may share some or all of the risks of debt securities with
those ratings. For a description of these risks, see "Risk
Considerations-Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities."
SHORT SALES. A short sale is effected by selling a security that a Fund does
not own, or if the Fund owns the security, it is not to be delivered upon
consummation of the sale. A short sale is "against the box" if a Fund owns or
has the right to obtain without payment securities identical to those sold
short. SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT each may make
short sales only against the box and only for the purpose of deferring
realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition,
each of these Funds may not make a short sale if, as a result, more than 10% of
net assets (taken at market value), with respect to GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT,
and 10% of total assets, with respect to SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, would be
held as collateral for short sales.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may make a short sale in anticipation that the market
price of that security will decline. When the Fund makes a short sale of a
security that it does not own, it must borrow from a broker-dealer the security
sold short and deliver the security to the broker-dealer upon conclusion of the
short sale. The Fund may be required to pay a fee to borrow particular
securities and is often obligated to pay over any payments received on such
borrowed securities. The Fund's obligation to replace the borrowed security
will be secured by collateral deposited with a broker-dealer qualified as a
custodian. Depending on the arrangements the Fund makes with the broker-dealer
from which it borrowed the security regarding remittance of any payments
received by the Fund on such security, the Fund may not receive any payments
(including interest) on its collateral deposited with the broker-dealer.
In order to defer realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may also make short sales "against the box."
The Fund may not make a short sale, if as a result, more than 25% of its total
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 short-term
capital gain.
33
Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs
described above. Although a Fund's gain is limited to the price at which it
sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited.
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.
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. A Fund requires continual
maintenance of collateral in an amount equal to, or in excess of, the resale
price. 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. There is no
percentage restriction on any Fund's ability to enter into repurchase
agreements, except that SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT may enter into repurchase
agreements on not more than 25% of its total assets. The Funds may enter into
repurchase agreements with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or
"primary dealers" (as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York),
although LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, WORLD INCOME, SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET,
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME and GLOBAL DOLLAR
GOVERNMENT currently enter into repurchase agreements only with their
custodians and such primary dealers.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve sales by a Fund of portfolio assets concurrently with an agreement by
the Fund to repurchase the same assets at a later date at a fixed price. During
the reverse repurchase agreement period, the Fund continues to receive
principal and interest payments on these securities. Generally, the effect of
such a transaction is that a Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested
in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase
agreement, while it will be able to keep the interest income associated with
those portfolio securities. Such transactions are advantageous only if the
interest cost to a Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the
cost of otherwise obtaining the cash.
Dollar rolls involve sales by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current
month and the Fund's simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially
similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During
the roll period, a Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities.
A Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the
lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop")
as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale.
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls involve the risk that the market
value of the securities a Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement
may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities
under a reverse repurchase agreement or dollar roll files for bankruptcy or
becomes insolvent, a Fund's use of the proceeds of the agreement may be
restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or
receiver, whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities.
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls are speculative techniques and
are considered borrowings by the Funds. SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT may enter
into reverse repurchase agreements with commercial banks and registered
broker-dealers in order to increase income, in an amount up to 33-1/3% of its
total assets. Under normal circumstances, LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT does not
expect to engage in reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls with respect
to greater than 50% of its total assets. Reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls together with any borrowings by GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT will not
exceed 33% of its total assets less liabilities (other than amounts borrowed).
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with
commercial banks and registered broker-dealers in order to increase income, in
an amount up to 25% of its total assets. Reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls together with any borrowings by GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME will not
exceed 25% of its total assets. See "Risk Considerations-Effects of Borrowing."
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. A Fund may make secured loans of portfolio
securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, provided that cash,
liquid high grade debt securities or bank letters of credit equal to at least
100% of the market value of the securities loaned is deposited and maintained
by the borrower with the Fund. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as
with other secured extensions of credit, consist of 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 portfolio securities in excess of 50%, with
respect to HIGH YIELD, 25%, with respect to SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT and
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, and 20%, with
34
respect to each of LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME,
WORLD INCOME, SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME and GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT, of its total assets, nor will a
Fund lend portfolio securities to any officer, director, employee or affiliate
of the Fund or Alliance.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Subject to any more restrictive applicable investment
policies, 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 currency swaps and any assets used to cover currency
swaps, (ii) over-the-counter options and assets used to cover over-the-counter
options, and (iii) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days. Rule
144A securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have
a readily available market are not deemed illiquid. Alliance will monitor the
liquidity of each Fund's Rule 144A portfolio securities under the supervision
of the Directors of that Fund. A Fund that invests in illiquid securities may
not be able to sell such securities and may not be able to realize their full
value upon sale.
INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may invest
in other investment companies whose investment objectives and policies are
consistent with those of the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest not
more than 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies.
In addition, under the 1940 Act the Fund may not own more than 3% of the total
outstanding voting stock of any investment company and not more than 5% of the
value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of any
investment company. If the Fund acquired shares in investment companies,
shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund
(including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such
investment companies (including management and advisory fees).
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 are different from
or exceed those involved in the practices 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 in which a Fund may invest while in a temporary defensive position,
see the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. Portfolio turnover rates are set forth under "Financial
Highlights." These rates of portfolio turnover are greater than those of most
other investment companies. 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.
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT 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 the 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.
U.S. GOVERNMENT may not (i) borrow money except from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes and then only in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of
its total assets at the time the borrowing is made, (ii) make loans to other
persons, (iii) effect a short sale of any security, (iv) purchase securities on
margin, but it may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of securities, or (v) write, purchase or sell
puts, calls or combinations thereof.
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT may not (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets
in the securities of any one issuer or own more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer (other than U.S. Government securities),
except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to the 5% and 10% limitations, (ii) 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 investments in the
mortgage and mortgage-financed industry (in which more than 25% of the value of
the Fund's total assets will, except for temporary defensive positions, be
invested) or U.S. Government securities, (iii) borrow money except from banks
for emergency or temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value
of the total assets of the Fund, except that the Fund may engage in reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls in an amount up to 50% of the Fund's
total assets, and (iv) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its
assets, except to secure permitted borrowings.
35
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME may not (i) invest more than 5% of the value of its
total assets in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
securities), except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may
be invested without regard to this limitation, (ii) invest more than 25% of the
value of its total assets in the securities of issuers conducting their
principal business activities in a single industry, except that this limitation
shall not apply to investments in the mortgage and mortgage-financed industry
(in which more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets will, except
for temporary defensive positions, be invested) or U.S. Government securities,
(iii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes,
including the meeting of redemption requests which 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
value 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 subsequent investments are made, (iv) pledge,
hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except in an amount of
not more than 15% of the value of its total assets to secure borrowings for
temporary or emergency purposes and except as provided in (vi) below, provided,
however, that this limitation does not apply to deposits made in connection
with the entering into and holding of interest rate futures contracts, (v)
invest more than 10% of the value of its total assets in the aggregate in
illiquid securities or other illiquid investments and repurchase agreements
maturing in more than seven days, or (vi) lend its portfolio securities if
immediately after such a loan more than 20% of the value of the Fund's total
assets would be subject to such loans.
WORLD INCOME may not (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities
of companies engaged principally in any one industry other than the banking
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 which 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 value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is
made; securities will not be purchased while borrowings in excess of 5% of the
value of the Fund's total assets are outstanding, or (iii) pledge, hypothecate,
mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted
borrowings.
SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET may not (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of companies engaged principally in any one industry other than the
banking 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 which 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 value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount
borrowed) less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the
borrowing is made; securities will not be purchased while borrowings in excess
of 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets are outstanding, or (iii) pledge,
hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings.
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY may not (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of companies engaged principally in any one industry other than the
banking industry, except that this restriction does not apply to U.S.
Government securities, (ii) borrow money, except the Fund may, in accordance
with provisions of the 1940 Act, (a) borrow from a bank, if after such
borrowing, there is asset coverage of at least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act,
and (b) borrow for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding
5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund, or (iii) pledge, hypothecate,
mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted
borrowings.
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME 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 that the Fund may, in accordance with provisions of the
1940 Act, (a) borrow from a bank, if after such borrowing, there is asset
coverage of at least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act, and (b) borrow for
temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of
the total assets of the Fund, or (iii) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or
otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings.
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may not (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in any
one industry, except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government
securities, (ii) purchase more than 10% of any class of the voting securities
of any one issuer, (iii) borrow money, except the Fund may, in accordance with
provisions of the 1940 Act, (a) borrow from a bank, if after such borrowing,
there is asset coverage of at least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act, (b) borrow
for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value
of the total assets of the Fund, and (c) enter into reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar rolls, (iv) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise
encumber its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings, 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 more than 3% of the
total outstanding voting stock of any 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 investment companies.
36
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may not (i) borrow money, except the Fund may, in
accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act, (a) borrow from a bank, if after
such borrowing there is asset coverage of at least 300% as defined in the 1940
Act, (b) borrow for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding
5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund, and (c) enter into reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls, or (ii) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage
or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings.
CORPORATE BOND may not (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer other than U.S. Government securities, or (ii) own
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer.
HIGH YIELD may not (i) invest in any one industry if that investment would make
the Fund's holding in that industry exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets and
(ii) will not make an investment unless, when considering all its other
investments, 75% of the value of its assets would consist of cash, cash items,
U.S. Government Securities, securities of other investment companies and other
securities.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
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 will change
as the general level of interest rates fluctuates. During periods of falling
interest rates, the values of a Fund's securities will generally rise, although
if falling interest rates are viewed as a precursor to a recession, the values
of a Fund's securities may fall along with interest rates. Conversely, during
periods of rising interest rates, the values of a Fund's securities will
generally decline. Changes in interest rates have a greater effect on
fixed-income securities with longer maturities and durations than those with
shorter maturities and durations.
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 will be reflected in the net asset value of a
Fund.
U.S. CORPORATE FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. The U.S. corporate fixed-income
securities in which GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and HIGH YIELD invest may include
securities issued in connection with corporate restructurings such as takeovers
or leveraged buyouts, which may pose particular risks. Securities issued to
finance corporate restructurings may have special credit risks due to the
highly leveraged conditions of the issuer. In addition, such issuers may lose
experienced management as a result of the restructuring. Furthermore, the
market price of such securities may be more volatile to the extent that
expected benefits from the restructuring do not materialize. The Funds may also
invest in U.S. corporate fixed-income securities that are not current in the
payment of interest or principal or are in default, so long as Alliance
believes such investment is consistent with the Fund's investment objectives.
The Funds' rights with respect to defaults on such securities will be subject
to applicable U.S. bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws.
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 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 registration,
custody and settlements may in some instances be subject to delays and legal
and administrative uncertainties. Furthermore, foreign investment in the
securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to
varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude
investment in certain securities and may increase the cost and expenses of a
Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income, capital or the
proceeds of sales of securities from certain of the 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 or seek local governmental approvals or other actions, any of 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 U.S.
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 most U.S. issuers.
37
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 that country. In the event of nationalization,
expropriation or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment in
securities 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.
WORLD INCOME may invest a portion of its net assets in securities denominated
in the ECU. There are risks associated with concentration of investments in a
particular region of the world such as Western Europe since the economies and
markets of the countries in the region tend to be interrelated and may be
adversely affected by political, economic and other events in a similar manner.
Alliance believes that, except for currency fluctuations between the U.S.
Dollar and the Canadian Dollar, the matters described above are not likely to
have a material adverse effect on NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME'S
investments in the securities of Canadian issuers or investments denominated in
Canadian Dollars. The factors described above are more likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Fund's investments in the securities of Mexican
and other non-Canadian foreign issuers, including investments in securities
denominated in Mexican Pesos or other non-Canadian foreign currencies. If not
hedged, however, currency fluctuations could affect the unrealized appreciation
and depreciation of Canadian Government securities as expressed in U.S. Dollars.
CURRENCY CONSIDERATIONS. Those Funds that invest some portion of their assets
in securities denominated in, and receive revenues in, foreign currencies will
be adversely affected by reductions in the value of those currencies relative
to the U.S. Dollar. These changes will affect a Fund's net assets,
distributions and income. If the value of the foreign currencies in which a
Fund receives income falls relative to the U.S. Dollar between receipt of the
income and the making of Fund distributions, a Fund may be required to
liquidate securities in order to make distributions if the Fund has
insufficient cash in U.S. Dollars to meet the 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.
SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS. No established secondary markets may exist for many
of the sovereign debt obligations in which GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL
STRATEGIC INCOME will invest. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have an
adverse effect on the market price and a Fund's ability to dispose of
particular instruments when necessary to meet its liquidity requirements or in
response to specific economic events such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain
sovereign debt obligations may also make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain
accurate market quotations for the purpose of valuing its portfolio. Market
quotations are generally available on many sovereign debt obligations only from
a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of
those dealers or prices for actual sales.
By investing in sovereign debt obligations, the Funds will be exposed to the
direct or indirect consequences of political, social and economic changes in
various countries. Political changes in a country may affect the willingness of
a foreign government to make or provide for timely payments of its obligations.
The country's economic status, as reflected, among other things, in its
inflation rate, the amount of its external debt and its gross domestic product,
will also affect the government's ability to honor its obligations.
The sovereign debt obligations in which the Funds will invest in many cases
pertain to countries that are among the world's largest debtors to commercial
banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations and other
financial institutions. In recent years, the governments of some of these
countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their external debt
obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring
of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other
things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by
negotiating new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding
principal and unpaid interest to Brady Bonds, and obtaining new credit to
finance interest payments. Certain governments have not been able to make
payments of interest on or principal of sovereign debt obligations as those
payments have come due. Obligations arising from past restructuring agreements
may affect the economic performance and political and social stability of those
issuers.
The ability of governments to make timely payments on their obligations is
likely to be influenced strongly by the issuer's balance of payments, including
export performance, and its access to international credits and investments. To
the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in currencies other
than dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in dollars could be
adversely affected. To the extent that a country develops a trade deficit, it
will need to depend on continuing loans from foreign governments, multi-lateral
organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from foreign
governments and on inflows of foreign
38
investment. The access of a country to these forms of external funding may not
be certain, and a withdrawal of external funding could adversely affect the
capacity of a government to make payments on its obligations. In addition, the
cost of servicing debt obligations can be affected by a change in international
interest rates since the majority of these obligations carry interest rates
that are adjusted periodically based upon international rates.
The Funds are permitted to invest in sovereign debt obligations that are not
current in the payment of interest or principal or are in default so long as
Alliance believes it to be consistent with the Funds' investment objectives.
The Funds may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default with
respect to certain sovereign debt obligations it holds. For example, remedies
from defaults on certain sovereign debt obligations, unlike those on private
debt, must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party
itself. Legal recourse therefore may be significantly diminished. Bankruptcy,
moratorium and other similar laws applicable to issuers of sovereign debt
obligations may be substantially different from those applicable to issuers of
private debt obligations. The political context, expressed as the willingness
of an issuer of sovereign debt obligations to meet the terms of the debt
obligation, for example, is of considerable importance. In addition, no
assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not
contest payments to the holders of securities issued by foreign governments in
the event of default under commercial bank loan agreements.
EFFECTS OF BORROWING. A Fund's loan agreements provide for additional
borrowings and for repayments and reborrowings from time to time, and each Fund
that may borrow expects to effect borrowings and repayments at such times and
in such amounts as will maintain investment leverage in an amount approximately
equal to its borrowing target. The loan agreements provide for a selection of
interest rates that are based on the bank's short-term funding costs in the
U.S. and London markets.
Borrowings by a Fund result in leveraging of the Fund's shares of common stock.
Utilization of leverage, which is usually considered speculative, however,
involves certain risks to a Fund's shareholders. These include a higher
volatility of the net asset value of a Fund's shares of common stock and the
relatively greater effect on the net asset value of the shares. So long as a
Fund is able to realize a net return on its investment portfolio that is higher
than the interest expense paid on borrowings, the effect of leverage will be to
cause the Fund's shareholders to realize a higher current net investment income
than if the Fund were not leveraged. On the other hand, interest rates on U.S.
Dollar-denominated and foreign currency-denominated obligations change from
time to time as does their relationship to each other, depending upon such
factors as supply and demand forces, monetary and tax policies within each
country and investor expectations. Changes in such factors could cause the
relationship between such rates to change so that rates on U.S.
Dollar-denominated obligations may substantially increase relative to the
foreign currency-denominated obligations in which the Fund may be invested. To
the extent that the interest expense on borrowings approaches the net return on
a Fund's investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the Fund's
shareholders will be reduced, and if the interest expense on borrowings were to
exceed the net return to shareholders, a Fund's use of leverage would result in
a lower rate of return than if a Fund were not leveraged. Similarly, the effect
of leverage in a declining market could be a greater decrease in net asset
value per share than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case if a
Fund's current investment income were not sufficient to meet the interest
expense on borrowings, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain
of its investments, thereby reducing the net asset value of a Fund's shares.
In the event of an increase in rates on U.S. Government securities or other
changed market conditions, to the point where leverage by MULTI-MARKET
STRATEGY, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME or NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME could
adversely affect the Funds' shareholders, as noted above, or in anticipation of
such changes, each Fund may increase the percentage of its investment portfolio
invested in U.S. Government securities, which would tend to offset the negative
impact of leverage on Fund shareholders. Each Fund may also reduce the degree
to which it is leveraged by repaying amounts borrowed.
Under the 1940 Act, a Fund is not permitted to borrow unless immediately after
such borrowing there is "asset coverage," as that term is defined and used in
the 1940 Act, of at least 300% for all borrowings of the Fund. In addition,
under the 1940 Act, in the event asset coverage falls below 300%, a Fund must
within three days reduce the amount of its borrowing to such an extent that the
asset coverage of its borrowings is at least 300%. Assuming, for example,
outstanding borrowings representing not more than one-third of a Fund's total
assets less liabilities (other than such borrowings), the asset coverage of the
Fund's portfolio would be 300%; while outstanding borrowings representing 25%
of the Fund's total assets less liabilities (other than such borrowings), the
asset coverage of the Fund's portfolio would be 400%. A Fund will maintain
asset coverage of outstanding borrowings of at least 300% and if necessary
will, to the extent possible, reduce the amounts borrowed by making repayments
from time to time in order to do so. Such repayments could require a Fund to
sell portfolio securities at times considered disadvantageous by Alliance and
such sales could cause the Fund to incur related transaction costs and to
realize gains on securities held for less than three months. Until the start
of a Fund's first tax year beginning after August 5, 1997, not more than 30%
of a Fund's gross income may be derived from the sale or disposition of stocks
and securities held for less than three months to maintain the Fund's tax
status as a regulated investment company. Such gains would limit the ability
of a Fund to sell other securities held for less than three months that a Fund
might wish to sell in the ordinary course of its portfolio management and
thus might adversely affect the Fund's yield. See "Dividends, Distributions
and Taxes."
39
Each of MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL
STRATEGIC INCOME and GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may borrow to repurchase its
shares or to meet redemption requests. In addition, each Fund may borrow for
temporary purposes (including the purposes mentioned in the preceding sentence)
in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the assets of the Fund.
Borrowings for temporary purposes are not subject to the 300% asset average
limit described above. See "Certain Fundamental Investment Policies."
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY,
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC
INCOME may also borrow through the use of reverse repurchase agreements, and
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT, LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC
INCOME also through the use of dollar rolls to the extent permitted by the 1940
Act. See "Investment Objectives and Policies-Reverse Repurchase Agreements and
Dollar Rolls."
INVESTMENT IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY. Due to the investment policies of
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, WORLD INCOME and SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET with respect to
investments in the banking industry, those Funds will have greater exposure to
the risk factors which are characteristic of such investments. In particular,
the value of and investment return on each Fund's shares will be affected by
economic or regulatory developments in or related to the banking industry.
Sustained increases in interest rates can adversely affect the availability and
cost of funds for a bank's lending activities, and a deterioration in general
economic conditions could increase the exposure to credit losses. The banking
industry is also subject to the effects of: the concentration of loan
portfolios in particular business such as real estate, energy, agriculture or
high technology-related companies; national and local regulation; and
competition within those industries as well as with other types of financial
institutions. In addition, each Fund's investments in commercial banks located
in several foreign countries are subject to additional risks due to the
combination in such banks of commercial banking and diversified securities
activities. As discussed above, however, the Funds will seek to minimize their
exposure to such risks by investing only in debt securities which are
determined to be of high quality.
SECURITIES RATINGS. The ratings of fixed-income 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.
INVESTMENT IN FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES RATED BAA AND BBB. Securities rated Baa
or BBB are considered to have speculative characteristics and share some of the
same characteristics as lower-rated securities, as described below. 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.
INVESTMENT IN LOWER-RATED FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. Lower-rated securities 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. Securities rated Ba or BB are judged to have
speculative elements or to be predominantly speculative with respect to the
issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal. Securities rated B are
judged to have highly speculative elements or to be predominantly speculative.
Such securities may have small assurance of interest and principal payments.
Securities rated Baa by Moody's are also judged to have speculative
characteristics.
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.
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 considering investments for the Fund,
Alliance will attempt to identify those high-yielding securities whose
financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is
expected to improve in the future. Alliance's analysis focuses on relative
values based on such factors as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage,
earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
NON-RATED SECURITIES. Non-rated securities will also be considered for
investment by NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT,
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, CORPORATE BOND and HIGH YIELD when Alliance believes
that the financial condition of the issuers of such securities, or the
protection afforded by the terms of the securities themselves, limits the risk
to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities which are
consistent with the Fund's objective and policies.
40
NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Each of WORLD INCOME, SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET,
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR
GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME 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,
each 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 are not subject to these limitations. Because each of
WORLD INCOME, SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME 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. In this regard sovereign debt obligations issued by
different issuers located in the same country are often treated as issued by a
single issuer for purposes of these diversification tests. Certain issuers of
structured securities and loan participations may be treated as separate
issuers for the purposes of these tests. Accordingly, in order to meet the
diversification tests and thereby maintain its status as a regulated investment
company, each of GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
will be required to diversify its portfolio of foreign government securities in
a manner which would not be necessary if the Fund had made similar investments
in U.S. Government securities.
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
calculated 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 (except WORLD INCOME)
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 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 (except WORLD INCOME) offers three classes of shares through this
Prospectus, Class A, Class B and Class C. WORLD INCOME offers only one class of
shares, which may be purchased without any initial sales charge or contingent
deferred sales charge ("CDSC"). 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:
Initial Sales Charge
as % of Commission to
Net Amount as % of Dealer/Agent as %
Amount Purchased Invested Offering Price of Offering Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
On purchases of $1,000,000 or more, you pay no initial sales charge but may pay
a 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.
41
CLASS B SHARES-DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE
You can purchase Class B shares at net asset value without an initial sales
charge. However, you may pay a CDSC if you redeem shares within three years
(four years in the case of GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and HIGH YIELD) 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 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.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and HIGH YIELD:
Year Since Purchase CDSC
First 4.00%
Second 3.00%
Third 2.00%
Fourth 1.00%
Fifth and thereafter None
ALL OTHER FUNDS:
Year Since Purchase CDSC
First 3.0%
Second 2.0%
Third 1.0%
Fourth and thereafter None
Class B shares are subject to higher distribution fees than Class A shares for
a period of six years, eight years in the case of GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and
HIGH YIELD, (after which they convert to Class A shares). 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 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 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 or Trustees believe accurately reflect 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 of
shares of the Funds, 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 addition, the Class A, Class B and Class C CDSC may be waived for
investments made through such Employee Benefit Plans.
GENERAL
The decision as to which class of shares is most 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, as long as the shares are held
for one year or more, no CDSC. 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.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and HIGH YIELD FUND offer a fourth class of shares,
Advisor Class shares, by means of separate prospectuses. 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 prospectuses 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 may 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
42
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, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
(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 nominees 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. Some
services are described in the attached Subscription Application. A shareholder
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 WORLD INCOME for Class A shares of other
Alliance Mutual Funds and shares of most Alliance money market funds. You may
exchange your shares of any other 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.
43
Shares will continue to age without regard to exchanges for the 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 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 or Trustees of
the Fund.
Alliance is a leading international investment manager supervising client
accounts with assets as of June 30, 1997 totaling more than $199 billion (of
which more than $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 retained as an investment
manager for 29 of the Fortune 100 companies.
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("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, a French insurance holding
company. Certain information concerning the ownership and control of Equitable
by AXA is set forth in each Fund's Statement of Additional Information under
"Management 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
Employee; time period; during the past
Fund title with ACMC five years
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term U.S. Patricia J. Young since 1995 Associated with
Government -Senior Vice President Alliance.
Jeffrey S. Phlegar (see above)
since 1997-(see above)
U.S. Government Wayne D. Lyski since 1983 Associated with
-Executive Vice President Alliance.
Patricia J. Young since 1997 (see above)
-(see above)
Jeffrey S. Phlegar Associated with
since 1997-Vice President Alliance.
Limited Maturity Patricia J. Young (see above)
Government since inception-(see above)
Jeffrey S. Phlegar (see above)
since 1997-(see above)
Mortgage Securities Patricia J. Young since (see above)
Income 1992-(see above)
Jeffrey S. Phlegar (see above)
since 1997-(see above)
World Income Douglas J. Peebles since Associated with
inception-Vice President Alliance.
Short-Term Douglas J. Peebles since (see above)
Multi-Market 1995-(see above)
Multi-Market Strategy Douglas J. Peebles since (see above)
inception-(see above)
North American Wayne D. Lyski since inception (see above)
Government Income -(see above)
Global Dollar Wayne D. Lyski since inception (see above)
Government -(see above)
Global Strategic Wayne D. Lyski since inception (see above)
Income -(see above)
Douglas J. Peebles since (see above)
inception-(see above)
Corporate Bond Wayne D. Lyski since (see above)
1987-(see above)
Paul J. DeNoon since (see above)
January 1992-(see above)
High Yield Wayne C. Tappe Associated with
since 1991-Vice President* Alliance.
Nelson Jantzen Associated with
since 1991-Senior Alliance.
Vice President*
* ASSOCIATED WITH EQUITABLE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION ("EQUITABLE
CAPITAL") PRIOR TO JULY 22, 1993. ON THAT DATE ALLIANCE ACQUIRED THE BUSINESS
AND SUBSTANTIALLY ALL THE ASSETS OF EQUITABLE CAPITAL.
PERFORMANCE OF A SIMILARLY MANAGED PORTFOLIO
Alliance is the investment adviser of a portfolio (the "Historical Portfolio")
of a registered investment company, sold only to separate accounts of insurance
companies in connection with variable life insurance contracts and variable
annuities certificates and contracts (the "Contracts"), that has substantially
the same investment objective and policies and has been managed in accordance
with essentially the same
44
investment strategies and techniques as those contemplated for the HIGH YIELD
FUND. See "Description of the Funds." Alliance since July 22, 1993, and prior
thereto, Equitable Capital, whose advisory business Alliance acquired on that
date, have served as investment adviser to the Historical Portfolio since its
inception in 1987.
The following tables set forth performance results for the Historical Portfolio
since its inception (January 2, 1987), together with those of the Lipper High
Current Yield Mutual Funds Average as a comparative benchmark. As of February
28, 1997, the assets in the Historical Portfolio totalled approximately $234
million. The data below does not represent the performance of the Fund.
The performance data does not reflect account charges applicable to the
Contracts or imposed at the insurance company separate account level. In
addition, the performance data does not reflect the Fund's estimated higher
expenses, which, if reflected, would lower the performance of the Historical
Portfolio. The performance data have not been adjusted for taxes, if any,
payable with respect to the Historical Portfolio. The rates of return shown for
the Historical Portfolio are not an estimate or guarantee of future investment
performance of the Fund.
The Lipper High Current Yield Bond Funds Average is a survey of the performance
of a large number of mutual funds the investment objective of each of which is
similar to that of the Fund. This survey is published by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. ("Lipper"), a firm recognized for its reporting of performance
of actively managed funds. According to Lipper, performance data are presented
net of investment management fees, operating expenses and, for funds with Rule
12b-1 plans, asset-based sales charges.
The performance results presented below are based on percent changes in net
asset values of the Historical Portfolio with dividends and capital gains
reinvested. Cumulative rates of return reflect performance over a stated period
of time. Annualized rates of return represent the rate of growth that would
have produced the corresponding cumulative return had performance been constant
over the entire period.
ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN
PERIODS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1997
-------------------------------
PORTFOLIO/BENCHMARK 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS INCEPTION*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical Portfolio 21.06% 13.25% 14.85% 11.78% 11.62%
Lipper High Current Yield
Mutual Funds Average 13.38 8.47 11.42 9.27 9.57
CUMULATIVE RATES OF RETURN
PERIODS ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 1997
--------------------------------
PORTFOLIO/BENCHMARK 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS INCEPTION*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical Portfolio 21.06% 45.24% 99.87% 204.39% 205.67%
Lipper High Current Yield
Mutual Funds Average 13.38 27.72 71.98 144.71 153.00
* JANUARY 2, 1987
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
In addition to the payments to Alliance under the Advisory Agreement with HIGH
YIELD, HIGH YIELD pays certain other costs, including (i) custody, transfer and
dividend disbursing expenses, (ii) fees of the Directors who are not affiliated
with Alliance, (iii) legal and auditing expenses, (iv) clerical, accounting and
other office costs, (v) costs of printing the Fund's prospectuses and
shareholder reports, (vi) costs of maintaining the Fund's existence, (vii)
interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, (viii) costs of
stationary and supplies, (ix) expenses and fees related to registration and
filing with the Commission and with state regulatory authorities, and (x) upon
the approval of the Board of Directors, costs of personnel of Alliance or its
affiliates rendering clerical, accounting and other office services and (xi)
such promotional, shareholder servicing and other expenses as may be
contemplated by the Distribution Services Agreement, described below.
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 for
each Fund other than WORLD INCOME an annual rate of .30% (.50% with respect to
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT) 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, and for WORLD
INCOME may not exceed an annual rate of .90% of the Fund's aggregate average
daily net assets, for distribution expenses. The Trustees of SHORT-TERM U.S.
GOVERNMENT currently limit payments with respect to Class A shares under the
Plan to .30% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to
Class A shares. 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 class of 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,
with respect to each Fund other than WORLD INCOME, .25%, annualized, with
respect to Class A shares and
45
Class B shares, and 1.00%, annualized, with respect to Class C shares, and,
with respect to WORLD INCOME, .90%, annualized, of the assets maintained in a
Fund by their customers. Distribution services fees received from the Funds,
except SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, 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
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, 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.
AFD's compensation with respect to Class B and Class C shares under the Plans
of the other Funds is directly tied to the expenses incurred by AFD. Actual
distribution expenses for 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 is in
effect. Since AFD's compensation under the Plan of SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT
is not directly tied to its expenses incurred, the amount of compensation
received by it 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 year, and carried over for reimbursement in future
years in respect of the Class B and Class C shares for all Funds (except
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT), were, as of that time, as follows:
Amount of Unreimbursed Distribution Expenses
(as % of Net Assets of Class)
-----------------------------------------------
Class B Class C
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government $ 8,593,091 (1.56%) $3,589,130 (2.63%)
Limited Maturity Government $ 472,895 (.73%) $2,677,214 (4.92%)
Mortgage Securities Income $12,491,371 (2.79%) $2,688,747 (6.50%)
Short-Term Multi-Market $26,166,892 (6.40%) $1,343,129 (20.59%)
Multi-Market Strategy $ 9,610,982 (9.58%) $ 454,910 (57.38%)
North American
Government Income $35,196,166 (2.88%) $3,291,519 (1.40%)
Global Dollar Government $ 2,214,590 (2.54%) $ 460,747 (2.29%)
Corporate Bond $ 9,163,392 (2.23%) $2,093,526 (1.77%)
Global Strategic Income $ 131,691 (53.37%) $ 84,063 (37.53%)
High Yield* $ 1,679,237 (8.5%) $ 79,092 (2.36%)
* FOR THE FISCAL PERIOD APRIL 22, 1997 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) THROUGH
AUGUST 31, 1997.
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 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
Dividends on shares of a Fund will be declared on each Fund business day from
the Fund's net investment income. Dividends on shares for Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays will be declared on the previous business day. Each Fund pays
dividends on its shares after the close of business on the twentieth day of
each month or, if such day is not a business day, the first business day
thereafter. At your election (which you may change at least 30 days prior to
the record date for a particular dividend or distribution), dividends and
distributions are paid in cash or reinvested without charge in additional
shares of the same class having an aggregate net asset value as of the payment
date of the dividend or distribution equal to the cash amount thereof.
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.
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, except that the higher
46
distribution services fees applicable to Class B and Class C shares, and any
incremental transfer agency costs relating to Class B 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 timing 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.
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 or deductions for foreign
income taxes paid, but there can be no assurance that any Fund will be able to
do so.
U.S. FEDERAL TAXES
Each Fund intends to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment company"
under the Internal Revenue Code. So long as a Fund distributes at least 90% of
its income, 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. A corporation's
dividends-received deduction will be disallowed with respect to a dividend
unless the corporation holds shares in the Fund on the ex-dividend rate and for
at least 45 more days during the 90-day period surrounding the ex-dividend
rate. Furthermore, the dividends-received deduction will be disallowed to the
extent that a corporation's investment in shares of a Fund is financed with
indebtedness.
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 ("long-term capital assets") over net losses from capital
assets held for not more than one year ("short-term capital assets"). 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, preferred
rate (generally 20%) applies to the balance of such net capital gains
("adjusted net capital gains"). 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 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 the shares in the Fund.
Under current federal tax law, the amount of 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. Any loss realized on the sale of shares held six months
or less will be a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain
distributions received by the shareholder with respect to such shares.
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, 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. U.S.
GOVERNMENT, LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, WORLD
INCOME, SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME and CORPORATE BOND 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 Statements of Additional
Information.
47
Shareholders will be advised annually as to the federal tax status of dividends
and capital gains 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: U.S. GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO and CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO (each a
series of Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.) (1973), ALLIANCE LIMITED MATURITY
GOVERNMENT FUND, INC. (1992), ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC.
(1983), ALLIANCE WORLD INCOME TRUST, INC. (1990), ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM
MULTI-MARKET TRUST, INC. (1989), ALLIANCE MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY TRUST, INC.
(1991), ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST, INC. (1992), ALLIANCE
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT FUND, INC. (1993), ALLIANCE GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME
TRUST, INC. (1995) and ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC. (1996). Prior to March 1,
1996, ALLIANCE LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND, INC. was known as Alliance
Mortgage Strategy Trust, Inc. Prior to January 4, 1993, CORPORATE BOND
PORTFOLIO was known as Monthly Income Portfolio. ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM U.S.
GOVERNMENT FUND is a series of The Alliance Portfolios, a Massachusetts
business trust that was organized in 1987. Prior to August 2, 1993, The
Alliance Portfolios was known as The Equitable Funds and SHORT-TERM U.S.
GOVERNMENT was known as The Equitable Short-Term U.S. Government Fund.
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 or
Trustees.
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 or Trustees, that affect each portfolio and class in substantially
the same manner. Class A, Class B and Class C shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears its own
distribution and transfer agency expenses. 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 Trustees 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.
PENDING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action Complaint
("Complaint") styled In re ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST,
INC. LITIGATION was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District
of New York against the Fund, Alliance, ACMC, AFD, The Equitable Companies
Incorporated ("ECI"), a parent of the Adviser, and certain current and former
officers and directors of the Fund and ACMC, alleging violations of the federal
securities laws, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the
Fund's investments in Mexican and Argentine securities. The Complaint sought
certification of a plaintiff class of all persons who purchased or owned Class
A, B or C shares of the Fund from March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994.
Plaintiffs alleged that during 1995 the Fund's losses exceeded $750,000,000 and
sought as relief unspecified damages, costs and attorney's fees. On September
26, 1996, the District Court granted defendants' motion to dismiss the
Complaint as to all claims.
On October 29, 1996, plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to file an amended
complaint. In the proposed amended complaint ("Amended Complaint"), plaintiffs
asserted claims against the Fund, Alliance, ACMC, AFD, ECI, and certain current
and former officers and directors of the Fund and ACMC alleging violations of
federal securities laws, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. The principal
allegations of the Amended Complaint related to the Fund's hedging practices,
the Fund's investments in certain mortgage-backed securities, and the risks and
objectives of the Fund as described in the Fund's marketing materials. The
Amended Complaint made similar request for class certification and damages as
the Complaint. On July 15, 1997, the District Court denied plaintiffs' motion
to file the Amended Complaint and dismissed the case. On August 13, 1997,
plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal of the District Court's denial of their
motion to file the Amended Complaint to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Second Circuit.
48
The Fund and Alliance believe that the allegations in the Complaint and the
Amended Complaint are without merit and intend to defend vigorously against
those claims.
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 Fund. The transfer agency fee with
respect to Class B shares will be higher than the transfer agency fee with
respect to 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 "yield" and "total return," which
are 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. A 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. Advertisements of a Fund's total return disclose
its 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. 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."
49
APPENDIX A: BOND RATINGS
_______________________________________________________________________________
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Aaa-Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa-Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa
securities.
A-Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa-Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations, i.e.,
they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payment and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba-Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B-Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa-Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca-Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C-Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Absence of Rating-When no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the
issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that are
not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not published
in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the
effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer
available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a
bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note-Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES
AAA-Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA-Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A-Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB-Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C-Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having
predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and
CCC the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures
to adverse conditions.
CI-The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D-Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used
upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.
Plus (+) or Minus (-)-The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
NR-Not rated.
DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.
