<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant / /
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant /X/
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
IDS Strategy Fund, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
* Filing fee paid with preliminary materials.
/ / $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(j)(2)
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3)
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
AGGRESSIVE EQUITY FUND
EQUITY FUND
FUNDS OF
IDS STRATEGY FUND, INC.
901 MARQUETTE AVENUE SOUTH
SUITE 2810
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-3268
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 9, 1994
September 17, 1994
Dear Shareholder:
We will hold a regular meeting of the shareholders of Aggressive Equity Fund
and Equity Fund (individually a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds"), funds
making up IDS Strategy Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation"), at 2:00 p.m. on November
9, 1994, at the Marquette Hotel, 7th and Marquette, Minneapolis, Minnesota in
the Lake Superior Room on the fourth floor. The purposes of the meeting include
the election of Board members, consideration of a new agreement between the
Corporation and IDS Financial Corporation ("IDS") with changes in services and
the fee structures, and changes to the Funds' investment policies. The agenda
for the meeting is on the next page.
Please take the time to read the proxy statement which discusses each agenda
item. The Board of Directors has approved the proposals and recommends that you
vote in favor of each item. If you were a shareholder on September 11, 1994, you
may vote at the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting. We hope you can
attend. For those of you who cannot attend, the enclosed card is for your vote.
Please be sure to sign the card and return it to us as soon as possible in the
enclosed postage-paid envelope. The latest annual report was previously mailed
to you.
LESLIE L. OGG
Secretary
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU VOTE PROMPTLY. PLEASE FILL IN AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED
CARD. PROMPT RESPONSE WILL SAVE YOUR FUND THE COST OF ADDITIONAL MAILINGS.
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AGENDA
(1) To elect 14 Board members;
(2) To ratify or reject the selection of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the
independent auditors;
(3) To approve or reject a new Investment Management Services Agreement with
IDS;
(4) To approve or reject a change in the investment policies of each Fund to
permit the Fund to invest all of its assets in another investment company
with substantially the same investment objectives, policies and restrictions
as the Fund;
(5) To approve or reject changes to certain fundamental investment policies;
(6) To approve or reject a new Plan of Distribution with IDS Financial Services
Inc.;
(7) To transact any other business that comes before the meeting.
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PROXY STATEMENT
As a shareholder of Aggressive Equity Fund ("Aggressive Equity") or Equity
Fund ("Equity") (individually a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds"), two of the
five funds making up IDS Strategy Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation"), you are
invited to attend a regular meeting of the Funds. The other three funds also
will be holding meetings at the same time. They will be considering merging into
other investment companies. Shareholders of all five funds will as a group vote
on the election of directors and ratification of auditors. At the meeting, the
shareholders will vote on the matters described below. Each share is entitled to
one vote. For those of you who cannot come to the meeting, the Board of
Directors (the "Board") is asking permission to vote for you. The shares will be
voted the way you mark the boxes on the enclosed card. Proxies not voted,
including broker non-votes, will not be counted toward establishing a quorum.
Abstentions will be counted toward a quorum, but will have the same effect as a
no vote in determining whether a proposal is approved.
To avoid the cost of further solicitation, it is important for you to vote
promptly. If you think you might not attend, please complete the card. If your
plans change and you can attend, simply see the Secretary at the meeting and
tell him you will be voting your shares in person. Also, if you change your mind
after you send in the card, you may change your vote or revoke it by writing us
or by sending another card. Make sure you sign and date the card and return it
to us.
On September 11, 1994. Aggressive Equity had 49,016,669 shares outstanding.
Equity had 124,133,994 shares outstanding. As far as the Board has been able to
determine, as of September 1, 1994, no shareholder owned 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of either Fund. It is estimated that this proxy statement
will be mailed to shareholders on September 17, 1994.
(1) ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS
The Board has set the number of persons who serve on the Board at 14. Each
Board member will serve until the next regular shareholders' meeting or until he
or she reaches the mandatory retirement age established by resolution of the
Board. Under the current resolution of the Board, members who were serving on
the Board of any fund in the IDS MUTUAL FUND GROUP (the "GROUP") on January 1,
1988, serve until the end of the meeting of the Board following their 75th
birthday and all other members serve through the meeting following their 70th
birthday.
In voting for Board members, you may vote all of your shares cumulatively.
This means that you have the right to give each nominee an equal number of votes
or divide the votes among the nominees as you wish. You have as many votes as
the number of shares you own, including fractional shares, multiplied by the
number of members to be elected. By completing the card, you give the proxies
the right to vote for the persons named below. If you elect
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to withhold authority for any individual nominee or nominees, you may do so by
marking the box labeled "Exception," and by striking the name of any excepted
nominee, as is further explained on the card itself. If you do withhold
authority, the proxies will not vote shares equivalent to the proportionate
number applicable to the names for which authority is withheld.
The persons nominated to serve on the Board are set forth below. Each of the
nominees is a nominee for trustee or director of each of the other funds within
the GROUP except William Dudley who is director of all the publicly offered
funds. The GROUP currently consists of 42 funds with assets of approximately $44
billion. Each nominee was elected a member of the Board at the last
shareholders' meeting except for Lynne Cheney, David Hubers, Heinz Hutter and
Angus Wurtele.
All of the nominees have agreed to serve. If an unforeseen event prevents a
nominee from serving, your votes will be cast for the election of a substitute
selected by the Board. Information about each nominee is provided below. It
includes the period of service as a Board member of funds in the GROUP, the
number of shares each owns in the Funds and in all the funds in the GROUP on
September 1, 1994 and the current committee assignments. The shareholders of the
Corporation vote as a group in electing directors. Election requires a vote by a
majority of the shares present or represented at the meeting.
LYNNE V. CHENEY Board member since 1994 Age 53
Distinguished Fellow, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research.
Former Chair of National Endowment of the Humanities. Director, The Reader's
Digest Association Inc., Lockheed Corp., and the Interpublic Group of Companies,
Inc. (advertising).
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 24,328
Committee assignment: Audit
WILLIAM H. DUDLEY** Board member since 1991 Age 62
Executive vice president and director of IDS Financial Corporation ("IDS").