AAA-Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
AA+,AA, AA- -High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest
but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
A+, A, A- -Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors
are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
BBB+, BBB, BBB- -Below average protection factors but still considered
sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during
economic cycles.
BB+, BB, BB- -Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when
due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to
industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up or down
frequently within this category.
B+, B, B- -Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not
be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctutate widely according
to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes. Potential
exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher
or lower rating grade
CCC-Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists as
to timely payment of principal or interest. Protection factors are narrow and
risk can be substantial with unfavorable economic/industry conditions, and/or
with unfavorable company developments.
DD-Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or
interest payments.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, L.P.
AAA-Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality.
The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay
principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA-Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although
not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA and AA
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments,
short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated F- 1+.
A-Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB-Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however,
are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair
timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below
investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
BB-Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B-Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued
timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin
of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout
the life of the issue.
CCC-Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may
lead to default.
The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous business and economic
environment.
CC-Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C-Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, D-Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) Minus (-)-Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD or D categories.
NR-Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
A-2
APPENDIX B: GENERAL INFORMATION
ABOUT CANADA, MEXICO AND ARGENTINA
_______________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CANADA
Canada consists of a federation of ten Provinces and two federal territories
(which generally fall under federal authority) with a constitutional division
of powers between the federal and Provincial governments. The Parliament of
Canada has jurisdiction over all areas not assigned exclusively to the
Provincial legislatures, and has jurisdiction over such matters as the federal
public debt and property, the regulation of trade and commerce, currency and
coinage, banks and banking, national defense, the postal services, navigation
and shipping and unemployment insurance.
The Canadian economy is based on the free enterprise system, with business
organizations ranging from small owner-operated businesses to large
multinational corporations. Manufacturing and resource industries are large
contributors to the country's economic output, but as in many other highly
developed countries, there has been a gradual shift from a largely
goods-producing economy to a predominantly service-based one. Agriculture and
other primary production play a small but key role in the economy. Canada is
also an exporter of energy to the United States in the form of natural gas (of
which Canada has substantial reserves) and hydroelectric power, and has
significant mineral resources.
Canadian Dollars are fully exchangeable into U.S. Dollars without foreign
exchange controls or other legal restriction. Since the major developed-country
currencies were permitted to float freely against one another, the range of
fluctuation in the U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar exchange rate generally has been
narrower than the range of fluctuation between the U.S. Dollar and most other
major currencies. Between 1991 and 1995, Canada experienced a weakening of its
currency. In January 1995, the Canadian Dollar fell to a nine-year low against
the U.S. Dollar, decreasing in value compared to the U.S. Dollar by
approximately 20% from October 1991. Since January 1996, however, the Canadian
Dollar has remained steady in value against the U.S. Dollar at a level
approximately 3% to 4% above that low. The range of fluctuation that occurred
in the past is not necessarily indicative of the range of fluctuation that
will occur in the future. Future rates of exchange cannot be accurately
predicted.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES
The United Mexican States ("Mexico") is a nation formed by 31 states and a
Federal District (Mexico City). The Political Constitution of Mexico, which
took effect on May 1, 1917, established Mexico as a Federal Republic and
provides for the separation of executive, legislative and judicial branches.
The President and the members of the General Congress are elected by popular
vote.
Over the past decade, the Mexican economy has experienced improvement in a
number of areas, including eight consecutive years (1987-1994) of growth in
gross domestic product and a substantial reduction in the rate of inflation and
in public sector financial deficit. In 1994, Mexico experienced an economic
crisis that led to the devaluation of the Peso in December 1994. Much of the
past improvement in the Mexican economy has been attributable to a series of
economic policy initiatives initiated by the Mexican government over the past
decade, which seek to modernize and reform the Mexican economy, control
inflation, reduce the financial deficit, increase public revenues through the
reform of the tax system, establish a competitive and stable currency exchange
rate, liberalize trade restrictions and increase investment and productivity,
while reducing the government's role in the economy. In this regard, the
Mexican government has been proceeding with a program for privatizing certain
state owned enterprises, developing and modernizing the securities markets,
increasing investment in the private sector and permitting increased levels of
foreign investment. The adoption effective January 1, 1994 by Canada, the
United States and Mexico of the North American Free Trade Agreement could also
contribute to the growth of the Mexican economy.
In 1994 Mexico faced internal and external conditions that resulted in an
economic crisis that continues to affect the Mexican economy adversely. Growing
trade and current account deficits, which could no longer be financed by
inflows of foreign capital, were factors contributing to the crisis. A
weakening economy and unsettling political and social developments caused
investors to lose confidence in the Mexican economy. This resulted in a large
decline in foreign reserves followed by a sharp and rapid devaluation of the
Mexican Peso. The ensuing economic and financial crisis resulted in higher
inflation and domestic interest rates, a contraction in real gross domestic
product and a liquidity crisis.
In response to the adverse economic conditions that developed at the end of
1994, the Mexican government instituted a new economic program; and a new
accord among the government and the business and labor sectors of the economy
was entered into in an effort to stabilize the economy and the financial
markets. To help relieve Mexico's liquidity crisis and restore financial
stability to Mexico's economy, the Mexican government also obtained financial
assistance from the United States, other countries and certain international
agencies conditioned upon the implementation and continuation of the economic
reform program.
B-1
In October 1995, and again in October 1996, the Mexican government
announced new accords designed to encourage economic growth and reduce
inflation. While it cannot be accurately predicted whether these accords will
achieve their objectives, the Mexican economy has stabilized since the
economic crisis of 1994, and the high inflation and high interest rates that
continued to be a factor after 1994 have subsided as well. After declining for
five consecutive quarters beginning with the first quarter of 1995, Mexico's
gross domestic product began to grow in the second quarter of 1996. That
growth was sustained in 1996, resulting in a 5.1% increase from 1995, and,
according to preliminary estimates, continued at the same rate during the
first quarter of 1997, compared with the first quarter of 1996. In addition,
inflation dropped from a 52% annual rate in 1995 to a 27.7% annual rate in
1996. In May 1997, the monthly inflation rate was 0.9%, the first time since
December 1994 that the monthly inflation rate was below 1%. The inflation rate
for the first half of 1997 was 8.7%, compared with 15.3% for the first half of
1996. Mexico's economy may also be influenced by international economic
conditions, particularly those in the United States, and by world prices for
oil and other commodities. The recovery of the economy will require continued
economic and fiscal discipline as well as stable political and social
conditions. There is no assurance that Mexico's economic policy initiatives
will be successful or that succeeding administrations will continue these
initiatives.
In August 1976, the Mexican government established a policy of allowing the
Mexican Peso to float against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies. Under this
policy, the value of the Mexican Peso consistently declined against the U.S.
Dollar. Under economic policy initiatives implemented since December 1987, the
Mexican government introduced a series of schedules allowing for the gradual
devaluation of the Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar. These gradual
devaluations continued until December 1994. On December 22, 1994, the Mexican
government announced that it would permit the Peso to float against other
currencies, resulting in a precipitous decline against the U.S. Dollar. By
December 31, 1996, the Peso-Dollar exchange rate had decreased approximately
40% from that on December 22, 1994. In 1996, the average annual Peso-Dollar
exchange rate decreased approximately 15% from that in 1995, which itself had
decreased approximately 47% from that in 1994. The Peso-Dollar exchange rate
has been relatively stable in 1997. On September 30, 1997, the Peso-Dollar
exchange rate was 7.77.
Mexico has in the past imposed strict foreign exchange controls. There is no
assurance that future regulatory actions in Mexico would not affect the Fund's
ability to obtain U.S. Dollars in exchange for Mexican Pesos.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA
The Republic of Argentina ("Argentina") consists of 23 provinces and the
federal capital of Buenos Aires. Its federal constitution provides for an
executive branch headed by a President, a legislative branch and a judicial
branch. Each province has its own constitution, and elects its own governor,
legislators and judges, without the intervention of the federal government.
The military has intervened in the political process on several occasions since
the 1930's and has ruled the country for 22 of the past 65 years. The most
recent military government ruled the country from 1976 to 1983. Four
unsuccessful military uprisings have occurred since 1983, the most recent in
December 1990.
Shortly after taking office in 1989, the country's current President adopted
market-oriented and reformist policies, including a large privatization
program, a reduction in the size of the public sector and an opening of the
economy to international competition.
In the decade prior to the announcement of a new economic plan in March 1991,
the Argentine economy was characterized by low and erratic growth, declining
investment rates and rapidly worsening inflation. Despite its strengths, which
include a well-balanced natural resource base and a high literacy rate, the
Argentine economy failed to respond to a series of economic plans in the
1980's. The 1991 economic plan represented a pronounced departure from its
predecessors in calling for raising revenues, cutting expenditures and reducing
the public deficit. The extensive privatization program commenced in 1989 was
accelerated, the domestic economy deregulated and opened up to foreign trade
and the frame-work for foreign investment reformed. As a result of the economic
stabilization reforms, gross domestic product increased for four consecutive
years before declining in 1995. During 1996, however, gross domestic product
increased 4.3% from 1995. During the first quarter of 1997, gross domestic
product increased 8.1% compared to the first quarter of 1996, and preliminary
data for the third quarter of 1997 indicate an 8.4% increase from the second
quarter of 1996. The rate of inflation is generally viewed to be under control.
Significant progress was also made between 1991 and 1994 in rescheduling
Argentina's debt with both external and domestic creditors, which improved
fiscal cash flows in the medium terms and allowed a return to voluntary credit
markets. Further reforms are currently being implemented in order to sustain
and continue the progress to date. There is no assurance that Argentina's
economic policy initiatives will be successful or that succeeding
administrations will continue these initiatives.
In 1995 economic policy was directed toward the effects of the Mexican currency
crisis. The Mexican currency crisis led to a run on bank deposits, which has
been brought under control by a series of measures designed to strengthen the
financial system. The measures included the "dollarization" of banking
reserves, the establishment of two trust funds and strengthening bank reserve
requirements.
In 1991 the Argentine government enacted currency reforms, which required the
domestic currency to be fully backed by international reserves, in an effort to
make the Argentine Peso fully convertible into the U.S. Dollar at a rate of one
to one.
The Argentine Peso has been the Argentine currency since January 1, 1992. Since
that date, the rate of exchange from the Argentine Peso to the U.S. Dollar has
remained approximately one to one. The fixed exchange rate has been
B-2
instrumental in stabilizing the economy, but has not reduced pressures from
high rates of unemployment. It is not clear that the government will be able to
resist pressure to devalue the currency. However, the historic range is not
necessarily indicative of fluctuations that may occur in the exchange rate over
time and future rates of exchange cannot be accurately predicted. The Argentine
foreign exchange market was highly controlled until December 1989, when a free
exchange rate was established for all foreign currency transactions. Argentina
has eliminated restrictions on foreign direct investment and capital
repatriation. In 1993, legislation was adopted abolishing previous requirements
of a three-year waiting period for capital repatriation. Under the legislation,
foreign investors are permitted to remit profits at any time.
B-3
<PAGE>
The Registrant's Advisor Class Prospectus is incorporated
herein by reference to Part A of the Amendment to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the
Commission on February 28, 1997.
<PAGE>
(LOGO)(R) ALLIANCE MORTGAGE
SECURITIES
INCOME FUND, INC.
________________________________________________________________
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
February 28, 1997
(as amended October 31, 1997)
________________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus but
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current
Prospectus that offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares of
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") and,
if the Fund begins to offer Advisor Class shares, the Prospectus
that offers the Advisor Class shares of the Fund (the "Advisor
Class Prospectus" and, together with any Prospectus that offers
the Class A, Class B and Class C shares, the "Prospectus(es)").
The Fund currently does not offer Advisor Class shares. Copies
of the Prospectus(es) of the Fund 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.......................
Portfolio Transactions ..................................
General Information......................................
Report of Independent Auditors and
Financial Statements
Appendix A (Mortgage-Related Securities)................. A-1
Appendix B (Futures Contracts)........................... B-1
<PAGE>
_____________________
(R): This registered service mark used under license from the
owner, Alliance Capital Management L.P.
2
<PAGE>
______________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
______________________________________________________________
Except as otherwise indicated, the investment policies
of the Fund are not designated "fundamental policies" and may,
therefore, be changed by the Board of Directors without a
shareholder vote. However, the Fund will not change its
investment policies without contemporaneous written notice to its
shareholders. The Fund's investment objective may not be changed
without shareholder approval. There can be, of course, no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide
shareholders with a high level of current income to the extent
consistent with prudent investment risk.
HOW THE FUND PURSUES ITS OBJECTIVE
In seeking to achieve its objective, the Fund will
invest primarily in a diversified portfolio of mortgage-related
securities, and, as a matter of fundamental investment policy,
will have at least 65% of the value of its total assets invested
in mortgage-related securities, except when the Fund assumes a
temporary defensive position. This fundamental investment policy
may not be changed without shareholder approval. For this
purpose (and for the purpose of changing the Fund's investment
restrictions and approving the Fund's advisory agreement, each as
more fully described below), "shareholder approval" means the
affirmative vote of (i) 67% or more of the shares represented at
a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are
present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares, whichever is less.
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. The mortgage-related
securities in which the Fund principally invests provide funds
for mortgage loans made to residential home buyers. These
include securities which represent interests in pools of mortgage
loans made by lenders such as savings and loan institutions,
mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage
loans are assembled for sale to investors (such as the Fund) by
various governmental, government-related and private
organizations.
Interests in pools of mortgage-related securities differ
from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for
periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal
3
<PAGE>
payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead, these
securities provide a monthly payment which consists of both
interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a
"pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual
borrowers on their residential mortgage loans, net of any fees
paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional
payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the
sale of the underlying residential property, refinancing or
foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some
mortgage-related securities, such as securities issued by the
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are described
as "modified pass-through." These securities entitle the holder
to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the
mortgage pool, net of certain fees, regardless of whether or not
the mortgagor actually makes the payment.
The average life of pass-through pools varies with the
maturities of the underlying mortgage instruments. In addition,
a pool's term may be shortened by unscheduled or early payments
of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages. The
occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by factors
including the level of interest rates, general economic
conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social
and demographic conditions. As prepayment rates of individual
pools vary widely, it is not possible to accurately predict the
average life of a particular pool. For pools of fixed-rate
30-year mortgages, common industry practice is to assume that
prepayments will result in a 12-year average life. Pools of
mortgages with other maturities or different characteristics will
have varying average life assumptions. The assumed average life
of pools of mortgages having terms of less than 30 years, is less
than 12 years, but typically not less than 5 years.
Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted
by investment dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the
underlying instruments and the associated average life
assumption. In periods of falling interest rates the rate of
prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual
average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities.
Conversely, in periods of rising interest rates the rate of
prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the actual
average life of the pool. Historically, actual average life has
been consistent with the 12-year assumption referred to above.
Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield to differ from
the assumed average life yield. Reinvestment of prepayments may
occur at higher or lower interest rates than the original
investment, thus affecting the yield of the Fund. The
compounding effect from reinvestment of monthly payments received
by the Fund will increase the yield to shareholders compared with
bonds that pay interest semi-annually.
4
<PAGE>
The principal governmental (i.e., backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States Government) guarantor of
mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is a wholly-owned
United States Government corporation within the Department of
Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee,
with the full faith and credit of the United States Government,
the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued
by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan
institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed
by pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages.
Government-related (i.e., not backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States Government) guarantors include
the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation. The Federal National Mortgage
Association ("FNMA") is a government-sponsored corporation owned
entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general
regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
FNMA purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved
seller/servicers which include state and federally-chartered
savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial
banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through
securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of
principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States Government. The Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") is a corporate
instrumentality of the United States Government whose stock is
owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks. Participation
certificates issued by FHLMC, which represent interests in
mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio, are guaranteed by
FHLMC as to the timely payment of interest and ultimate
collection of principal but are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States Government.
Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private
mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other
secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of
conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may also
be the originators of the underlying mortgage loans as well as
the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created
by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of
interest than government and government-related pools because
there are no direct or indirect government guarantees of payments
in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and
principal of these pools is supported by various forms of
insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool
and hazard insurance. The insurance and guarantees are issued by
government entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.
Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the
issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a
mortgage-related security meets the Fund's investment quality
5
<PAGE>
standards. There can be no assurance that the private insurers
can meet their obligations under the policies. The Fund may buy
mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if
through an examination of the loan experience and practices of
the poolers, Alliance Capital Management L.P., the Fund's
investment adviser (the "Adviser"), determines that the
securities meet the Fund's quality standards. Although the
market for such securities is becoming increasingly liquid,
securities issued by certain private organizations may not be
readily marketable. The Fund will not purchase mortgage-related
securities or any other assets which in the Adviser's opinion are
illiquid if, as a result, more than 10% of the value of the
Fund's total assets will be illiquid. In any event, the Fund
will not maintain more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
securities.
The Fund expects under normal circumstances to have
substantially all of its assets invested in high-grade mortgage-
related securities either (i) issued by United States Government
sponsored corporations or (ii) rated A or better by Moody's
Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Ratings
Services ("S&P") or, if not rated, are of equivalent investment
quality as determined by the Adviser. At times the Fund may
invest in mortgage-related securities not meeting the foregoing
investment quality standards when deemed by the Adviser to be
consistent with the Fund's objective of high current income to
the extent consistent with prudent investment risk; however, no
such investments would be made in excess of 20% of the value of
the Fund's total assets. (Such investments would be considered
mortgage-related securities for purposes of the policy that the
Fund invest at least 65% of the value of its total assets in
mortgage-related securities.) The Adviser will monitor
continuously the ratings of securities held by the Fund and the
creditworthiness of their issuers. For further information about
the characteristics of mortgage-related securities, see
Appendix A and for a description of the ratings used by Moody's,
S&P, Duff & Phelps Inc. ("Duff & Phelps") and Fitch Investors
Service, Inc. ("Fitch"), see Appendix A to the Prospectus.
Mortgage-related securities in which the Fund may invest
may also include collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs").
CMOs are debt obligations issued generally by finance
subsidiaries or trusts that are secured by mortgage-backed
certificates, including, in many cases, certificates issued by
government-related guarantors, including GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC,
together with certain funds and other collateral. Although
payment of the principal of and interest on the mortgage-backed
certificates pledged to secure the CMOs may be guaranteed by
GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, the CMOs represent obligations solely of the
issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC or
any other governmental agency, or by any other person or entity.
6
<PAGE>
The issuers of CMOs typically have no significant assets other
than those pledged as collateral for the obligations.
The Fund also expects that governmental, government-
related or private entities may create mortgage loan pools
offering pass-through investments in addition to those described
above. The mortgages underlying these securities may be
alternative mortgage instruments, that is, mortgage instruments
whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms to
maturity may differ from customary long-term fixed rate
mortgages. As new types of mortgage-related securities are
developed and offered to investors, the Adviser will, consistent
with the Fund's investment objective, policies and quality
standards, consider making investments in such new types of
securities.
OTHER SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 35% of the
value of its total assets in (i) securities issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government, its agencies and
instrumentalities, (ii) 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, (iii) commercial paper of
prime quality rated A-1 or higher by S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch
or Prime-1 or higher by Moody's or, if not rated, issued by
companies which have an outstanding debt issue rated AA or higher
by S&P or Aa or higher by Moody's, and (iv) debt securities
which, although not mortgage-related securities, are secured by
mortgages on commercial real estate or residential rental
properties, provided such securities are rated A or better by
Moody's or S&P or, if not rated, are of equivalent investment
quality as determined by the Adviser; such securities may entitle
the holder to participate in income derived from the mortgaged
properties or from sales thereof. When business or financial
conditions warrant, the Fund may take a temporary defensive
position and invest without limit in the foregoing securities.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The securitization techniques
used to develop mortgage-related securities are now being applied
to a broad range of financial assets. Through the use of trusts
and special purpose corporations, various types of assets,
including automobile loans and leases, credit card receivables,
home equity loans, equipment leases and trade receivables are
being securitized in structures similar to the structures used in
mortgage securitizations. These asset-backed securities are
subject to risks associated with changes in interest rates and
prepayment of underlying obligations similar to the risks of
investments in mortgage-related securities discussed above.
In general, the collateral supporting asset-backed
securities is of shorter maturity than mortgage loans and is less
7
<PAGE>
likely to experience unexpected levels of prepayments. As with
mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities are often
backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a
number of different parties and use similar credit enhancement
techniques.
Each type of asset-backed security also entails unique
risks, depending on the type of assets involved and the legal
structure used. For example, credit card receivables are
generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the
protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws,
many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain
amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance
due. There have also been proposals to cap the interest rate
that a credit card issuer may charge. In some transactions, the
value of the asset-backed security is dependent on the
performance of a third party acting as credit enhancer or
servicer. Furthermore, in some transactions (such as those
involving the securitization of vehicle loans or leases) it may
be administratively burdensome to perfect the interest of the
security issuer in the underlying collateral and the underlying
collateral may become damaged or stolen. Most issuers of
automobile receivables permit the servicers to retain possession
of the underlying obligations. If the servicer were to sell
these obligations to another party, there is a risk that the
purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the
holders of the related automobile receivables. In addition,
because of the large number of vehicles involved in a typical
issuance and the technical requirements of state laws, the
trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not
have a perfected security interest in all of the obligations
backing such receivables. Therefore, there is the possibility
that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases,
be available to support payments on these securities.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
DIRECT INVESTMENT IN MORTGAGES. The Fund may invest up
to 10% of the value of its total assets directly in mortgages
securing residential real estate (i.e., the Fund becomes the
mortgagee). Such investments are not "mortgage-related
securities" as described above. They are normally available from
lending institutions which group together a number of mortgages
for resale (usually from 10 to 50 mortgages) and which act as
servicing agent for the purchaser with respect to, among other
things, the receipt of principal and interest payments. (Such
investments are also referred to as "whole loans.") The vendor
of such mortgages receives a fee from the Fund for acting as
servicing agent. The vendor does not provide any insurance or
guarantees covering the repayment of principal or interest on the
mortgages. Unlike pass-through securities, whole loans
8
<PAGE>
constitute direct investment in mortgages inasmuch as the Fund,
rather than a financial intermediary, becomes the mortgagee with
respect to such loans purchased by the Fund. At present, such
investments are considered to be illiquid by the Adviser. The
Fund will invest in such mortgages only if the Adviser has
determined through an examination of the mortgage loans and their
originators (which may include an examination of such factors as
percentage of family income dedicated to loan service and
relationship between loan value and market value) that the
purchase of the mortgages should not present a significant risk
of loss to the Fund. The Fund has no present intention of making
any direct investments in mortgages.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may invest in
repurchase agreements pertaining to the types of securities in
which it invests. 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 one day or a
few days later. The resale price is greater than the purchase
price, reflecting an agreed-upon market rate which is effective
for the period of time the buyer's money is invested in the
security and which is not related to the coupon rate on the
purchased security. Such agreements permit the Fund to keep all
of its assets at work while retaining "overnight" flexibility in
pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature. The Fund
maintains procedures for evaluating and monitoring the
creditworthiness of vendors of repurchase agreements. In
addition, the Fund requires continual maintenance of collateral,
in an amount equal to, or in excess of, the market value of the
securities which are the subject of the agreement. In the event
that a vendor defaulted on its repurchase obligation, the Fund
might suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the sale
of the collateral were less than the repurchase price. In the
event of a vendor's bankruptcy, the Fund might be delayed in, or
prevented from, selling the collateral, for the Fund's benefit.
Repurchase agreements may be entered into with member banks of
the Federal Reserve System or "primary dealers" (as designated by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) in United States Government
securities. It is the Fund's current practice to enter into
repurchase agreements only with such primary dealers.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. The
Fund may purchase securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and
may purchase or sell securities on a "forward commitment" basis.
When such transactions are negotiated, the price, which is
generally expressed in yield terms, 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 delayed settlements
beyond two months may be negotiated. During the period between a
commitment and settlement, no payment is made for the securities
9
<PAGE>
purchased by the purchaser and, thus, no interest accrues to the
purchaser from the transaction.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward
commitments enables the Fund to hedge against anticipated changes
in interest rates and prices. For instance, in periods of rising
interest rates and falling bond prices, the Fund might sell
securities in its portfolio on a forward commitment basis to
limit its exposure to falling bond prices. In periods of falling
interest rates and rising bond prices, the 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 the Adviser were to forecast incorrectly the direction of
interest rate movements, the Fund might be required to complete
such when-issued or forward transactions at prices less favorable
than current market values.
When-issued securities and forward commitments may be
sold prior to the settlement date, but the Fund enters into when-
issued and forward commitments transactions only with the
intention of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as
the case may be. To facilitate such transactions, the Fund's
custodian will maintain, in a separate account of the Fund,
liquid assets having value equal to, or greater than, any
commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis and, with respect to forward commitments to sell
portfolio securities of the Fund, the portfolio securities
themselves. If the Fund, however, 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. At the time the Fund
makes the commitment to purchase or sell a security on a when-
issued or forward commitment basis, it records the transaction
and reflects the value of the security purchased or, if a sale,
the proceeds to be received, in determining its net asset value.
When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as
and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities
depends upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as
approval of a proposed financing by appropriate authorities. Any
significant commitment of the Fund's assets to the purchase of
securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase the
volatility of its net asset value.
PUTS AND CALLS. The Fund may purchase put and call
options written by others and write covered put and call options
overlying the types of securities in which the Fund may invest.
A put option (sometimes called a "standby commitment") gives the
buyer of such option, upon payment of a premium, the right to
deliver a specified amount of a security to the writer of the
option on or before a fixed date at a predetermined price. A
10
<PAGE>
call option written by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the
underlying security covered by the call or has an absolute and
immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash
consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a
segregated account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange
of other securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also
covered if the Fund holds a call on the same security 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 liquid assets, in a segregated account with its
custodian. A put option written by the Fund is "covered" if the
Fund maintains liquid assets with a value equal to the exercise
price in a segregated account with its custodian, or else holds a
put on the same security and in the same principal amount as the
put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to
or greater than the exercise price of the put written. The
premium paid by the purchaser of an option will reflect, among
other things, the relationship of the exercise price to the
market price and volatility of the underlying security, the
remaining term of the option, supply and demand and interest
rates. A call option (sometimes called a "reverse standby
commitment") gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to call upon the writer to deliver a specified
amount of a security on or before a fixed date, at a
predetermined price. The Fund will not purchase any option if,
immediately thereafter, the aggregate cost of all outstanding
options purchased by the Fund would exceed 2% of the value of its
total assets; the Fund will not write any option if, immediately
thereafter, the aggregate value of the Fund's portfolio
securities subject to outstanding options would exceed 15% of its
total assets.
The Fund will purchase put and call options to provide
protection against adverse price or yield effects from
anticipated changes in prevailing interest rates. In purchasing
a call option, the Fund would be in a position to realize a gain
if, during the option period, the price of the security increased
by an amount in excess of the premium paid. It would realize a
loss if the price of the security declined or remained the same
or did not increase during the period by more than the amount of
the premium. By purchasing a put option, the Fund would be in a
position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the
price of the security declined by an amount in excess of the
premium paid. It would realize a loss if the price of the
security increased or remained the same or did not decrease
during that period by more than the amount of the premium. If a
put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire
without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a
loss to the Fund.
11
<PAGE>
The Fund will seek additional return on its portfolio
securities by writing put and call options covering the types of
securities in which the Fund may invest. When the Fund writes a
put option it maintains in a segregated account liquid assets in
an amount adequate to purchase the underlying security should the
put be exercised. When the Fund writes a call option it must own
at all times during the option period either the underlying
securities or an offsetting call option on the same securities.
If a put option written by the Fund were exercised the Fund would
be obligated to purchase the underlying security at the exercise
price. If a call option written by the Fund were exercised the
Fund would be obligated to sell the underlying security at the
exercise price.
The risk involved in writing a put option is that there
could be a decrease in the market value of the underlying
security caused by rising interest rates or other factors. If
this occurred, the option could be exercised and the underlying
security would then be sold to the Fund at a higher price than
its current market value. The risk involved in writing a call
option is that there could be an increase in the market value of
the underlying security caused by declining interest rates or
other factors. If this occurred, the option could be exercised
and the underlying security would then be sold by the Fund at a
lower price than its current market value. These risks could be
reduced by entering into a closing transaction as described
below. The Fund retains the premium received from writing a put
or call option whether or not the option is exercised.
The Fund may dispose of an option which it has purchased
by entering into a "closing sale transaction" with the writer of
the option. A closing sale transaction terminates the obligation
of the writer of the option and does not result in the ownership
of an option. The Fund realizes a profit or loss from a closing
sale transaction if the premium received from the transaction is
more than or less than the cost of the option.
The Fund may terminate its obligation to the holder of
an option written by the Fund through a "closing purchase
transaction." The Fund may not, however, effect a closing
purchase transaction with respect to such an option after it has
been notified of the exercise of such option. The Fund realizes
a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost
of the transaction is more than or less than the premium received
by the Fund from writing the option.
The Fund generally purchases or writes options, other
than options on futures, in negotiated transactions. The Fund
effects such transactions only with investment dealers and other
financial institutions (such as commercial banks or savings and
loan institutions) deemed creditworthy by the Adviser. The
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<PAGE>
Adviser has also adopted procedures for monitoring the
creditworthiness of such entities. Options purchased or written
by the Fund in negotiated transactions are illiquid and it may
not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing purchase
transaction at a time when the Adviser believes it would be
advantageous to do so.
INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may, without
limit, enter into interest rate swaps and may purchase or sell
interest rate caps and floors. The Fund expects to enter into
these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a
particular investment or portion of its portfolio. The Fund may
also enter into these transactions to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates
purchasing at a later date. The Fund does not intend to use
these transactions in a speculative manner. Interest rate swaps
involve the exchange by the 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. 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 the 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 a
contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the
interest rate floor.
The Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, caps and
floors on either an asset-based or liability-based basis,
depending on whether it is hedging its assets or its liabilities,
and will usually enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis,
i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund
receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of
the two payments. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the
Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each
interest rate swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount
of liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least
equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated
account by the Fund's custodian. If the Fund enters into an
interest rate swap on other than a net basis, the Fund would
maintain a segregated account with its custodian in the full
amount accrued on a daily basis of the Fund's obligations with
respect to the swap. The Fund will not enter into any 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. The Adviser will
monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties on an ongoing
basis. If there were a default by such a counterparty, the Fund
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<PAGE>
would have contractual remedies. The swap market has grown
substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and
investment banking firms acting both as principals and agents
utilizing standardized swap documentation. The Adviser has
determined that, as a result, the swap market has become
relatively liquid. Caps and floors are more recent innovations
for which standardized documentation has not been developed and,
accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps. To the extent the
Fund sells (i.e., writes) caps and floors, it will maintain in a
segregated account liquid assets having an aggregate net asset
value at least equal to the full amount, accrued on a daily
basis, of the Fund's obligations with respect to the caps or
floors. The use of interest rate swaps is a highly specialized
activity which involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities
transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of
market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, the
investment performance of the Fund would diminish compared with
what it would have been if these investment techniques were not
used. Moreover, even if the Adviser is correct in its forecasts,
there is a risk that the swap position may correlate imperfectly
with the price of the asset or liability being hedged.
There is no limit on the amount of interest rate swap
transactions that may be entered into by the Fund. 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 swaps is limited to the net amount
of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to
make. If the other party to an interest rate swap defaults, the
Fund's risk of loss consists of the net amount of interest
payments that the Fund contractually is entitled to receive. The
Fund may purchase and sell (i.e., write) caps and floors without
limitation, subject to the segregated account requirement
described above.
INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund also may
enter into contracts for the future delivery of fixed-income
securities commonly referred to as "interest rate futures
contracts." These futures contracts will be used only as a hedge
against anticipated interest rate changes. The Fund will not
enter into an interest rate futures contract if immediately
thereafter more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
will be committed to margin. The Fund will also not enter into
an interest rate futures contract if immediately thereafter the
sum of the then aggregate futures market prices of financial
instruments required to be delivered under open futures contract
sales and the aggregate futures market prices of instruments
required to be delivered under open futures contract purchases
would exceed 30% of the value of the Fund's total assets. For a
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<PAGE>
detailed discussion of futures contracts and the risks of
investing therein, see Appendix B.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may from time
to time lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers
and financial institutions and receive collateral in the form of
cash or United States Government obligations. Under the Fund's
current practices (which are subject to change), the loaned
collateral must be maintained at all times in an amount equal to
at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities. In determining whether to lend securities to a
particular broker-dealer or financial institution, the Adviser
will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the
creditworthiness of the broker-dealer or financial institution.
The Fund may pay reasonable finders, administrative and custodial
fees in connection with a loan. The Fund will not lend portfolio
securities in excess of 20% of the value of its total assets, nor
will the Fund lend its portfolio securities to any officer,
director, employee or affiliate of either the Fund or the
Adviser.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Fund will not invest in
illiquid securities if immediately after such investment more
than 10% of the Fund's total assets (taken at market value) would
be invested in such securities. In addition, the Fund will not
maintain more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
For this purpose, illiquid securities include, among others,
(a) except as provided below, direct placements or other
securities which are subject to legal or contractual restrictions
on resale or for which there is no readily available market
(e.g., trading in the security is suspended or, in the case of
unlisted securities, market makers do not exist or will not
entertain bids or offers), (b) options purchased by the Fund
over-the-counter and the cover for options written by the Fund
over-the-counter, and (c) repurchase agreements not terminable
within seven days. See "Additional Investment Policies and
Practices," below. Securities that have legal or contractual
restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are
not deemed illiquid for purposes of this limitation.
Historically, illiquid securities have included
securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale
because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), securities which are
otherwise not readily marketable and repurchase agreements having
a maturity of longer than seven days. Securities which have not
been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as
private placements or restricted securities and are purchased
directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Mutual
funds do not typically hold a significant amount of these
restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential
15
<PAGE>
for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations
on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of
portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose
of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at
reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty
satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might
also have to register such restricted securities in order to
dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay.
Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of
securities.
In recent years, however, a large institutional market
has developed for certain securities that are not registered
under the Securities Act including repurchase agreements,
commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and
corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an
efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security
can be readily resold or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand
for repayment. The fact that there are contractual or legal
restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain
institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such
investments.
Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows a broader
institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to
restriction on resale to the general public. Rule 144A
establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act for resales of certain securities to qualified
institutional buyers. An insufficient number of qualified
institutional buyers interested in purchasing certain restricted
securities held by the Fund, however, could affect adversely the
marketability of such portfolio securities and the Fund might be
unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable
prices. Rule 144A has already produced enhanced liquidity for
many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such
securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation
and the consequent inception of the PORTAL System, an automated
system for the clearance and settlement of transactions in
unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers which is
sponsored by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(the "NASD").
The Adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board
of Directors, will monitor the liquidity of restricted securities
in the Fund's portfolio that are eligible for resale pursuant to
Rule 144A. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser will
consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the frequency
of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers
issuing quotations to purchase or sell the security; (3) the
number of other potential purchasers of the security; (4) the
number of dealers undertaking to make a market in the security;
16
<PAGE>
(5) the nature of the security (including its unregistered
nature) and the nature of the marketplace for the security (e.g.,
the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer); and (6) any
applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
interpretation or position with respect to such type of
securities.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The investment activities described
above are likely to result in the Fund engaging in a considerable
amount of trading of securities held for less than one year.
Management anticipates that the annual turnover in the Fund will
be approximately 600%. An annual turnover rate of 600% occurs,
for example, when all the securities in the Fund's portfolio are
replaced six times in a period of one year. A high rate of
portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater expenses than
a lower rate, which expenses 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. The
annual portfolio turnover rates of securities in the Fund for the
fiscal years ended in 1995 and 1996 were 285% and 208%,
respectively. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
"General Information--Portfolio Transactions."
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
The following investment restrictions may not be changed
without shareholder approval which means the affirmative vote of
(i) 67% or more of the shares represented at a meeting at which
more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or
by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares,
whichever is less.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
(i) invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, except that up to 25% of the value of the
Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to this
limitation; (ii) invest more than 25% of the value of its total
assets in the securities of issuers conducting their principal
business activities in a single industry, except that this
limitation shall not apply to investments in the mortgage and
mortgage-financed industry (in which more than 25% of the value
of the Fund's total assets will, except for temporary defensive
positions, be invested) or securities issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
(iii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests which
might require the untimely disposition of securities; borrowing
in the aggregate may not exceed 15%, and borrowing for purposes
17
<PAGE>
other than meeting redemptions may not exceed 5% of the value 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
subsequent investments are made; (iv) pledge, hypothecate,
mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except in an amount of
not more than 15% of the value of its total assets to secure
borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes and except as
provided in (vi) below, provided, however, that this limitation
does not apply to deposits made in connection with the entering
into and holding of interest rate futures contracts; (v) invest
more than 10% of the value of its total assets in the aggregate
in illiquid securities or other illiquid investments and
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days; or
(vi) lend its portfolio securities if immediately after such a
loan more than 20% of the value of the Fund's total assets would
be subject to such loans.