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 1,033+ Equity 2,936+
Shares owned: GROUP 726,479
24,209+
Committee assignment: Executive
ROBERT F. FROEHLKE Board member since 1987 Age 71
Former president of all funds in the GROUP. Director, the ICI Mutual Insurance
Co., Institute for Defense Analyses, Marshall Erdman and Associates, Inc.
(architectural engineering) and Public Oversight Board of the American Institute
of Certified Public Accountants.
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 405+ Equity 772+
Shares owned: GROUP 155,355+
Committee assignment: Contracts, Executive, Personnel
4
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DAVID R. HUBERS** Board member since 1993 Age 51
President, chief executive officer and director of IDS. Previously, senior vice
president, finance and chief financial officer of IDS.
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 128,719
HEINZ F. HUTTER Board member since 1994 Age 65
President and chief operating officer, Cargill, Incorporated (commodity
merchants and processors) from February 1991 to September 1994. Executive vice
president from 1981 to February 1991.
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 0
ANNE P. JONES Board member since 1985 Age 59
Partner, law firm of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan. Director, Motorola, Inc. and
C-Cor Electronics, Inc.
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 17,043
Committee assignment: Contracts
DONALD M. KENDALL Board member since 1968 Age 73
Former chairman and chief executive officer, PepsiCo, Inc.
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 0
Committee assignment: Audit
MELVIN R. LAIRD Board member since 1974 Age 72
Senior counsellor for national and international affairs, The Reader's Digest
Association, Inc. Chairman of the board, COMSAT Corporation, former nine-term
congressman, secretary of defense and presidential counsellor. Director, Martin
Marietta Corp., Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., The Reader's Digest
Association, Inc., Science Applications International Corp., Wallace Reader's
Digest Funds and Public Oversight Board (SEC Practice Section, American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants).
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 1,205+ Equity 3,457+
Shares owned: GROUP 200,468
137,949+
Committee assignment: Personnel
LEWIS W. LEHR Board member since 1986 Age 73
Former chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing Company (3M). Director, Jack Eckerd Corporation (drugstores).
Advisory Director, Peregrine Inc. (microelectronics).
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 5,446
Committee assignment: Audit, Personnel
5
<PAGE>
WILLIAM R. PEARCE* Board member since 1980 Age 66
President of all funds in the GROUP since June 1993. Former vice chairman of the
board, Cargill, Incorporated (commodity merchants and processors).
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 546,356
190,395+
Committee assignment: Contracts, Executive
EDSON W. SPENCER Board member since 1991 Age 68
President, Spencer Associates Inc. (consulting). Chairman of the board, Mayo
Foundation (healthcare). Former chairman of the board and chief executive
officer, Honeywell Inc. Director, Boise Cascade Corporation (forest products)
and CBS Inc. Member of International Advisory Councils, Robert Bosch (Germany)
and NEC (Japan).
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 15,403
Committee assignment: Audit, Executive
JOHN R. THOMAS** Board member since 1987 Age 57
Senior vice president and director of IDS.
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 630,858
4,732+
WHEELOCK WHITNEY Board member since 1977 Age 68
Chairman, Whitney Management Company (manages family assets).
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 2,204,645
Committee assignment: Audit, Contracts, Executive, Personnel
C. ANGUS WURTELE Board member since 1994 Age 60
Chairman of the board and chief executive officer, The Valspar Corporation
(paints). Director, Bemis Corporation (packaging), Donaldson Company (air
cleaners & mufflers) and General Mills, Inc. (consumer foods).
Shares owned: Aggressive Equity 0 Equity 0
Shares owned: GROUP 0
*Interested person by reason of being an officer and employee of the Fund.
**Interested person by reason of being an officer, director, securityholder
and/or employee of IDS or American Express Company ("American Express").
+Shares owned by family members in which nominee disclaims any beneficial
ownership.
As of September 1, 1994, all executive officers and Board members as a group
beneficially owned directly or indirectly less than 1% of the shares of either
Fund.
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The committees have been appointed to facilitate the work of the Board. The
Executive Committee has authority to act for the full Board between meetings. It
focuses on investment activities, routine compliance issues and oversight of
various operational functions. The Joint Audit Committee meets with
representatives of the independent auditors to consider the scope of annual
audits and reviews the results of those audits. It receives reports from IDS
Internal Audit that pertain to the Funds' operations and addresses special areas
of concern. The Contracts Committee, under the full Board's direction,
negotiates contracts and monitors, evaluates and reports to the Board the
performance under the terms of those contracts. The Joint Personnel Committee
makes recommendations with respect to the composition of the Board and the
compensation of the members, officers and staff of the Funds. Candidates for
vacancies on the Board must have a background that gives promise of making a
significant contribution to furthering the interests of all shareholders.
Shareholders wishing to suggest candidates should write in care of Joint
Personnel Committee, IDS MUTUAL FUND GROUP, 901 Marquette Avenue South, Suite
2810, Minneapolis, MN 55402-3268.
Over the last fiscal year, the Board held 10 meetings, the Executive
Committee met twice a month, and the Audit, Contracts and Personnel Committees
met 5, 4 and 7 times respectively. Average attendance at the Board was 93% and
no nominee attended less than 75% of the meetings of the Board and the
committees on which she or he serves.
Members who are not officers of the Funds or directors of IDS receive an
annual fee and retirement benefits from the Funds. They also receive attendance
and other fees, the cost of which the Funds share with the other funds in the
GROUP. Members of the Board of each Fund receive an annual fee of $1,000 for
Aggressive Equity and $1,250 for Equity, and upon retirement at age 70, or
earlier if for health reasons, such members receive monthly payments equal to
1/2 of the annual fee divided by 12 for as many months as the member served on
the Board up to 120 months or until the date of death. There are no death
benefits and the plan is not funded. The fees shared with other funds are those
for attendance for meetings of the Contracts Committee or Board, $500, meetings
of the Audit, Executive, and Personnel Committees, $300, out-of state, $500, and
Chair of Contracts Committee, $5,000. Expenses also are reimbursed.
During the last fiscal year, the members of the Board, for attending up to
50 meetings, received the following compensation, in total, from all the funds
in the GROUP.