In addition, the Fund may not:
1. Make loans except through (i) the purchase of
qualified debt obligations referred to under "Investment
Objective and Policies," (ii) entry into repurchase agreements,
and (iii) the lending of portfolio securities; and
2. (a) Purchase or sell real estate, except that it
may invest in mortgage-related securities and whole loans and
purchase and sell securities of companies which deal in real
estate or interests therein; (b) invest in commodities or
commodities contracts, except that it may invest in interest rate
futures contracts; (c) invest in interests in oil, gas or other
mineral exploration or development programs; (d) sell securities
short or purchase securities on margin; (e) act as an underwriter
of securities, except that, subject to investment restriction in
the Prospectus, the Fund may acquire restricted securities under
circumstances in which, if such securities are sold, the Fund
might be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the
Securities Act; (f) invest in companies for the purpose of
exercising control; and (g) invest in the securities of other
investment companies, except securities acquired as a result of a
merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets.
Whenever any investment policy or restriction states a
minimum or maximum percentage of the Fund's assets which may be
invested in any security or other asset, it is intended that such
minimum or maximum percentage limitation be determined
immediately after and as a result of the Fund's acquisition of
such security or other asset. Accordingly, any later increase or
decrease in percentage beyond the specified limitations resulting
18
<PAGE>
from a change in values or net assets will not be considered a
violation.
________________________________________________________________
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
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
19
<PAGE>
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
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.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides
investment advisory services and order placement facilities for
the Fund and pays all compensation of Directors and officers of
the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Adviser. The Adviser
or its affiliates also, without charge, furnishes the Fund
management supervision and assistance and office facilities.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays a quarterly fee to
the Adviser on the first business day of January, April, July and
October equal to .1375 of 1% (approximately .55 of 1% on an
annual basis) of the net asset value of the Fund at the end of
the previous quarter up to $500,000,000 and .125 of l%
(approximately .50 of l% on an annual basis) of the Fund's net
asset value in excess of $500,000,000 at the end of the previous
quarter. For the fiscal years ended in 1994, 1995 and 1996, the
Adviser received advisory fees of $9,620,756, $7,177,437 and
$5,441,943, respectively.
The Adviser is, under the Advisory Agreement,
responsible for certain expenses incurred by the Fund, including,
for example, office facilities and certain administrative
services, and any expenses incurred in promoting the sale of Fund
shares (other than the portion of the promotional expenses borne
by the Fund in accordance with an effective plan pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act, and the costs of printing Fund
prospectuses and other reports to shareholders and fees related
20
<PAGE>
to registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") and with state regulatory authorities.)
The Fund has, under the Advisory Agreement, assumed the
obligation for payment of all of its other expenses. As to the
obtaining of services other than those specifically provided to
the Fund by the Adviser, the Fund may utilize personnel employed
by the Adviser or by other subsidiaries of Equitable. The Fund
may employ its own personnel or contract for services to be
provided to the Fund at cost and the payments specifically
approved by the Funds Board of Directors. The Fund paid to the
Adviser a total of $254,410 in respect of such services during
the fiscal year of the Fund ended in 1996.
The Advisory Agreement became effective on July 22,
1992. The Advisory Agreement continues in effect for successive
twelve-month periods (computed from each January 1), provided
that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually
by the Fund's Directors or by a majority vote of the holders of
the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and, in either
case, by a majority of the Directors who are not parties to the
Advisory Agreement or interested persons as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") of
any such party. Most recently, the continuance of the Advisory
Agreement until December 31, 1997 was approved by a vote, cast in
person, by the Directors, including a majority of the Directors
who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested
persons of any such party, at a meeting called for that purpose
and held on December 18, 1996.
The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty on
60 days' written notice, by a vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities or by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's Directors, or by the Adviser on 60 days' written notice,
and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Adviser, or of reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder,
the Adviser shall not be liable for any action or failure to act
in accordance with its duties thereunder.
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
21
<PAGE>
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 or selling the same security on a 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 the investment adviser to the following registered
investment companies: ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD
Exchange Reserves, The Alliance Fund, 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
International Fund, Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund,
Inc., Alliance Money Market Fund, 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 Fund, Inc.,
Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity 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 Portfolios 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.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Directors and principal officers of the Fund, their
ages and their primary occupations during the past five years are
set forth below. Each such Director and officer is also a
director, trustee or officer of other registered investment
companies sponsored by the Adviser. Unless otherwise specified,
22
<PAGE>
the address of each of the following persons is 1345 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10105.
DIRECTORS
JOHN D. CARIFA,* 52, Chairman of the Board and
President of the Fund, is the President, Chief Operating Officer
and a Director of Alliance Capital Management Corporation
("ACMC") with which he has been associated since prior to 1992.
RUTH BLOCK, 66, was formerly an Executive Vice President
and Chief Insurance Officer of Equitable since prior to 1992.
She is a Director of Ecolab Incorporated (specialty chemicals)
and Amoco Corporation (oil and gas). Her address is P.O. Box
4653, Stamford, Connecticut 06903.
DAVID H. DIEVLER, 68, was formerly a Senior Vice
President of ACMC, with which he had been associated since prior
to 1992. He is currently an independent consultant. His address
is P. O. Box 167, Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762.
JAMES R. GREENE, 76, has been an independent financial
consultant since prior to 1992. He is also a Director of ASARCO,
Incorporated (metals smelting and refining), Bank Leumi Trust
Co., Buck Engineering Company (manufacturing), American Reliance
Insurance Co. (insurance) and United Tote (computer software).
His address is 134 Buttonwood Drive, Fair Haven, New Jersey
07701.
DR. JAMES M. HESTER, 73, is President of the Harry Frank
Guggenheim Foundation and a Director of Union Carbide
Corporation, with which he has been associated since prior to
1992. He was formerly President of New York University, the New
York Botanical Garden and Rector of the United Nations
University. His address is 45 East 89th Street, New York, New
York 10128.
CLIFFORD L. MICHEL, 58, is a member of the law firm of
Cahill Gordon & Reindel, with which he has been associated since
prior to 1992. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer
of Wenonah Development Company (investment holding company) and a
Director of Placer Dome, Inc. (mining). His address is St.
Bernard's Road, Gladstone, New Jersey 07934.
DONALD J. ROBINSON, 63, was formerly a partner of
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and is currently Senior Counsel to
____________________
* An "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the 1940
Act.
23
<PAGE>
that firm. His address is 666 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor, New York,
New York 10103.
OFFICERS
JOHN D. CARIFA, CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT, see biography,
above.
WAYNE D. LYSKI, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, 56, is an
Executive Vice President of ACMC with which he has been
associated since prior to 1992.
KATHLEEN A. CORBET, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, 37, is a
Senior Vice President of ACMC since July 1993. Prior thereto,
she was employed by Equitable Capital Management Corporation
since prior to 1992.
PATRICIA J. YOUNG, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, 43, is a
Senior Vice President of ACMC with which she has been associated
since 1992.
JEFFREY S. PHLEGAR, VICE PRESIDENT, 31, is a Vice
President of ACMC since July 1993. Prior thereto, he was
employed by Equitable Capital since prior to 1992.
EDMUND P. BERGAN, JR., SECRETARY, 47, is a Senior Vice
President and General Counsel of Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc.
(AFD) with which he has been associated since prior to 1992.
DOMENICK PUGLIESE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, 36, is a 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 prior to 1992.
MARK D. GERSTEN, TREASURER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER,
47, is a Vice President of AFD and a Senior Vice President of
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. (AFS) with which he has been
associated since prior to 1992.
JUAN RODRIGUEZ, CONTROLLER, 40, is an Assistant Vice
President of AFS with which he has been associated since prior to
1992.
CARLA LaROSE, ASSISTANT CONTROLLER, 34, is a Manager of
AFS with which she has been associated since prior to 1992.
JOSEPH J. MANTINEO, ASSISTANT CONTROLLER, 38, is a Vice
President of AFS with which he has been associated since prior
to 1992.
24
<PAGE>
VINCENT S. NOTO, ASSISTANT CONTROLLER, 33, is an
Assistant Vice President of AFS with which he has been associated
since prior to 1992.
The aggregate compensation paid by the Fund to each of
the Directors during its fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, and
the aggregate compensation paid to each of the Directors 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
those companies), in the Alliance Fund Complex with respect to
which each of the Directors serves as a director or trustee 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 directors or
trustees. Each of the Directors is a director or 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 the
from the Fund, as to Fund, as to
Aggregate Alliance Fund which the which the
Compensation Complex, Director is a Director is
Name of Director from Including Director or a Director
of the Fund the Fund the Fund Trustee or Trustee
_________________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________
John D. Carifa $ -0- $ -0- 52 114
Ruth Block $3,395 $157,500 38 76
David H. Dievler $3,374 $182,000 45 79
James R. Greene $3,874 $ 63,000 11 23
Dr. James M. Hester $3,402 $148,500 39 73
Clifford L. Michel $3,129 $146,068 39 88
Donald J. Robinson $1,182 $137,250 42 102
As of October 15, 1997, the Directors and officers of
the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.
25
<PAGE>
________________________________________________________________
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
________________________________________________________________
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Services
Agreement (the "Agreement") with Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter (the "Principal
Underwriter"), to permit the Principal Underwriter to distribute
the Fund's shares and to permit the Fund to pay distribution
services fees to defray expenses associated with the
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 Commission under the
1940 Act (the "Rule 12b-1 Plan").
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 and
that in each case the sales charge and 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 Rule 12b-1 Plan and the purposes
for which such expenditures were made to the Directors of the
Fund for their review on a quarterly basis. Also, the Agreement
provides that the selection and nomination of Directors who are
not interested persons of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act)
are committed to the discretion of such disinterested Directors
then in office.
The Agreement became effective on July 22, 1992, with
respect to Class A shares and Class B shares, and was amended as
of April 30, 1993 to permit the distribution of Class C shares,
and September 30, 1996 to permit the distribution of Advisor
Class shares.
26
<PAGE>
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 December 31, 1996,
with respect to Class A shares, distribution services fees for
expenditures payable to the Principal Underwriter amounted to
$1,343,462, which constituted .30 of 1% of the Fund's average
daily net assets attributable to Class A shares during such
fiscal year, and the Adviser made payments from its own resources
aggregating $282,013. Of the $1,625,475 paid by the Fund and the
Adviser under the Plan with respect to Class A shares, $102,948
was spent on advertising, $12,023 on the printing and mailing of
prospectuses for persons other than current shareholders,
$1,248,140 for compensation to broker-dealers and other financial
intermediaries (including $169,175 to the Fund's Principal
Underwriter), $57,689 for compensation to sales personnel, and
$204,675 was spent on the printing of sales literature, travel,
entertainment, due diligence and other promotional expenses.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996,
with respect to Class B shares, distribution services fees for
expenditures payable to the Principal Underwriter amounted to
$5,945,473, which constituted 1% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class B shares during such fiscal year,
and the Adviser made payments from its own resources aggregating
$-0-. Of the $2,599,063 paid by the Fund and the Adviser under
the Plan with respect to Class B shares, $96,231 was spent on
advertising, $6,759 on the printing and mailing of prospectuses
for persons other than current shareholders, $1,472,200 for
compensation to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries
(including $171,839 to the Fund's Principal Underwriter), $9,564
for compensation to sales personnel, $186,285 was spent on the
printing of sales literature, travel, entertainment, due
diligence and other promotional expenses and $828,024 was spent
on financing of interest relating to Class B shares. The
additional $3,346,410 in payments to the Principal Underwriter
will be carried forward and offset against future distribution
service fees payable under the Plan.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996,
with respect to Class C shares, distribution services fees for
expenditures payable to the Principal Underwriter amounted to
$413,462, which constituted 1% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class C shares during such fiscal year,
and the Adviser made payments from its own resources aggregating
$612,441. Of the $1,025,903 paid by the Fund and the Adviser
under the Plan with respect to Class C shares, $119,883 was spent
27
<PAGE>
on advertising, $9,266 on the printing and mailing of
prospectuses for persons other than current shareholders,
$653,025 for compensation to broker-dealers and other financial
intermediaries (including $204,418 to the Fund's Principal
Underwriter), $9,837 for compensation to sales personnel, and
$233,892 was spent on the printing of sales literature, travel,
entertainment, due diligence and other promotional expenses.
The Agreement will continue in effect for successive
twelve-month periods (computed from each January 1) with respect
to each class of the Fund, provided, however, that such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the
Directors 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 Directors of
the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested
persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party (other
than as directors of the Fund) and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Rule 12b-1 Plan or any
agreement related thereto. Most recently the Directors approved
the continuance of the Agreement until December 31, 1997 at their
meeting held on December 18, 1996.
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 Directors or the holders of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities, voting separately by class, and in
either case, by a majority of the disinterested Directors, 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 the Fund 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 disinterested Directors as
defined in the 1940 Act, or (b) by the Principal Underwriter. To
terminate the Agreement, any party must give the other party 60
days' written notice; to terminate the Rule 12b-1 Plan only, the
Fund is not required to give prior written notice to the
28
<PAGE>
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 for 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. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the
Fund paid Alliance Fund Services, Inc. $1,560,873 for transfer
agency services.
________________________________________________________________
PURCHASE OF SHARES
________________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus(es) under "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 NASD 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
29
<PAGE>
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, none of whom is eligible on the basis solely of
such status to purchase and hold Advisor Class shares) or (iv) by
directors and present or retired full-time employees of CB
Commericial 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
which the program invests in order to be approved by AFD for
investment in Advisor Class shares. </R
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund either through
selected broker-dealers, agents, financial intermediaries or
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 the
Fund's 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 Articles of Incorporation
and By-Laws as of the next close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (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.
30
<PAGE>
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 values
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
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,
31
<PAGE>
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 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 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
32
<PAGE>
each bear the expense of a higher distribution services fee than
that borne by 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 that borne by 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
Rule 12b-1 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 Rule 12b-1 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 shareholders, the Class B
shareholders 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.
The Directors 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 Directors 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**
The alternative purchase arrangements available with
respect to Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares
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 charge on
Class B shares prior to conversion, or the accumulated
distribution services fee and contingent deferred sales charge 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
____________________
**
Advisor Class shares are sold only to investors described
above in this section under "--General."
33
<PAGE>
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, 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
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 three-
year period and one-year period, respectively. For example,
based on current fees and expenses, an investor subject to the
4.25% initial sales charge 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
three-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 December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, the aggregate amount of underwriting
commission payable with respect to shares of the Fund in each
34
<PAGE>
year was $262,789, $275,029 and $1,906,578, respectively. Of
that amount, the Principal Underwriter received $10,808, $15,075
and $68,298, 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 Funds fiscal years
ended in 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Principal Underwriter received
contingent deferred sales charges of $-0-, $-0- and $-0-,
respectively, on Class A shares, $385,449, $1,569,882 and
$3,792,887, respectively, on Class B shares, and $2,401, $-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.
Sales Charge
Discount or
Commission
As % of to Dealers
As % of the or Agents
Net Public As % of
Amount of Amount Offering Offering
Purchase Invested Price 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.
35
<PAGE>
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 A shares will be waived
on certain redemptions, as described below under "--Class B
Shares." 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 and
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 or 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, 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, (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.
36
<PAGE>
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 on October 15, 1997.
Net Asset Value per Class A
Share at October 15, 1997 $8.60
Per Share Sales Charge - 4.25%
of offering price (4.44%
of net asset value per share) .38
Class A Per Share Offering Price $8.98
to the Public =====
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternative
may under certain circumstances be entitled to pay (i) no initial
sales charge (but be subject in most such cases to a contingent
deferred sales charge) or (ii) a reduced initial sales charge.
The circumstances under which 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:
37
<PAGE>
The Alliance Fund, Inc.
AFD Exchange Reserves
Alliance All-Asia Investment 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.
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 II
-Arizona Portfolio
-Florida Portfolio
-Massachusetts Portfolio
-Michigan Portfolio
-Minnesota Portfolio
-New Jersey Portfolio
-Ohio Portfolio
-Pennsylvania Portfolio
-Virginia Portfolio
Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
-California Portfolio
-Insured California Portfolio
-Insured National Portfolio
-National Portfolio
-New York 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/Regent Sector Opportunity 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
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-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;
(ii) the net asset value (at the close of business
on the previous day) of (a) all 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
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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 the 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 be necessary to invest
only a total of $60,000 during the following 13 months in shares
of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund, to qualify 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
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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 the 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.
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 reinvestment 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 Directors 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, Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their
affiliates; officers, directors and present and full-time
employees of selected dealers or agents; or the spouse, sibling,
direct ancestor or direct descendant (collectively "relatives")
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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
shares are purchased for investment purposes (such shares may not
be resold except to the Fund); (iii) the Adviser, the Principal
Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their affiliates;
certain employee benefit plans for employees of the 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 service 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 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 such persons pay an
asset-based fee to such broker-dealer or financial intermediary,
or its affiliate or agent, for services in the nature of
investment advisory or administrative services; (vi) 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 (vii)
employer-sponsored qualified pension or profit-sharing plans
(including Section 401(k) plans), custodial accounts 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.
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 on
the Class B 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 sale of the Class B
shares, such as the payment of compensation to selected dealers
42
<PAGE>
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 three 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 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 the
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 2.0% (the
applicable rate in the second year after purchase, 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
payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge as a %
Year Since Purchase of Dollar Amount Subject to Charge
First 3.0%
Second 2.0%
Third 1.0%
Fourth and thereafter 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
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<PAGE>
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 Directors 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. Six 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
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
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<PAGE>
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 six 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 and transfer agency costs than Class A shares and
Advisor Class shares, and will thus have a higher expense ratio
and pay correspondingly lower dividends than Class A shares and
Advisor Class 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.
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.
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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 and Advisor Class shares.
CONVERSION OF ADVISOR CLASS SHARES 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 "Purchase of Shares--General," and by
investment advisory clients of, and by 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 the
fee-based program or plan, or to be associated with the
investment advisory or financial intermediary 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 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.
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
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<PAGE>
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 or her 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(es) 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 Articles of Incorporation require that the Fund redeem the
shares of the Fund 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 shares, Class B shares 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 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.
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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 or her shares, assuming the
shares constitute capital assets in his or her hands, 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 stock
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
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
funds transfer ("EFT"), 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
EFT to a shareholder's designated bank account at a bank selected
by the shareholder that is a member of the NACHA.
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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 REDEMPTION--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
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
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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
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(es) 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
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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 EFT 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 the Adviser).
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
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 purposes 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.
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<PAGE>
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 exchanges 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 income 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.
Each Fund shareholder, and the shareholder's selected
dealer, agent or financial representative, as applicable, are
authorized to make telephone requests for exchanges unless
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
52
<PAGE>
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 his or her
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 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 representatives, 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
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, N.J. 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.
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<PAGE>
Taxation of the income and gains paid to an IRA by the Fund is
deferred until distribution from the IRA. An individual's
eligible contributions 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 or 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
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
retirement 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.
54
<PAGE>
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
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.
55
<PAGE>
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
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 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.
DIVIDEND DIRECTION PLAN
A shareholder who already maintains, in addition to his
or her Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class Fund account, 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 his or her 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.
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.
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<PAGE>
CHECKWRITING
A new Class A or Class C investor may fill out the
Signature Card which is included in the Prospectus to authorize
the Fund to arrange for a checkwriting service through State
Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank") to draw against
Class A or Class C shares of the Fund redeemed from the
investor's account. Under this service, checks may be made
payable to any payee in any amount not less than $500 and not
more than 90% of the net asset value of the Class A or Class C
shares in the investor's account (excluding for this purpose the
current month's accumulated dividends and shares for which
certificates have been issued). A Class A or Class C shareholder
wishing to establish this checkwriting service subsequent to the
opening of his or her Fund account should contact the Fund by
telephone or mail. Corporations, fiduciaries and institutional
investors are required to furnish a certified resolution or other
evidence of authorization. This checkwriting service will be
subject to the Bank's customary rules and regulations governing
checking accounts, and the Fund and the Bank each reserve the
right to change or suspend the checkwriting service. There is no
charge to the shareholder for the initiation and maintenance of
this service or for the clearance of any checks.
When a check is presented to the Bank for payment, the
Bank, as the shareholder's agent, causes the Fund to redeem, at
the net asset value next determined, a sufficient number of full
and fractional shares of the Fund in the shareholder's account to
cover the check. Because the level of net assets in a
shareholder's account constantly changes due, among various
factors, to market fluctuations, a shareholder should not attempt
to close his or her account by use of a check. In this regard,
the Bank has the right to return checks (marked "insufficient
funds") unpaid to the presenting bank if the amount of the check
exceeds 90% of the assets in the account. Canceled (paid) checks
are returned to the shareholder. The checkwriting service
enables the shareholder to receive the daily dividends declared
on the shares to be redeemed until the day that the check is
presented to the Bank for payment.
______________________________________________________________
NET ASSET VALUE
______________________________________________________________
Securities, including put and call options, which are
traded over-the-counter and on a national securities exchange
will be valued according to the broadest and most representative
market, and it is expected that for the fixed-income securities
and options in which the Fund invests this ordinarily will be the
over-the-counter market. However, fixed-income securities may be
57
<PAGE>
valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when
such prices are believed by the Adviser to reflect the fair
market value of such securities. The prices provided by a
pricing service take into account institutional size trading in
similar groups of securities and any developments related to
specific securities. Securities not priced in this manner are
valued at the most recent quoted bid price, or, when stock
exchange valuations are used, at the latest quoted sale price on
the day of valuation. If there is no such reported sale, the
latest quoted bid price will be used. Interest rate futures
contracts will be valued in a like manner, except that open
futures contracts sales will be valued using the closing
settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most
recent quoted asked price. Portfolio instruments having less
than 60 days remaining until maturity are valued at amortized
cost, unless the Board of Directors determines that such cost
does not represent fair value. Other assets and securities for
which no quotations are readily available will be valued in good
faith at fair value using methods determined by the Board of
Directors.
The assets belonging to the Class A shares, the Class B
shares, the Class C shares and the Advisor Class shares will be
invested together in a single portfolio. The net asset value of
each class will be determined separately by subtracting the
accrued expenses and liabilities allocated to that class from the
assets belonging to that class.
_____________________________________________________________
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
_____________________________________________________________
The Fund intends to qualify for each taxable year for
tax treatment as a "regulated investment company" under the Code.
Such qualification does not, of course, involve governmental
supervision of management or investment practices or policies.
Investors should consult their own counsel for a complete
understanding of the requirements the Fund must meet to qualify
for such treatment. The information set forth in the Prospectus
and the following discussion relates solely to 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 and for the
application of state and local tax laws to his or her particular
situation.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company,
the Fund must, among other things, (i) derive at least 90% of its
gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest,
certain payments with respect to securities loans and gains from
58
<PAGE>
the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign
currency, or certain other income (including, but not limited to,
gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with
respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or
currency, and (ii) with respect to its taxable year ending
December 31, 1997, derive less than 30% of its gross income in
such year from the sale or other disposition within three months
of their acquisition by the Fund of stocks, securities, options,
futures or forward contracts. These requirements may limit the
Fund's ability to write and purchase options, to purchase and
sell futures contracts, to enter into interest rate swaps and to
purchase or sell interest rate caps and floors. In addition, the
Fund will qualify as a regulated investment company for any
taxable year only if it satisfies the diversification
requirements set forth in the Fund's Prospectus under the heading
"Additional Investment Considerations--Non-Diversified Status."
The Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends in
the amounts and at the time necessary to avoid the application of
the 4% federal excise tax imposed on certain undistributed income
of regulated investment companies. The Fund will be required to
pay the 4% excise tax to the extent it does not distribute to its
shareholders during any calendar year an amount equal to the sum
of (i) 98% of its ordinary taxable income for the calendar year,
(ii) 98% of its capital gain net income and foreign currency
gains for the twelve months ended October 31 of such year (or
December 31 if elected by the Fund), and (iii) any ordinary
income or capital gain net income from the preceding calendar
year that was not distributed during such year. For this
purpose, income or gain retained by the Fund that is subject to
corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed
by the Fund by year-end. For federal income and excise tax
purposes, dividends declared and payable to shareholders of
record as of a date in October, November or December but actually
paid during the following January will be taxable to these
shareholders for the year declared, and not for the subsequent
calendar year in which the shareholders actually receive the
dividend.
Since the Fund expects to derive substantially all of
its gross income (exclusive of capital gains) from sources other
than dividends, it is expected that none of the Fund's dividends
or distributions will qualify for the dividends-received
deduction for corporations.
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
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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 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. Any dividend or distribution received by
a shareholder on shares of the Fund shortly after the purchase of
such shares by him or her will have the effect of reducing the
net asset value of such shares by the amount of such dividend or
distribution. If a shareholder has held shares in the Fund for
six months or less and during that period has received a
distribution of net capital gains, any loss recognized by the
shareholder on the sale of those shares during the six-month
period will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent
of the distribution.
Dividends and distributions are taxable in the manner
discussed regardless of whether they are paid to the shareholder
in cash or are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
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 types of
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.
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 different. Foreign investors should consult
their counsel for further information as to the U.S. tax
consequences of receipt of income from the Fund.
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Certain listed options 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 section 1256 contracts generally will be
considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.
For federal income tax purposes, when over-the-counter
put and call options which the Fund has purchased expire
unexercised, the premiums paid by the Fund give rise to short- or
long-term capital losses at the time of expiration (depending on
the length of time the Fund held the put or call). When put and
call options written by the Fund expire unexercised, the premiums
received by the Fund give rise to short-term capital gains at the
time of expiration. When the Fund exercises a call, the purchase
price of the security purchased is increased by the amount of the
premium paid by the Fund. When the Fund exercises a put, the
proceeds from the sale of the related security are decreased by
the premium paid. When a put or call written by the Fund is
exercised, the purchase price (selling price in the case of a
call) of the security is decreased (increased in the case of a
call) for tax purposes by the premium received. There may be
short- or long-term gains and losses associated with closing
purchase or sale transactions.
Any option, futures contracts, interest rate swap, cap
or floor, 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. 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.
_____________________________________________________________
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
_____________________________________________________________
Subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, the Adviser is responsible for the
investment decisions and the placing of the orders for portfolio
transactions for the Fund. The Fund's portfolio transactions
occur primarily with issuers, underwriters or major dealers
acting as principals. Such transactions are normally on a net
basis which do not involve payment of brokerage commissions. The
cost of securities purchased from an underwriter usually includes
a commission paid by the issuer to the underwriter; transactions
with dealers normally reflect the spread between bid and asked
prices. Premiums are paid with respect to options purchased by
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the Fund, and brokerage commissions are payable with respect to
transactions in exchange-traded interest rate futures contracts.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
the Fund incurred no brokerage commissions.
The Adviser makes the Fund's portfolio decisions and
determines the brokers or dealers to be used in each specific
transaction. Most of the Fund's transactions, including
transactions in listed securities, are executed in the over-the-
counter market by approximately fifteen (15) principal market
maker dealers with whom the Adviser maintains regular contact.
Most transactions made by the Fund will be principal transactions
at net prices and the Fund will incur little or no brokerage
costs. Where possible, securities will be purchased directly
from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the
securities unless the Adviser believes a better price and
execution is available elsewhere. Purchases from underwriters of
newly-issued securities for inclusion in a portfolio usually will
include a concession paid to the underwriter by the issuer and
purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include the
spread between the bid and asked price.
The Fund has no obligation to enter into transactions in
portfolio securities with any broker, dealer, issuer, underwriter
or other entity. In placing orders, it is the policy of the Fund
to obtain the best price and execution for its transactions.
Where best price and execution may be obtained from more than one
broker or dealer, the Adviser may, in its discretion, purchase
and sell securities through brokers and dealers who provide
research, statistical and other information to the Adviser. Such
services may be used by the Adviser for all of its investment
advisory accounts and, accordingly, not all such services may be
used by the Adviser in connection with the Fund. The
supplemental information received from a dealer is in addition to
the services required to be performed by the Adviser under the
Advisory Agreement, and the expenses of the Adviser will not
necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such
information.
_____________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
_____________________________________________________________
CAPITALIZATION
The authorized capital stock of the Fund currently
consists of 600,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $.01 par
value, 600,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, $.01 par
value, 600,000,000 shares of Class C Common Stock, $.01 par
value, and 600,000,000 shares of Advisor Class Common Stock, $.01
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par value. Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares
each represent interests in the assets of the Fund and have
identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights on the
same terms and conditions, except that expenses related to the
distribution of each class and transfer agency expenses of each
class are borne solely by each class and each class of shares has
exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of any
applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution plan which pertain to a
particular class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. The Fund's Board of
Directors may, without shareholder approval, increase or decrease
the number of authorized but unissued shares of the Fund's Class
A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class Common Stock.
The Board of Directors is authorized to reclassify and
issue any unissued shares to any number of additional series and
classes without shareholder approval. Accordingly, the Directors
in the future, for reasons such as the desire to establish one or
more additional portfolios of the Fund with different investment
objectives, policies or restrictions, may create additional
series of shares. Any issuance of shares of another series would
be governed by the 1940 Act and the laws of the State of
Maryland. If shares of another series 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 Directors 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 series.
Procedures for calling a shareholders meeting for the
removal of Directors 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 the vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such series.
As of the close of business on October 15, 1997, there
were 87,211,484 shares of common stock outstanding. Of this
amount, 43,606,043 shares were Class A shares, 40,340,593 shares
were Class B shares and 3,264,848 shares were Class C shares. To
the knowledge of the Fund, the following persons owned of record,
and no person owned beneficially, 5% or more of the outstanding
shares of the Fund as of October 15, 1997:
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NO. OF % of % of % of
NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
Merrill Lynch for the Sole 2,631,882 6.02%
Benefit of Its Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East,
3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Merrill Lynch 6,380,745 15.82%
For the Sole Benefit
of Its Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East,
3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Merrill Lynch 1,413,218 43.29%
For the Sole Benefit
of Its Customers
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East,
3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, acts as the Funds
Custodian for the assets of the Fund, but plays no part in
deciding on the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.
Subject to the supervision of the Funds Directors, State Street
may enter into sub-custodial agreements for the holding of the
Funds foreign securities.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, serves as the Fund's
Principal Underwriter and 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
distributors, 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.
64
<PAGE>
COUNSEL
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of the
shares of common stock offered hereby are passed upon by Seward &
Kissel, New York, New York. Seward & Kissel has relied upon the
opinion of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland,
for matters relating to Maryland law.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP, New York, New York, have been
appointed independent auditors for the Fund.
YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS
From time to time the Fund advertises its "yield,"
"actual distribution rate" and "total return." The Fund will
compute its yield, actual distribution rate and total return
separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class
shares. The 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. The Fund's "actual distribution rate," which may be
advertised in items of sales literature, 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. Computed
separately for each class, the Fund's "total return" is its
average annual compounded total return for its most recently
completed one-, five- and ten-year periods (or, if shorter, the
period since the Fund's inception). The 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 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 yield for the month ended June 30, 1997, was
6.02% for Class A shares, 5.57% for Class B shares and 5.58% for
Class C shares. The Fund's actual distribution rate for such
period was 6.38% for Class A shares, 5.92% for Class B shares and
5.92% for Class C shares. The Fund's average annual total return
for the one-year period ended June 30, 1997, was 3.92 %, for the
65
<PAGE>
five-year period ended June 30, 1997, was 5.21% and for the ten-
year period ended June 30, 1997, was 7.73% for Class A shares;
the average annual total return for the one-year period ended
June 30, 1997, was 4.68%, for the five-year period ended June 30,
1997, was 5.39% and for the period from January 30, 1992
(commencement of distributions) through June 30, 1997, was 5.58%
for Class B shares; and the average annual total return for the
one-year period ended June 30, 1997, was 6.68% and for the period
from May 3, 1993 (commencement of distributions) through June 30,
1997, was 4.21% for Class C shares.
The Fund's yield and total return are 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, the Fund's average portfolio maturity and its
expenses. Yield and total return information is useful in
reviewing the Fund's performance but such information may not
provide a basis for comparison with bank deposits or other
investments which pay a fixed yield for a stated period of time.
An investor's principal invested in the Fund is not fixed and
will fluctuate in response to prevailing market conditions.
Advertisements quoting performance rankings of the Fund
as measured by financial publications or by independent
organizations such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. ("Lipper")
and Morningstar, Inc. and advertisements presenting the
performance information of the Fund may also from time to time be
sent to investors or placed in newspapers, magazines such as
BARRONS, BUSINESS WEEK, CHANGING TIMES, FORTUNE, FORBES, MONEY
MAGAZINE, THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or other
media on behalf of the Fund. The Fund has been ranked by Lipper
in the category known as "U.S. mortgage bond funds."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Any shareholder inquiries may be directed to the
shareholder's broker or other financial adviser or to Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. 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.
66
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 30, 1997
ALLIANCE CAPITAL
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES-89.5%
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP.-29.9%
7.50%, 3/01/22-2/01/26 GOLD (a) $100,813 $101,639,530
7.50%, 11/01/11-2/01/12 GOLD (b) 9,035 9,170,411
8.00%, 11/01/22-12/01/26 GOLD 80,938 82,834,026
11.50%, 10/01/10-6/01/20 3,308 3,734,424
12.00%, 10/01/09-7/01/20 28,555 32,237,862
12.25%, 8/01/13-7/01/14 642 734,043
12.50%, 6/01/19 4,140 4,814,654
12.75%, 6/01/12-2/01/14 202 234,842
13.00%, 5/01/14-12/01/18 1,643 1,932,214
13.50%, 1/01/12-10/01/16 497 592,454
14.75%, 3/01/10 61 72,557
Total Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
(cost $237,839,814) 237,997,017
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS-22.6%
Blackrock Capital Finance, LP.
Series 1997-R2 Cl.2A
7.879%, 6/25/27 (c)(d) 12,912 13,400,430
Series 1997-R2 Cl.2B1
7.879%, 6/25/27 (c)(d) 1,584 1,625,540
Citicorp Mortgage Securities, Inc.
Series 1987-3 Cl.A1
9.00%, 5/25/17 14,153 14,728,297
Countrywide Funding Corp.
Series 1995-2 Cl.A5
8.50%, 6/25/25 14,709 15,058,339
Federal National Mortgage Association
Series 1992-64 Cl.E
7.00%, 5/25/04 9,347 9,353,258
Series 1997-8 Cl.D
7.00%, 12/18/24 11,000 10,690,680
Series 1997-13 Cl.B
7.00%, 12/18/24 25,000 24,257,750
Series 1997-16 Cl.H
7.00%, 2/18/25 20,334 19,800,232
Series 1997-19 Cl.B
7.00%, 4/18/25 17,700 17,185,638
MLCC Mortgage Investors, Inc.
Series 1995-B Cl.B
6.938%, 10/15/20 5,000 4,407,050
Series 1996-B Cl.B
6.938%, 7/15/21 10,955 9,649,271
Norwest Asset Securities Corp.
Series 1997-2 Cl.A6
7.50%, 3/25/27 20,000 19,300,000
Salomon Brothers Mortgage
Securities VII, Inc.
Series 1997-LB3 Cl.M1
5.688%, 6/25/27 (c) 20,588 20,536,530
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $178,480,882) 179,993,015
4
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION-18.5%
7.44%, 11/01/26 $ 6,997 $ 7,248,336
7.50%, 2/01/17-12/01/24 50,048 50,384,005
7.58%, 6/01/25 38,565 39,143,249
7.60%, 6/01/25 39,710 40,336,310
11.00%, 7/01/16 5,602 6,218,642
11.50%, 9/01/20 3,519 3,952,205
12.00%, 7/01/00 (b) 35 37,274
Total Federal National Mortgage Association
(cost $146,977,099) 147,320,021
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION-12.7%
7.00%, 1/15/23-1/15/25 95,582 94,327,670
7.50%, 6/15/26-12/15/26 3,466 3,476,148
9.00%, 12/15/19 4 4,233
10.00%, 10/15/17-6/15/20 1,084 1,195,261
11.50%, 3/15/10-11/15/15 704 802,874
12.00%, 2/15/14 270 313,084
12.50%, 3/15/11-5/15/15 221 258,677
13.00%, 11/15/99-1/15/00 (b) 22 23,120
15.00%, 2/15/12 1 582
Total Government National Mortgage
Association
(cost $97,200,038) 100,401,649
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES-3.1%
Asset Securitization Corp.
Series 1996-D2 Cl.A2
7.21%, 2/14/29 (c) 9,267 9,387,322
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc.
Series 1996-C2 Cl.B
6.96%, 11/21/28 15,000 14,793,750
Total Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities
(cost $24,381,997) 24,181,072
STRIPPED MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITES-2.7%
Morgan Stanley Capital I
Series 1996-WF1 Cl.X I/O
8.436%, 1/15/13 (d)(e) 104,773 7,837,006
Mortgage Capital Funding, Inc.
Series 1996-MC2 Cl.X I/O
8.50%, 12/21/26 (e) 124,297 13,750,946
Total Stripped Mortgage Backed Securites
(cost $21,564,960) 21,587,952
Total Mortgage-Related Securities
(cost $706,444,790) 711,480,726
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS-5.6%
U.S. TREASURY NOTES
6.25%, 6/30/02 24,200 24,056,252
6.375%, 5/15/00 15,650 15,706,183
6.625%, 5/15/07 5,000 5,041,400
Total U.S. Government Obligations
(cost $44,811,101) 44,803,835
ASSET BACKED SECURITIES-0.0%
Aircraft Lease Portfolio Securitization
Series 1996-1 Cl.B
6.638%, 6/15/06
(cost $68,561) (c)(d) 68 68,561
5
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT-0.1%
Prudential Securities
5.95%, dated 6/30/97, due
7/01/97, collateralized by
$1,400,000 FNMA 7.835%, 11/01/25,
value $976,705
(amortized cost $957,000) $ 957 $ 957,000
TOTAL INVESTMENTS-95.2%
(cost $752,281,452) $757,310,122
Other assets less liabilities-4.8% 38,131,405
NET ASSETS-100% $795,441,527
(a) Security, or a portion thereof was loaned at June 30, 1997 with an
aggregate market value of $15,011,311 and cash collateral was received from the
counterparty of Prudential Securities in the amount of $15,567,000.
(b) 15 year mortgage.
(c) Adjustable rate mortgages; stated interest rate in effect at June 30, 1997.
(d) Security exempt from Registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of
1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration,
normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 1997, these securities
amounted to $22,931,537 or 2.9% of net assets.
(e) Interest rate represents yield to maturity and principal amount represents
amortized cost.
Glossary of Terms:
FNMA - Federal national mortgage association
I/O - Interest only
See notes to financial statements.
6
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
ASSETS
Investments in securities, at value (cost $752,281,452) $ 757,310,122
Cash 249,215
Receivable for investment securities sold 96,415,946
Interest receivable 6,014,741
Receivable for capital stock sold 55,636
Prepaid expenses 38,799
Total assets 860,084,459
LIABILITIES
Deposit for securities loaned 60,589,090
Dividends payable 1,388,503
Payable for capital stock redeemed 1,196,319
Advisory fee payable 1,056,802
Distribution fee payable 101,980
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 310,278
Total liabilities 64,642,932
NET ASSETS $ 795,441,527
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS
Capital stock, at par $ 933,633
Additional paid-in capital 996,109,741
Distributions in excess of net investment income (1,958,496)
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions (204,672,021)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments 5,028,670
$ 795,441,527
CALCULATION OF MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE
CLASS A SHARES
Net asset value and redemption price per share ($380,439,392/
44,655,180 shares of capital stock issued and outstanding) $8.52
Sales charge-4.25% of public offering price .38
Maximum offering price $8.90
CLASS B SHARES
Net asset value and offering price per share ($383,923,435/
45,060,567 shares of capital stock issued and outstanding) $8.52
CLASS C SHARES
Net asset value and offering price per share ($31,078,700/
3,647,582 shares of capital stock issued and outstanding) $8.52
See notes to financial statements.
7
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest $34,324,059
EXPENSES
Advisory fee $2,181,842
Distribution fee - Class A 584,931
Distribution fee - Class B 2,119,605
Distribution fee - Class C 164,249
Transfer agency 639,089
Custodian 126,921
Administrative 111,238
Printing 83,427
Audit and legal 56,465
Registration 16,824
Taxes 16,026
Directors' fees 10,790
Miscellaneous 16,191
Total expenses before interest 6,127,598
Interest expense 2,121,422
Total expenses 8,249,020
Net investment income 26,075,039
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized loss on investment transactions (3,467,742)
Net realized gain on futures transactions 1,387,552
Net change in unrealized appreciation of
investments and futures contracts 3,142,900
Net gain on investments 1,062,710
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $27,137,749
See notes to financial statements.
8
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 1997 YEAR ENDED
(UNAUDITED) DEC. 31, 1996
------------- ---------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income $26,075,039 $ 64,552,800
Net realized loss on investment and futures
transactions (2,080,190) (3,821,572)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of
investments 3,142,900 (25,285,184)
Net increase in net assets from operations 27,137,749 35,446,044
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
Class A (13,271,872) (26,983,869)
Class B (12,823,190) (31,930,957)
Class C (993,708) (2,221,782)
Tax return of capital
Class A 0 (4,092,859)
Class B 0 (4,843,223)
Class C 0 (336,996)
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS
Net decrease (130,058,182) (325,126,441)
Total decrease (130,009,203) (360,090,083)
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year 925,450,730 1,285,540,813
End of period $795,441,527 $ 925,450,730
See notes to financial statements.
9
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH FROM:
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Interest received $ 35,951,793
Interest expense paid (2,121,422)
Operating expenses paid (6,205,087)
Net increase in cash from operating activities $ 27,625,284
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from disposition of long-term
portfolio investments 735,819,851
Purchase of long-term portfolio investments (577,041,143)
Purchase of short-term portfolio investments,
net (320,000)
Gain on closed futures contracts 1,387,552
Net increase in cash from investing activities 159,846,260
FINANCING ACTIVITIES*:
Decrease in securities lending (31,898,917)
Net redemptions from capital stock transactions (143,774,586)
Cash dividends paid (13,378,002)
Net decrease in cash from financing activities (189,051,505)
Net decrease in cash (1,579,961)
Cash at beginning of year 1,829,176
Cash at end of period $ 249,215
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
FROM OPERATIONS TO NET INCREASE IN CASH FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations $ 27,137,749
ADJUSTMENTS:
Decrease in interest receivable $ 1,800,115
Net realized loss on investment and futures
transactions 2,080,190
Net change in unrealized appreciation of
investments (3,142,900)
Accretion of bond discount (172,381)
Decrease in accrued expenses (77,489)
Total adjustments 487,535
NET INCREASE IN CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ 27,625,284
* Non-cash financing activities not included herein consist of reinvestment of
dividends.
See notes to financial statements.
10
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE A: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified open-end management
investment company. The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class C 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 3.00% to zero depending on
the period of time the shares are held. Class B shares will automatically
convert to Class A shares six 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. All three 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
Fixed-income securities are valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing
service and brokers. However, securities which are traded over-the-counter and
on a national securities exchange may be valued according to the broadest and
most representative market. It is expected that, for the fixed-income
securities and options in which the Fund invests, this ordinarily will be the
over-the-counter market. Securities not priced in this manner are valued at the
latest quoted bid price, or when exchange valuations are used, at the latest
quoted sale price on the day of valuation. If there is no such reported sale,
the latest quoted bid price will be used. Securities which mature in 60 days or
less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value, unless this
method does not represent fair value. Securities for which quotations are not
readily available or restricted securities will be valued in good faith at fair
value using methods determined by the Board of Directors. In determining fair
value, consideration is given to cost, operating and other financial data.
2. 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.
3. INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are
purchased or sold. The Fund amortizes premium and accretes discounts as
adjustments to interest income. Investment gains and losses are determined on
the identified cost basis.
4. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations.
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund's distributions of income and capital
gains are subject to recharacterization, which may include a tax return of
capital, at the end of the year to reflect the final investment results for
that year.
NOTE B: ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Under the terms of an investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays Alliance
Capital Management L.P. (the "Adviser"), an advisory fee at a quarterly rate
equal to .1375 of 1% (approximately .55 of 1% on an annual basis) of the first
$500 million of the Fund's net assets and .125 of 1% (approximately .50 of 1%
on an annual basis) of its net assets over $500 million, valued on the last
business day of the previous quarter. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement the
Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund to the extent that its aggregate
expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage, distribution fees, and
extraordinary expenses) in any year exceed 1% of its average daily net assets
for such year. No such reimbursement was required for the six months ended June
30, 1997.
11
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Fund paid $111,238 to the Adviser
representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the
Fund by the Adviser for the six months 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 $481,313 for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser)
serves as the Distributor of the Fund's capital stock. The Distributor received
front-end sales charges of $3,203 from the sales of Class A shares and $60,490
and $4,433 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by
shareholders of Class B and Class C shares, respectively, for the six months
ended June 30, 1997.
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 Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
Class A shares and 1% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B
and Class C shares. Such fee is 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 $11,412,112 and $2,877,767 for Class B and 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.
NOTE D: INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments
and U.S. government securities) aggregated $138,485,818 and $156,125,356,
respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 1997. There were purchases of
$431,999,368 and sales of $639,011,164 of U.S. government and government agency
obligations for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
At June 30, 1997 the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was
the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross
unrealized appreciation of investments was $7,288,651 and gross unrealized
depreciation of investments was $2,259,981 resulting in net unrealized
appreciation of $5,028,670. For federal income tax purposes, the Fund had a
capital loss carryforward at December 31, 1996 of $201,913,425 of which
$198,735,479 expires in 2002 and $3,177,946 expires in 2004.
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund may buy or sell financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging
its portfolio against adverse affects of anticipated movements in the market.
At the time the Fund enters into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and
maintains as collateral an initial margin as required by the exchange on which
the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to
receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily
fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known
as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses.
When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to
the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and
the time it was closed.
At June 30, 1997, the Fund had entered into no exchange traded financial
futures contracts.
12
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE E: CAPITAL STOCK
There are 1,800,000,000 shares of $.01 par value capital stock authorized
designated Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
Each class consists of 600,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital
stock were as follows:
SHARES AMOUNT
--------------------------- ------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, 1997 DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30, 1997 DECEMBER 31,
(UNAUDITED) 1996 (UNAUDITED) 1996
------------ ------------ -------------- --------------
CLASS A
Shares sold 136,052 844,591 $ 1,146,843 $ 7,205,604
Shares issued in
reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions 777,151 1,961,238 6,590,270 16,687,117
Shares converted
from Class B 1,274,003 2,085,070 10,797,385 17,622,222
Shares redeemed (6,045,849) (13,809,608) (51,210,858) (117,388,990)
Net decrease (3,858,643) (8,918,709) $(32,676,360) $ (75,874,047)
CLASS B
Shares sold 352,304 1,409,586 $ 2,983,837 $ 12,016,407
Shares issued in
reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions 710,944 1,896,252 6,029,751 16,139,845
Shares converted
to Class A (1,274,003) (2,085,070) (10,797,385) (17,622,222)
Shares redeemed (10,779,373) (29,490,473) (91,325,939) (250,814,789)
Net decrease (10,990,128) (28,269,705) $(93,109,736) $(240,280,759)
CLASS C
Shares sold 155,426 1,031,590 $ 1,318,374 $ 8,786,691
Shares issued in
reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions 76,283 134,402 647,010 1,143,334
Shares redeemed (736,526) (2,221,704) (6,237,470) (18,901,660)
Net decrease (504,817) (1,055,712) $ (4,272,086) $ (8,971,635)
13
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE F: SECURITY LENDING
The Fund may make secured loans of portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
financial institutions, provided that cash, liquid high-grade debt securities
or bank letters of credit equal to at least 100% of the market value of the
securities loaned is deposited and maintained by the borrower with the Fund.
For the six months ended June 30, 1997, the maximum amount of security lending
agreements outstanding was $167,403,000, the average amount outstanding was
approximately $107,684,336 and the daily weighted average interest rate was
5.49%.
The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit,
consist of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail
financially. In determining whether to lend securities to a particular
borrower, the Advisor 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. When such securities are borrowed against cash
the Fund agrees to pay the borrower of such securities a "rebate rate" for the
use of the cash the borrower has pledged as collateral. The rebate rate is the
spread between the interest rate received and interest rate paid in the
repurchase agreement market by the securities borrower.
As of June 30, 1997, the Fund had entered into the following security lending
agreement:
AMOUNT COUNTERPARTY INTEREST RATE MATURITY
------------- --------------------- ------------- ------------
$ 5,112,500 Prudential Securities 4.20% 7/01/97
15,567,000 Prudential Securities 6.40 7/01/97
15,806,500 Prudential Securities 5.10 7/02/97
24,079,000 Prudential Securities 5.55 7/07/97
14
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
JUNE 30, 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value beginning of year $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.08 $9.21
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income .28(a) .54(a) .57(a) .57 .67 .77
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment and futures transactions .02 (.19) .64 (1.13) .23 (.09)
Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations .30 .35 1.21 (.56) .90 .68
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.29) (.51) (.57) (.58) (.67) (.81)
Dividends in excess of net investment
income -0- -0- -0- -0- (.02) -0-
Tax return of capital -0- (.08) (.02) (.02) -0- -0-
Total dividends and distributions (.29) (.59) (.59) (.60) (.69) (.81)
Net asset value, end of period $8.52 $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.08
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (b) 3.54% 4.23% 15.34% (6.14)% 10.14% 7.73%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $380,439 $412,899 $502,390 $553,889 $848,069 $789,898
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.56%(c) 1.68% 1.66% 1.29% 1.00% 1.18%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding interest expense 1.07%(c)(d) 1.03%(d) 1.03%(d) .97%(d) 1.00% 1.18%
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 6.55%(c) 6.38% 6.77% 6.77% 7.20% 8.56%
Portfolio turnover rate 66% 208% 285% 438% 622% 555%
</TABLE>
See footnotes page 17.
15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JANUARY 30,
SIX MONTHS 1992 (E)
ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, TO
JUNE 30, 1997 ---------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
(UNAUDITED) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.08 $9.16
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income .24(a) .48(a) .51(a) .51 .61 .68
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment and futures transactions .02 (.19) .64 (1.14) .22 (.08)
Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations .26 .29 1.15 (.63) .83 .60
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.25) (.46) (.51) (.51) (.60) (.68)
Dividends in excess of net investment
income -0- -0- -0- -0- (.02) -0-
Tax return of capital -0- (.07) (.02) (.02) -0- -0-
Total dividends and distributions (.25) (.53) (.53) (.53) (.62) (.68)
Net asset value, end of period $8.52 $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.08
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (b) 3.16% 3.46% 14.48% (6.84)% 9.38% 7.81%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $383,923 $477,196 $737,593 $921,418 $1,454,303 $1,153,957
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 2.28%(c) 2.37% 2.37% 2.00% 1.70% 1.67%(c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding interest expense 1.77%(c)(d) 1.74%(d) 1.74%(d) 1.68%(d) 1.70% 1.67%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 5.83%(c) 5.66% 6.06% 6.05% 6.47% 5.92%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 66% 208% 285% 438% 622% 555%
</TABLE>
See footnotes page 17.
16
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS MAY 3,1993(E)
ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, TO
JUNE 30,1997 ---------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
(UNAUDITED) 1996 1995 1994 1993
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.30
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income .25(a) .48(a) .51(a) .51 .40
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment and futures transactions .01 (.19) .64 (1.14) -0-
Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations .26 .29 1.15 (.63) .40
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.25) (.46) (.51) (.51) (.40)
Dividends in excess of net investment
income -0- -0- -0- -0- (.01)
Tax return of capital -0- (.07) (.02) (.02) -0-
Total dividends and distributions (.25) (.53) (.53) (.53) (.41)
Net asset value, end of period $8.52 $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (b) 3.16% 3.46% 14.46% (6.84)% 4.34%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $31,079 $35,355 $45,558 $58,338 $91,724
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 2.26%(c) 2.38% 2.35% 1.97% 1.67%(c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding interest expense 1.76%(c)(d) 1.73%(d) 1.73%(d) 1.69%(d) 1.67%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 5.84%(c) 5.67% 6.07% 6.06% 5.92%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate 66% 208% 285% 438% 622%
</TABLE>
(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 charge or contingent
deferred sales charge is 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) Annualized.
(d) Net of interest expense of .49%, .65%, .63% and .32%, respectively, on
securities lending transactions (see Note F).
(e) Commencement of distribution.
17
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996 ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES-110.1%
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP.-44.8%
7.00%, 8/01/09-1/01/11 GOLD (a) (b) $171,180 $171,071,805
7.50%, 3/01/22-2/01/26 GOLD (a) 105,096 105,556,375
8.00%, 11/01/22-12/01/26 GOLD 85,676 87,336,012
11.50%, 10/01/10-6/01/20 3,686 4,166,264
12.00%, 10/01/09-7/01/20 32,272 36,497,105
12.25%, 8/01/13-7/01/14 650 745,608
12.50%, 6/01/19-6/15/19 4,926 5,736,991
12.75%, 6/01/12-2/01/14 228 265,426
13.00%, 5/01/14-12/15/18 1,885 2,221,733
13.50%, 1/01/12-10/01/16 505 603,009
14.75%, 3/01/10 68 81,250
Total Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
(cost $417,377,202) 414,281,578
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION-25.6%
7.00%, 10/01/25-11/01/26 45,183 44,180,136
7.00%, 5/01/03-8/01/03 (c) 128,444 128,965,891
7.50%, 2/01/17-12/01/24 52,270 52,416,406
11.00%, 7/01/16 6,343 7,096,088
11.50%, 9/01/20 4,025 4,582,642
12.00%, 7/01/00 (b) 45 48,091
Total Federal National Mortgage Association
(cost $235,246,016) 237,289,254
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION-22.0%
7.00%, 1/15/23-1/15/25 100,130 98,221,461
7.50%, 6/15/26-12/15/26 3,503 3,503,803
8.00%, 4/15/17-11/15/26 97,176 99,126,802
9.00%, 12/15/19 4 4,592
10.00%, 10/15/17-6/15/20 1,217 1,338,261
11.00%, 1/20/01 14 14,222
11.50%, 3/15/10-11/15/15 827 948,522
12.00%, 2/15/14 305 356,186
12.50%, 3/15/11-5/15/15 284 334,917
13.00%, 11/15/99-1/15/00 (b) 26 27,029
15.00%, 2/15/12 1 606
Total Government National Mortgage Association
(cost $201,532,699) 203,876,401
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES-10.4%
Asset Securitization Corp.
Series 1996-D2 Cl.A1
6.92%, 2/14/29 22,785 22,742,345
Series 1996-D2 Cl.A2
7.36%, 2/14/29 (d) 16,767 16,939,996
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Series 1995-CF2 Cl.A1B
6.85%, 12/17/27 (e) 26,300 25,987,819
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc.
Series 1996-C2 Cl.B
6.96%, 11/21/28 15,000 14,784,450
Series 1996-C1 Cl.A3
7.42%, 4/25/28 15,000 15,398,400
Total Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities
(cost $95,859,874) 95,853,010
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS-6.4%
Countrywide Funding Corp.
Series 1995-2 Cl.A4
8.50%, 6/25/25 15,809 16,102,889
Option One CTS Arm Trust
Series 1996-1 Cl.A2
6.03%, 4/25/26 (d) 9,295 9,294,526
5
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(CONTINUED) ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resolution Trust Corp.
Series 1991-M4 Cl.A1
6.34%, 2/25/20 (d) $18,602 $ 18,322,572
Westam Mortgage Financial Corp.
Series 9 Cl.B
7.35%, 8/25/21 (d) 15,165 15,321,351
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $59,165,305) 59,041,338
STRIPPED MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITES-0.9%
Morgan Stanley Capital I
Series 1996-WF1 Cl.X I/O
8.436%, 1/15/13 (e)(f)
(amortized cost $8,383,880) 8,384 8,430,652
Total Mortgage-Related Securities
(cost $1,017,564,976) 1,018,772,233
ASSET BACKED SECURITIES-0.0%
Aircraft Lease Portfolio Securitization
Series 1996-1 Cl.B
6.57%, 6/15/06 (d)(e)
(cost $68,561) 69 68,668
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT-0.1%
Goldman Sachs & Co.
6.50%, dated 12/31/96, due 1/02/97
collateralized by $655,000 FNMA 8.00%,
6/01/26, value $650,953)
(amortized cost $637,000) 637 637,000
TOTAL INVESTMENTS-110.2%
(cost $1,018,270,537) 1,019,477,901
Other assets less liabilities-(10.2%) (94,027,171)
NET ASSETS-100% $925,450,730
(a) Securities, or a portion thereof, loaned at December 31, 1996 with an
aggregate market value of $90,656,682 and cash collateral received from the
counterparty of Prudential Securities in the amount of $92,469,000 .
(b) 15 year mortgage.
(c) 7 year balloon.
(d) Adjustable rate mortgages; stated interest rate in effect at December 31,
1996.
(e) Securities 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 December 31, 1996,
these securities amounted to $34,487,139 or 3.73% of net assets.
(f) Interest rate represents yield to maturity and principal amount represents
amortized cost.
Glossary of Terms:
FNMA - Federal National Mortgage Association
I/O - Interest Only
See notes to financial statements.
6
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 1996 ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
ASSETS
Investments in securities, at value (cost $1,018,270,537) $1,019,477,901
Cash 1,829,176
Interest receivable 7,814,856
Receivable for capital stock sold 1,123,082
Total assets 1,030,245,015
LIABILITIES
Deposit for securities loaned 92,488,007
Payable for investment securities purchased 7,140,664
Payable for capital stock redeemed 2,713,138
Advisory fee payable 1,219,313
Dividends payable 944,766
Distribution fee payable 228,051
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 60,346
Total liabilities 104,794,285
NET ASSETS $ 925,450,730
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS
Capital stock, at par $ 1,087,169
Additional paid-in capital 1,126,014,387
Distributions in excess of net investment income (944,765)
Accumulated net realized loss on investments (202,591,831)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and futures
contracts 1,885,770
$ 925,450,730
CALCULATION OF MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE
CLASS A SHARES
Net asset value and redemption price per share ($412,899,382/
48,513,823 shares of capital stock issued and outstanding) $8.51
Sales charge--4.25% of public offering price .38
Maximum offering price $8.89
CLASS B SHARES
Net asset value and offering price per share ($477,196,141/
56,050,695 shares of capital stock issued and outstanding) $8.51
CLASS C SHARES
Net asset value and offering price per share ($35,355,207/
4,152,399 shares of capital stock issued and outstanding) $8.51
See notes to financial statements.
7
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest $ 87,168,929
EXPENSES
Advisory fee $5,441,943
Distribution fee - Class A 1,343,462
Distribution fee - Class B 5,945,473
Distribution fee - Class C 413,462
Transfer agency 1,560,873
Custodian 277,073
Administrative 254,410
Printing 161,083
Audit and legal 135,122
Taxes 64,350
Registration 30,789
Directors' fees 26,286
Miscellaneous 43,882
Total expenses before interest 15,698,208
Interest expense 6,917,921
Total expenses 22,616,129
Net investment income 64,552,800
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized loss on investments (3,821,572)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments (25,285,184)
Net loss on investments (29,106,756)
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $35,446,044
See notes to financial statements.
8
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DEC. 31, 1996 DEC. 31, 1995
-------------- ---------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income $ 64,552,800 $ 89,652,907
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (3,821,572) 16,064,347
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of investments (25,285,184) 92,126,997
Net increase in net assets from operations 35,446,044 197,844,251
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
Class A (26,983,869) (35,713,261)
Class B (31,930,957) (50,484,743)
Class C (2,221,782) (3,099,100)
Tax return of capital
Class A (4,092,859) (1,057,774)
Class B (4,843,223) (1,495,283)
Class C (336,996) (91,791)
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS
Net decrease (325,126,441) (354,006,980)
Total decrease (360,090,083) (248,104,681)
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year 1,285,540,813 1,533,645,494
End of year $ 925,450,730 $1,285,540,813
See notes to financial statements.
9
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH FROM:
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Interest received $ 88,526,057
Interest paid (6,917,921)
Operating expenses paid (16,340,476)
Net increase in cash from operating activities $ 65,267,660
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from disposition of long-term
portfolio investments 2,756,819,436
Purchase of long-term portfolio investments (2,419,868,094)
Purchase of short-term portfolio
investments, net 64,389,000
Collateral deposits on open futures contracts 678,406
Loss on closed futures contracts (2,198,320)
Net increase in cash from investing activities 399,820,428
FINANCING ACTIVITIES*:
Decrease in securities lending (64,850,880)
Net redemption from capital stock transactions (360,210,325)
Cash dividends paid (39,855,581)
Net decrease in cash from financing activities (464,916,786)
Net increase in cash 171,302
Cash at beginning of year 1,657,874
Cash at end of period $ 1,829,176
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
FROM OPERATIONS TO NET INCREASE IN CASH FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 35,446,044
ADJUSTMENTS:
Decrease in interest receivable $ 1,699,753
Net realized loss on investments 3,821,572
Net change in unrealized appreciation 25,285,184
Aceration of bond discount (342,625)
Decrease in deferred and other assets 15,326
Decrease in accrued expenses (657,594)
Total adjustments 29,821,616
NET INCREASE IN CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ 65,267,660
* Non-cash financing activities not included herein consist of reinvestment
of dividends.
See notes to financial statements.
10
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996 ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE A: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund (the "Fund") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified open-end management investment
company. The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class C 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 3.00% to zero depending on the period of time
the shares are held. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A
shares six years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class C
shares were sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge.
However, Class C shares purchased on or after July 1, 1996, are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first
year after purchase. All three 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
Fixed-income securities are valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing
service and brokers. However, securities which are traded over-the-counter and
on a national securities exchange may be valued according to the broadest and
most representative market. It is expected that, for the fixed-income
securities and options in which the Fund invests, this ordinarily will be the
over-the-counter market. Securities not priced in this manner are valued at the
latest quoted bid price, or when exchange valuations are used, at the latest
quoted sale price on the day of valuation. If there is no such reported sale,
the latest quoted bid price will be used. Securities which mature in 60 days or
less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value, unless this
method does not represent fair value. Securities for which quotations are not
readily available or restricted securities will be valued in good faith at fair
value using methods determined by the Board of Directors. In determining fair
value, consideration is given to cost, operating and other financial data.
2. 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.
3. INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are
purchased or sold. The Fund amortizes premium and accretes discounts as
adjustments to interest income. Investment gains and losses are determined on
the identified cost basis.
4. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations.
5. RECLASSIFICATION OF COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
As of December 31, 1996, the Fund reclassified certain components of net
assets. The reclassification was the result of a tax return of capital which
resulted in a net decrease to distributions in excess of net investment income
and a corresponding decrease to additional paid-in capital of $9,273,078. Net
assets were not affected by the reclassification.
NOTE B: ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays Alliance
Capital Management L.P. (the "Adviser"), an advisory fee at a quarterly rate
equal to .1375 of 1% (approximately .55 of 1% on an annual basis) of the first
$500 million of the Fund's net assets and .125 of 1% (approximately .50 of 1%
on an annual basis) of its net assets over $500 million, valued on the last
business day of the previous quarter. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to
reimburse the Fund to the extent that its aggregate expenses (exclusive of
interest, taxes, brokerage, distribution fees, and extraordinary expenses) in
any year exceed 1% of its average daily net assets for such year. No such
reimbursement was required for the year ended December 31, 1996.
11
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT.) ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Fund paid $254,410 to the Adviser
representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the
Fund by the Adviser for the year ended December 31, 1996.
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 $1,104,736 for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser)
serves as the Distributor of the Fund's capital stock. The Distributor received
front-end sales charges of $10,808 from the sales of Class A shares and
$385,449 and $2,401 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon
redemptions by shareholders of Class B and Class C shares, respectively, for
the year ended December 31, 1996.
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 Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
Class A shares and 1% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B
and Class C shares. Such fee is 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 $12,491,371 and $2,688,747 for Class B and 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.
NOTE D: INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments
and U.S. government securities) aggregated $240,349,026 and $225,196,600,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1996. There were purchases of
$2,180,000,737 and sales of $2,401,687,580 of U.S. Government and government
agency obligations for the year ended December 31, 1996.
At December 31, 1996 the cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was
substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes.
Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation of investments was $6,906,782 and
gross unrealized depreciation of investments was $5,699,418 resulting in net
unrealized appreciation of $1,207,364. For federal income tax purposes, the
Fund had a capital loss carryforward at December 31, 1996 of $201,913,425 of
which $198,735,479 expires in 2002 and $3,177,946 expires in 2004.
1. FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund may buy or sell financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging
its portfolio against adverse affects of anticipated movements in the market.
At December 31, 1996, the Fund had entered into exchange traded financial
futures contracts as described below. The Fund bears the market risk that
arises from changes in the value of these financial instruments.
At the time the Fund enters into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and
maintains as collateral an initial margin as required by the exchange on which
the transaction is effected. The aggregate value of cash pledged to cover
margin requirements for open positions at December 31, 1996 was $679,700.
Pursuant to the contract, the Fund
12
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the
daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are
known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or
losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss
equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was
opened and the time it was closed.
UNREALIZED
NUMBER OF EXPIRATION APPRECIATION
TYPE CONTRACTS POSITION MONTH DEC. 31, 1996
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
U.S. T-Note 685 Short March 1997 $678,406
NOTE E: CAPITAL STOCK
There are 1,800,000,000 shares of $.01 par value capital stock authorized
designated Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
Each class consists of 600,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital
stock were as follows:
SHARES AMOUNT
-------------------------- ------------------------------
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995 1996 1995
------------ ------------ -------------- --------------
Shares sold 844,591 2,304,239 $7,205,604 $19,703,528
Shares issued in
reinvestment
of dividends 1,961,238 2,406,345 16,687,117 20,433,219
Shares converted
from Class B 2,085,070 -0- 17,622,222 -0-
Shares redeemed (13,809,608) (15,434,077) (117,388,990) (131,032,865)
Net decrease (8,918,709) (10,723,493) $(75,874,047) $(90,896,118)
CLASS B
Shares sold 1,409,586 2,932,891 $12,016,407 $24,859,068
Shares issued
in reinvestment
of dividends 1,896,252 2,762,632 16,139,845 23,430,516
Shares converted
to Class A (2,085,070) -0- (17,622,222) -0-
Shares redeemed (29,490,473) (34,701,182) (250,814,789) (294,722,980)
Net decrease (28,269,705) (29,005,659) $(240,280,759) $(246,433,396)
CLASS C
Shares sold 1,031,590 946,878 $8,786,691 $8,056,839
Shares issued
in reinvestment
of dividends 134,402 195,729 1,143,334 1,654,570
Shares redeemed (2,221,704) (3,110,655) (18,901,660) (26,388,875)
Net decrease (1,055,712) (1,968,048) $(8,971,635) $(16,677,466)
13
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(CONT.) ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE F: SECURITY LENDING
The Fund may make secured loans of portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
financial institutions, provided that cash, liquid high-grade debt securities
or bank letters of credit equal to at least 100% of the market value of the
securities loaned is deposited and maintained by the borrower with the Fund.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the maximum amount of security lending
agreements outstanding was $341,798,588, the average amount outstanding was
approximately $110,163,664 and the daily weighted average interest rate was
5.19%.
The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit,
consist of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail
financially. In determining whether to lend securities to a particular
borrower, the Advisor 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. When such securities are borrowed against cash
the Fund agrees to pay the borrower of such securities a "rebate rate" for the
use of the cash the borrower has pledged as collateral. The rebate rate is the
spread between the interest rate received and interest rate paid in the
repurchase agreement market by the securities borrower.
As of December 31, 1996, the Fund had entered into the following security
lending agreement:
AMOUNT COUNTERPARTY INTEREST RATE MATURITY
------------- --------------------- ------------- -------------
$92,469,000 Prudential Securities 7.40% 1/2/97
14
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
--------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value beginning of year $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.08 $9.21
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income .54(a) .57(a) .57 .67 .77
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments (.19) .64 (1.13) .23 (.09)
Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations .35 1.21 (.56) .90 .68
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.51) (.57) (.58) (.67) (.81)
Dividends in excess of net
investment income -0- -0- -0- (.02) -0-
Tax return of capital (.08) (.02) (.02) -0- -0-
Total dividends and distributions (.59) (.59) (.60) (.69) (.81)
Net asset value, end of year $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.08
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (b) 4.23% 15.34% (6.14)% 10.14% 7.73%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) $412,899 $502,390 $553,889 $848,069 $789,898
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.68% 1.66% 1.29% 1.00% 1.18%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding interest expense (c) 1.03% 1.03% .97% 1.00% 1.18%
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 6.38% 6.77% 6.77% 7.20% 8.56%
Portfolio turnover rate 208% 285% 438% 622% 555%
</TABLE>
See footnotes page 17.
15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B
------------------------------------------------------------------
JANUARY 30,
1992 (d)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, TO
-------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.08 $9.16
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income .48(a) .51(a) .51 .61 .68
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments (.19) .64 (1.14) .22 (.08)
Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations .29 1.15 (.63) .83 .60
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.46) (.51) (.51) (.60) (.68)
Dividends in excess of net investment
income -0- -0- -0- (.02) -0-
Tax return of capital (.07) (.02) (.02) -0- -0-
Total dividends and distributions (.53) (.53) (.53) (.62) (.68)
Net asset value, end of period $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.08
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (b) 3.46% 14.48% (6.84)% 9.38% 7.81%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period(000's omitted) $477,196 $737,593 $921,418 $1,454,303 $1,153,957
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 2.37% 2.37% 2.00% 1.70% 1.67%(e)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding interest expense (c) 1.74% 1.74% 1.68% 1.70% 1.67%(e)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 5.66% 6.06% 6.05% 6.47% 5.92%(e)
Portfolio turnover rate 208% 285% 438% 622% 555%
</TABLE>
See footnotes page 17.
16
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C
---------------------------------------------------
MAY 3, 1993(d)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, TO
------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995 1994 1993
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.75 $8.13 $9.29 $9.30
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income .48(a) .51(a) .51 .40
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments (.19) .64 (1.14) -0-
Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations .29 1.15 (.63) .40
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.46) (.51) (.51) (.40)
Dividends in excess of net investment
income -0- -0- -0- (.01)
Tax return of capital (.07) (.02) (.02) -0-
Total dividends and distributions (.53) (.53) (.53) (.41)
Net asset value, end of period $8.51 $8.75 $8.13 $9.29
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (b) 3.46% 14.46% (6.84)% 4.34%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period(000's omitted) $35,355 $45,558 $58,338 $91,724
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 2.38% 2.35% 1.97% 1.67%(e)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding interest expense (c) 1.73% 1.73% 1.69% 1.67%(e)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 5.67% 6.07% 6.06% 5.92%(e)
Portfolio turnover rate 208% 285% 438% 622%
</TABLE>
(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 charge or contingent
deferred sales charge is 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) Net of interest expense of .65% (see Note F).
(d) Commencement of distribution.
(e) Annualized.
17
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORSALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME
FUND, INC.
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), including the
portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 1996, and the related statements
of operations and cash flows 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 these 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
December 31, 1996, 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 Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc. at December 31, 1996, the
results of its operations and its cash flows 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
January 27, 1997
18
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES
Mortgage-related securities represent an ownership
interest in a pool of residential mortgage loans. These
securities are designed to provide monthly payments of interest
and principal to the investor. The mortgagor's monthly payments
to his lending institution are "passed-through" to investors such
as the Fund. Most issuers or servicers provide guarantees of
payments, regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually
makes the payment. The guarantees made by issuers or servicers
are backed by various forms of credit, insurance and collateral.
UNDERLYING MORTGAGES
Pools consist of whole mortgage loans or participations
in loans. The majority of these loans are made to purchasers of
1-4 family homes. The terms and characteristics of the mortgage
instruments are generally uniform within a pool but may vary
among pools. For example, in addition to fixed-rate fixed-term
mortgages, the Fund may purchase pools of variable rate
mortgages, growing equity mortgages, graduated payment mortgages
and other types.
All servicers apply standards for qualification to local
lending institutions which originate mortgages for the pools.
Servicers also establish credit standards and underwriting
criteria for individual mortgages included in the pools. In
addition, many mortgages included in pools are insured through
private mortgage insurance companies.
LIQUIDITY AND MARKETABILITY
Since the inception of the mortgage-related pass-
through security in 1970, the market for these securities has
expanded considerably. The size of the primary issuance market
and active participation in the secondary market by securities
dealers and many types of investors makes government and
government-related pass-through pools highly liquid. Private
conventional pools of mortgages (pooled by commercial banks,
savings and loans institutions and others, with no relationship
with government and government-related entities) have also
achieved broad market acceptance and consequently an active
secondary market has emerged. However, the market for
conventional pools is smaller and less liquid than the market for
the government and government-related mortgage pools. The Fund
may purchase some mortgage-related securities through private
placement, in which case only a limited secondary market exists,
and the security is considered liquid and therefore subject to
investment restriction in the Prospectus.
A-1
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
FUTURES CONTRACTS
USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS
Prices of debt securities may be established in both the
cash market and the futures market. In the cash market, debt
securities are purchased and sold with payment for the full
purchase price being made in cash, generally within five business
days after the trade. In the futures market, a contract is made
to purchase or sell a debt security in the future for a set price
on a certain date. Historically, prices established in the
futures markets have tended to move generally and in the
aggregate in concert with cash market prices and have maintained
fairly predictable relationships. The Fund may use interest rate
futures solely as a defense, or hedge, against anticipated
interest rate changes and not for speculation. As described
below, this would include the use of futures contract sales to
protect against expected increases in interest rates and futures
contract purchases to offset the impact of interest rate
declines.
The Fund presently could accomplish a similar result to
that which it hopes to achieve through the use of futures
contracts by selling debt securities with long maturities and
investing in debt securities with short maturities when interest
rates are expected to increase, or conversely, selling short-term
debt securities and investing in long-term debt securities when
interest rates are expected to decline. However, because of the
liquidity that is often available in the futures market, such
protection is more likely to be achieved, perhaps at a lower cost
and without changing the rate of interest being earned by the
Fund, through using futures contracts.
DESCRIPTION OF FUTURES CONTRACTS
A futures contract sale would create an obligation by
the Fund, as seller, to deliver the specific type of financial
instrument called for in the contract at a specified future time
for a specified price. A futures contract purchase would create
an obligation by the Fund, as purchaser, to take delivery of the
specific type of financial instrument at a specified future time
at a specified price. The specific securities delivered or
taken, respectively, at settlement date, would not be determined
until at or near that date. The determination would be in
accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the futures
contract sale or purchase was made.
Although futures contracts by their terms call for
actual delivery or acceptance of securities, in most cases the
contracts are closed out before the settlement date without the
B-1
<PAGE>
making or taking of delivery of securities. Closing out a
futures contract sale is effected by the Fund entering into a
futures contract purchase of the same aggregate amount of the
specific type of financial instrument and the same delivery date.
If the price in the sale exceeds the price in the offsetting
purchase, the Fund immediately is paid the difference and thus
realizes a gain. If the offsetting purchase price exceeds the
sale price, the Fund pays the difference and realizes a loss.