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NOMINEE COMPENSATION FROM GROUP
AGGRESSIVE EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Retirement Estimated
Aggregate Benefits Annual Total Cash
Compensation Accrued as Benefit on Compensation
Nominee from Fund Fund Expenses Retirement from GROUP
- ---------------------- ------------- -------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lynne V. Cheney $ 107 $ -- $ 500 $ 6,000
(part of year)
Robert F. Froehlke 1,123 1,067 500 64,534
(part of year)
Anne P. Jones 1,080 327 500 72,200
Donald M. Kendall 1,021 1,451 500 66,000
Melvin R. Laird 1,105 1,038 500 71,900
Lewis W. Lehr 1,067 1,437 488 70,500
William R. Pearce 108 555 500 13,367
(part of year)
Edson W. Spencer 1,114 683 267 72,700
Wheelock Whitney 1,162 612 500 74,800
</TABLE>
Besides Mr. Pearce, who is president, the Fund's other officer is:
Leslie L. Ogg, 56, Vice president and general counsel of all publicly
offered funds in the GROUP since 1978. Vice president and secretary of the Life
Funds and treasurer and secretary of all publicly offered funds in the GROUP
since July 1989.
EQUITY FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Retirement Estimated
Aggregate Benefits Annual Total Cash
Compensation Accrued as Benefit on Compensation
Nominee from Fund Fund Expenses Retirement from GROUP
- ---------------------- ------------- -------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lynne V. Cheney $ 128 -- $ 625 $ 6,000
(part of year)
Robert F. Froehlke 1,311 1,297 625 64,534
(part of year)
Anne P. Jones 1,267 398 625 72,200
Donald M. Kendall 1,209 1,764 625 66,000
Melvin R. Laird 1,293 1,262 625 71,900
Lewis W. Lehr 1,254 1,746 609 70,500
William R. Pearce 108 674 625 13,367
(part of year)
Edson W. Spencer 1,302 830 333 72,700
Wheelock Whitney 1,350 744 625 74,800
</TABLE>
Besides Mr. Pearce, who is president, the Funds' other officer is:
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Leslie L. Ogg, 56, Vice president and general counsel of all publicly
offered funds in the GROUP since 1978. Vice president and secretary of the Life
Funds and treasurer and secretary of all publicly offered funds in the GROUP
since July 1989.
Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board.
During the last fiscal year, no officer earned more than $60,000 from either
Fund. All officers as a group (two persons) earned cash compensation, including
salaries and thrift plan, of $7,943 from Aggressive Equity and $11,668 from
Equity.
(2) RATIFY OR REJECT THE SELECTION OF
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 1995, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP has been
selected to serve as the independent auditors for the Funds. This selection was
made by the members of the Board who are not officers of the Funds or associated
with the investment manager pursuant to a recommendation by the Joint Audit
Committee. When a meeting of shareholders is held, the selection also is
considered by the shareholders.
The audit services provided to the funds in the GROUP by KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP include the examination of the annual financial statements, assistance in
connection with filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
and meeting with the Joint Audit Committee. A representative of KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP is expected to be at the meeting and will have the opportunity to
make a statement and answer questions.
RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE REQUIRED. The Board recommends that you vote to
ratify the selection of the independent auditors. Ratification of the selection
requires a vote by a majority of the shares present or represented at the
meeting. If the selection of the independent auditors is not ratified, the Board
will consider what further action must be taken.
(3) APPROVE OR REJECT A NEW INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
IDS has provided the Funds investment advice, administrative services,
transfer agent services and distribution since the Funds began operation. These
services are now provided under four separate contracts.
The Funds are considering two changes in their current structure. First,
they are considering issuing multiple classes of shares. This would permit
investors to choose when and how to pay a sales charge. Second, at some future
time, the Funds may separate the asset management function from the investor
services function, creating what are known as master/feeder funds. The master
fund will offer its shares only to other investment companies and investment
groups including pension plans and trust accounts. The master/ feeder structure
facilitates the use of a number of different distribution
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channels. The master/feeder structure will not necessarily be used by all funds
in the GROUP and will be implemented for the Funds only if the Board determines
that it is in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.
In order to proceed with the changes, new contracts with IDS are necessary.
Under the proposed contracts, based on the net asset values and the number of
shareholder accounts in the Funds in 1994, Aggressive Equity shareholders would
have paid an additional $2.40 for each $1,000 invested. Equity shareholders
would have paid an additional $2.40. In return for that increase, IDS believes
it can provide more and better services to shareholders.
The proposed contracts will become effective only if and when the Funds
issue multiple classes of shares. If the proposed contracts are approved, the
Funds plan to offer multiple classes of shares before the end of March 1995.
BOARD DELIBERATIONS. In considering the desirability of issuing multiple
classes of shares, the members of the Board took several steps. First, they
asked the Board's Contracts Committee, composed of members who are not
affiliated with IDS ("independent members"), to test and evaluate a plan to
offer multiple classes of shares. The Committee determined that many investment
companies are now offering multiple classes of shares because they give
investors the choice among several sales charge options. Also, they determined
that issuing multiple classes of shares enables an investment company to offer
shares more effectively to institutional and retirement accounts. Second, the
Board asked the Committee to consider terms of the new contracts. By the end of
1993, proposed contract terms were deemed sufficiently complete to be considered
and evaluated by all independent members of the Board. Third, the members of the
Board approved the filing of an application with the SEC for the necessary
authority to offer multiple classes of shares. An order approving the
application was granted on March 16, 1994. Fourth, the Board authorized the
Funds to seek a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to
assure the plan to offer multiple classes of shares would not create any tax
problems for the Funds or their shareholders. Multiple classes of shares will be
issued only if that assurance is provided. If the private letter ruling has not
yet been issued at the time the Fund intends to implement multiple classes of
shares, the Funds may rely on an opinion of tax counsel.
In February, the independent members of the Board began an evaluation of the
plan and the proposed contracts against two standards: first, they had to offer
important benefits both to the Funds and their shareholders and, second, they
had to be fair to the Funds and their shareholders. In the course of this
evaluation, independent members met with representatives of American Express,
the parent company of IDS, and IDS to discuss the business plans of both
companies. Also, they reviewed the changes taking place in the
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<PAGE>
money management industry with noted research analysts and industry executives.
And, they considered the benefits existing shareholders derive from continued
growth of the Funds and tested the fairness of contract terms by employing the
services of consultants considered experts in their fields.
Independent members of the Board also reviewed five performance reports
prepared by IDS and an extensive review of those reports by Price Waterhouse, a
service it has provided the GROUP in each of the past 13 years. The five
reports, prepared for the Funds each year by IDS, cover investment performance,
shareholder services, compliance, sales and marketing, and IDS' profitability
from its relationships with all funds in the GROUP. In addition, they considered
information provided by IDS in response to questions asked by the independent
members and the Funds' staff and from various periodic reports given to the
Board or to committees of the Board.
CURRENT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES AGREEMENT. Currently, IDS
provides investment advice and administrative services to the Funds under an
Investment Management and Services Agreement (the "IMS Agreement") which was
last approved by shareholders on November 13, 1991. At that time, shareholders
approved a change in the rate of the fee payable to IDS, a change in the
language pertaining to payment of expenses, and the elimination of the
contractual provisions applicable to services provided as transfer agent and
dividend-disbursing agent. The Funds and IDS then entered into a separate
Transfer Agent Agreement (the "TA Agreement").
The fee paid to IDS for its services under the IMS Agreement is based on two
components. The first component of the fee, a group asset charge, is based on a
graduated scale applied to the net assets of all the funds, except the
money-market funds, in the GROUP. The scale begins at 0.46% of net assets for
the first $5 billion and declines for each additional $5 billion until a fee of
0.32% is paid for net assets exceeding $50 billion. The second component, an
individual asset charge, is calculated at a rate equal to 0.25% annually of the
net assets of Aggressive Equity's and Equity's daily net assets. The complete
group asset charge schedule and net assets for all funds in the GROUP appear
under the caption "Certain Information Concerning IDS" which follows later in
this proxy statement.
Each Fund pays its taxes, brokerage commissions and nonadvisory expenses,
which include custodian fees; audit and certain legal fees; fidelity bond
premiums; registration fees for shares; office expenses of the Fund; consultant
fees; compensation of Board members, officers and employees (except anyone who
is also an officer, director or employee of IDS or its affiliates); corporate
filing fees; a portion of the Investment Company Institute dues; organizational
expenses; expenses incurred in connection with lending portfolio securities; and
other expenses properly payable by the Fund, approved by the Board.
If, at the end of any month, the fees payable by each Fund under the IMS
Agreement and its nonadvisory expenses exceed the most restrictive
11
<PAGE>
applicable state expense limitation -- which at the current time is 2.5% of the
first $30 million of the average daily net assets, 2% of the next $70 million
and 1.5% of average daily net assets over $100 million on an annual basis -- IDS
will assume all expenses in excess of the limit. IDS then may bill the Fund for
those expenses in subsequent months up to the end of that fiscal year, but not
after that date.
PROPOSED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT. The proposed agreement
is the same as the current IMS Agreement except that: (a) the fee is based
solely on the assets of each Fund, not on assets of the GROUP and on the unique
characteristics of that Fund, including the Fund's use of the services provided
by IDS in the areas of investment research, portfolio management and investment
services and (b) in order to facilitate the implementation of a master/feeder
structure in the future, certain provisions relating to administration and
accounting services have been eliminated. IDS will continue to provide those
administration and accounting services under a separate Administrative Services
Agreement (the "Admin Agreement"). A copy of the proposed IMS Agreement
reflecting these changes is set forth as Exhibit A. The proposed fees under the
IMS Agreement are shown below:
PROPOSED FEES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets Annual Rate At
(Billions) Each Asset Level
- ----------- ----------------------------
<S> <C>
AGGRESSIVE EQUITY
First $1 0.600%
Next $1 0.575
Next $1 0.550
Next $3 0.525
Over $6 0.500
EQUITY
First $0.5 0.530%
Next $0.5 0.505
Next $1 0.480
Next $1 0.455
Next $3 0.430
Over $6 0.400
</TABLE>
On July 31, 1994, Aggressive Equity's net assets were approximately $0.6
billion; for 1993, approximately $0.6 billion; and for 1992, approximately $0.5
billion. On July 31, 1994, Equity's net assets were approximately $1.1 billion;
for 1993, approximately $0.8 billion; and for 1992, approximately $0.6 billion.
Based on the current net assets in the GROUP on July 31, 1994, the effective
rate paid by the Funds under the current IMS Agreement is 0.63% for Aggressive
Equity and 0.54% for Equity and under the proposed IMS Agreement is 0.60% for
Aggressive Equity and 0.52% for Equity.
12
<PAGE>
The Board's independent members based their evaluation of the proposed IMS
Agreement on a number of factors. The IDS annual report on investment
performance describes the total return of each of the funds in the GROUP;
reviews IDS' organizational structure and the performance of the portfolio
managers; and provides other information about IDS' qualifications to serve as
investment adviser. Periodic reports to committees of the Board reflect the
ability of IDS to actually carry out the duties of administrator which include,
among other things, pricing portfolios, maintaining accurate accounting records,
issuing timely financial and tax reports, and complying with federal and state
requirements. Terms of the proposed contract, especially the graduated fee scale
and the types of expenses paid by the Funds, were compared to those of other
investment companies deemed by a respected, independent industry authority most
comparable to the Funds. The independent members concluded that IDS has the
qualifications needed to serve the Funds as investment adviser under the IMS
Agreement. Overall the funds in the GROUP have benefited from IDS' accurate and
timely recordkeeping and, as a GROUP, a majority of funds have been consistently
in the second quartile of their competitive groupings.
NEW CONTRACTS TO BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD. If shareholders approve the
proposed IMS Agreement, the Board will approve the other contracts necessary for
issuing multiple classes of shares. The Fund intends to offer shares with a
front-end sales charge and a service fee (Class A), a rear-end sales charge,
service fee and 12b-1 fee (Class B) and, for certain institutional retirement
and fixed fee accounts, no sales charge or service fee (Class Y). At the time
multiple classes are implemented, IDS, as sole shareholder of Class A and Class
Y shares, will approve the IMS Agreement for Class A and Class Y. The contracts
are discussed below. For most shareholders, the shares you currently own will
become Class B shares. Shareholders entitled to a waiver of the sales charge
will receive Class A shares.