Similarly, the closing out of a futures contract purchase is
effected by the Fund's entering into a futures contract sale. If
the offsetting sale price exceeds the purchase price, the Fund
realizes a gain, and if the purchase price exceeds the offsetting
sale price, the Fund realizes a loss.
A public market now exists in futures contracts covering
primarily the following financial instruments: long- term United
States Treasury Bonds; GNMA modified pass-through mortgage-backed
securities; three-month United States Treasury Bills and ninety-
day commercial paper. It is expected that other financial
instruments will be subject to futures contracts. There is a
$100,000 minimum for futures contracts in long-term United States
Treasury Bonds and GNMA pass-through securities, and a $1,000,000
minimum for contracts in other kinds of financial instruments.
The Fund may invest in interest rate futures contracts covering
the financial instruments referred to above as well as in new
types of such contracts that become available in the future. As
discussed in more detail below, the Fund will invest in interest
rate futures contracts covering non- mortgage-related securities
in situations where the Adviser believes that the prices of the
futures contracts tend to move in concert with prices of
mortgage-related securities in the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund is required to maintain margin deposits with
brokerage firms through which it enters into futures contracts.
Currently, the initial margin deposit per contract is $1,500 for
Treasury Bills and commercial paper and $2,000 for Treasury Bonds
and GNMA's. Margin balances will be adjusted at least weekly to
reflect unrealized gains and losses on open contracts. In
addition, the Fund will pay a commission on each contract,
including offsetting transactions. Financial futures contracts
are traded in an auction environment on the floors of several
exchanges--principally, the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange and the New York Futures Exchange. Each
exchange guarantees performance under contract provisions through
a clearing corporation, a nonprofit organization managed by the
exchange membership.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"), a
federal agency, regulates trading activity on the exchanges
pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended. The rules of
the CFTC have provided that an entity such as the Fund would not
B-2
<PAGE>
be a "pool" if it traded commodity futures contracts solely for
hedging purposes and pursuant to certain specified restrictions.
The Fund intends to meet these restrictions, which are set forth
in the Prospectus, and therefore the Fund will not operate as a
"pool" as that term is defined by the CFTC.
RISKS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS
One risk in employing futures contracts to protect
against cash market price volatility is the prospect that futures
prices will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of cash
prices. The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and
futures markets, due to differences in the natures of those
markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in
the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance
requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit
requirements, investors may close futures contracts through
offsetting transactions which could distort the normal
relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the
liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering
into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take
delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus
producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of
speculators the deposit requirements in the futures market are
less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market.
Therefore increased participation by speculators in the futures
market may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the
possibility of distortion, a correct forecast of general interest
trends by the Adviser may still not result in a successful
transaction.
Another risk is that the Adviser would be incorrect in
its expectation as to the extent of various interest rate
movements or the time span within which the movements take place.
Closing out a futures contract purchase at a loss because of
higher interest rates will generally have one of two consequences
depending on whether, at the time of closing out, the "yield
curve" is normal (long-term rates exceeding short-term). If the
yield curve is normal, it is possible that the Fund will still be
engaged in a program of buying long-term securities. Thus,
closing out the futures contract purchase at a loss will reduce
the benefit of the reduced price of the securities purchased. If
the yield curve is inverted, it is possible that the Fund will
retain its investments in short-term securities earmarked for
purchase of longer term securities. Thus, closing out of a loss
will reduce the benefit of the incremental income that the Fund
will experience by virtue of the high short-term rates.
B-3
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE OF FUTURES CONTRACT SALE
The Fund would engage in a futures contract sale to
maintain the income advantage from continued holding of a long-
term security while endeavoring to avoid part or all of the loss
in market value that would otherwise accompany a decline in long-
term securities prices. Assume that the market value of a
certain security in the Fund's portfolio tends to move in concert
with the futures market prices of long-term United States
Treasury bonds ("Treasury bonds"). The Fund wishes to fix the
current market value of this portfolio security until some point
in the future. Assume the portfolio security has a market value
of $100, and the Fund believes that, because of an anticipated
rise in interest rates, the value will decline to $95. The Fund
might enter into futures contract sales of Treasury bonds for a
price of $98. If the market value of the portfolio security does
indeed decline from $100 to $95, the futures market price for the
Treasury bonds might also decline from $98 to $93.
In that case, the $5 loss in the market value of the
portfolio security would be offset by the $5 gain realized by
closing out the futures contract sale. Of course, the futures
market price of Treasury bonds might well decline to more than
$93 or to less than $93 because of the imperfect correlation
between cash and futures prices mentioned above.
The Fund could be wrong in its forecast of interest
rates and the futures market price could rise above $98. In this
case, the market value of the portfolio securities, including the
portfolio security being protected, would increase. The benefit
of this increase would be reduced by the loss realized on closing
out the futures contract sale.
If interest rate levels did not change, the Fund, in the
above example, could incur a loss of as much as $2 as the time
until expiration of the futures contract elapses (which loss
might be reduced by an offsetting transaction prior to the
settlement date). In each transaction, nominal transaction
expenses would also be incurred.
EXAMPLE OF FUTURES CONTRACT PURCHASE
The Fund would engage in a futures contract purchase
when it is not fully invested in long-term securities but wishes
to defer for a time the purchase of long-term securities in light
of the availability of advantageous interim investments, e.g.,
short-term securities whose yields are greater than those
available on long-term securities. The Fund's basic motivation
would be to maintain for a time the income advantage from
investing in the short-term securities; the Fund would be
endeavoring at the same time to eliminate the effect of all or
B-4
<PAGE>
part of the increases in market price of the long-term securities
that the Fund may purchase.
For example, assume that the market price of a long-
term security that the Fund may purchase, currently yielding 10%,
tends to move in concert with futures market prices of Treasury
bonds. The Fund wishes to fix the current market price (and thus
10% yield) of the long-term security until the time (four months
away in this example) when it may purchase the security.
Assuming the long-term security has a market price of
$100, and the Fund believes that, because of an anticipated fall
in interest rates, the price will have risen to $105 (and the
yield will have dropped to about 9 1/2%) in four months, the Fund
might enter into futures contracts purchases of Treasury bonds
for a price of $98. At the same time, the Fund would assign a
pool of investments in short-term securities that are either
maturing in four months or earmarked for sale in four months, for
purchases of the long-term security at an assumed market price of
$100. Assume these short-term securities are yielding 15%. If
the market price of the long-term bond does indeed rise from $100
to $105, the futures market price for Treasury bonds might also
rise from $98 to $103. In that case, the $5 increase in the
price that the Fund pays for the long-term security would be
offset by the $5 gain realized by closing out the futures
contract purchase.
The Fund could be wrong in its forecast of interest
rates; long-term interest rates might rise to above 10%, and the
futures market price could fall below $98. If short-term rates
at the same time fall to 10% or below, it is possible that the
Fund would continue with its purchase program for long-term
securities. The market prices of available long-term securities
would have decreased. The benefit of this price decrease, and
thus yield increase, will be reduced by the loss realized on
closing out the futures contract purchase.
If, however, short-term rates remained above available
long-term rates, it is possible that the Fund would discontinue
its purchase program for long-term securities. The yields on
short-term securities in the portfolio, including those
originally in the pool assigned to the particular long-term
security, would remain higher than yields on long-term bonds.
The benefit of this continued incremental income will be reduced
by the loss realized on closing out the futures contract
purchase.
In each transaction, nominal transaction expenses would
also be incurred.
B-5
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TAX TREATMENT
Regulated futures contracts are considered "section 1256
contracts" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Section 1256
contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year will
be "marked to market," that is, 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 section 1256 contracts generally 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.
Any 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 will 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 loss realized on disposition of one position
of a straddle not be recognized to the extent that the Fund has
unrecognized gains with respect to the other position in such
straddle; that 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); that losses recognized with respect to certain
straddle positions which are part of a mixed straddle and which
are non-section 1256 positions shall be treated as 60 percent
long-term capital loss and 40 percent short-term capital loss;
and that losses recognized with respect to certain straddle
positions which would otherwise constitute short-term capital
losses be treated as long-term capital losses. Various elections
are available to the Fund which may mitigate the effects of the
straddle rules, particularly with respect to mixed straddles. In
general, the straddle rules described above do not apply to any
straddles held by the Fund all of the offsetting positions of
which consist of section 1256 contracts.
Under the federal income tax provisions applicable to
regulated investment companies, at least 90% of the Fund's annual
gross income must be derived from dividends, interest, payments
with respect to loans of securities, and gains from the sale or
other disposition of securities ("qualifying income"). In order
to ensure that the Fund continues to qualify as a regulated
investment company for federal income tax purposes, less than 30%
of its gross income for any year must be derived from gains
realized on the sale or other disposition of securities held by
the Fund for less than three months. For this purpose, the Fund
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will treat gains realized on the closing out of its futures
contracts as gains derived from the sale of securities. This
treatment could, under certain circumstances, require the Fund to
defer the closing out of futures contracts until after three
months from the date the Fund acquired the contracts, even if it
would be more advantageous to close out the contracts prior to
that time. Any gains realized by the Fund as a result of the
marked-to-market futures contracts held by the Fund at the end of
its taxable year, as described in the preceding paragraph, will
in all instances be treated as derived from the sale of
securities held for the three months or more, regardless of the
actual period for which the Fund has held the futures contracts
at the end of the year.
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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 - December 31, 1996 and the
six months ended June 30, 1997 (unaudited).
Statement of Assets and Liabilities - December 31,
1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1997
(unaudited).
Statement of Operations - year ended December 31,
1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1997
(unaudited).
Statements of Changes in Net Assets - years ended
December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996 and the six
months ended June 30, 1997 (unaudited).
Statements of Cash Flows - December 31, 1996 and the
six months ended June 30, 1997 (unaudited)
Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996
and the six months ended June 30, 1997 (unaudited).
Financial Highlights
Report of Independent Auditors
Included in Part C of the Registration Statement:
All other schedules are either inapplicable or the
required information is contained in the financial
statements.
(b) EXHIBITS:
(1)(a) Articles of Restatement to Articles of
Incorporation - Filed herewith..
(b) Articles Supplementary to the Articles of
Incorporation of the Registrant - Incorporated
herein by reference as Exhibit 1(d) to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registrants
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on
October 31, 1996 (File Nos. 2-85921 and
811-3829).
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(2) By-Laws of the Registrant - Filed herewith.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable
(5) Advisory Agreement between Registrant and
Alliance Capital Management L.P. - Filed
herewith.
(6)(a) Distribution Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc.
- Filed herewith.
(b) Amendment to the Distribution Services
Agreement between the Registrant and Alliance
Fund Distributors, Inc. - Incorporated herein
by reference as Exhibit 6(d) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 27 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on October 31,
1996 (File Nos. 28921 and 811-3829).
(c) Amended Selected Dealer Agreement between
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. and selected
dealers offering shares to Registrant - Filed
herewith.
(d) Amended Selected Agent Agreement between
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. and selected
agents making available shares to Registrant -
Filed herewith.
(7) Not applicable.
(8) Custodian Contract between the Registrant and
State Street Bank and Trust Company - Filed
herewith.
(9) Transfer Agency Agreement between Registrant
and Alliance Fund Services, Inc. - Filed
herewith.
(10) Not applicable.
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors - Filed
herewith.
(12) Not applicable.
(13) Not applicable.
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(14) Not applicable.
(15) Rule 12b-1 Plan - See Exhibit 6(a) above.
(16) Schedule for computation of Yield and Total
Return Performance quotation - Filed herewith.
(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) Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan -
Incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit
18(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed on October 31, 1996 (File Nos.
2-85921 and 811-3829).
Other Exhibits:
Powers of Attorney of Ruth S. Block, John D. Carifa,
David H. Dievler, James R. Greene, James M. Hester,
Clifford L. Michel and Donald J. Robinson -
Incorporated by reference as Other Exhibits to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on
October 31, 1996 (File Nos. 2-85921 and 811-3829).
ITEM 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with
Registrant.
None.
ITEM 26. Number of Holders of Securities.
As of October 15, 1997, Registrant had 19,181 record
holders of shares of Common Stock comprised of 1,302
Class A Shares, 16,706 Class B Shares and 1,173 Class C
Shares.
ITEM 27. Indemnification
It is the Registrant's policy to indemnify its directors
and officers, employees and other agents to the maximum
extent permitted by Section 2-418 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Maryland and as set forth
in Article EIGHTH of Registrant's Articles of
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Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 1(a) and Section 10 of
the Distribution Services Agreement filed as
Exhibit 6(a), all as set forth below. The Adviser's
liability for any loss suffered by the Registrant or its
shareholders is set forth in Section 4 of the Advisory
Agreement filed, as set forth below.
SECTION 2-418 OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
READS AS FOLLOWS:
"2-418 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.--(a) In this section the following
words have the meaning indicated.
(1) "Directors" means any person who is or was a
director of a corporation and any person who, while a
director of a corporation, is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer,
partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign
or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, other enterprise, or employee benefit plan.
(2) "Corporation" includes any domestic or foreign
predecessor entity of a corporation in a merger,
consolidation, or other transaction in which the
predecessor's existence ceased upon consummation of the
transaction.
(3) "Expenses" include attorney's fees.
(4) "Official capacity" means the following:
(i) When used with respect to a director, the
office of director in the corporation; and
(ii) When used with respect to a person other
than a director as contemplated in subsection (j), the
elective or appointive office in the corporation held by
the officer, or the employment or agency relationship
undertaken by the employee or agent in behalf of the
corporation.
(iii) "Official capacity" does not include
service for any other foreign or domestic corporation or
any partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise,
or employee benefit plan.
(5) "Party" includes a person who was, is, or is
threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in
a proceeding.
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(6) "Proceeding" means any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative.
(b)(1) A corporation may indemnify any director
made a party to any proceeding by reason of service in
that capacity unless it is established that:
(i) The act or omission of the director was
material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding; and
1. Was committed in bad faith; or
2. Was the result of active and
deliberate dishonesty; or
(ii) The director actually received an
improper personal benefit in money, property, or
services; or
(iii) In the case of any criminal proceeding,
the director had reasonable cause to believe that the act
or omission was unlawful.
(2) (i) Indemnification may be against judgments,
penalties, fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by the director in connection with the
proceeding.
(ii) However, if the proceeding was one by or
in the right of the corporation, indemnification may not
be made in respect of any proceeding in which the
director shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation.
(3) (i) The termination of any proceeding by
judgment, order or settlement does not create a
presumption that the director did not meet the requisite
standard of conduct set forth in this subsection.
(ii) The termination of any proceeding by
conviction, or a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, or an entry of an order of probation prior to
judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that the
director did not meet that standard of conduct.
(c) A director may not be indemnified under
subsection (b) of this section in respect of any
proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the
director, whether or not involving action in the
director's official capacity, in which the director was
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adjudged to be liable on the basis that personal benefit
was improperly received.
(d) Unless limited by the charter:
(1) A director who has been successful, on the
merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding
referred to in subsection (b) of this section shall be
indemnified against reasonable expenses incurred by the
director in connection with the proceeding.
(2) A court of appropriate jurisdiction upon
application of a director and such notice as the court
shall require, may order indemnification in the following
circumstances:
(i) If it determines a director is entitled to
reimbursement under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the
court shall order indemnification, in which case the
director shall be entitled to recover the expenses of
securing such reimbursement; or
(ii) If it determines that the director is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view
of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not the
director has met the standards of conduct set forth in
subsection (b) of this section or has been adjudged
liable under the circumstances described in
subsection (c) of this section, the court may order such
indemnification as the court shall deem proper. However,
indemnification with respect to any proceeding by or in
the right of the corporation or in which liability shall
have been adjudged in the circumstances described in
subsection (c) shall be limited to expenses.
(3) A court of appropriate jurisdiction may be the
same court in which the proceeding involving the
director's liability took place.
(e)(1) Indemnification under subsection (b) of this
section may not be made by the corporation unless
authorized for a specific proceeding after a
determination has been made that indemnification of the
director is permissible in the circumstances because the
director has met the standard of conduct set forth in
subsection (b) of this section.
(2) Such determination shall be made:
(i) By the board of directors by a majority
vote of a quorum consisting of directors not, at the
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time, parties to the proceeding, or, if such a quorum
cannot be obtained, then by a majority vote of a
committee of the board consisting solely of two or more
directors not, at the time, parties to such proceeding
and who were duly designated to act in the matter by a
majority vote of the full board in which the designated
directors who are parties may participate;
(ii) By special legal counsel selected by the
board or a committee of the board by vote as set forth in
subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, or, if the requisite
quorum of the full board cannot be obtained therefor and
the committee cannot be established, by a majority vote
of the full board in which directors who are parties may
participate; or
(iii) By the stockholders.
(3) Authorization of indemnification and
determination as to reasonableness of expenses shall be
made in the same manner as the determination that
indemnification is permissible. However, if the
determination that indemnification is permissible is made
by special legal counsel, authorization of
indemnification and determination as to reasonableness of
expenses shall be made in the manner specified in
subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (2) of this subsection for
selection of such counsel.
(4) Shares held by directors who are parties to the
proceeding may not be voted on the subject matter under
this subsection.
(f)(1) Reasonable expenses incurred by a director
who is a party to a proceeding may be paid or reimbursed
by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of
the proceeding, upon receipt by the corporation of:
(i) A written affirmation by the director of
the director's good faith belief that the standard of
conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation
as authorized in this section has been met; and
(ii) A written undertaking by or on behalf of
the director to repay the amount if it shall ultimately
be determined that the standard of conduct has not been
met.
(2) The undertaking required by subparagraph (ii)
of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be an unlimited
general obligation of the director but need not be
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<PAGE>
secured and may be accepted without reference to
financial ability to make the repayment.
(3) Payments under this subsection shall be made as
provided by the charter, bylaws, or contract or as
specified in subsection (e) of this section.
(g) The indemnification and advancement of expenses
provided or authorized by this section may not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights, by indemnification or
otherwise, to which a director may be entitled under the
charter, the bylaws, a resolution of stockholders or
directors, an agreement or otherwise, both as to action
in an official capacity and as to action in another
capacity while holding such office.
(h) This section does not limit the corporation's
power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director
in connection with an appearance as a witness in a
proceeding at a time when the director has not been made
a named defendant or respondent in the proceeding.
(i) For purposes of this section:
(1) The corporation shall be deemed to have
requested a director to serve an employee benefit plan
where the performance of the director's duties to the
corporation also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves
services by, the director to the plan or participants or
beneficiaries of the plan:
(2) Excise taxes assessed on a director with
respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to
applicable law shall be deemed fines; and
(3) Action taken or omitted by the director with
respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of
the director's duties for a purpose reasonably believed
by the director to be in the interest of the participants
and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a
purpose which is not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation.
(j) Unless limited by the charter:
(1) An officer of the corporation shall be
indemnified as and to the extent provided in
subsection (d) of this section for a director and shall
be entitled, to the same extent as a director, to seek
indemnification pursuant to the provisions of
subsection (d);
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(2) A corporation may indemnify and advance
expenses to an officer, employee, or agent of the
corporation to the same extent that it may indemnify
directors under this section; and
(3) A corporation, in addition, may indemnify and
advance expenses to an officer, employee, or agent who is
not a director to such further extent, consistent with
law, as may be provided by its charter, bylaws, general
or specific action of its board of directors or contract.
(k)(1) A corporation may purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation,
or who, while a director, officer, employee, or agent of
the corporation, is or was serving at the request, of the
corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee,
employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other
enterprise, or employee benefit plan against any
liability asserted against and incurred by such person in
any such capacity or arising out of such person's
position, whether or not the corporation would have the
power to indemnify against liability under the provisions
of this section.
(2) A corporation may provide similar protection,
including a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond,
not inconsistent with this section.
(3) The insurance or similar protection may be
provided by a subsidiary or an affiliate of the
corporation.
(l) Any indemnification of, or advance of expenses
to, a director in accordance with this section, if
arising out of a proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation, shall be reported in writing to the
stockholders with the notice of the next stockholders'
meeting or prior to the meeting."
ARTICLE EIGHTH OF THE REGISTRANT'S ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION READS AS FOLLOWS:
EIGHTH: To the maximum extent permitted by the
General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland as from
time to time amended, the Corporation shall indemnify its
currently acting and its former directors and officers
and those persons who, at the request of the Corporation,
serve or have served another corporation, partnership,
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<PAGE>
joint venture, trust or other enterprise in one or more
of such capacities.
The Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and
Alliance Capital Management L.P. provides that Alliance
Capital Management L.P. will not be liable under such
agreements 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
performance of its duties thereunder, or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations or 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
Securities Act, 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 or
arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to
state a material fact required to be stated in either
thereof or necessary to make the statements in either
thereof not misleading, provided that nothing therein
shall be so construed as to protect Alliance Fund
Distributors 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, or by reason
of reckless disregard of its obligations or duties
thereunder.
The foregoing summaries are qualified by the entire
text of Registrant's Articles of Incorporation,
Registrant's By-laws, the Advisory Agreement between the
Registrant and Alliance Capital Management L.P. and the
Distribution Services Agreement between Registrant and
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. which are filed as
Exhibits 1(a), 5 and 6(a), respectively in response to
Item 24 and each of which are incorporated by reference
herein.
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Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act")
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised
that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy
as 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 director, officer or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit
or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question 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
directors, officers, investment manager 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 or 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
directors 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 directors"), or
(b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
The Registrant will advance attorneys fees or other
expenses incurred by its directors, 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
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quorum of disinterested, non-party directors 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.
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. Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc. also acts as Principal Underwriter or Distributor
for the following investment companies:
ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc.
AFD Exchange Reserves
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 International Fund
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Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Money Market Fund
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 Fund, Inc.
Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity 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 POSITIONS AND
OFFICES WITH OFFICES
NAME 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
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Anne S. Drennan Senior Vice President
& Treasurer
Mark J. Dunbar Senior Vice President
Bradley F. Hanson Senior Vice President
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 F. Bolanowski Vice President
Timothy W. Call Vice President
Kevin T. Cannon Vice President
John R. Carl Vice President
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William W. Collins, Jr. Vice President
Leo H. Cook Vice President
Richard W. Dabney Vice President
John F. Dolan Vice President
Sohaila S. Farsheed Vice President
William C. Fisher Vice President
Gerard J. Friscia Vice President &
Controller
Andrew L. Gangolf Vice President and Assistant
Assistant General Secretary
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
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James P. Luisi Vice President
Christopher J. MacDonald Vice President
Michael F. Mahoney Vice President
Lori E. Master Vice President
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. OConnell Vice President
John J. OConnor Vice President
Robert T. Pigozzi Vice President
James J. Posch Vice President
Domenick Pugliese Vice President and 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 A. Volcker Vice President
C-16
<PAGE>
Patrick E. Walsh Vice President
Emilie D. Wrapp Vice President and 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
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
C-17
<PAGE>
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 State Street Bank and Trust Company, the
Registrant's Custodian, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110. 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.
ITEM 31. Management Services.
Not applicable.
ITEM 32. Undertakings
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.
The Registrant undertakes to provide assistance to
shareholders in communications concerning the removal of
any Director of the Fund in accordance with Section 16 of
the Investment Company Act of 1940.
C-18
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
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 State of New York, on the 27th day of October, 1997
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES
INCOME FUND, INC.
by /s/John D. Carifa
________________________
John D. Carifa
Chairman and President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933 this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed
below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated:
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
Mark D. Gersten Financial Officer
C-19
<PAGE>
3) ALL OF THE DIRECTORS
Ruth Block
John D. Carifa
David H. Dievler
James R. Greene
James M. Hester
Clifford L. Michel
Donald J. Robinson
By: /s/Edmund P. Bergan, Jr. October 27, 1997
__________________________
(Attorney-in-fact)
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr.
C-20
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
PAGE
1(a) Articles of Restatement to Articles of Incorporation
2 By-Laws
5 Advisory Agreement
6(a) Distribution Services Agreement
6(c) Selected Dealer Agreement
6(d) Selected Agent Agreement
8 Custodian Contract
9 Transfer Agency Agreement
11 Consent of Independent Auditors
16 Schedule for computation of Yield and Total Return
Performance Quotation
00250125.AN8
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC.
ARTICLES OF RESTATEMENT
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC., a
Maryland corporation, having its principal office in the city of
Baltimore (hereinafter called the "Corporation"), hereby
certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of
Maryland, that:
I. The Corporation desires to restate its Charter as
currently in effect.
II. The Charter as restated is as follows:
"FIRST: (1) The name of the incorporator is
J. Hamilton Crawford, Jr.
(2) The incorporator's post office address is
140 Broadway, New York, New York 10005.
(3) The incorporator is over eighteen years
of age.
(4) The incorporator is forming the
corporation named in these Articles of Incorporation under the
general laws of the State of Maryland.
SECOND: The name of the corporation (hereinafter
called the "Corporation") is Alliance Mortgage Securities Income
Fund, Inc.
THIRD: The purposes for which the Corporation is
formed are:
(a) to conduct, operate and carry on the
business of an investment company;
(b) to subscribe for, invest in, reinvest in,
purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, pledge, sell,
assign, transfer, exchange, distribute or otherwise
dispose of notes, bills, bonds, debentures and
other negotiable or non-negotiable instruments,
obligations and evidences of indebtedness issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest the United
<PAGE>
States Government, or any agency or instrumentality
thereof, any State or local government, or any
agency or instrumentality thereof, or any other
securities of any kind issued by any corporation or
other issuer organized under the laws of the United
States or any State, territory or possession
thereof or any foreign country or any subdivision
thereof or otherwise, to pay for the same in cash
or by the issue of stock, including treasury stock,
bonds or notes of the Corporation or otherwise; and
to exercise any and all rights, powers and
privileges of ownership or interest in respect of
any and all such investments of every kind and
description, including, without limitation, the
right to consent and otherwise act with respect
thereto, with power to designate one or more
persons, firms, associations or corporations to
exercise any of said rights, powers and privileges
in respect of any said investments;
(c) to conduct research and investigations in
respect of securities, organizations, business and
general business and financial conditions in the
United States of America and elsewhere for the
purpose of obtaining information pertinent to the
investment and employment of the assets of the
Corporation and to procure any or all of the
foregoing to be done by others as independent
contractors and to pay compensation therefor;
(d) to borrow money or otherwise obtain
credit and to secure the same by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the
assets of the Corporation, and to endorse,
guarantee or undertake the performance of any
obligation, contract or engagement of any other
person, firm, association or corporation;
(e) to issue, sell, distribute, repurchase,
redeem, retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell,
reissue, dispose of, transfer and otherwise deal
in, shares of stock of the Corporation, including
shares of stock of the Corporation in fractional
denominations, and to apply to any such repurchase,
redemption, retirement, cancellation or
acquisition of shares of stock of the Corporation,
any funds or property of the Corporation, whether
capital or surplus or otherwise, to the full extent
now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the State
of Maryland and by these Articles of Incorporation;
2
<PAGE>
(f) to conduct its business, promote its
purposes, and carry on its operations in any and
all of its branches and maintain offices both
within and without the State of Maryland, in any
and all States of the United States of America, in
the District of Columbia, and in any or all
commonwealths, territories, dependencies, colonies,
possessions, agencies or instrumentalities of the
United States of America and of foreign
governments;
(g) to carry out all or any part of the
foregoing purposes or objects as principal or
agent, or in conjunction with any other person,
firm, association, corporation or other entity, or
as a partner or member of a partnership, syndicate
or joint venture or otherwise, and in any part of
the world to the same extent and as fully as
natural persons might or could do;
(h) to have and exercise all of the powers
and privileges conferred by the laws of the State
of Maryland upon corporations formed under the laws
of such State; and
(i) to do any and all such further acts and
things and to exercise any and all such further
powers and privileges as may be necessary,
incidental, relative, conducive, appropriate or
desirable for the foregoing purposes.
The enumeration herein of the objects and purposes of
the Corporation shall be construed as powers as well as objects
and purposes and shall not be deemed to exclude by inference any
powers, objects or purposes which the Corporation is empowered to
exercise, whether expressly by force of the laws of the State of
Maryland now or hereafter in effect, or impliedly by the
reasonable construction of the said laws.
FOURTH: The post office address of the principal
office of the Corporation within the State of Maryland is
32 South Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 in care of The
Corporation Trust, Incorporated.
The resident agent of the Corporation in the State of
Maryland is The Corporation Trust, Incorporated, 32 South Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
FIFTH: (1) The total number of shares of stock of
all classes which the Corporation shall have authority to issue
is Three Hundred Million (300,000,000), all of which stock shall
3
<PAGE>
have a par value of one cent ($.01) per share. The aggregate par
value of all authorized shares of stock of the Corporation is
Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000).
(2)(a) The Board of Directors of the Corporation is
authorized to classify or to reclassify, from time to time, any
unissued shares of stock of the Corporation, whether now or
hereafter authorized, by setting, changing or eliminating the
preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, and qualifications or
terms and conditions of or rights to require redemption of the
stock and, pursuant to such classification or reclassification,
to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of any
class, but the number of shares of any class shall not be reduced
by the Board of Directors below the number of shares thereof then
outstanding.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the dividends and distributions of investment income and capital
gains with respect to the stock of the Corporation, and with
respect to each class that hereafter may be created, shall be in
such amount as may be declared from time to time by the Board of
Directors, and such dividends and distributions may vary from
class to class to such extent and for such purposes as the Board
of Directors may deem appropriate, including, but not limited to,
the purpose of complying with requirements of regulatory or
legislative authorities.
(c) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the Board of Directors may designate, from time to time, any
unissued shares of stock of the Corporation, whether now or
hereafter authorized, as a class or classes or a number of series
of preferred or special stock that is excluded from the
definition of "senior security" set forth in Section 18(g) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (or in a successor
statute), by virtue of Section 18(f)(2) of said Act (or a
successor statute).
(3) Until such time as the Board of Directors shall
provide otherwise pursuant to the authority granted in section
(2) of this Article FIFTH, the Three Hundred Million
(300,000,000) authorized shares of stock of the Corporation are
designated as Common Stock. Shares of the Common Stock and the
holders thereof, and shares of any class or series of the type
referred to in the subsection (c) of the section (2) of this
Article FIFTH and the holders thereof, shall be subject to the
following provisions, provided, however, that if no shares of any
class or series of the type referred to in subsection (c) of
section (2) of this Article FIFTH are outstanding, the shares of
the Common Stock and the holders thereof shall nevertheless be
subject to the following provisions except to the extent that
4
<PAGE>
such provisions are by their terms applicable only when shares of
two or more classes are outstanding.
(a) As more fully set forth hereafter, the
assets and liabilities and the income and expenses
of each class of the Corporation's stock shall be
determined separately and, accordingly, the net
asset value, the dividends payable to holders, and
the amounts distributable in the event of
dissolution of the Corporation to holders, of
shares of the Corporation's stock may vary from
class to class. Except for these differences and
certain other differences hereafter set forth, each
class of the Corporation's stock shall have the
same preferences, conversion and other rights,
voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions
of and rights to require redemption.
(b) All consideration received by the
Corporation for the issue or sale of shares of a
class of the Corporation's stock, together with all
income, earnings, profits, 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, shall
irrevocably belong to that class for all purposes,
subject only to the rights of creditors, and shall
be so recorded upon the books of account of the
Corporation. Such consideration, income, earnings,
profits, 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, are herein referred
to as "assets belonging to" that class.
(c) The assets belonging to a class of the
Corporation's stock shall be charged with the
liabilities of the Corporation with respect to that
class and with that class' share of the liabilities
of the Corporation not attributable to any
particular class, in the latter case in the
proportion that the net asset value of that class
(determined without regard to such liabilities)
bears to the net asset value of all classes of the
Corporation's stock (determined without regard to
such liabilities) as determined in accordance with
Article TENTH of these Articles of Incorporation.
The determination of the Board of Directors shall
5
<PAGE>
be conclusive as to the allocation of liabilities,
including accrued expenses and reserves, and assets
to a particular class or classes.
(d) Each holder of stock of the Corporation,
upon request to the Corporation (accompanied by
surrender of the appropriate stock certificate or
certificates in proper form for transfer, if any
certificates have been issued to represent such
shares) shall be entitled to require the
Corporation to redeem, to the extent that the
Corporation may lawfully effect such redemption
under the laws of the State of Maryland, all or any
part of the shares of stock standing in the name of
such holder on the books of the Corporation at a
price per share equal to the net asset value per
share computed in accordance with Article TENTH
hereof.
(e)(i) The term "Minimum Amount" when used
herein shall mean One Thousand Dollars ($1,000)
unless otherwise fixed by the Board of Directors
from time to time, provided that the Minimum Amount
may not in any event exceed Twenty-Five Thousand
Dollars ($25,000). The Board of Directors may
establish differing Minimum Amounts for each class
of the Corporation's stock and for categories of
holders of shares of any class of stock based on
such criteria as the Board of Directors may deem
appropriate.
(ii) If the net asset value of the shares of
a class of the Corporation's stock held by a
stockholder shall be less than the Minimum Amount
then in effect with respect to shares of that
class, or with respect to the category of holders,
in which the stockholder is included, of shares of
that class, the Corporation may redeem all of those
shares, upon notice given to the holder in
accordance with paragraph (iv) of this subsection
(e), to the extent that the Corporation may
lawfully effect such redemption under the laws of
the State of Maryland.
(iii) The Corporation shall be entitled but
not required to redeem shares of stock from any
stockholder or stockholders, to the extent and at
such times as the Board of Directors shall, in its
absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or
advisable to prevent the Corporation from
qualifying as a "personal holding company", within
6
<PAGE>
the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954,
as amended from time to time. Notice shall be
given in accordance with paragraph (iv) of this
subsection (e).
(iv) The notice referred to in paragraphs
(ii) and (iii) of this subsection (e) shall be in
writing personally delivered or deposited in the
mail, at least thirty days (or such other number of
days as may be specified from time to time by the
Board of Directors) prior to such redemption. If
mailed, the notice shall be addressed to the
stockholder at his post office address as shown on
the books of the Corporation, and sent by certified
or registered mail, postage prepaid. The price for
shares acquired by the Corporation pursuant to this
subsection (e) shall be an amount equal to the net
asset value of such shares, computed in accordance
with Article TENTH hereof.
(f) Payment by the Corporation for shares of
stock of the Corporation surrendered to it for
redemption shall be made by the Corporation within
seven business days of such surrender out of the
funds legally available therefor, provided that the
Corporation may suspend the right of the holders of
stock of the Corporation to redeem shares of stock
and may postpone the right of such holders to
receive payment for any shares when permitted or
required to do so by applicable statutes or
regulations. Payment of the aggregate price of
shares surrendered for redemption may be made in
cash or, at the option of the Corporation, wholly
or partly in such portfolio securities of the
Corporation as the Corporation shall select.
(g) The right of any holder of stock of the
Corporation redeemed by the Corporation as provided
in subsections (d) or (e) of this section (3) to
receive dividends thereon and all other rights of
such holder with respect to such shares shall
terminate at the time as of which the purchase or
redemption price of such shares is determined,
except the right of such holder to receive (i) the
redemption price of such shares from the
Corporation or its designated agent and (ii) any
dividend or distribution to which such holder has
previously become entitled as the record holder of
such shares on the record date for such dividend or
distribution. If shares of stock are redeemed by
the Corporation pursuant to subsection (e) of this
7
<PAGE>
section (3) and certificates representing the
redeemed shares have been issued, the redemption
price need not be paid by the Corporation until the
certificates have been received by the Corporation
or its agent duly endorsed for transfer.
(h) The Corporation shall be entitled to
purchase shares of its stock, to the extent that
the Corporation may lawfully effect such purchase
under the laws of the State of Maryland, upon such
terms and conditions and for such consideration as
the Board of Directors shall deem advisable, by
agreement with the stockholder at a price not
exceeding the net asset value per share computed in
accordance with Article TENTH hereof.
(i) The net asset value of each share of a
class of the Corporation's stock issued and sold or
redeemed or purchased at net asset value shall be
the net asset value per share of the shares of that
class determined in accordance with Article TENTH
hereof based on the assets belonging to that class
less the liabilities charged to that class.
(j) In the absence of any specification as to
the purpose for which shares of stock of the
Corporation are redeemed or purchased by it, all
shares so redeemed or purchased shall be deemed to
be retired in the sense contemplated by the laws of
the State of Maryland and the number of the
authorized shares of stock of the Corporation shall
not be reduced by the number of any shares redeemed
or purchased by it. Until their classification is
changed in accordance with section (2) of this
Article FIFTH, all shares so redeemed or purchased
shall continue to belong to the same class or
series to which they belonged at the time of their
redemption or purchase.
(k) Shares of each class of stock shall be
entitled to such dividends or distributions, in
stock or in cash or both, as may be declared from
time to time by the Board of Directors, acting in
its sole discretion, with respect to such class,
provided that dividends or distributions shall be
paid on shares of a class of stock only out of
lawfully available assets belonging to that class.
(l) For the purpose of allowing the net asset
value per share of a class of the Corporation's
stock to remain constant, the Corporation shall be
8
<PAGE>
entitled to declare, pay and credit as dividends
daily the net income (which may include or give
effect to realized and unrealized gains and losses,
as determined in accordance with the Corporation's
accounting and portfolio valuation policies) of the
Corporation allocated to that class. If the amount
so determined for any day is negative, the
Corporation shall be entitled, without the payment
of monetary compensation but in consideration of
the interest of the Corporation and its
stockholders in maintaining a constant net asset
value per share of the class, to redeem pro rata
from all the stockholders of record of shares of
the class at the time of such redemption (in
proportion to their respective holdings thereof)
such number of outstanding shares of the class, or
fractions thereof, as shall be required to permit
the net asset value per share of the class to
remain constant.