- ADMIN AGREEMENT. Currently, administration and accounting services are
included in the current IMS Agreement. Going forward it is proposed to cover
those services in a separate agreement. The fees under the proposed Admin
Agreement are as follows:
PROPOSED FEES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets Annual Rate At
(Billions) Each Asset Level
- ------------ ------------------------------
<S> <C>
AGGRESSIVE EQUITY
First $1 0.050%
Next $1 0.045
Next $1 0.040
Next $3 0.035
Over $6 0.030
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets Annual Rate At
(Billions) Each Asset Level
- ------------ ------------------------------
<S> <C>
EQUITY
First $0.5 0.040%
Next $0.5 0.035
Next $1 0.030
Next $1 0.025
Next $3 0.020
Over $6 0.020
</TABLE>
If shareholders approve the IMS Agreement, the Board will approve a new
Admin Agreement. In subsequent years, the Board could consider changing the fees
under the Admin Agreement without shareholder approval.
- TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES. The Board reviewed the annual report provided by
IDS with respect to the scope and quality of the services it provides
shareholders as transfer agent. The report describes the standards by which IDS
measures the quality of transfer agent services and assesses how well it has met
those standards. The report describes the types of services IDS offers
(including providing shareholders with an average cost basis of their
investments in the Funds made over time) and compares them to the services
offered by others.
Under the proposed TA Agreement, the fee for the current class of
shareholders will not change. IDS will be paid a fee by the Funds for these
services out of the assets of Class A shares determined by multiplying the
number of Class A shareholder accounts by $15 and, from the assets of Class B
shares, by multiplying the Class B accounts by $16 and, from the assets of Class
Y shares, by multiplying the Class Y accounts by $15. The members of the Board
will approve the proposed TA Agreement if shareholders approve the proposed IMS
Agreement. The TA Agreement is reviewed annually. It may be changed at any time
by agreement between the IDS and the Funds.
- DISTRIBUTION. The distribution contract between IDS Financial Services
Inc. ("IDSFS") and the Funds provides that IDSFS has the exclusive right to act
as principal underwriter for the Funds. The contract will be modified to reflect
the changes that result from implementation of the multiple class structure.
- BROKERAGE. Each Fund executes some portfolio transactions through
American Enterprise Investment Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IDS,
at advantageous rates. Executions of the Funds' remaining portfolio transactions
are through other brokerage firms at competitive rates which enable IDS to
receive services, such as market research, that benefit the Funds.
- CUSTODIAN. IDS Trust Company serves as custodian for the assets of the
Funds. The contract is reviewed annually to determine that IDS Trust
14
<PAGE>
Company provides required custodial services at least equal in scope and quality
to those provided by others at rates that are fair and reasonable in light of
the usual and customary charges made by others.
- MERGERS AND FUND NAME CHANGES. If approved by shareholders, at the time
the multiple class structure is implemented, the other three funds making up the
Corporation will be merged with other IDS funds with similar investment
objectives and policies. The Corporation originally was formed in order to
provide investors with an alternative method of paying the sales charge. Once
the multiple class structure is implemented, it will no longer be necessary to
offer separate funds in order to give investors that flexibility. If
shareholders approve the IMS Agreement, the Board will change the names of these
two Funds to avoid confusion with other funds in the GROUP. Aggressive Equity
will be renamed IDS Strategy Aggressive Fund. Equity will be renamed IDS Equity
Value Fund.
CURRENT AND PRO FORMA DATA. For the last fiscal year, fees and expenses the
Funds actually paid as well as fees and expenses the Funds would have paid if
the proposed IMS Agreement, proposed distribution and shareholder service
agreements (described in Proposal 6) and proposed TA Agreement had been in
effect are shown below:
FUND EXPENSES
(AS A PERCENT OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggressive Equity Equity
------------------ ------------------
Pro Forma Pro Forma
Actual Class B Actual Class B
------ --------- ------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Annual Operating Expenses
IMS Agreement 0.63% 0.60% 0.54% 0.52%
12b-1 Plan 0.71 0.75 0.71 0.75
Other Expenses 0.37 0.60 0.31 0.53
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.71 1.95 1.56 1.80
</TABLE>
EXAMPLE: Suppose for each year for the next 10 years, pro forma fund
expenses are as above and their annual return is 5%. If you sold your shares at
the end of the following years, for each $1,000 invested, you would pay total
expenses of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Aggressive Equity $ 69 $ 108 $ 150 $ 267
Equity $ 67 $ 104 $ 143 $ 251
</TABLE>
If the proposed IMS Agreement had been in effect, in the last fiscal year
Aggressive Equity would have paid $3,771,970 to IDS under that agreement, a
decrease of 4.7%. Equity would have paid $4,746,790, a decrease of 3.9%.
15
<PAGE>
For the last fiscal year, IDS received fees from the Funds as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggressive
Equity Equity
---------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
IMS Agreement $ 3,959,394 $ 4,938,986
12b-1 Plan 4,455,219 6,464,137
TA Agreement 1,796,377 2,116,737
</TABLE>
In addition, IDSFS, a wholly owned subsidiary of IDS, received $544,083 from
Aggressive Equity and $551,640 from Equity in sales charges.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION BY THE BOARD ON THE PROPOSED IMS AGREEMENT. In
reaching its recommendation to shareholders, the members of the Board considered
the scope and quality of all services IDS has provided and expects to provide
under the proposed contracts. They considered IDS' present distribution
strategies, its past success and its willingness to invest additional resources
in developing new markets for the Funds. They noted IDS' commitment to
compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and the benefits IDS
receives from its relationships with the Funds. The members considered IDS'
investment performance; the Funds' expense ratio; the profitability IDS realizes
from its investment company operations; and the trend of IDS profitability from
fund operations as well as that of other investment managers. The members of the
Board concluded the services provided, measured in both scope and quality, have
been above average in the industry; investment performance for funds in the
GROUP in most years has been consistent and generally a majority of the funds
perform above the median of a group of their competitive funds; expense ratios
remain in line with other funds; and IDS' profitability is not unreasonable.
Based on its conclusions, the members of the Board have approved the proposed
IMS Agreement and recommend unanimously that the shareholders approve it.
On May 12, 1994, at a meeting called for the purpose of considering the
proposed IMS Agreement, the independent members first and then the Board as a
whole, by vote, cast in person, approved the terms of the proposed IMS
Agreement. After the second year, the proposed IMS Agreement will continue from
year to year provided continuance is approved at least annually by the Board.
The proposed IMS Agreement may be terminated without penalty either by the
Board, by IDS or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund.
RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE REQUIRED. The Board recommends that shareholders of
each Fund approve the proposed IMS Agreement. Approval requires the affirmative
vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund which the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") defines as 67% or more of the shares
represented at the meeting held to consider the issue if more than 50% are
represented or more than 50% of the shares entitled to vote, whichever is less.
16
<PAGE>
(4) APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE A NEW INVESTMENT POLICY
TO PERMIT EACH FUND TO INVEST ALL OF ITS ASSETS IN AN
INVESTMENT COMPANY WITH SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND
RESTRICTIONS AS THE FUND
As discussed in Proposal 3 above, at some future time the Board may
determine that it is in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders to
create what is known as a master/feeder fund structure. Such a structure allows
several investment companies and other investment groups, including pensions
plans and trust accounts, to have their investment portfolios managed as a
combined pool called the master fund. The purpose of the structure is to achieve
operational efficiencies.
Currently, the Funds' investment policies, including those pertaining to
investing all of its assets in one company, would prohibit the master/feeder
structure. The Board recommends that shareholders adopt the following investment
policy: "NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OF THE FUND'S OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES, THE FUND
MAY INVEST ITS ASSETS IN AN OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY HAVING
SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS AS THE
FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF HAVING THOSE ASSETS MANAGED AS PART OF A COMBINED POOL."
Adoption of this policy will permit each Fund to invest its assets in a
master fund, without any additional vote of shareholders. The Fund's operations
and shareholder services will not be affected. Even though the assets are
invested in securities of the master fund, you will continue to receive
information about the underlying investments the same as you now receive in your
annual and semi-annual reports. Fees and expenses are not expected to increase
as a result of that change.
RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE REQUIRED. The Board recommends that shareholders
approve the new investment policy. Approval requires the affirmative vote of 67%
or more of the shares represented at the meeting if more than 50% are
represented or more than 50% of the shares entitled to vote, whichever is less.
If the change is not approved, the Funds will continue to operate in the same
fashion as they are now operating.
(5) APPROVE OR REJECT CHANGES TO FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
Each Fund has a number of investment policies that can be changed only with
approval of shareholders. These policies are referred to as "fundamental"
policies. Policies that can be changed by the Board are called "non-
fundamental". The Board recommends changing the fundamental policies described
below. The policies were established a number of years ago. New investment
strategies and new investment instruments continue to be created and developed.
If the policies are changed to non-fundamental or revised, each Fund will have
the flexibility to use those strategies and instruments
17
<PAGE>
promptly without incurring the cost of shareholder meetings. Some policies were
established to conform to the requirements of federal or state law that existed
at the time. These policies do not need to be fundamental under those laws and,
if changed to non-fundamental, the Board could react to changes in the laws.
A. PERMIT THE FUND TO PLEDGE ASSETS AS COLLATERAL TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED
BY THE BOARD. Each Fund is prohibited from pledging more than 30% of its total
assets as collateral for loans or other purposes. If the policy is changed to
non-fundamental, when appropriate, the Board would be able to raise or lower the
maximum percentage in order to implement investment strategies or to meet other
possible needs.
B. PERMIT THE BOARD TO CHANGE THE LIMIT ON INVESTMENTS IN ISSUERS WITH LESS
THAN THREE YEARS OF OPERATING HISTORY. Each Fund may not invest more than 5% of
its total assets in companies that have less than three years of operating
history. This percentage currently is set by a state law which may change in the
future. If the policy is made non-fundamental and the state changes its law, the
Board could take such action as appropriate.
C. PERMIT THE BOARD TO ESTABLISH POLICIES FOR INVESTING IN OTHER INVESTMENT
COMPANIES. Each Fund is prohibited from investing in other investment
companies, such as country-specific funds, except by purchases in the open
market where the dealer's or sponsor's profit is the regular commission. This
policy was adopted to conform to a state law. Currently those funds also can be
acquired in private placements. It may be appropriate to purchase private
placements in the future if the state changes its position. If the policy is
changed to non-fundamental, the Board could react to changes by the state.
D. PERMIT THE BOARD TO ESTABLISH POLICIES WHEN THE FUND COULD MAKE AN
INVESTMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXERCISING CONTROL OR MANAGING THE COMPANY. Each
Fund is prohibited from making investments to control or manage a company. While
it is not the intent of the Funds to control or manage a company and they
generally are precluded from doing so by various laws, from time to time one of
their investments may experience financial difficulties. It may be in the
interest of the Funds to make an additional investment while at the same time
asserting some influence regarding management.
E. PERMIT THE BOARD TO ESTABLISH POLICIES FOR INVESTING IN OIL, GAS OR
OTHER MINERAL EXPLORATION OR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. Currently, a state law
limits investments by each Fund in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development programs. Should the law change, the Board could establish
appropriate guidelines.
F. REVISE THE FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON MAKING LOANS. Currently, each Fund has
a fundamental policy prohibiting it from making cash loans. It is proposed to
revise the policy to state that "THE FUNDS WILL NOT MAKE CASH LOANS, IF THE
TOTAL COMMITMENT AMOUNT EXCEEDS 5% OF THE FUNDS' TOTAL ASSETS." In
18
<PAGE>
certain circumstances each Fund may make investments, such as purchasing
short-term debt instruments from banks, that may be considered cash loans. Each
Fund will not make loans to affiliated companies or to any individual.
G/H. REVISE THE FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE AND
COMMODITIES. Currently, each Fund has a fundamental policy that states that the
Fund will not buy or sell real estate, real estate mortgage loans or
commodities, except Aggressive Equity and Equity may enter into stock index
futures contracts. When investing in futures contracts, these funds may make
deposits or have similar arrangements in connection therewith. It is proposed to
separate the policy into two parts.