(m) In the event of the liquidation or
dissolution of the Corporation, the stockholders of
a class of the Corporation's stock shall be
entitled to receive, as a class, out of the assets
of the Corporation available for distribution to
stockholders, the assets belonging to that class.
The assets so distributable to the stockholders of
a class shall be distributed among such
stockholders in proportion to the number of shares
of that class held by them and recorded on the
books of the Corporation. In the event that there
are any assets available for distribution that are
not attributable to any particular class of stock,
such assets shall be allocated to all classes in
proportion to the net asset value of the respective
classes and then distributed to the holders of
stock of each class in proportion to the net asset
value of the shares of that class held by the
respective holders.
(n) On each matter submitted to a vote of the
stockholders, each holder of a share of stock shall
be entitled to one vote for each such share
standing in his name on the books of the
Corporation irrespective of the class thereof;
provided, however, that to the extent class voting
is required by the Investment Company Act of 1940
or regulations thereunder, as from time to time
amended, or the laws of the State of Maryland as to
any such matter, those requirements shall apply.
9
<PAGE>
(o) The Corporation may issue shares of stock
in fractional denominations to the same extent as
its whole shares, and shares in fractional
denominations shall be shares of stock having
proportionately to the respective fractions
represented thereby all the rights of whole shares,
including without limitation, the right to vote,
the right to receive dividends and distributions,
and the right to participate upon liquidation of
the Corporation, but excluding the right to receive
a stock certificate representing fractional shares.
(4) No holder of any shares of stock of the Corporation
shall be entitled as of right to subscribe for, purchase, or
otherwise acquire any such shares which the Corporation shall
issue or propose to issue; and any and all of the shares of stock
of the Corporation, whether now or hereafter authorized, may be
issued, or may be reissued or transferred if the same have been
reacquired and have treasury status, by the Board of Directors to
such persons, firms, corporations and associations, and for such
lawful consideration, and on such terms as the Board of Directors
in its discretion may determine, without first offering same, or
any thereof, to any said holder.
(5) All persons who shall acquire stock or other
securities of the Corporation shall acquire the same subject to
the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation, as from time
to time amended.
SIXTH: One Hundred and Fifty million shares of the
Corporation's Common Stock are hereby designated "Class B Common
Stock." The shares of the Corporation's Common Stock not
designated "Class B Common Stock," including all such shares
previously issued and outstanding, are hereby reclassified as
"Class A Common Stock." The assets belonging to the Class A
Common Stock and the assets belonging to the Class B Common Stock
shall be invested in the same investment portfolio of the
Corporation. Shares of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B
Common Stock shall be subject to all provisions of the
Corporation's Charter hereof relating to stock of the Corporation
generally and shall have the same preferences, conversion and
other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of
redemption, except as follows:
(1) The dividends and distributions of
investment income and capital gains with respect to
the Class B Common Stock shall be in such amount as
may be declared from time to time by the Board of
Directors, and such dividends and distributions may
vary from dividends and distributions of investment
10
<PAGE>
income and capital gains with respect to the
Class A Common Stock to reflect differing
allocations of the expenses of the Corporation
between the holders of the two classes and any
resultant differences between the net asset value
per share of the two classes, to such extent and
for such purposes as the Board of Directors may
deem appropriate.
(2) The proceeds of the redemption of a share
of the Class B Common Stock (including a fractional
share) shall be reduced by the amount of any
contingent deferred sales charge payable on such
redemption pursuant to the terms of the issuance of
such share.
(3)(a) The holders of the Class A Common Stock
shall have (i) exclusive voting rights with respect
to provisions of any distribution plan adopted by
the Corporation pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (a "Plan")
applicable to the Class A Common Stock and (ii) no
voting rights with respect to provisions of any
Plan applicable to the Class B Common Stock or with
regard to any other matter submitted to a vote of
stockholders which does not affect holders of the
Class A Common Stock.
(b) The holders of the Class B Common Stock
shall have (i) exclusive voting rights with respect
to provisions of any Plan applicable to the Class B
Common Stock and (ii) no voting rights with respect
to provisions of any Plan applicable to the Class A
Common Stock or with regard to any other matter
submitted to a vote of stockholders which does not
affect holders of Class B Common Stock.
(4)(a) Each share of the Class B Common Stock,
other than a share purchased through the automatic
reinvestment of a dividend or a distribution with
respect to the Class B Common Stock, shall be
converted automatically, and without any action or
choice on the part of the holder thereof, into
shares of the Class A Common Stock on the date that
is the first Corporation 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").
(b) Each share of Class B Common Stock
purchased through the automatic reinvestment of a
11
<PAGE>
dividend or a distribution with respect to the
Class B Common Stock shall be segregated in a
separate sub-account on the stock records of the
Corporation for each of the holders of record
thereof. On any Conversion Date, a number of the
shares held in the sub-account of the holder 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
holder, into shares of the Class A Common Stock.
The number of shares in the holder'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 holder
converted on the Conversion Date pursuant to
paragraph (4)(a) hereof bears to the total number
of shares of the Class B Common Stock of the holder
on the Conversion Date (immediately prior to
conversion) not purchased through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or distributions with
respect to the Class B Common Stock.
(c) The number of shares of the Class A
Common Stock into which a share of the Class B
Common Stock is converted pursuant to paragraphs
(4)(a) and (4)(b) 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 Common Stock for purposes of sales
and redemptions thereof on the Conversion Date by
the net asset value per share of the Class A Common
Stock for purposes of sales and redemptions thereof
on the Conversion Date.
(d) On the Conversion Date, the shares of the
Class B Common Stock converted into shares of the
Class A Common Stock 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 shares of Class A Common
Stock into which the shares of Class B Common Stock
have been converted and declared but unpaid
dividends to the Conversion Date) will cease.
Certificates representing shares of the Class A
Common Stock resulting from the conversion need not
be issued until certificates representing shares of
the Class B Common Stock converted, if issued, have
been received by the Corporation or its agent duly
endorsed for transfer.
12
<PAGE>
SEVENTH: The number of directors shall never be less
than the number prescribed by the General Corporation Law of the
State of Maryland and shall never be more than twenty.
EIGHTH: The following provisions are inserted for the
purpose of defining, limiting and regulating the powers of the
Corporation and of the Board of Directors and stockholders.
(a) The business and affairs of the
Corporation shall be managed under the direction of
the Board of Directors which shall have and may
exercise all powers of the Corporation except those
powers which are by law, by these Articles of
Incorporation or by the By-Laws conferred upon or
reserved to the stockholders. In furtherance and
not in limitation of the powers conferred by law,
the Board of Directors shall have power:
(i) to make, alter and repeal by-laws of
the Corporation;
(ii) to issue and sell, from time to time,
shares of any class of the Corporation's stock
in such amounts and on such terms and
conditions, and for such amount and kind of
consideration, as the Board of Directors shall
determine;
(iii) from time to time to set apart out of
any assets of the Corporation otherwise
available for dividends a reserve or reserves
for working capital or for any other proper
purpose or purposes, and to reduce, abolish or
add to any such reserve or reserves from time
to time as said Board of Directors may deem to
be in the best interests of the Corporation;
and to determine in its discretion what part
of the assets of the Corporation available for
dividends in excess of such reserve or
reserves shall be declared in dividends and
paid to the stockholders of the Corporation;
and
(iv) from time to time to determine to what
extent and at what times and places and under
what conditions and regulations the accounts,
books and records of the Corporation, or any
of them, shall be open to the inspection of
the stockholders; and no stockholder shall
have any right to inspect any account or book
or document of the Corporation, except as
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conferred by the laws of the State of the
State of Maryland unless and until authorized
to do so by resolution of the Board of
Directors or of the stockholders of the
Corporation.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland
requiring a greater proportion than a majority of
the votes of all classes or of any class of the
Corporation's stock entitled to be cast in order to
take or authorize any action, any such action may
be taken or authorized upon the concurrence of a
majority of the aggregate number of votes entitled
to be cast thereon subject to any applicable
requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as from time to time in effect, or rules or orders
of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
successor thereto.
(c) The presence in person or by proxy of the
holders of one-third of the shares of stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote (without regard to
class) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of
the stockholders, except with respect to any matter
which, under applicable statutes or regulatory
requirements, requires approval by a separate vote
of one or more classes of stock, in which case the
presence in person or by proxy of the holders of
one-third of the shares of stock of each class
required to vote as a class on the matter shall
constitute a quorum.
(d) Any determination made in good faith and,
so far as accounting matters are involved, in
accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles by or pursuant to the direction of the
Board of Directors, as to the amount of the assets,
debts, obligations, or liabilities of the
Corporation, as to the amount of any reserves or
charges set up and the propriety thereof, as to the
time of or purpose for creating such reserves or
charges, as to the use, alteration or cancellation
of any reserves or charges (whether or not any
debt, obligation, or liability for which such
reserves or charges shall have been created shall
have been paid or discharged or shall be then or
thereafter required to be paid or discharged), as
to the value of or the method of valuing any
investment owned or held by the Corporation, as to
market value or fair value of any investment or
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fair value of any other asset of the Corporation,
as to the allocation of any asset of the
Corporation to a particular class or classes of the
Corporation's stock, as to the charging of any
liability of the Corporation to a particular class
or classes of the Corporation's stock, as to the
number of shares of the Corporation outstanding, as
to the estimated expense to the Corporation in
connection with purchases of its shares, as to the
ability to liquidate investments in orderly
fashion, or as to any other matters relating to the
issue, sale, purchase or other acquisition or
disposition of investments or shares of the
Corporation, shall be final and conclusive and
shall be binding upon the Corporation and all
holders of its shares, past, present and future,
and shares of the Corporation are issued and sold
on the condition and understanding that any and all
such determinations shall be binding as aforesaid.
(e) Except to the extent prohibited by the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or
rules, regulations or orders thereunder promulgated
by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
successor thereto or by the By-Laws of the
Corporation, a director, officer or employee of the
Corporation shall not be disqualified by his
position from dealing or contracting with the
Corporation, nor shall any transaction or contract
of the Corporation be void or voidable by reason of
the fact that any director, officer or any firm of
which any director, officer or employee is a member
or any corporation of which any director, officer
or employee is a stockholder, officer or director,
is in any way interested in such transaction or
contract; provided that in case a director, or a
firm or corporation of which a director is a
member, stockholder, officer or director, is so
interested, such fact shall be disclosed to or
shall have been known by the Board of Directors or
a majority thereof; and any director of the
Corporation who is so interested, or who is a
member, stockholder, officer or director of such
firm or corporation, may be counted in determining
the existence of a quorum and may vote at any
meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation which shall authorize any such
transaction or contract, with like force and effect
as if he were not such director, or member,
stockholder, officer or director of such firm or
corporation.
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(f) Specifically and without limitation of
subsection (e) of this Article EIGHTH but subject
to the exception therein prescribed, the
Corporation may enter into management or advisory,
underwriting, distribution and administration
contracts and other contracts, and may otherwise do
business, with Alliance Capital Management
Corporation, and any parent, subsidiary or
affiliate of such firm or any affiliate of any such
affiliate, or the stockholders, directors, officers
and employees thereof, and may deal freely with one
another notwithstanding that the Board of Directors
of the Corporation may be composed in part of
directors, officers or employees of such firm
and/or its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates and
that officers of the Corporation may have been, be
or become directors, officers, or employees of such
firm and/or its parents, subsidiaries or affil-
iates, and neither such management or advisory,
underwriting, distribution or administration
contracts nor any other contract or transaction
between the Corporation and such firm and/or its
parents, subsidiaries or affiliates shall be
invalidated or in any way affected thereby, nor
shall any director or officer of the Corporation be
liable to the Corporation or to any stockholder or
creditor thereof or to any person for any loss
incurred by it or him under or by reason of such
contract or transaction; provided that nothing
herein shall protect any director or officer of the
Corporation against any liability to the
Corporation or to its security holders to which he
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office; and provided always that
such contract or transaction shall have been on
terms that were not unfair to the Corporation at
the time at which it was entered into.
NINTH: To the maximum extent permitted by the General
Corporation Law of the State of Maryland as from time to time
amended, the Corporation shall indemnify its currently acting and
its former directors and officers and those persons who, at
request of the Corporation, serve or have served another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or enterprise in
one or more of such capacities.
TENTH: For the purposes of the computation of net
asset value referred to in these Articles of Incorporation, the
following rules shall apply:
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(a) The net asset value of each share of a
class of the Corporation's stock issued or sold at
its net asset value shall be the net asset value
per share of that class next determined, as
provided in subsection (d) of this Article TENTH,
following acceptance by the Corporation of the
purchase order, subscription or other agreement
with respect to the issue or sale of such share.
(b) The net asset value of each share of a
class of the Corporation's stock redeemed by the
Corporation at the request of its holder shall be
the net asset value per share of that class next
determined, as provided in subsection (d) of this
Article TENTH, following the time the Corporation
receives a request for redemption of such share in
good order with all appropriate documentation,
including stock certificates, if any, duly endorsed
for transfer.
(c) The net asset value of each share of a
class of the Corporation's stock purchased or
redeemed by it otherwise than upon request for
redemption by the holder of the share shall be
(i) the net asset value per share of that class of
the Corporation's stock next determined, as
provided in subsection (d) of this Article TENTH,
following the Corporation's determination or
agreement to purchase or redeem such share, the
expiration of any notice period and fulfillment of
any other conditions precedent to such purchase or
redemption, or (ii) such lower price per share as
may be specified in the agreement, if any, with the
stockholder for the purchase or redemption of his
shares.
(d) The net asset value of a share of a class
of the Corporation's stock as at the time of a
particular determination shall be the quotient
obtained by dividing the value at such time of the
net assets of that class (i.e., the value of the
assets belonging to that class less the liabilities
charged to that class exclusive of capital stock
and surplus) by the total number of shares of that
class outstanding at such time, all determined and
computed as provided in the Corporation's By-Laws
or by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of
Directors. The net asset value of a share of the
Class A Common Stock and the net asset value of a
share of the Class B Common Stock shall be
separately computed, and may vary from one another.
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<PAGE>
The allocation of investment income or capital
gains and expenses and liabilities of the
Corporation between the Class A Common Stock and
the Class B Common Stock shall be determined by the
Board of Directors in a manner that is consistent
with the order dated January 8, 1990 (Investment
Company Act of 1940 Release No. 17295) issued by
the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with the application for exemption filed
by Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al., and
any amendment to such order or any rule or
interpretation under the Investment Company Act of
1940 that modifies or supercedes such order.
(e) The Corporation shall determine the net
asset value per share of a class of its stock on
such days and at such times as may be determined by
the Board of Directors subject to any applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.
(f) The Corporation may suspend the
determination of the net asset value of a class of
its stock during any period when it may suspend the
right of the holders of shares of that class to
require the Corporation to redeem their shares.
ELEVENTH: The Corporation reserves the right to amend,
alter, change or repeal any provision contained in these Articles
of Incorporation or in any amendment hereto in the manner now or
hereafter prescribed by the laws of the State of Maryland,
including any amendment which alters the contract rights, as
expressly set forth in these articles, of any outstanding stock,
and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted
subject to this reservation."
III. The provisions set forth in these Articles of
Restatement constitute all of the provisions of the Charter of
the Corporation currently in effect.
IV. The restatement of the Charter of the Corporation
has been approved by a majority of the entire board of directors.
The Corporation has eight directors currently in office. These
directors are Ruth Block, John D. Carifa, David H. Dievler,
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<PAGE>
James R. Greene, James M. Hester, Clifford L. Michel, Eugene F.
O'Neil and Robert C. White.
V. The Charter is not amended by these Articles of
Restatement.
VI. The current address of the principal office of the
Corporation and the name and address of the current resident
agent of the Corporation are as set forth in the Charter as
reported.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Alliance Mortgage Securities Income
Fund, Inc. has caused these presents to be signed in its name and
on its behalf by its Vice President and attested by its Secretary
on March , 1992.
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES
INCOME FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Wayne D. Lyski
________________________
Wayne D. Lyski
Vice President
Attested:
/s/ Edmund P. Bergan, Jr.
_________________________
Secretary
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THE UNDERSIGNED, a Vice President of Alliance Mortgage
Securities Income Fund, Inc., who executed on behalf of said
Corporation the foregoing Articles of Restatement, hereby
acknowledges, in the name and on behalf of said Corporation, the
foregoing Articles of Restatement to be the corporate act of said
Corporation and further certifies that, to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief, all matters and facts set
forth therein with respect to the approval thereof of said
Articles of Restatement are true in all material respects, under
the penalties of perjury.
/s/ Wayne D. Lyski
________________________
Wayne D. Lyski
Vice President
20
00250125.AA5
<PAGE>
BY-LAWS
OF
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC.
_______________
ARTICLE I
Offices
Section 1. Principal Office in Maryland. The
Corporation shall have a principal office in the City of
Baltimore, State of Maryland.
Section 2. Other Offices. The Corporation may have
offices also at such other places within and without the State of
Maryland as the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine or as the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
Meetings of Stockholders
Section 1. Place of Meeting. Meetings of stockholders
shall be held at such place, either within the State of Maryland
or at such other place within the United States, as shall be
fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Annual Meetings. Annual meetings of
stockholders shall be held on a date fixed from time to time by
the Board of Directors not less than ninety nor more than one
hundred twenty days following the end of each fiscal year of the
Corporation, for the election of directors and the transaction of
any other business within the powers of the Corporation.
<PAGE>
Section 3. Notice of Annual Meeting. Written or
printed notice of the annual meeting, stating the place, date and
hour thereof, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote
thereat not less than ten nor more than ninety days before the
date of the meeting.
Section 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings of
stockholders may be called by the chairman, the president or by
the Board of Directors and shall be called by the secretary upon
the written request of holders of shares entitled to cast not
less than twenty-five per cent of all the votes entitled to be
cast at such meeting. Such request shall state the purpose or
purposes of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on
thereat. In the case of such request for a special meeting, upon
payment by such stockholders to the Corporation of the estimated
reasonable cost of preparing and mailing a notice of such
meeting, the secretary shall give the notice of such meeting.
The secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting to
consider any matter which is substantially the same as a matter
acted upon at any special meeting of stockholders held within the
preceding twelve months unless requested to do so by holders of
shares entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes
entitled to be cast at such meeting.
Section 5. Notice of Special Meeting. Written or
printed notice of a special meeting of stockholders, stating the
place, date, hour and purpose thereof, shall be given by the
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<PAGE>
secretary to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat not less
than ten nor more than ninety days before the date fixed for the
meeting.
Section 6. Business of Special Meetings. Business
transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be
limited to the purposes stated in the notice thereof.
Section 7. Quorum. The holders of one-third of the
stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat,
present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of
business, except with respect to any matter which, under
applicable statutes or regulatory requirements, requires approval
by a separate vote of one or more classes of stock, in which case
the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of one-third of
the shares of stock of each class required to vote as a class on
the matter shall constitute a quorum.
Section 8. Voting. When a quorum is present at any
meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast,
or, with respect to any matter requiring a class vote, the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast of each class
entitled to vote as a class on the matter, shall decide any
question brought before such meeting (except that directors may
be elected by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes
cast), unless the question is one upon which by express provision
of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as from time to time in
3
<PAGE>
effect, or other statutes or rules or orders of the Securities
and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto or of the
Articles of Incorporation a different vote is required, in which
case such express provision shall govern and control the decision
of such question.
Section 9. Proxies. Each stockholder shall at every
meeting of stockholders be entitled to one vote in person or by
proxy for each share of the stock having voting power held by
such stockholder, but no proxy shall be voted after eleven months
from its date, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.
Section 10. Record Date. In order that the Corporation
may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote
at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, to
express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting,
or to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or
allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in
respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the
purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may
fix, in advance, a record date which shall be not more than
ninety days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not
less than ten days prior to the date on which the particular
action requiring such determination of stockholders is to be
taken. In lieu of fixing a record date, the Board of Directors
may provide that the stock transfer books shall be closed for a
stated period, but not to exceed, in any case, twenty days. If
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<PAGE>
the stock transfer books are closed for the purpose of
determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a
meeting of stockholders, such books shall be closed for at least
ten days immediately preceding such meeting. If no record date
is fixed and the stock transfer books are not closed for the
determination of stockholders: (1) The record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote
at, a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business
on the day on which notice of the meeting of stockholders is
mailed or the day thirty days before the meeting, whichever is
the closer date to the meeting; and (2) The record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to receive payment of a
dividend or an allotment of any rights shall be at the close of
business on the day on which the resolution of the Board of
Directors, declaring the dividend or allotment of rights, is
adopted, provided that the payment or allotment date shall not be
more than sixty days after the date of the adoption of such
resolution.
Section 11. Inspectors of Election. The directors, in
advance of any meeting, may, but need not, appoint one or more
inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If
an inspector or inspectors are not appointed, the person
presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more
inspectors. In case any person who may be appointed as an
inspector fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by
5
<PAGE>
appointment made by the directors in advance of the meeting or at
the meeting by the person presiding thereat. Each inspector, if
any, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take
and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector at
such meeting with strict impartiality and according to the best
of his ability. The inspectors, if any, shall determine the
number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the
shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the
validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots
or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions
arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate
all votes, ballots or consents, determine the result, and do such
acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness
to all stockholders. On request of the person presiding at the
meeting or any stockholder, the inspector or inspectors, if any,
shall make a report in writing of any challenge, question or
matter determined by him or them and execute a certificate of any
fact found by him or them.
Section 12. Informal Action by Stockholders. Except to
the extent prohibited by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
from time to time in effect, or rules or orders of the Securities
and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto, any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of stockholders
may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting
forth such action, is signed by all the stockholders entitled to
6
<PAGE>
vote on the subject matter thereof and any other stockholders
entitled to notice of a meeting of stockholders (but not to vote
thereat) have waived in writing any rights which they may have to
dissent from such action, and such consent and waiver are filed
with the records of the Corporation.
ARTICLE III
Board of Directors
Section 1. Number of Directors. The number of
directors constituting the entire Board of Directors (which
initially was fixed at one in the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation) may be increased or decreased from time to time by
the vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors within
the limits permitted by law but at no time may be more than
twenty as provided in the Articles of Incorporation, but the
tenure of office of a director in office at the time of any
decrease in the number of directors shall not be affected as a
result thereof. The directors shall be elected to hold office at
the annual meeting of stockholders, except as provided in
Section 2 of this Article, and each director shall hold office
until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until his
successor is elected and qualified. Any director may resign at
any time upon written notice to the Corporation. Any director
may be removed, either with or without cause, at any meeting of
stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present by the
affirmative vote of the majority of the votes entitled to be cast
7
<PAGE>
thereon, and the vacancy in the Board of Directors caused by such
removal may be filled by the stockholders at the time of such
removal. Directors need not be stockholders.
Section 2. Vacancies and Newly-Created Directorships.
Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors for any cause
other than by reason of an increase in the number of directors
may be filled by a majority of the remaining members of the Board
of Directors although such majority is less than a quorum. Any
vacancy occurring by reason of an increase in the number of
directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in
office, though less than a quorum. A director elected by the
Board of Directors to fill a vacancy shall be elected to hold
office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until his
successor is elected and qualifies.
Section 3. Powers. The business and affairs of the
Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of
Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation
and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or
by the Articles of Incorporation or by these By-Laws conferred
upon or reserved to the stockholders.
Section 4. Annual Meeting. The first meeting of each
newly elected Board of Directors shall be held immediately
following the adjournment of the annual meeting of stockholders
and at the place thereof. No notice of such meeting to the
directors shall be necessary in order legally to constitute the
8
<PAGE>
meeting, provided a quorum shall be present. In the event such
meeting is not so held, the meeting may be held at such time and
place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter
provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors.
Section 5. Other Meetings. The Board of Directors of
the Corporation or any committee thereof may hold meetings, both
regular and special, either within or without the State of
Maryland. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held
without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time
to time be determined by the Board of Directors. Special
meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the chairman,
the president or by two or more directors. Notice of special
meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given by the
secretary to each director at least three days before the meeting
if by mail or at least 24 hours before the meeting if given in
person or by telephone or by telegraph. The notice need not
specify the business to be transacted.
Section 6. Quorum and Voting. At meetings of the Board
of Directors, two of the directors in office at the time, but in
no event less than one-third of the entire Board of Directors,
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The
action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at
which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of
Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of
the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn
9
<PAGE>
the meeting from time to time, without notice other than
announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
Section 7. Committees. The Board of Directors may, by
resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors,
appoint from among its members an executive committee and other
committees of the Board of Directors, each committee to be
composed of two or more of the directors of the Corporation. The
Board of Directors may, to the extent provided in the resolution,
delegate to such committees, in the intervals between meetings of
the Board of Directors, any or all of the powers of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation, except the power to declare dividends, to issue
stock, to recommend to stockholders any action requiring
stockholders' approval, to amend the by-laws or to approve any
merger or share exchange which does not require stockholders'
approval. Such committee or committees shall have the name or
names as may be determined from time to time by resolution
adopted by the Board of Directors. Unless the Board of Directors
designates one or more directors as alternate members of any
committee, who may replace an absent or disqualified member at
any meeting of the committee, the members of any such committee
present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting may,
whether or not they constitute a quorum, unanimously appoint
another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in
the place of any absent or disqualified member of such committee.
10
<PAGE>
At meetings of any such committee, a majority of the members or
alternate members of such committee shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the
members or alternate members present at any meeting at which a
quorum is present shall be the act of the committee.
Section 8. Minutes of Committee Meetings. The
committees shall keep regular minutes of their proceedings.
Section 9. Informal Action by Board of Directors and
Committees. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any
meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may
be taken without a meeting if a written consent thereto is signed
by all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as
the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the
minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.
Section 10. Meetings by Conference Telephone. The
members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may
participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or committee
by means of a conference telephone or similar communications
equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other at the same time and such
participation shall constitute presence in person at such
meeting.
Section 11. Fees and Expenses. The directors may be
paid their expenses of attendance at each meeting of the Board of
Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each
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<PAGE>
meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as director.
No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the
Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation
therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be
allowed like reimbursement and compensation for attending
committee meetings.
ARTICLE IV
Notices
Section 1. General. Notices to directors and
stockholders mailed to them at their post office addresses
appearing on the books of the Corporation shall be deemed to be
given at the time when deposited in the United States mail.
Section 2. Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is
required to be given under the provisions of the statutes, of the
Articles of Incorporation or of these By-Laws, a waiver thereof
in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said
notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be
deemed the equivalent of notice. Attendance of a person at a
meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting
except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose
of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction
of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened.
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ARTICLE V
Officers
Section 1. General. The officers of the Corporation
shall be chosen by the Board of Directors at its first meeting
after each annual meeting of stockholders and shall be a chairman
of the Board of Directors, a president, a secretary and a
treasurer. The Board of Directors may choose also such vice
presidents and additional officers or assistant officers as it
may deem advisable. Any number of offices, except the offices of
president and vice president, may be held by the same person. No
officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in
more than one capacity if such instrument is required by law to
be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.
Section 2. Other Officers and Agents. The Board of
Directors may appoint such other officers and agents as it
desires who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall
exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be
determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Tenure of Officers. The officers of the
Corporation shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of
Directors. Each officer shall hold his office until his successor
is elected and qualifies or until his earlier resignation or
removal. Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice
to the Corporation. Any officer elected or appointed by the
Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the Board of
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Directors when, in its judgment, the best interests of the
Corporation will be served thereby. Any vacancy occurring in any
office of the Corporation by death, resignation, removal or
otherwise shall be filled by the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Chairman of the Board of Directors. The
chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings
of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. He shall
execute on behalf of the Corporation, and may affix the seal or
cause the seal to be affixed to, all instruments requiring such
execution except to the extent that signing and execution thereof
shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some
other officer or agent of the Corporation.
Section 5. President. The president shall be the chief
executive officer of the Corporation, shall, in the absence of
the chairman of the Board of Directors, preside at all meetings
of the stockholders or of the Board of Directors, shall have
general and active management of the business of the Corporation
and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of
Directors are carried into effect. He shall be ex officio a
member of all committees designated by the Board of Directors.
He shall execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts requiring a
seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or
permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except
where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly
14
<PAGE>
delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or
agent of the Corporation.
Section 6. Vice Presidents. The vice presidents shall
act under the direction of the president and in the absence or
disability of the president shall perform the duties and~exercise
the powers of the president. They shall perform such other
duties and have such other powers as the president or the Board
of Directors may from time to time prescribe. The Board of
Directors may designate one or more executive vice presidents or
may otherwise specify the order of seniority of the vice
presidents and, in that event, the duties and powers of the
president shall descend to the vice presidents in the specified
order of seniority.
Section 7. Secretary. The secretary shall act under
the direction of the president. Subject to the direction of the
president he shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors
and all meetings of stockholders and record the proceedings in a
book to be kept for that purpose and shall perform like duties
for the committees designated by the Board of Directors when
required. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all
meetings of stockholders and special meetings of the Board of
Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be
prescribed by the president or the Board of Directors. He shall
keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation and shall affix
15
<PAGE>
the seal or cause it to be affixed to any instrument requiring
it.
Section 8. Assistant Secretaries. The assistant
secretaries in the order of their seniority, unless otherwise
determined by the president or the Board of Directors, shall, in
the absence or disability of the secretary, perform the duties
and exercise the powers of the secretary. They shall perform
such other duties and have such other powers as the president or
the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
Section 9. Treasurer. The treasurer shall act under
the direction of the president. Subject to the direction of the
president he shall have the custody of the corporate funds and
securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts
and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall
deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to
the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be
designated by the Board of Directors. He shall disburse the
funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the president or
the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements, and shall render to the president and the Board of
Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of
Directors so requires, an account of all his transactions as
treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.
Section 10. Assistant Treasurers. The assistant
treasurers in the order of their seniority, unless otherwise
16
<PAGE>
determined by the president or the Board of Directors, shall, in
the absence or disability of the treasurer, perform the duties
and exercise the powers of the treasurer. They shall perform
such other duties and have such other powers as the president or
the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
ARTICLE VI
Certificates of Stock
Section 1. General. Every holder of stock of the
Corporation who has made full payment of the consideration for
such stock shall be entitled upon request to have a certificate,
signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the president or
a vice president and countersigned by the treasurer or an
assistant treasurer or the secretary or an assistant secretary of
the Corporation, certifying the number and class of whole shares
of stock owned by him in the Corporation.
Section 2. Fractional Share Interests or Scrip. The
Corporation may issue fractions of a share of stock. Fractional
shares of stock shall have proportionately to the respective
fractions represented thereby all the rights of whole shares,
including the right to vote, the right to receive dividends and
distributions and the right to participate upon liquidation of
the Corporation, excluding, however, the right to receive a stock
certificate representing such fractional shares.
Section 3. Signatures on Certificates. Any of or all
the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile. In case any
17
<PAGE>
officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been
placed upon a certificate shall cease to be such officer before
such certificate is issued, it may be issued with the same effect
as if he were such officer at the date of issue. The seal of the
Corporation or a facsimile thereof may, but need not, be affixed
to certificates of stock.
Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The
Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or certificates
to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates
theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost,
stolen or destroyed, upon the making of any affidavit of that
fact by the person claiming the certificate or certificates to be
lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new
certificate or certificates, the Board of Directors may, in its
discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof,
require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate
or certificates, or his legal representative, to give the
Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with
respect to the certificate or certificates alleged to have been
lost, stolen or destroyed.
Section 5. Transfer of Shares. Upon request by the
registered owner of shares, and if a certificate has been issued
to represent such shares upon surrender to the Corporation or a
transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares of
18
<PAGE>
stock duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of
succession, assignment or authority to transfer, subject to the
Corporation's rights to redeem or purchase such shares, it shall
be the duty of the Corporation, if it is satisfied that all
provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, of the By-Laws and
of the law regarding the transfer of shares have been duly
complied with, to record the transaction upon its books, issue a
new certificate to the person entitled thereto upon request for
such certificate, and cancel the old certificate, if any.
Section 6. Registered Owners. The Corporation shall be
entitled to recognize the person registered on its books as the
owner of shares to be the exclusive owner for all purposes
including redemption, voting and dividends, and the Corporation
shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to
or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other
person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice
thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Maryland.
ARTICLE VII
Net Asset Value
The net asset value of a share of Common Stock of the
Corporation as at the time of a particular determination shall be
the quotient obtained by dividing the value at such time of the
net assets of the Corporation (i.e., the value of the assets of
the Corporation less its liabilities exclusive of capital and
19
<PAGE>
surplus) by the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding at such time, all determined and computed as follows:
(1) The assets of the Corporation shall be
deemed to include (A) all cash on hand, on deposit,
or on call, (B) all bills and notes and accounts
receivable, (C) all securities owned or contracted
for by the Corporation, other than shares of its
own Common Stock, (D) all interest accrued on any
interest bearing securities owned by the
Corporation and (E) all other property of every
kind and nature including prepaid expenses. m e
value of interest bearing securities owned by the
Corporation shall be valued with reference to their
purchase price and the amount of any interest to be
earned on such securities (plus any discount
received or less any premium paid upon purchase)
shall be accrued ratably over the remaining
maturity of the security, provided, however, that
such method of valuation shall be employed by the
Corporation only for so long as there shall be in
effect an exemptive order issued by the Securities
and Exchange Commission, or a rule promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, specifically authorizing the
Corporation to employ such method of valuation.
All other investment assets of the Corporation
shall be valued in a manner deemed by the Board of
Directors to reflect their fair value.
(2) The liabilities of the Corporation shall
include (A) all bills and notes and accounts
payable, (B) all administrative expenses payable
and/or accrued (including management and advisory
fees payable and/or accrued, including in the case
of any contingent feature thereof, an estimate
based on the facts existing at the time), (C) all
contractual obligations for the payment of money or
property, including the amount of any unpaid
dividend declared upon the Corporation's Common
Stock and payable to stockholders of record on or
before the time at which net asset value is being
determined, (D) all reserves, if any, authorized or
approved by the Board of Directors for taxes,
including reserves for taxes at current rates based
on any unrealized appreciation in the value of the
assets of the Corporation and (E) all other
liabilities of the Corporation of whatsoever kind
and nature except liabilities represented by
20
<PAGE>
outstanding capital stock and surplus of the
Corporation.
(3) For the purposes thereof
(A) Common Stock subscribed for
shall not be deemed to be outstanding
until immediately after the time as of
which its net asset value is determined
as provided in the Articles of
Incorporation next following the
acceptance of the subscription therefor
and the subscription price thereof shall
not be deemed to be an asset of the
Corporation until such time, but
immediately thereafter such capital stock
shall be deemed to be outstanding and
until paid the subscription price thereof
shall be deemed to be an asset of the
Corporation.
(B) Common Stock surrendered for
redemption by the Corporation pursuant to
the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation or purchased by the
Corporation pursuant to the provisions of
the Articles of Incorporation or these
By-Laws shall be deemed to be outstanding
to and including the time as of which its
net asset value is determined as provided
in the Articles of Incorporation but not
thereafter, and thereupon and until paid
the redemption or purchase price thereof
shall be deemed to be a liability of the
Corporation.
(C) Changes in the holdings of the
Corporation's portfolio securities shall
be accounted for on a trade date basis.
(D) Expenses, including management
and advisory fees, shall be included to
date of calculation.
In addition to the foregoing, the Board of Directors is
empowered, subject to applicable legal requirements, in its
absolute discretion, to establish other methods for determining
21
<PAGE>
the net asset value of each share of Common Stock of the
Corporation.
ARTICLE VIII
Miscellaneous
Section 1. Reserves. There may be set aside out of any
funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums
as the Board of Directors from time to time, in their absolute
discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet
contingencies or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors
shall think conducive to the interest of the Corporation, and the
Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.
Section 2. Dividends. Dividends upon the stock of the
Corporation may, subject to the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation and of the provisions of applicable law, be
declared by the Board of Directors at any time. Dividends may be
paid in cash, in property or in shares of the Corporation's
stock, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation
and of applicable law.
Section 3. Capital Gains Distributions. The amount and
number of capital gains distributions paid to the stockholders
during each fiscal year shall be determined by the Board of
Directors. Each such payment shall be accompanied by a statement
as to the source of such payment, to the extent required by law.
Section 4. Checks. All checks or demands for money and
notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or
22
<PAGE>
officers or such other person or persons as the Board of
Directors may from time to time designate.
Section 5. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the
Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of
Directors.
Section 6. Seal. The corporate seal shall have
inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its
organization and the words "Corporate Seal, Maryland". The seal
may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed
or affixed or in another manner reproduced.
ARTICLE IX
Amendments
The Board of Directors shall have the power to make,
alter and repeal by-laws of the Corporation.
23
00250125.AN2
<PAGE>
ADVISORY AGREEMENT
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC.
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 Common Stock and our Board of Directors is 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 Statement of Additional
Information constituting parts of the Registration Statement
filed on our behalf under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Act.
We propose to engage in the business of investing and reinvesting
the assets in each of our Portfolios in securities of the type
and in accordance with the limitations specified in our Articles
of Incorporation, By-Laws, Registration Statement filed on our
behalf 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 Board of Directors.