G. REAL ESTATE. The real estate policy will be revised as follows: THE
FUND WILL NOT BUY OR SELL REAL ESTATE, UNLESS ACQUIRED AS A RESULT OF OWNERSHIP
OF SECURITIES OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS, EXCEPT THIS SHALL NOT PREVENT THE FUND FROM
INVESTING IN SECURITIES OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS BACKED BY REAL ESTATE OR SECURITIES
OF COMPANIES ENGAGED IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS. Each Fund does not expect to
hold real estate directly. However, it may invest in securities issued or
guaranteed by companies engaged in acquiring, constructing, financing,
developing or operating real estate projects, including real estate investment
trusts (REITs).
H. COMMODITIES. The commodities policy will be changed to read as follows:
THE FUND WILL NOT BUY OR SELL PHYSICAL COMMODITIES UNLESS ACQUIRED AS A RESULT
OF OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS, EXCEPT THIS SHALL NOT PREVENT
THE FUND FROM BUYING OR SELLING OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS OR FROM INVESTING
IN SECURITIES OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS BACKED BY, OR WHOSE VALUE IS DERIVED FROM,
PHYSICAL COMMODITIES. The proposed limitation would clarify that each Fund may
invest without limit in securities or other instruments backed by, or whose
value is derived from, physical commodities.
RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE REQUIRED. The Board recommends that shareholders
approve the proposed changes in each Fund's fundamental policies. Approval
requires the affirmative vote of 67% or more of the shares represented at the
meeting if more than 50% are represented or more than 50% of the shares entitled
to vote, whichever is less. If the changes are not approved, the Funds will
continue to operate in accordance with its current investment policies.
(6) APPROVE OR REJECT A NEW PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
CURRENT PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION. Shares of the Funds are distributed by IDS
Financial Services Inc. pursuant to a Distribution Agreement. In addition, under
a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") that complies with the requirements of Rule
12b-1 of the 1940 Act, IDS is paid a distribution fee by the Funds which helps
to defray the portion of its costs of distribution which are not covered by the
contingent deferred sales charge received under the Distribution Agreement and
for providing continuing service to Shareholders.
19
<PAGE>
Under the current Plan, each Fund pays IDS a distribution fee of 1%, on an
annual basis, that is charged to each Fund based on whichever of the following
alternatives results in the lower fee: (a) the Fund's average daily net assets,
or (b) the net asset value, as of the date of purchase from the Fund ("original
net asset value"), of all of a Fund's shares since it began doing business minus
the original net asset value of all shares which have been redeemed or
transferred to another Fund. IDS provides a written analysis to the Board
quarterly regarding the amounts expensed and the purposes of the expenditures.
The current Plan was last approved by shareholders of the Funds on July 10,
1985.
PROPOSED PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION. The proposed Plan will apply only to Class B
shares. For most shareholders the shares you own will become Class B shares when
the Funds begin offering multiple classes of shares as discussed in Proposal 3.
Shareholders entitled to a waiver of the CDSC will receive Class A shares. Under
the Plan, each Fund will pay IDS 0.75% of the assets of that class each year to
cover the sales costs IDS incurs. After eight years, Class B shares will be
converted to Class A shares. Class B shares redeemed before being converted to
Class A shares will be assessed a contingent deferred sales charge designed to
approximate the sales charge that would have been paid had the shares been held
for eight years. The sales charges for Class A and Class B shares are structured
so that investors will have approximately the same total returns at the end of
eight years regardless of which class is chosen.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGREEMENT. The proposed Plan differs from the current
Plan in the rate of the fee and in that the proposed Plan covers only
distribution expenses. IDS will be compensated for expenses incurred in
servicing shareholder accounts under a shareholder service agreement. That
agreement does not cover any distribution costs and is not a 12b-1 plan. Under
the shareholder service agreement, the Funds will pay 0.15% of net assets of
accounts holding Class A or Class B shares directly for the benefit of planners
and servicing agents for the services they provide shareholders. The Funds also
will pay IDS 0.025% for use in monitoring those services and providing
additional training and support to planners and servicing agents to assure the
Fund shareholders receive good service. The services provided are designed to
help shareholders consider thoughtfully their investment goals and monitor the
progress they are making in achieving those goals. Each Fund will pay the
service fee only with respect to net assets of accounts actually serviced by an
IDS planner or other servicing agents. The fee will not be used to finance the
sale of shares.
In evaluating the proposed shareholder service agreement, the independent
members of the Board considered both the general use of such fees in the
industry and the proposed level in relation to the services provided and similar
fees charged by others. They concluded the services contemplated will provide
important benefits to shareholders and that the terms of the
20
<PAGE>
proposed contract are fair both to the Funds and their shareholders.
Accordingly, the Board will approve the contract for shareholder services if
shareholders approve the proposed Plan.
Financial information showing the effect of the proposed change and the
amounts paid by the Funds to IDS under the Plan for the last fiscal year is
included in the paragraph called CURRENT AND PRO FORMA DATA in Proposal 3 above.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION BY BOARD. The independent members of the Board
concluded that the ability to offer multiple classes of shares should help IDS
develop new markets for the Funds in light of current trends in the investment
market and should contribute to positive cash flows, growing asset size, and
services of enhanced scope and quality that can be provided by a growing and
profitable investment manager and distributor. The Board has approved the
adoption of the multiple class structure believing that it serves the best
interest of the Funds and their shareholders.
In order for the Plan to continue in effect for more than one year from the
date of its adoption, it must be approved at least annually by the Board,
including a majority of the independent members. The Plan may not be amended to
increase materially the amount to be spent for distribution by the Funds without
the approval of a majority of the independent members and the Funds' outstanding
shares. The Plan may be terminated at any time by a majority of the outstanding
shares, by a majority of the independent members, or by IDS.
At a meeting held on May 12, 1994, the Board of each Fund, including a
majority of the independent members, voted to approve the proposed Plan and
determined that the proposed Plan was reasonably likely to benefit the Funds and
their shareholders.
RECOMMENDATION AND VOTE REQUIRED. The Board recommends that shareholders of
each Fund approve the proposed Plan. Approval requires the affirmative vote of
67% or more of the shares represented at the meeting if more than 50% are
represented or more than 50% of the shares entitled to vote, whichever is less.
If the Plan is not approved by the shareholders, the Board will consider what
further action must be taken.