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 to
<PAGE>
exercise full discretion and act for us in the same manner and
with the same force and effect as our corporation itself might or
could do with 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 Board of Directors 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 issuers of securities included in our Portfolio, the
activities in which they engage, the conditions prevailing in the
markets for mortgage-related securities, or 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 Board of Directors as well as the
limitations imposed by our Articles of Incorporation and in our
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Act, the limitations in the Act and of the Internal Revenue Code
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 with 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 and at our request you will provide to our corporation
persons satisfactory to our Board of Directors to serve as our
officers. You and your affiliates (other than us) will also
provide persons, who may be our officers, to render such
clerical, accounting 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 our portfolio securities 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 management
supervision and assistance and such office facilities as you may
believe appropriate or as we may reasonably request subject to
2
<PAGE>
the requirements of any regulatory authority to which you may be
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 pursuant to an effective plan
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, the costs of printing our
prospectuses and other reports to stockholders 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 each of our Portfolios
(except taxes, brokerage, interest, distribution service fees
paid in accordance with an effective plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Act 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 one
percent (1%) of such Portfolio's average daily net assets during
such year. 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 directors who are
not your affiliated persons; (d) legal and auditing expenses; (e)
clerical, accounting and other office costs; (f) costs of
personnel providing services to us, as provided in subparagraph
2(d) above; (g) costs of printing our prospectuses and
stockholder reports; (h) costs of maintenance of corporate
existence; (i) interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and
commissions; (j) costs of stationery and supplies; (k) expenses
and fees related to registration and filing 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,
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 our security 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.
3
<PAGE>
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, based upon the
value of our net assets at the close of business on the last
business day immediately preceding such payment date as follows:
.1375 of 1% of the value of our net assets up to $500,000,000 and
.125 of 1% of the value of our net assets in excess of
$500,000,000; provided, however, 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
above will be annualized on a quarterly 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 December 31, 1992 and
thereafter for successive twelve-month periods (computed from
each January 1), with respect to each Portfolio provided that
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by
our Board of Directors 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 directors
who are not parties to this agreement or interested persons, as
defined in the Act of any such party (other than as directors of
our corporation) 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 Board of Directors
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
agreement shall 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.
4
<PAGE>
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,
general partner, who may also be a director, 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 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.
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 Mortgage Securities
Income Fund, Inc.
By/s/David H. Dievler
____________________
David H. Dievler
Chairman
Accepted: As of 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
00250125.AN3
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of July 22, 1992, as amended April 30,
1993, between ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC., a
Maryland corporation (the "Fund"), and ALLIANCE FUND
DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Underwriter").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"),
as a diversified, open-end management investment company and it
is in the interest of the Fund to offer its shares for sale
continuously;
WHEREAS, the Underwriter is a securities firm engaged in
the business of selling shares of investment companies either
directly to purchasers or through other securities dealers;
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Underwriter wish to enter into
an amended agreement with each other with respect to the
continuous offering of the Fund's shares in order to promote the
growth of the Fund and facilitate the distribution of its shares;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Appointment of the Underwriter. The Fund
hereby appoints the Underwriter as the principal underwriter and
distributor of the Fund to sell to the public shares of its
Class A Common Stock (the "Class A shares"), Class B Common Stock
(the "Class B shares") and Class C Common Stock (the "Class C
shares") (the Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares
being collectively referred to herein as the "shares") and hereby
agrees during the term of this Agreement to sell shares to the
Underwriter upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.
SECTION 2. Exclusive Nature of Duties. The Underwriter
shall be the exclusive representative of the Fund to act as
principal underwriter and distributor except that the rights
given under this Agreement to the Underwriter shall not apply to
shares issued in connection with (a) the merger or consolidation
of any other investment company with the Fund, (b) the Fund's
acquisition by purchase or otherwise of all or substantially all
of the assets or stock of any other investment company or (c) the
reinvestment in shares by the Fund's shareholders of dividends or
other distributions.
SECTION 3. Purchase of Shares from the Fund.
(a) The Underwriter shall have the right to buy from
the Fund the shares needed to fill unconditional orders for
<PAGE>
shares of the Fund placed with the Underwriter by investors or
securities dealers, depository institutions or other financial
intermediaries acting as agent for their customers. The price
which the Underwriter shall pay for the shares so purchased from
the Fund shall be the net asset value, determined as set forth in
Section 3(d) hereof, used in determining the public offering
price on which such orders are based.
(b) The shares are to be resold by the Underwriter to
investors at a public offering price, as set forth in
Section 3(c) hereof, or to securities dealers, depository
institutions or other financial intermediaries acting as agent
for their customers having agreements with the Underwriter upon
the terms and conditions set forth in Section 8 hereof.
(c) The public offering price of the shares, i.e., the
price per share at which the Underwriter or selected dealers or
selected agents (each as defined in Section 8(a) below) may sell
shares to the public, shall be the public offering price
determined in accordance with the then current Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information of the Fund (the "Prospectus"
and "Statement of Additional Information," respectively) under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
relating to such shares, but not to exceed the net asset value at
which the Underwriter is to purchase such shares, plus, in the
case of Class A shares, a front-end sales charge equal to a
specified percentage or percentages of the public offering price
of the Class A shares as set forth in the Prospectus. Class A
shares may be sold without such a sales charge to certain classes
of persons as from time to time set forth in the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information. All payments to the Fund
hereunder shall be made in the manner set forth in Section 3(f)
hereof.
(d) The net asset value of shares of the Fund shall be
determined by the Fund, or any agent of the Fund, as of the close
of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each Fund
business day in accordance with the method set forth in the
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and guidelines
established by the Directors of the Fund.
(e) The Fund reserves the right to suspend the offering
of its shares at any time in the absolute discretion of its
Directors.
(f) The Fund, or any agent of the Fund designated in
writing to the Underwriter by the Fund, shall be promptly advised
by the Underwriter of all purchase orders for shares received by
the Underwriter. Any order may be rejected by the Fund;
provided, however, that the Fund will not arbitrarily or without
reasonable cause refuse to accept or confirm orders for the
2
<PAGE>
purchase of shares. The Fund (or its agent) will confirm orders
upon their receipt, will make appropriate book entries and upon
receipt by the Fund (or its agent) of payment thereof, will
deliver deposit receipts or certificates for such shares pursuant
to the instructions of the Underwriter. Payment shall be made to
the Fund in New York Clearing House funds. The Underwriter
agrees to cause such payment and such instructions to be
delivered promptly to the Fund (or its agent).
SECTION 4. Repurchase or Redemption
of Shares by the Fund.
(a) Any of the outstanding shares may be tendered for
redemption at any time, and the Fund agrees to redeem or
repurchase the shares so tendered in accordance with its
obligations as set forth in Section 3(d) of ARTICLE FIFTH of its
Articles of Incorporation and in accordance with the applicable
provisions set forth in the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information. The price to be paid to redeem or
repurchase the shares shall be equal to the net asset value
calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(d)
hereof less, in the case of Class B shares, a deferred sales
charge equal to a specified percentage or percentages of the net
asset value of the Class B shares or their cost, whichever is
less. Class B shares that have been outstanding for a specified
period of time may be redeemed without payment of a deferred
sales charge as from time to time set forth in the Prospectus.
All payments by the Fund hereunder shall be made in the manner
set forth below. The redemption or repurchase by the Fund of any
of the Class A shares purchased by or through the Underwriter
will not affect the sales charge secured by the Underwriter or
any selected dealer or compensation paid to any selected agent
(unless such selected dealer or selected agent has otherwise
agreed with the Underwriter), in the course of the original sale,
regardless of the length of the time period between purchase by
an investor and his tendering for redemption or repurchase.
The Fund (or its agent) shall pay the total amount of
the redemption price and, except as may be otherwise required by
the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") and any interpretations
thereof ("NASD rules and interpretations"), the deferred sales
charges, if any, as defined in the above paragraph, pursuant to
the instructions of the Underwriter in New York Clearing House
funds on or before the seventh business day subsequent to its
having received the notice of redemption in proper form.
(b) Redemption of shares or payment may be suspended at
times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed, when trading
thereon is closed, when trading thereon is restricted, when an
emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund or
3
<PAGE>
securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not
reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value
of its net assets, or during any other period when the Securities
and Exchange Commission, by order, so permits.
SECTION 5. Plan of Distribution.
(a) It is understood that Sections 5, 12, and 16 hereof
together constitute a plan of distribution (the "Plan") within
the meaning of Rule 12b-1 adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Investment Company Act ("Rule 12b- 1").
(b) Except as may be required by NASD rules and
interpretations, the Fund will pay to the Underwriter each month
a distribution services fee with respect to each portfolio of the
Fund ("Portfolio") that will not exceed, on an annualized basis,
.30 of 1% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Fund
attributable to the Class A shares, 1.00% of the aggregate
average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to the Class B
shares and 1.00% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the
Fund attributable to the Class C shares. With respect to each
Portfolio, the distribution services fee will be used in its
entirety by the Underwriter to make payments (i) to compensate
broker-dealers or other persons for providing distribution
assistance, (ii) to otherwise promote the sale of shares of each
Portfolio, including payment for the preparation, printing and
distribution of prospectuses and sales literature or other
promotional activities, and (iii) to compensate broker-dealers,
depository institutions and other financial intermediaries for
providing administrative, accounting and other services with
respect to each Portfolio's shareholders. A portion of the
distribution services fee that will not exceed, on an annualized
basis, .25 of 1% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the
Fund attributable to each of the Class A shares, Class B shares
and Class C shares will constitute a service fee that will be
used by the Underwriter for personal service and/or the
maintenance of shareholder accounts within the meaning of NASD
rules and interpretations.
(c) Alliance Capital Management L.P., the Fund's
investment adviser (the "Adviser"), may make payments from time
to time from its own resources for the purposes described in
Section 5(b) hereof.
(d) Payments to broker-dealers, depository institutions
and other financial intermediaries for the purposes set forth in
Section 5(b) are subject to the terms and conditions of the
written agreements between the Underwriter and each broker-
dealer, depository institution or other financial intermediary.
Such agreements will be in a form satisfactory to the Directors
of the Fund.
4
<PAGE>
(e) The Treasurer of the Fund will prepare and furnish
to the Fund's Directors, and the Directors will review, at least
quarterly, a written report complying with the requirements of
Rule 12b-1 setting forth all amounts expended hereunder and the
purposes for which such expenditures were made.
(f) The Fund is not obligated to pay any distribution
expense in excess of the distribution services fee described
above in Section 5(b) hereof. Any expenses of distribution of
the Fund's Class A shares accrued by the Underwriter in one
fiscal year of the Fund may not be paid from distribution
services fees received from the Fund in respect of Class A shares
in another fiscal year. Any expenses of distribution of the
Fund's Class B shares or Class C shares accrued by the
Underwriter in one fiscal year of the Fund may be carried forward
and paid from distribution services fees received from the Fund
in respect of such class of shares in another fiscal year. No
portion of the distribution services fees received from the Fund
in respect of Class A shares may be used to pay any interest
expense, carrying charges or other financing costs or allocation
of overhead of the Underwriter. The distribution services fees
received from the Fund in respect of Class B shares and Class C
shares may be used to pay interest expenses, carrying charges and
other financing costs or allocation of overhead of the
Underwriter to the extent permitted by Securities and Exchange
Commission rules, regulations or Securities and Exchange
Commission staff no-action or interpretative positions in effect
from time to time. In the event this Agreement is terminated by
either party or is not continued with respect to a class as
provided in Section 12 below: (i) no distribution services fees
(other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) will be
owed by the Fund to the Underwriter with respect to that class,
and (ii) the Fund will not be obligated to pay the Underwriter
for any amounts expended hereunder not previously reimbursed by
the Fund from distribution services fees in respect of shares of
such class or recovered through deferred sales charges described
in Section 4(a) above. The distribution services fee of a
particular class may not be used to subsidize the sale of shares
of any other class.
SECTION 6. Duties of the Fund.
(a) The Fund shall furnish to the Underwriter copies of
all information, financial statements and other papers that the
Underwriter may reasonably request for use in connection with the
distribution of shares of the Fund, and this shall include one
certified copy, upon request by the Underwriter, of all financial
statements prepared for the Fund by independent public
accountants. The Fund shall make available to the Underwriter
such number of copies of the Prospectus as the Underwriter shall
reasonably request.
5
<PAGE>
(b) The Fund shall take, from time to time, but subject
to the necessary approval of its shareholders, all necessary
action to fix the number of authorized shares and such steps as
may be necessary to register the same under the Securities Act,
to the end that there will be available for sale such number of
shares as the Underwriter reasonably may be expected to sell.
(c) The Fund shall use its best efforts to qualify and
maintain the qualification of an appropriate number of its shares
under the securities laws of such states as the Underwriter and
the Fund may approve. Any such qualification may be withheld,
terminated or withdrawn by the Fund at any time in its
discretion. As provided in Section 9(b) hereof, the expense of
qualification and maintenance of qualification shall be borne by
the Fund. The Underwriter shall furnish such information and
other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be
required by the Fund in connection with such qualification.
(d) The Fund will furnish, in reasonable quantities
upon request by the Underwriter, copies of annual and interim
reports of the Fund.
SECTION 7. Duties of the Underwriter.
(a) The Underwriter shall devote reasonable time and
effort to effect sales of shares of the Fund, but shall not be
obligated to sell any specific number of shares. The services of
the Underwriter to the Fund hereunder are not to be deemed
exclusive and nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the
Underwriter from entering into like arrangements with other
investment companies so long as the performance of its
obligations hereunder is not impaired thereby.
(b) In selling shares of the Fund, the Underwriter
shall use its best efforts in all material respects duly to
conform with the requirements of all federal and state laws
relating to the sale of such securities. Neither the
Underwriter, any selected dealer, any selected agent nor any
other person is authorized by the Fund to give any information or
to make any representations, other than those contained in the
Fund's Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement"), as
amended from time to time, under the Securities Act and the
Investment Company Act or the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information or any sales literature specifically
approved in writing by the Fund.
(c) The Underwriter shall adopt and follow procedures,
as approved by the officers of the Fund, for the confirmation of
sales to investors and selected dealers, the collection of
amounts payable by investors and selected dealers on such sales,
and the cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be
6
<PAGE>
necessary to comply with the requirements of the NASD, as such
requirements may from time to time exist.
SECTION 8. Selected Dealer and Agent Agreements.
(a) The Underwriter shall have the right to enter into
selected dealer agreements with securities dealers of its choice
("selected dealers") and selected agent agreements with
depository institutions and other financial intermediaries of its
choice ("selected agents") for the sale of shares and fix therein
the portion of the sales charge that may be allocated to the
selected dealers and selected agents; provided, that the Fund
shall approve the forms of agreements with selected dealers and
selected agents and the selected dealer and selected agent
compensation set forth therein and shall evidence such approval
by filing said forms and amendments thereto as exhibits to its
then currently effective Registration Statement. Shares sold to
selected dealers or through selected agents shall be for resale
by such selected dealers and selected agents only at the public
offering price set forth in the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information.
(b) Within the United States, the Underwriter shall
offer and sell shares only to such selected dealers as are
members in good standing of the NASD.
SECTION 9. Payment of Expenses.
(a) The Fund shall bear all costs and expenses of the
Fund, including fees and disbursements of its counsel and
auditors, in connection with the preparation and filing of its
Registration Statement and Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and
preparing and mailing annual and interim reports and proxy
materials to shareholders (including but not limited to the
expense of setting in type any such registration statements,
prospectuses, annual or interim reports or proxy materials).
(b) The Fund shall bear the cost of expenses of
qualification of shares for sale, and, if necessary or advisable
in connection therewith, of qualifying the Fund as an issuer or
as a broker or dealer, in such states of the United States or
other jurisdiction as shall be selected by the Fund and the
Underwriter pursuant to Section 6(c) hereof and the cost and
expenses payable to each such state for continuing qualification
therein until the Fund decides to discontinue such qualification
pursuant to Section 6(c) hereof.
7
<PAGE>
SECTION 10. Indemnification.
(a) The Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the
Underwriter, and any person who controls the Underwriter within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, free and
harmless from and against any and all claims, demands,
liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or
defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel
fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Underwriter or
any such controlling person may incur, under the Securities Act,
or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon
any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Fund's Registration Statement, Prospectus or Statement of
Additional Information in effect from time to time under the
Securities Act or arising out of or based upon any alleged
omission to state a material fact required to be stated in any
one thereof or necessary to make the statements in any one
thereof not misleading; provided, however, that in no event shall
anything herein contained be so construed as to protect the
Underwriter against any liability to the Fund or its security
holders to which the Underwriter would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in
the performance of its duties, or by reason of the Underwriter's
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement. The Fund's agreement to indemnify the Underwriter and
any such controlling person as aforesaid is expressly conditioned
upon the Fund's being notified of the commencement of any action
brought against the Underwriter or any such controlling person,
such notification to be given by letter or by telegram addressed
to the Fund at its principal office in New York, New York, and
sent to the Fund by the person against whom such action is
brought within ten days after the summons or other first legal
process shall have been served. The failure to so notify the
Fund of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve the
Fund from any liability which it may have to the person against
whom such action is brought by reason of any such alleged untrue
statement or omission otherwise than on account of the indemnity
agreement contained in this Section 10. The Fund will be
entitled to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any
such claim, and to retain counsel of good standing chosen by the
Fund and approved by the Underwriter. In the event the Fund does
not elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel of good standing approved by the Underwriter, the
defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but
in case the Fund does not elect to assume the defense of any such
suit, or in case the Underwriter does not approve of counsel
chosen by the Fund, the Fund will reimburse the Underwriter or
the controlling person or persons named as defendant or
defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel
retained by the Underwriter or such persons. The indemnification
8
<PAGE>
agreement contained in this Section 10 shall remain operative and
in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by
or on behalf of the Underwriter or any controlling person and
shall survive the sale of any of the Fund's shares made pursuant
to subscriptions obtained by the Underwriter. This agreement of
indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the
Underwriter, to the benefit of its successors and assigns, and to
the benefit of any controlling persons and their successors and
assigns. The Fund agrees promptly to notify the Underwriter of
the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against the Fund
in connection with the issue and sale of any of its shares.
(b) The Underwriter agrees to indemnify, defend and
hold the Fund, its several officers and directors, and any person
who controls the Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act, free and harmless from and against any and all
claims, demands, liabilities, and expenses (including the cost of
investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities
and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the
Fund, its officers or directors, or any such controlling person
may incur under the Securities Act or under common law or
otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability, or expense
incurred by the Fund, its officers, directors or such controlling
person resulting from such claims or demands shall arise out of
or be based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in information furnished in writing by the Underwriter
to the Fund for use in its Registration Statement, Prospectus or
Statement of Additional Information in effect from time to time
under the Securities Act, or shall arise out of or be based upon
any alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with
such information required to be stated in the Registration
Statement, Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information or
necessary to make such information not misleading. The
Underwriter's agreement to indemnify the Fund, its officers and
directors, and any such controlling person as aforesaid is
expressly conditioned upon the Underwriter being notified of the
commencement of any action brought against the Fund, its officers
or directors or any such controlling person, such notification to
be given by letter or telegram addressed to the Underwriter at
its principal office in New York, and sent to the Underwriter by
the person against whom such action is brought, within ten days
after the summons or other first legal process shall have been
served. The Underwriter shall have a right to control the
defense of such action, with counsel of its own choosing,
satisfactory to the Fund, if such action is based solely upon
such alleged misstatement or omission on its part, and in any
other event the Underwriter and the Fund, and their officers and
directors or such controlling person, shall each have the right
to participate in the defense or preparation of the defense of
any such action. The failure so to notify the Underwriter of the
commencement of any such action shall not relieve the Underwriter
9
<PAGE>
from any liability which it may have to the Fund, to its officers
and directors, or to such controlling person by reason of any
such untrue statement or omission on the part of the Underwriter
otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement contained in
this Section 10.
SECTION 11. Notification by the Fund.
The Fund agrees to advise the Underwriter immediately:
(a) of any request by the Securities and Exchange
Commission for amendments to the Fund's Registration Statement,
Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information or for
additional information,
(b) in the event of the issuance by the Securities and
Exchange Commission of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Fund's Registration Statement, Prospectus or
Statement of Additional Information or the initiation of any
proceeding for that purpose,
(c) of the happening of any material event which makes
untrue any statement made in the Fund's Registration Statement,
Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information or which
requires the making of a change in any one thereof in order to
make the statements therein not misleading, and
(d) of all actions of the Securities and Exchange
Commission with respect to any amendments to the Fund's
Registration Statement, Prospectus or Statement of Additional
Information which may from time to time be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act.
SECTION 12. Term of Agreement.
(a) This Agreement shall become effective on the date
hereof and shall continue in effect until December 31, 1993, and
thereafter for successive twelve-month periods (computed from
each January 1) with respect to each class; provided, however,
that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually
by the Directors of the Fund or by vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) of that class, and, in either case, by a
majority of the Directors of the Fund who are not parties to this
Agreement or interested persons, as defined in the Investment
Company Act, of any such party (other than as directors of the
Fund) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or any agreement related thereto;
provided further, however, that if the continuation of this
Agreement is not approved as to a class or a Portfolio, the
Underwriter may continue to render to such class or Portfolio the
10
<PAGE>
services described herein in the manner and to the extent
permitted by the Investment Company Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder. Upon effectiveness of this Agreement, it
shall supersede all previous agreements between the parties
hereto covering the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be
terminated (i) by the Fund with respect to any class or Portfolio
at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities (as so defined) of
such class or Portfolio, or by a vote of a majority of the
Directors of the Fund who are not interested persons, as defined
in the Investment Company Act, of the Fund (other than as
directors of the Fund) and have no direct and indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreement related
thereto, in any such event on sixty days' written notice to the
Underwriter; provided, however, that no such notice shall be
required if such termination is stated by the Fund to relate only
to Sections 5 and 16 hereof (in which event Sections 5 and 16
shall be deemed to have been severed herefrom and all other
provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect), or (ii) by the Underwriter with respect to any Portfolio
on sixty days' written notice to the Fund.
(b) This Agreement may be amended at any time with the
approval of the Directors of the Fund, provided that (i) any
material amendments of the terms hereof will become effective
only upon approval as provided in the first proviso of the first
sentence of Section 12(a) hereof, and (ii) any amendment to
increase materially the amount to be expended for distribution
services fees pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof will be effective
only upon the additional approval by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities as defined in the Investment
Company Act of the class or Portfolio affected.
SECTION 13. No Assignment. This Agreement may not be
transferred, assigned, sold or in any manner hypothecated or
pledged by either party hereto and this Agreement shall terminate
automatically in the event of any such transfer, assignment,
sale, hypothecation or pledge. 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.
SECTION 14. Notices. Any notice required or permitted
to be given hereunder by either party to the other shall be
deemed sufficiently given if sent by registered mail, postage
prepaid, addressed by the party giving such notice to the other
party at the last address furnished by such other party to the
party given notice, and unless and until changed pursuant to the
foregoing provisions hereof addressed to the Fund or the
Underwriter.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 15. Governing Law. The provisions of this
Agreement shall be, to the extent applicable, construed and
interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 16. Disinterested Directors of the Fund. While
the Agreement is in effect, the selection and nomination of the
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as
defined in the Investment Company Act) will be committed to the
discretion of such disinterested Directors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed
this Agreement.
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES
INCOME FUND, INC.
By/s/ David H. Dievler
______________________
David H. Dievler
Chairman
ALLIANCE FUND DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By/s/ Robert L. Errico
________________________
Robert L. Errico
President
Accepted as to
Sections 5, 12 and 16
as of July 22, 1992,
as amended April 30, 1993:
ALLIANCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT L.P.
By Alliance Capital Management Corporation,
General Partner
By/s/ John D. Carifa
_______________________
John D. Carifa
President
12
00250125.AN5
<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
<PAGE>
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 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 # ________________________
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
5
00250125.AN7
<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
in any respect. All orders are subject to acceptance by us and
become effective only upon confirmation by us.
<PAGE>
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;
(b) to order shares from us only for the purpose of
covering purchase orders already received;
2
<PAGE>
(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
hereto from any liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933.
3
<PAGE>
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
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
4
<PAGE>
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
00250125.AN6
<PAGE>
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES
INCOME FUND, INC.
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be
Held By It 1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property
of the Fund Held by the Custodian 2
2.1 Holding Securities 2
2.2 Delivery of Securities 2
2.3 Registration of Securities 6
2.4 Bank Accounts 6
2.5 Payments for Shares 7
2.6 Investment and Availability of Federal Funds 8
2.7 Collection of Income 8
2.8 Payment of Fund Moneys 9
2.9 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt
of Securities Purchased 11
2.10 Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions
of Shares of the Fund 12
2.11 Appointment of Agents 13
2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System 13
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes 16
2.14 Proxies 16
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio
Securities 16
2.16 Proper Instructions 17
2.17 Actions Permitted Without Express Authority 18
2.18 Evidence of Authority 19
3. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books
of Account and Calculation of Net Asset Value
and Net Income 19
4. Records 20
5. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant 21
6. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants 21
7. Compensation of Custodian 22
8. Responsibility of Custodian 22
9. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment 23
10. Successor Custodian 25
11. Interpretive and Additional Provisions 26
<PAGE>
12. Massachusetts Law to Apply 27
13. Prior Contracts 27
<PAGE>
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This contract between Alliance Mortgage Securities
Income Fund, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of Maryland, having its principal place of business at 140
Broadway, New York, New York 10005, hereinafter.called the
"Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts
trust company, having its principal place of business at 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, hereinafter called
the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, the parties
hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian
of its assets pursuant to the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation. The Fund agrees to deliver to the Custodian all
securities and cash owned by it, and all payments of income,
payments of principal or capital distributions received by it
with respect to all securities owned by the Fund from time to
time, and the cash consideration received by it for such new or
treasury shares of capital stock, $0.01 par value, ("Shares") of
the Fund as may be issued or sold from time to time. The
Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of the Fund
held or received by the Fund and not delivered to the Custodian.
<PAGE>
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the
meaning of Section 2.16), the Custodian shall from time to time
employ one or more sub-custodians, but only in accordance with an
applicable vote by the Board of Directors of the Fund, and
provided that the Custodian shall have no more or less
responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any actions
or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-
custodian has to the Custodian.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund
Held By the Custodian
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically
segregate for the account of the Fund all non-cash property,
including all securities owned by the Fund, other than
securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.12 in
a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or
in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of
the Treasury, collectively referred to herein as "Securities
System".
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and
deliver securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian
or in a Securities System account of the Custodian only upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and
only in the following cases:
2
<PAGE>
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the
Fund and receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any
repurchase agreement related to such securities
entered into by the Fund;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities
System, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 2.12 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender
or other similar offers for portfolio securities of
the Fund;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such
securities are called, redeemed, retired or
otherwise become payable; provided that, in any
such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer
into the name of the Fund or into the name of any
nominee or nominees of the Custodian or into the
name or nominee name of any agent appointed
pursuant to Section 2.11 or into the name or
nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange for a
different number of bonds, certificates or other
evidence representing the same aggregate face
3
<PAGE>
amount or number of units; provided that, in any
such case, the new securities are to be delivered
to the Custodian;
7) To the broker selling the same for examination in
accordance with the "street delivery" custom;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of
merger, consolidation, recapitalization,
reorganization or readjustment of the securities of
the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to
provisions. for conversion contained in such
securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar
securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise
of such warrants, rights or similar securities or
the surrender of interim receipts or temporary
securities for definitive securities; provided
that, in any such case, the new securities and
cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of
securities made by the Fund, but only against
receipt of adequate collateral as agreed upon from
time to time by the Custodian and the Fund, which
4
<PAGE>
may be in the form of cash or obligations issued by
the United States government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, except that in connection with
any loans for which collateral is to be credited to
the Custodian's account in the book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury,
the Custodian will not be held liable or
responsible for the delivery of securities owned by
the Fund prior to the receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any
borrowings by the Fund requiring a pledge of assets
by the Fund, but only against receipt of amounts
borrowed;
12) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer
agent ("Transfer Agent") for the Fund, for delivery
to such Transfer Agent or to the holders of shares
in connection with distributions in kind, as may be
described from time to time in the Fund's currently
effective prospectus, in satisfaction of requests
by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption;
and
13) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only
upon receipt of, in addition to Proper
Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of
the Board of Directors or of the Executive
5
<PAGE>
Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, specifying the securities to be
delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such
delivery is to be made, declaring such purposes to
be proper corporate purposes, and naming the person
or persons to whom delivery of such securities
shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Securities held by the
Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered
in the name of the Fund or in the name of any nominee of the
Fund or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall
be assigned exclusively to the Fund, unless the Fund has
authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be
used in common with other registered investment companies
having the same investment adviser as the Fund, or in the
name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to
Section 2.11 or in the name or nominee name of any sub-
custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities
accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund under the
terms of this Contract shall be in "street name" or other
good delivery form.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a
separate bank account or accounts in the name of the Fund,
subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting
6
<PAGE>
pursuant to the terms of this Contract, and shall hold in
such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof,
all cash received by it from or for the account of the Fund,
other than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank account
established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the Custodian
for the Fund may be deposited by it to its credit as
Custodian in the Banking Department of the Custodian or in
such other banks or trust companies as it may in its
discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however,
that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to
act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940
and that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be
deposited with each such bank or trust company shall be
approved by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of
the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in
its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the
Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Payments for Shares. The Custodian shall receive from the
distributor for the Fund's Shares or from the Transfer Agent
of the Fund and deposit into the Fund's account such
payments as are received for Shares of the Fund issued or
sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will
provide timely notification to the Fund and the Transfer
7
<PAGE>
Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of the
Fund.
2.6 Investment and Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual
agreement between the Fund and the Custodian, the Custodian
shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions,
1) invest in such instruments as may be set forth in
such instructions on the same day as received all
federal funds received after a time agreed upon
between the Custodian and the Fund; and
2) make federal funds available to the Fund as of
specified times agreed upon from time to time by
the Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks
received in payment for Shares of the Fund which
are deposited into the Fund's account.
2.7 Collection of Income. The Custodian shall collect on a
timely basis all income and other payments with respect to
registered securities held hereunder to which the Fund shall
be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all
income and other payments with respect to bearer securities
if, on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities
are held by the Custodian or agent thereof and shall credit
such income, as collected, to the Fund's custodian account.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons
8
<PAGE>
and other income items requiring presentation as and when
they become due and shall collect interest when due on
securities held hereunder. Income due the Fund on
securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2
(10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian
will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith,
other than to provide the Fund with such information or data
as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the
timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which the
Fund is properly entitled.
2.8 Payment of Fund Moneys. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay
out moneys of the Fund in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of securities for the account of
the Fund but only (a) against the delivery of such
securities to the Custodian (or any bank, banking
firm or trust company doing business in the United
States or abroad which is qualified under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act
as a custodian and has been designated by the
Custodian as its agent for this purpose) registered
in the name of the Fund or in the name of a nominee
of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof
or in proper form for transfer; (b) in the case of
9
<PAGE>
a purchase effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section
2.12 hereof or (c) in the case of repurchase
agreements entered into between the Fund and the
Custodian, or another bank, (i) against delivery of
the securities either in certificate form or
through an entry crediting the Custodian's account
at the Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or
(ii) against delivery of the receipt evidencing
purchase by the Fund of securities owned by the
Custodian along with written evidence of the
agreement by the Custodian to repurchase such
securities from the Fund;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or
surrender of securities owned by the Fund as set
forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued
by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.10 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability
incurred by the Fund, including but not limited to
the following payments for the account of the Fund:
interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer
agent and legal fees, and operating expenses of the
Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in
10
<PAGE>
whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred
expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends declared pursuant
to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt
of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified
copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors or
of the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of
such payment, setting forth the purpose for which
such payment is to be made, declaring such purpose
to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.9 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities
Purchased. In any and every case where payment for purchase
of securities for the account of the Fund is made by the
Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities purchased
in the absence of specific written instructions from the
Fund to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely
liable to the Fund for such securities to the same extent as
if the securities had been received by the Custodian, except
that in the case of repurchase agreements entered into by
the Fund with a bank which is a member of the Federal
Reserve System, the Custodian may transfer funds to the
11
<PAGE>
account of such bank prior to the receipt of written
evidence that the securities subject to such repurchase
agreement have been transferred by book-entry into a
segregated non-proprietary account of the Custodian
maintained with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or of the
safe-keeping receipt, provided that such securities have in
fact been so transferred by book-entry.
2.10 Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the
Fund. From such funds as may be available for the purpose
but subject to the limitations of the Articles of
Incorporation and any applicable votes of the Board of
Directors of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall,
upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make
funds available for payment to holders of Shares who have
delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption or
repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the
redemption or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the
Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from
the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial
bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In
connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of
the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the
Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been
furnished by the Fund to the holder of Shares, when
presented to the Custodian in accordance with such
12
<PAGE>
procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from
time to time between the Fund and the Custodian.
2.11 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or
times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove)
any other bank or trust company which is itself qualified
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act
as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the
provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time
to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of
any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its
responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian
may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in
a clearing agency registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities depository,
or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies,
collectively referred to herein as "Securities System" in
accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if
any, and subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in a
Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the
13
<PAGE>
Custodian in the Securities System which shall not
include any assets of the Custodian other than
assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise
for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to
securities of the Fund which are maintained in a
Securities System shall identify by book-entry
those securities belonging to the Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased
for the account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of
advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account,
and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of
the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer
for the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall
transfer securities sold for the account of the
Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities
System that payment for such securities has been
transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of
an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such transfer and payment for the account of the
Fund. Copies of all advices from the Securities
System of transfers of securities for the account
of the Fund shall identify the Fund, be maintained
for the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to
14
<PAGE>
the Fund at its request. Upon request, the
Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of
each transfer to or from the account of the Fund in
the form of a written advice or notice and shall
furnish to the Fund copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the
Securities System for the account of the Fund.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any
report obtained by the Custodian on the Securities
System's accounting system, internal accounting
control and procedures for safeguarding securities
deposited in the Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received the initial or
annual certificate, as the case may be, required by
Article 9 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract
notwithstanding, the Custodian shall be liable to
the Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund
resulting from use of the Securities System by
reason of any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct
of the Custodian or any of its agents or of any of
its or their employees or from failure of~the
Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively
such rights as it may have against the Securities
System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be
15
<PAGE>
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claim against the
Securities System or any other person which the
Custodian may have as a consequence of any such
loss or damage if and to the extent that the Fund
has not been made whole for any such loss or
damage.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian
shall execute ownership and other certificates and
affidavits for all federal and state tax purposes in
connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to securities of the Fund held by it and in
connection with transfers of securities.
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the
securities held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by
the registered holder of such securities, if the securities
are registered otherwise than in the name of the Fund or a
nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without indication of the
manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
promptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy
soliciting materials and all notices relating to such
securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities. The
Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all written
information (including, without limitation, pendency of
16
<PAGE>
calls and maturities of securities and expirations of rights
in connection therewith) received by the Custodian from
issuers of the securities being held for the Fund. With
respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall
transmit promptly to the Fund all written information
received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities
whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or
his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the
Fund desires to take action with respect to any tender
offer, exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the
Fund shall notify the Custodian at least three business days
prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
action.
2.16 Proper Instructions. Proper Instructions as used throughout
this Article 2 means a writing signed or initialled by one
or more person or persons as the Board of Directors shall
have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall
set forth the specific transaction or type of transaction
involved, including a specific statement of the purpose for
which such action is requested. Oral instructions will be
considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably
believes them to have been given by a person authorized to
give such instructions with respect to the transaction
involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be
confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of the
17
<PAGE>
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to the authorization
by the Board of Directors of the Fund accompanied by a
detailed description of procedures approved by the Board of
Directors, Proper Instructions may include communications
effected directly between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices provided that the Board of Directors and the
Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate
safeguards for the Fund's assets.
2.17 Actions Permitted without Express Authority. The Custodian
may in its discretion, without express authority from the
Fund:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor
expenses of handling securities or other similar
items relating to its duties under this Contract,
provided that all such payments shall be accounted
for to the Fund;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for
securities in definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund,
checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments;
and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details
in connection with the sale, exchange,
substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings
with the securities and property of the Fund except
18
<PAGE>
as otherwise directed by the Board of Directors of
the Fund.
2.18 Evidence of Authority. The Custodian shall be protected in
acting upon any instructions, notice, request, consent,
certificate or other instrument or paper believed by it to
be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on
behalf of the Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors of the
Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any
person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any
determination or of any action by the Board of Directors
pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation as described in
such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force
and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice
to the contrary.
3. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income.
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary
information to the entity or entities appointed by the Board of
Directors of the Fund to keep the books of account of the Fund
and/or compute the net asset value per share of the outstanding
shares of the Fund or, if directed in writing to do so by the
Fund, shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such
net asset value per share. If so directed, the Custodian shall
also calculate daily the net income of the Fund as described in
19
<PAGE>
the Fund's currently effective prospectus and shall advise the
Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such
net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the
Fund to do so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of
the division of such net income among its various components.
The calculations of the net asset value per share and the daily
income of the Fund shall be made at the time or times described
from time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus.
4. Records.
The Custodian shall create and maintain all records
relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in
such manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, with particular attention to
Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder,
applicable federal and state tax laws and any other law or
administrative rules or procedures which may be applicable to the
Fund. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and
shall at all times during the regular business hours of the
Custodian be open for inspection by duly authorized officers,
employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian shall, at the
Fund's request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities
owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian and shall, when
requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall
20
<PAGE>
be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include
certificate numbers in such tabulations.
5. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the
Fund may from time to time request, to obtain from year to year
favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with
respect to its activities hereunder in connection with the
preparation of the Fund's Form N-1, and Form N-1R or other annual
reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with
respect to any other requirements of such Commission.
6. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, at such times as
the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by independent
public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting
control and procedures for safeguarding securities, including
securities deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System,
relating to the services provided by the Custodian under this
Contract; such reports, which shall be of sufficient scope and in
sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund, to
provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would
be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are no such
inadequacies, shall so state.
21
<PAGE>
7. Compensation of Custodian
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable
compensation for its services and expenses as Custodian, as
agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the Custodian.
8. Responsibility of Custodian
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise
of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for
the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of
title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this
Contract and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party
or parties. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract,
but shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability
to the Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith
without negligence. It shall be entitled to rely on and may act
upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all
matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably
taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the responsibility of the Custodian with respect to
redemptions effected by check shall be in accordance with a
separate Agreement entered into between the Custodian and the
Fund.
22
<PAGE>
If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action
with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of
money or which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian,
result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund being
liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some
other form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the
Custodian to take such action, shall provide indemnity to the
Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance cash or
securities for any purpose or in the event that the Custodian or
its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from
its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to
act or willful misconduct, any property at any time held for the
account of the Fund shall be security therefor and should the
Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be
entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund
assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
9. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
This Contract shall become effective as of its
execution, shall continue in full force and effect until
terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended at any time by
mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
23
<PAGE>
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take
effect not sooner than thirty (30) days after the date of such
delivery or mailing; provided, however that the Custodian shall
not act under Section 2.12 hereof in the absence of receipt of an
initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
that the Board of Directors of the Fund have approved the initial
use of a particular Securities System and the receipt of an
annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
that the Board of Directors have reviewed the use by the Fund of
such Securities System, as required in each case by Rule 17f-4
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; provided
further, however, that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this
Contract in contravention of any applicable federal or state
regulations, or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation,
and further provided, that the Fund may at any time by action of
its Board of Directors (i) substitute another bank or trust
company for the Custodian by giving notice as described above to
the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in the
event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the
Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the
happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate
regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to
the Custodian such compensation as may be due as of the date of
24
<PAGE>
such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for
its costs, expenses and disbursements.
10. Successor Custodian
If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board
of Directors of the Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination,
deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the
Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all
securities then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an
account of the successor custodian all of the Fund's securities
held in a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the
Custodian shall, in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy
of a vote of the Board of Directors of the Fund, deliver at the
office of the Custodian and transfer such securities, funds and
other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a
successor custodian or certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before
the date when such termination shall become effective, then the
Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own
selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided
profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than
$25,000,000, all securities, funds and other properties held by
25
<PAGE>
the Custodian and all instruments held by the Custodian relative
thereto and all other property held by it under this Contract and
to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the
Fund's securities held in any Securities System. Thereafter,
such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the
Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties
remain in the possession of the Custodian after the date of
termination hereof owing to failure of the Fund to procure the
certified copy of vote referred to or of the Board of Directors
to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled
to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other
properties and the provisions of this Contract relating to the
duties and obligations of the Custodian shall remain in full
force and effect.
11. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the
Custodian and the Fund may from time to time agree on such
provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of
this Contract as may in their joint opinion be consistent with
the general tenor of this Contract. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both
parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no such
interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any
26
<PAGE>
applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of the
Articles of Incorporation of the Fund. No interpretive or
additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence
shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
12. Massachusetts Law to Apply
This Contact shall be construed and the provisions
thereof interpreted under and in accordance with laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
13. Prior Contracts
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date
hereof, all prior contracts between the Fund and the Custodian
relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this
instrument to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly
authorized representative and its seal to be hereunder affixed as
of the 3rd day of January, 1984.
ATTEST ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES
INCOME FUND, INC.
By /s/ Aidan E. Hattah
__________________________
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/ K. Bergen By /s/ B. Weidlich
__________________________ ___________________________
Assistant Secretary Vice President
27
00250125.AN1
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE FUND SERVICES, INC.
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, dated as of September 14, 1988,
between ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES AND INCOME FUND, INC.,
a Maryland corporation and an open-end investment company
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"Investment Company Act"), having its principal place of
business at 1345 Avenue of Americas, New York, New York
10105 (the "Fund"), and ALLIANCE FUND SERVICES, INC., a
Delaware corporation registered with the SEC as a transfer
agent under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, having its
principal place of business at 500 Plaza Drive, Secaucus,
New Jersey 07094 ("Fund Services"), provides as follows:
WHEREAS, Fund Services has agreed to act as
transfer agent to the Fund for the purpose of recording the
transfer, issuance and redemption of shares of each series
of the common stock or shares of beneficial interest, as
applicable, of the Fund ("Shares" or "Shares of a Series"),
transferring the Shares, disbursing dividends and other
distributions to shareholders of the Fund, and performing
such other services as may be agreed to pursuant hereto;
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the
mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties do hereby agree as follows:
<PAGE>
SECTION 1. The Fund hereby appoints Fund Services
as its transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and
shareholder servicing agent for the Shares, and Fund
Services agrees to act in such capacities upon the terms set
forth in this Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this
Agreement and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings
assigned to them in SECTION 30.
SECTION 2.
(a) The Fund shall provide Fund Services with
copies of the following documents:
(1) Specimens of all forms of certificates
for Shares;
(2) Specimens of all account application
forms and other documents relating to Shareholders'
accounts;
(3) Copies of each Prospectus;
(4) Specimens of all documents relating to
withdrawal plans instituted by the Fund, as described in
SECTION 16; and
(5) Specimens of all amendments to any of the
foregoing documents.
(b) The Fund shall furnish to Fund Services a
supply of blank Share Certificates for the Shares and, from
time to time, will renew such supply upon Fund Services'
request. Blank Share Certificates shall be signed manually
2
<PAGE>
or by facsimile signatures of officers of the Fund
authorized to sign by law or pursuant to the by-laws of the
Fund and, if required by Fund Services, shall bear the
Fund's seal or a facsimile thereof.
SECTION 3. Fund Services shall make original
issues of Shares in accordance with SECTIONS 13 and 14 and
the Prospectus upon receipt of (i) Written Instructions
requesting the issuance, (ii) a certified copy of a
resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees
authorizing the issuance, (iii) necessary funds for the
payment of any original issue tax applicable to such Shares,
and (iv) an opinion of the Fund's counsel as to the legality
and validity of the issuance, which opinion may provide that
it is contingent upon the filing by the Fund of an
appropriate notice with the SEC, as required by Rule 24f-2
of the Investment Company Act, as amended from time to time.
SECTION 4. Transfers of Shares shall be registered
and, subject to the provisions of SECTION 10 in the case of
Shares evidenced by Share Certificates, new Share
Certificates shall be issued by Fund Services upon surrender
of outstanding Share Certificates in the form deemed by Fund
Services to be properly endorsed for transfer, which form
shall include (i) all necessary endorsers' signatures
guaranteed by a member firm of a national securities
exchange or a domestic commercial bank or through other
3
<PAGE>
procedures mutually agreed to between the Fund and Fund
Services, (ii) such assurances as Fund Services may deem
necessary to evidence the genuineness and effectiveness of
each endorsement and (iii) satisfactory evidence of
compliance with all applicable laws relating to the payment
or collection of taxes.
SECTION 5. Fund Services shall forward Share
Certificates in "non-negotiable" form by first-class or
registered mail, or by whatever means Fund Services deems
equally reliable and expeditious. While in transit to the
addressee, all deliveries of Share Certificates shall be
insured by Fund Services as it deems appropriate. Fund
Services shall not mail Share Certificates in "negotiable"
form, unless requested in writing by the Fund and fully
indemnified by the Fund to Fund Services' satisfaction.
SECTION 6. In registering transfers of Shares,
Fund Services may rely upon the Uniform Commercial Code as
in effect from time to time in the State in which the Fund
is incorporated or organized or, if appropriate, in the
State of New Jersey; provided, that Fund Services may rely
in addition or alternatively on any other statutes in effect
in the State of New Jersey or in the state under the laws of
which the Fund is incorporated or organized that, in the
opinion of Fund Services' counsel, protect Fund Services and
the Fund from liability arising from (i) not requiring
4
<PAGE>
complete documentation in connection with an issuance or
transfer, (ii) registering a transfer without an adverse
claim inquiry, (iii) delaying registration for purposes of
an adverse claim inquiry or (iv) refusing registration in
connection with an adverse claim.
SECTION 7. Fund Services may issue new Share
Certificates in place of those lost, destroyed or stolen,
upon receiving indemnity satisfactory to Fund Services; and
may issue new Share Certificates in exchange for, and upon
surrender of, mutilated Share Certificates as Fund Services
deems appropriate.
SECTION 8. Unless otherwise directed by the Fund,
Fund Services may issue or register Share Certificates
reflecting the signature, or facsimile thereof, of an
officer who has died, resigned or been removed by the Fund.
The Fund shall file promptly with Fund Services' approval,
adoption or ratification of such action as may be required
by law or by Fund Services.
SECTION 9. Fund Services shall maintain customary
stock registry records for Shares of each Series noting the
issuance, transfer or redemption of Shares and the issuance
and transfer of Share Certificates. Fund Services may also
maintain for Shares of each Series an account entitled
"Unissued Certificate Account," in which Fund Services will
record the Shares, and fractions thereof, issued and
5
<PAGE>
outstanding from time to time for which issuance of Share
Certificates has not been requested. Fund Services is
authorized to keep records for Shares of each Series
containing the names and addresses of record of
Shareholders, and the number of Shares, and fractions
thereof, from time to time owned by them for which no Share
Certificates are outstanding. Each Shareholder will be
assigned a single account number for Shares of each Series,
even though Shares for which Certificates have been issued
will be accounted for separately.
SECTION 10. Fund Services shall issue Share
Certificates for Shares only upon receipt of a written
request from a Shareholder and as authorized by the Fund.
If Shares are purchased or transferred without a request for
the issuance of a Share Certificate, Fund Services shall
merely note on its stock registry records the issuance or
transfer of the Shares and fractions thereof and credit or
debit, as appropriate, the Unissued Certificate Account and
the respective Shareholders' accounts with the Shares.
Whenever Shares, and fractions thereof, owned by
Shareholders are surrendered for redemption, Fund Services
may process the transactions by making appropriate entries
in the stock transfer records, and debiting the Unissued
Certificate Account and the record of issued Shares
6
<PAGE>
outstanding; it shall be unnecessary for Fund Services to
reissue Share Certificates in the name of the Fund.
SECTION 11. Fund Services shall also perform the
usual duties and function required of a stock transfer agent
for a corporation, including but not limited to (i) issuing
Share Certificates as treasury Shares, as directed by
Written Instructions, and (ii) transferring Share
Certificates from one Shareholder to another in the usual
manner. Fund Services may rely conclusively and act without
further investigation upon any list, instruction,
certification, authorization, Share Certificate or other
instrument or paper reasonably believed by it in good faith
to be genuine and unaltered, and to have been signed,
countersigned or executed or authorized by a duly-authorized
person or persons, or by the Fund, or upon the advice of
counsel for the Fund or for Fund Services. Fund Services
may record any transfer of Share Certificates which it
reasonably believes in good faith to have been duly
authorized, or may refuse to record any transfer of Share
Certificates if, in good faith, it reasonably deems such
refusal necessary in order to avoid any liability on the
part of either the Fund or Fund Services.
SECTION 12. Fund Services shall notify the Fund of
any request or demand for the inspection of the Fund's share
records. Fund Services shall abide by the Fund's
7
<PAGE>
instructions for granting or denying the inspection;
provided, however, Fund Services may grant the inspection
without such instructions if it is advised by its counsel
that failure to do so will result in liability to Fund
Services.
SECTION 13. Fund Services shall observe the
following procedures in handling funds received:
(a) Upon receipt at the office designated by the
Fund of any check or other order drawn or endorsed to the
Fund or otherwise identified as being for the account of the
Fund, and, in the case of a new account, accompanied by a
new account application or sufficient information to
establish an account as provided in the Prospectus, Fund
Services shall stamp the transmittal document accompanying
such check or other order with the name of the Fund and the
time and date of receipt and shall forthwith deposit the
proceeds thereof in the custodial account of the Fund.
(b) In the event that any check or other order for
the purchase of Shares is returned unpaid for any reason,
Fund Services shall, in the absence of other instructions
from the Fund, advise the Fund of the returned check and
prepare such documents and information as may be necessary
to cancel promptly any Shares purchased on the basis of such
returned check and any accumulated income dividends and
capital gains distributions paid on such Shares.
8
<PAGE>
(c) As soon as possible after 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time or at such other times as the Fund may specify in
Written or Oral Instructions for any Series (the "Valuation
Time") on each Business Day Fund Services shall obtain from
the Fund's Adviser a quotation (on which it may conclusively
rely) of the net asset value, determined as of the Valuation
Time on that day. On each Business Day Fund Services shall
use the net asset value(s) determined by the Fund's Adviser
to compute the number of Shares and fractional Shares to be
purchased and the aggregate purchase proceeds to be
deposited with the Custodian. As necessary but no more
frequently than daily (unless a more frequent basis is
agreed to by Fund Services), Fund Services shall place a
purchase order with the Custodian for the proper number of
Shares and fractional Shares to be purchased and promptly
thereafter shall send written confirmation of such purchase
to the Custodian and the Fund.
SECTION 14. Having made the calculations required
by SECTION 13, Fund Services shall thereupon pay the
Custodian the aggregate net asset value of the Shares
purchased. The aggregate number of Shares and fractional
Shares purchased shall then be issued daily and credited by
Fund Services to the Unissued Certificate Account. Fund
Services shall also credit each Shareholder's separate
account with the number of Shares purchased by such
9
<PAGE>
Shareholder. Fund Services shall mail written confirmation
of the purchase to each Shareholder or the Shareholder's
representative and to the Fund if requested. Each
confirmation shall indicate the prior Share balance, the new
Share balance, the Shares for which Stock Certificates are
outstanding (if any), the amount invested and the price paid
for the newly-purchased Shares.
SECTION 15. Prior to the Valuation Time on each
Business Day, as specified in accordance with SECTION 13,
Fund Services shall process all requests to redeem Shares
and, with respect to each Series, shall advise the Custodian
of (i) the total number of Shares available for redemption
and (ii) the number of Shares and fractional Shares
requested to be redeemed. Upon confirmation of the net
asset value by the Fund's Adviser, Fund Services shall
notify the Fund and the Custodian of the redemption, apply
the redemption proceeds in accordance with SECTION 16 and
the Prospectus, record the redemption in the stock registry
books, and debit the redeemed Shares from the Unissued
Certificates Account and the individual account of the
Shareholder.
In lieu of carrying out the redemption procedures
described in the preceding paragraph, Fund Services may, at
the request of the Fund, sell Shares to the Fund as
repurchases from Shareholders, provided that the sale price
10
<PAGE>
is not less than the applicable redemption price. The
redemption procedures shall then be appropriately modified.
SECTION 16. Fund Services will carry out the
following procedures with respect to Share redemptions:
(a) As to each request received by the Fund from
or on behalf of a Shareholder for the redemption of Shares,
and unless the right of redemption has been suspended as
contemplated by the Prospectus, Fund Services shall, within
seven days after receipt of such redemption request, either
(i) mail a check in the amount of the proceeds of such
redemption to the person designated by the Shareholder or
other person to receive such proceeds or, (ii) in the event
redemption proceeds are to be wired through the Federal
Reserve Wire System or by bank wire pursuant to procedures
described in the Prospectus, cause such proceeds to be wired
in Federal funds to the bank or trust company account
designated by the Shareholder to receive such proceeds.
Funds Services shall also prepare and send a confirmation of
such redemption to the Shareholder. Redemptions in kind
shall be made only in accordance with such Written
Instructions as Fund Services may receive from the Fund.
The requirements as to instruments of transfer and other
documentation, the determination of the appropriate
redemption price and the time of payment shall be as
provided in the Prospectus, subject to such additional
11
<PAGE>
requirements consistent therewith as may be established by
mutual agreement between the Fund and Fund Services. In the
case of a request for redemption that does not comply in all
respects with the requirements for redemption, Fund Services
shall promptly so notify the Shareholder and shall effect
such redemption at the price in effect at the time of
receipt of documents complying with such requirements. Fund
Services shall notify the Fund's Custodian and the Fund on
each Business Day of the amount of cash required to meet
payments made pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph
and thereupon the Fund shall instruct the Custodian to make
available to Fund Services in timely fashion sufficient
funds therefor.
(b) Procedures and standards for effecting and
accepting redemption orders from Shareholders by telephone
or by such check writing service as the Fund may institute
may be established by mutual agreement between Fund Services
and the Fund consistent with the Prospectus.
(c) For purposes of redemption of Shares that have
been purchased by check within fifteen (15) days prior to
receipt of the redemption request, the Fund shall provide
Fund Services with Written Instructions concerning the time
within which such requests may be honored.
(d) Fund Services shall process withdrawal orders
duly executed by Shareholders in accordance with the terms
12
<PAGE>
of any withdrawal plan instituted by the Fund and described
in the Prospectus. Payments upon such withdrawal orders and
redemptions of Shares held in withdrawal plan accounts in
connection with such payments shall be made at such times as
the Fund may determine in accordance with the Prospectus.
(e) The authority of Fund Services to perform its
responsibilities under SECTIONS 15 and 16 with respect to
the Shares of any Series shall be suspended if Fund Services
receives notice of the suspension of the determination of
the net asset value of the Series.
SECTION 17. Upon the declaration of each dividend
and each capital gains distribution by the Fund's Board of
Directors or Trustees, the Fund shall notify Fund Services
of the date of such declaration, the amount payable per
Share, the record date for determining the Shareholders
entitled to payment, the payment and the reinvestment date
price.
SECTION 18. Upon being advised by the Fund of the
declaration of any income dividend or capital gains
distribution on account of its Shares, Fund Services shall
compute and prepare for the Fund records crediting such
distributions to Shareholders. Fund Services shall, on or
before the payment date of any dividend or distribution,
notify the Fund and the Custodian of the estimated amount
required to pay any portion of a dividend or distribution
13
<PAGE>
which is payable in cash, and thereupon the Fund shall, on
or before the payment date of such dividend or distribution,
instruct the Custodian to make available to Fund Services
sufficient funds for the payment of such cash amount. Fund
Services will, on the designated payment date, reinvest all
dividends in additional shares and promptly mail to each
Shareholder at his address of record a statement showing the
number of full and fractional Shares (rounded to three
decimal places) then owned by the Shareholder and the net
asset value of such Shares; provided, however, that if a
Shareholder elects to receive dividends in cash, Fund
Services shall prepare a check in the appropriate amount and
mail it to the Shareholder at his address of record within
five (5) business days after the designated payment date, or
transmit the appropriate amount in Federal funds in
accordance with the Shareholder's agreement with the Fund.
SECTION 19. Fund Services shall prepare and
maintain for the Fund records showing for each Shareholder's
account the following:
A. The name, address and tax identification
number of the Shareholder;
B. The number of Shares of each Series held by
the Shareholder;
C. Historical information including dividends
paid and date and price for all transactions;
14
<PAGE>
D. Any stop or restraining order placed against
such account;
E. Information with respect to the withholding of
any portion of income dividends or capital gains
distributions as are required to be withheld under
applicable law;
F. Any dividend or distribution reinvestment
election, withdrawal plan application, and correspondence
relating to the current maintenance of the account;
G. The certificate numbers and denominations of
any Share Certificates issued to the Shareholder; and
H. Any additional information required by Fund
Services to perform the services contemplated by this
Agreement.
Fund Services agrees to make available upon request
by the Fund or the Fund's Adviser and to preserve for the
periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 of the Investment Company
Act any records related to services provided under this
Agreement and required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 of
that Act, including:
(i) Copies of the daily transaction register for each
Business Day of the Fund;
(ii) Copies of all dividend, distribution and
reinvestment blotters;
15
<PAGE>
(iii) Schedules of the quantities of Shares of each
Series distributed in each state for purposes of
any state's laws or regulations as specified in
Oral or Written Instructions given to Fund
Services from time to time by the Fund or its
agents; and
(iv) Such other information, including Shareholder
lists, and statistical information as may be
agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and Fund
Services.
SECTION 20. Fund Services shall maintain those
records necessary to enable the Fund to file, in a timely
manner, form N-SAR (Semi-Annual Report) or any successor
report required by the Investment Company Act or rules and
regulations thereunder.
SECTION 21. Fund Services shall cooperate with the
Fund's independent public accountants and shall take
reasonable action to make all necessary information
available to such accountants for the performance of their
duties.
SECTION 22. In addition to the services described
above, Fund Services will perform other services for the
Fund as may be mutually agreed upon in writing from time to
time, which may include preparing and filing Federal tax
forms with the Internal Revenue Service, and, subject to
16
<PAGE>
supervisory oversight by the Fund's Adviser, mailing Federal
tax information to Shareholders, mailing semi-annual
Shareholder reports, preparing the annual list of
Shareholders, mailing notices of Shareholders' meetings,
proxies and proxy statements and tabulating proxies. Fund
Services shall answer the inquiries of certain Shareholders
related to their share accounts and other correspondence
requiring an answer from the Fund. Fund Services shall
maintain dated copies of written communications from
Shareholders, and replies thereto.
SECTION 23. Nothing contained in this Agreement is
intended to or shall require Fund Services, in any capacity
hereunder, to perform any functions or duties on any day
other than a Business Day. Functions or duties normally
scheduled to be performed on any day which is not a Business
Day shall be performed on, and as of, the next Business Day,
unless otherwise required by law.
SECTION 24. For the services rendered by Fund
Services as described above, the Fund shall pay to Fund
Services an annualized fee at a rate to be mutually agreed
upon from time to time. Such fee shall be prorated for the
months in which this Agreement becomes effective or is
terminated. In addition, the Fund shall pay, or Fund
Services shall be reimbursed for, all out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in the performance of this Agreement, including but
17
<PAGE>
not limited to the cost of stationery, forms, supplies,
blank checks, stock certificates, proxies and proxy
solicitation and tabulation costs, all forms and statements
used by Fund Services in communicating with Shareholders of
the Fund or especially prepared for use in connection with
its services hereunder, specific software enhancements as
requested by the Fund, costs associated with maintaining
withholding accounts (including non-resident alien, Federal
government and state), postage, telephone, telegraph (or
similar electronic media) used in communicating with
Shareholders or their representatives, outside mailing
services, microfiche/microfilm, freight charges and off-site
record storage. It is agreed in this regard that Fund
Services, prior to ordering any form in such supply as it
estimates will be adequate for more than two years' use,
shall obtain the written consent of the Fund. All forms for
which Fund Services has received reimbursement from the Fund
shall be the property of the Fund.
SECTION 25. Fund Services shall not be liable for
any taxes, assessments or governmental charges that may be
levied or assessed on any basis whatsoever in connection
with the Fund or any Shareholder, excluding taxes assessed
against Fund Services for compensation received by it
hereunder.
18
<PAGE>
SECTION 26.
(a) Fund Services shall at all times act in good
faith and with reasonable care in performing the services to
be provided by it under this Agreement, but shall not be
liable for any loss or damage unless such loss or damage is
caused by the negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of
Fund Services or its employees or agents.
(b) The Fund shall indemnify and hold Fund
Services harmless from all loss, cost, damage and expense,
including reasonable expenses for counsel, incurred by it
resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit in
connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, or
as a result of acting upon any instruction reasonably
believed by it to have been properly given by a duly
authorized officer of the Fund, or upon any information,
data, records or documents provided to Fund Services or its
agents by computer tape, telex, CRT data entry or other
similar means authorized by the Fund; provided that this
indemnification shall not apply to actions or omissions of
Fund Services in cases of its own bad faith, willful
misconduct or negligence, and provided further that if in
any case the Fund may be asked to indemnify or hold Fund
Services harmless pursuant to this Section, the Fund shall
have been fully and promptly advised by Fund Services of all
material facts concerning the situation in question. The
19
<PAGE>
Fund shall have the option to defend Fund Services against
any claim which may be the subject of this indemnification,
and in the event that the Fund so elects it will so notify
Fund Services, and thereupon the Fund shall retain competent
counsel to undertake defense of the claim, and Fund Services
shall in such situations incur no further legal or other
expenses for which it may seek indemnification under this
paragraph. Fund Services shall in no case confess any claim
or make any compromise in any case in which the Fund may be
asked to indemnify Fund Services except with the Fund's
prior written consent.
Without limiting the foregoing:
(i) Fund Services may rely upon the advice of the
Fund or counsel to the Fund or Fund Services, and upon
statements of accountants, brokers and other persons
believed by Fund Services in good faith to be expert in the
matters upon which they are consulted. Fund Services shall
not be liable for any action taken in good faith reliance
upon such advice or statements;
(ii) Fund Services shall not be liable for any
action reasonably taken in good faith reliance upon any
Written Instructions or certified copy of any resolution of
the Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees, including a
Written Instruction authorizing Fund Services to make
payment upon redemption of Shares without a signature
20
<PAGE>
guarantee; provided, however, that upon receipt of a Written
Instruction countermanding a prior Instruction that has not
been fully executed by Fund Services, Fund Services shall
verify the content of the second Instruction and honor it,
to the extent possible. Fund Services may rely upon the
genuineness of any such document, or copy thereof,
reasonably believed by Fund Services in good faith to have
been validly executed;
(iii) Fund Services may rely, and shall be protected
by the Fund in acting, upon any signature, instruction,
request, letter of transmittal, certificate, opinion of
counsel, statement, instrument, report, notice, consent,
order, or other paper or document reasonably believed by it
in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or
presented by the purchaser, the Fund or other proper party
or parties; and
(d) Fund Services may, with the consent of the
Fund, subcontract the performance of any portion of any
service to be provided hereunder, including with respect to
any Shareholder or group of Shareholders, to any agent of
Fund Services and may reimburse the agent for the services
it performs at such rates as Fund Services may determine;
provided that no such reimbursement will increase the amount
payable by the Fund pursuant to this Agreement; and provided
further, that Fund Services shall remain ultimately
responsible as transfer agent to the Fund.
SECTION 27. The Fund shall deliver or cause to be
delivered over to Fund Services (i) an accurate list of
Shareholders, showing each Shareholder's address of record,
number of Shares of each Series owned and whether such
Shares are represented by outstanding Share Certificates or
by non-certificated Share accounts and (ii) all Shareholder
records, files, and other materials necessary or appropriate
for proper performance of the functions assumed by the under
this Agreement (collectively referred to as the
21
<PAGE>
"Materials"). The Fund shall indemnify Fund Services and
hold it harmless from any and all expenses, damages, claims,
suits, liabilities, actions, demands and losses arising out
of or in connection with any error, omission, inaccuracy or
other deficiency of such Materials, or out of the failure of
the Fund to provide any portion of the Materials or to
provide any information in the Fund's possession needed by
Fund Services to knowledgeably perform its functions;
provided the Fund shall have no obligation to indemnify Fund
Services or hold it harmless with respect to any expenses,
damages, claims, suits, liabilities, actions, demands or
losses caused directly or indirectly by acts or omissions of
Fund Services or the Fund's Adviser.
SECTION 28. This Agreement may be amended from
time to time by a written supplemental agreement executed by
the Fund and Fund Services and without notice to or approval
of the Shareholders; provided this Agreement may not be
amended in any manner which would substantially increase the
Fund's obligations hereunder unless the amendment is first
approved by the Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees,
including a majority of the Directors or Trustees who are
not a party to this Agreement or interested persons of any
such party, at a meeting called for such purpose, and
thereafter is approved by the Fund's Shareholders if such
approval is required under the Investment Company Act or the
rules and regulations thereunder. The parties hereto may
adopt procedures as may be appropriate or practical under
the circumstances, and Fund Services may conclusively rely
on the determination of the Fund that any procedure that has
been approved by the Fund does not conflict with or violate
any requirement of its Articles of Incorporation or
Declaration of Trust, By-Laws or Prospectus, or any rule,
regulation or requirement of any regulatory body.
SECTION 29. The Fund shall file with Fund Services
a certified copy of each operative resolution of its Board
of Directors or Trustees authorizing the execution of
Written Instructions or the transmittal of Oral Instructions
and setting forth authentic signatures of all signatories
authorized to sign on behalf of the Fund and specifying the
person or persons authorized to give Oral Instructions on
behalf of the Fund. Such resolution shall constitute
conclusive evidence of the authority of the person or
persons designated therein to act and shall be considered in
full force and effect, with Fund Services fully protected in
acting in reliance therein, until Fund Services receives a
certified copy of a replacement resolution adding or
deleting a person or persons authorized to give Written or
Oral Instructions. If the officer certifying the resolution
is authorized to give Oral Instructions, the certification
shall also be signed by a second officer of the Fund.
22
<PAGE>
SECTION 30. The terms, as defined in this Section,
whenever used in this Agreement or in any amendment or
supplement hereto, shall have the meanings specified below,
insofar as the context will allow.
(a) Business Day: Any day on which the Fund is
open for business as described in the Prospectus.
(b) Custodian: The term Custodian shall mean the
Fund's current custodian or any successor custodian acting
as such for the Fund.
(c) Fund's Adviser: The term Fund's Adviser shall
mean Alliance Capital Management L.P. or any successor
thereto who acts as the investment adviser or manager of the
Fund.
(d) Oral Instructions: The term Oral Instructions
shall mean an authorization, instruction, approval, item or
set of data, or information of any kind transmitted to Fund
Services in person or by telephone, vocal telegram or other
electronic means, by a person or persons reasonably believed
in good faith by Fund Services to be a person or persons
authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors or
Trustees of the Fund to give Oral Instructions on behalf of
the Fund. Each Oral Instruction shall specify whether it is
applicable to the entire Fund or a specific Series of the
Fund.
(e) Prospectus: The term Prospectus shall mean a
prospectus and related statement of additional information
forming part of a currently effective registration statement
under the Investment Company Act and, as used with the
respect to Shares or Shares of a Series, shall mean the
prospectuses and related statements of additional
information covering the Shares or Shares of the Series.
(f) Securities: The term Securities shall mean
bonds, debentures, notes, stocks, shares, evidences of
indebtedness, and other securities and investments from time
to time owned by the Fund.
(g) Series: The term Series shall mean any series
of Shares of the common stock of the Fund that the Fund may
establish from time to time.
(h) Share Certificates: The term Share
Certificates shall mean the stock certificates or
certificates representing shares of beneficial interest for
the Shares.
(i) Shareholders: The term Shareholders shall
mean the registered owners from time to time of the Shares,
as reflected on the stock registry records of the Fund.
(j) Written Instructions: The term Written
Instructions shall mean an authorization, instruction,
approval, item or set of data, or information of any kind
transmitted to Fund Services in original writing containing
original signatures, or a copy of such document transmitted
by telecopy, including transmission of such signature, or
23
<PAGE>
other mechanical or documentary means, at the request of a
person or persons reasonably believed in good faith by Fund
Services to be a person or persons authorized by a
resolution of the Board of Directors or Trustees of the Fund
to give Written Instruction shall specify whether it is
applicable to the entire Fund or a specific Series of the
Fund.
SECTION 31. Fund Services shall not be liable for
the loss of all or part of any record maintained or
preserved by it pursuant to this Agreement or for any delays
or errors occurring by reason of circumstances beyond its
control, including but not limited to acts of civil or
military authorities, national emergencies, fire, flood or
catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, or
failure of transportation, communication or power supply,
except to the extent that Fund Services shall have failed to
use its best efforts to minimize the likelihood of
occurrence of such circumstances or to mitigate any loss or
damage to the Fund caused by such circumstances.
SECTION 32. The Fund may give Fund Services sixty
(60) days and Fund Services may give the Fund (90) days
written notice of the termination of this Agreement, such
termination to take effect at the time specified in the
notice. Upon notice of termination, the Fund shall use its
best efforts to obtain a successor transfer agent. If a
successor transfer agent is not appointed within ninety (90)
days after the date of the notice of termination, the Board
of Directors or Trustees of the Fund shall, by resolution,
designate the Fund as its own transfer agent. Upon receipt
of written notice from the Fund of the appointment of the
successor transfer agent and upon receipt of Oral or Written
Instructions Fund Services shall, upon request of the Fund
and the successor transfer agent and upon payment of Fund
Services reasonable charges and disbursements, promptly
transfer to the successor transfer agent the original or
copies of all books and records maintained by Fund Services
hereunder and cooperate with, and provide reasonable
assistance to, the successor transfer agent in the
establishment of the books and records necessary to carry
out its responsibilities hereunder.
SECTION 33. Any notice or other communication
required by or permitted to be given in connection with this
Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be delivered in
person or sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the
respective parties.
Notice to the Fund shall be given as follows until
further notice:
24
<PAGE>
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
Attention: Secretary
Notice to Fund Services shall be given as follows
until further notice:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
500 Plaza Drive
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094
SECTION 34. The Fund represents and warrants to
Fund Services that the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the undersigned officer of the Fund has been
duly and validly authorized by resolution of the Fund's
Board of Directors or Trustees. Fund Services represents
and warrants to the Fund that the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by the undersigned officer of Fund Services
has also been duly and validly authorized.
SECTION 35. This Agreement may be executed in more
than one counterpart, each of which shall be deemed to be an
original, and shall become effective on the last date of
signature below unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
Unless sooner terminated pursuant to SECTION 32, this
Agreement will continue until and will continue
in effect thereafter for successive 12 month periods only if
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually
by the Board of Directors or Trustees or by a vote of the
stockholders of the Fund and in either case by a majority of
the Directors or Trustees who are not parties to this
25
<PAGE>
Agreement or interested persons of any such party, at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Agreement.
SECTION 36. This Agreement shall extend to and
shall bind the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, that this
Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without the
written consent of Fund Services or by Fund Services without
the written consent of the Fund, authorized or approved by a
resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may assign this
Agreement without the consent of the other party so long as
the assignee is an affiliate, parent or subsidiary of the
assigning party and is qualified to act under the Investment
Company Act, as amended from time to time.
SECTION 38. This Agreement shall be governed by
the laws of the State of New Jersey.
WITNESS the following signatures:
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES
AND INCOME FUND, INC.
BY: /s/ Edmund P. Bergan, Jr.
__________________________
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr.
TITLE: Secretary
_______________________
ALLIANCE FUND SERVICES, INC.
BY: /s/ Robert H. Joseph, Jr.
__________________________
Robert H. Joseph, Jr.
TITLE: Vice President
26
<PAGE>
_______________________
27
00250125.AN0
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions
"Financial Highlights," "Shareholder Services - Statements and
Reports" and "General Information - Independent Auditors" and to
the use of our report dated January 27, 1997 included in this
Registration Statement (Form N-1A No. 2-85921) of Alliance
Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
October 28, 1997
00250125.AL7
<PAGE>
Exhibit 16
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC.
COMPUTATION OF STANDARDIZED YIELD
Formula: Yield = 2[(a-b +1)6 -1]
---
cd
Where a=dividends and interest earned during the
period.
b=expenses accrued for the period (net of
reimbursements).
c=the average daily number of shares outstanding
during the period that were entitled to
receive dividends.
d=the maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period.
(a)= Interest earned for 30 days or one month.
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES
Current principal amount per debt obligation multiplied by coupon
rate divided by 360 multiplied by 30 minus losses due to payment
of principal ("paydowns"). No amortization of discounts or
premiums on mortgage backed securities.
NON-MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES
1. Determine the yield to maturity (YTM) per debt
obligations as follows:
(i) Using the market value per security at the end of the
period plus accrued interest;
(ii) Compute the YTM on each obligation by analyzing the
cash flow from the beginning of the period until
maturity or call date utilizing the Internal Rate of
Return function of Lotus 123.
2. Divide the YTM by 360 and multiply the quotient by the
market value of each obligation including accrued interest,
and multiply by 30 to derive a monthly income accrual.
(b)= Expense accrued for the period (net of reimbursement).
(c)= The average daily numbers of shares outstanding during
the period that were entitled to receive dividends.
<PAGE>
(d)= The maximum offering price per share on the last day of
the period.
5,797,073 - 655,368 6
Example: Yield = 2[(-------------------+1) - 1]
74,730,965 x 9.81
5,141,705 6
2[(--------------+1) - 1]
733,110,767
6
2[(1.0070135488) - 1]
2[(1.04282605894) - 1]
2[ .04282605894]
8.57%
2
<PAGE>
Exhibit 16
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC.
COMPUTATION OF AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPOUNDED TOTAL RETURN
ERV = P(1 + T)n
Definitions:
P= Initial investment by shareholder
T= Average annual total return
ERV = Ending redeemable value of shareholder investment
n= Number of periods
Formula to solve for "T"
For year one ERV
T = (square root of n)--- -1
P
*For subsequent years ERV
T = --- -1
P
To solve for ERV:
1. Take an initial shareholder investment of $1,000 on 12/31/86
at maximum offering price of $10.31. The result is 96.993
shares.
2. Assume that all dividends and distributions by the Fund are
reinvested on reinvest date for the creation of additional
shares (11.313 shares created).
3. Add initial share balance to additional shares created due to
reinvestment and multiply by ending net asset value
(12/31/87) to obtain ending redeemable value (ERV).
(96.993 + 11.313 = $108.306 x $9.03 = $978)
(ERV)
988
T = ----- - 1
1,000
T = .998 - 1
T = (.022)
3
<PAGE>
T = (2.2%)
T=Average annual total return
* For subsequent years, repeat steps 1 through 3 for the
required periods and apply to formula shown above.
4
00250125.AN4