21
<PAGE>
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING IDS
IDS is the adviser or subadviser for the 42 funds in the GROUP. The size of
each fund, as of July 31, 1994, and the fee schedule for each fund under its
management agreement are shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Net Assets
- ----------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Publicly Offered Funds
(Non-Money Market):
- --------------------
Blue Chip
Advantage............ $ 142,209,588
Bond................... 2,259,063,867
California
Tax-Exempt........... 258,866,435
Discovery.............. 522,606,718
Diversified Equity
Income............... 864,567,489
Equity Plus............ 607,697,337
Extra Income........... 1,671,295,135
Federal Income......... 1,029,328,886
Global Bond............ 452,984,951
Global Growth.......... 568,444,460
Growth................. 951,623,593
High Yield............. 6,356,086,929
Insured
Tax-Exempt........... 533,030,027
International.......... 721,297,012
Managed
Retirement........... 2,127,121,745
Massachusetts
Tax-Exempt........... 72,980,822
<CAPTION>
Name Net Assets
- ----------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Michigan
Tax-Exempt........... $ 77,856,447
Minnesota
Tax-Exempt........... 415,296,413
Mutual................. 3,036,337,955
New Dimensions......... 4,110,064,854
New York
Tax-Exempt........... 121,406,333
Ohio
Tax-Exempt........... 72,861,916
Precious Metals........ 68,615,909
Progressive............ 268,085,661
Selective.............. 1,510,417,028
Stock.................. 2,288,148,561
Strategy --
Aggressive Equity.... 642,558,227
Equity............... 1,145,543,613
Income............... 706,837,475
Short-Term Income.... 217,227,269
Worldwide Growth..... 276,483,905
Tax-Exempt Bond........ 1,190,034,011
Utilities Income....... 658,813,634
</TABLE>
Life Funds Offered Only Through Annuities
(Non-Money Market):
- --------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Aggressive
Growth......... $ 669,816,381
Capital
Resource....... 2,714,729,872
International
Equity......... $1,029,638,190
Managed.......... 2,414,506,241
Special Income... 1,577,327,715
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE>
Group Asset Charge
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Group Assets
(in Annual Rate at Effective
billions) Each Asset Level Annual Rate
- ------------ ----------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
First $5 0.46% 0.46 %
Next $5 0.44 0.45
Next $5 0.42 0.44
Next $5 0.40 0.43
Next $5 0.39 0.422
Next $5 0.38 0.415
Next $5 0.36 0.407
Next $5 0.35 0.40
Next $5 0.34 0.393
Next $5 0.33 0.387
Over $50 0.32
</TABLE>
Individual Asset Charge
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
(% of average daily net assets)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Blue Chip Advantage..... 0.10%
Bond.................... 0.13
California Tax-Exempt... 0.13
Discovery............... 0.23
Diversified Equity
Income................ 0.14
Equity Plus............. 0.14
Extra Income............ 0.21
Federal Income.......... 0.13
Global Bond............. 0.46
Global Growth........... 0.46
Growth.................. 0.23
High Yield.............. 0.11
Insured Tax-Exempt...... 0.13
International........... 0.46
Managed Retirement...... 0.14
Massachusetts
Tax-Exempt............ 0.13
Michigan
Tax-Exempt............ 0.13
Minnesota
Tax-Exempt............ 0.13
Mutual.................. 0.14
New Dimensions.......... 0.23%
New York
Tax-Exempt............ 0.13
Ohio Tax-Exempt......... 0.13
Precious Metals......... 0.46
Progressive............. 0.23
Selective............... 0.13
Stock................... 0.14
Strategy --
Aggressive Equity..... 0.23
Equity................ 0.14
Income................ 0.13
Short-Term Income..... 0.13
Worldwide Growth...... 0.46
Tax-Exempt Bond......... 0.13
Utilities Income........ 0.14
Life Aggressive
Growth................ 0.25
Life Capital Resource... 0.25
Life International
Equity................ 0.50
Life Managed............ 0.25
Life Special Income..... 0.25
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
23
<PAGE>
Money Market Funds:
- -------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Net Assets
- --------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Cash $ 1,153,600,779
Planned Investment 25,859,200
<CAPTION>
Name Net Assets
- --------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Tax-Free $ 120,773,901
Life Moneyshare 184,907,484
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Asset Charge
(in Cash Planned
Money Market Funds billions) Tax-Free Investment Moneyshare
- ------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash First $1 0.34% 0.20% 0.54%
Planned Investment Next 0.5 0.32 0.18 0.52
Tax-Free Next 0.5 0.30 0.16 0.50
Life Moneyshare Next 0.5 0.28 0.14 0.48
Over 2.5 0.26 0.12 0.46
</TABLE>
IDS manages investments for its own account and has an investment advisory
agreement with a subsidiary, IDS Certificate Company ("IDSC"), a face amount
certificate company having total assets, as of July 31, 1994, of approximately
$2.8 billion. The current advisory agreement between IDS and IDSC provides for a
graduated scale of fees equal on an annual basis to 0.75% of the first $250
million total book value (carrying cost) of assets of IDSC, 0.65% on the next
$250 million, 0.55% on the next $250 million, 0.50% on the next $250 million and
0.45% on the value in excess of $1 billion. Not included in this computation are
mortgages, real estate and other assets on which IDSC pays a service fee leaving
a balance of approximately $2.5 billion.
IDS has advisory agreements to furnish investment advice to IDS Life
Insurance Company ("IDS Life") relative to investment of the six Life Funds in
the GROUP described above as well as the three additional funds listed below.
The fee under each advisory agreement is 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net
assets. The size of the three additional funds, as of July 31, 1994 is:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Assets
--------------
<S> <C>
IDS Life Variable Annuity A $ 228,562,074
IDS Life Variable Annuity B 505,695,830
IDS Life Series Fund, Inc. --
Equity Portfolio 160,257,659
Government Securities Portfolio 11,431,837
Income Portfolio 34,594,515
Managed Portfolio 174,232,786
Money Market Portfolio 10,130,671
</TABLE>
There are additional expenses that apply to the variable accounts and the
life insurance policies or annuity contracts.
24
<PAGE>
IDS is paid at a rate of 1% of the net assets for providing investment
advice to Sunrise Fund which had net assets of $63,696,199 as of July 31, 1994.
PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF IDS. David R. Hubers is President and
Chief Executive Officer of IDS. Listed below are the names and principal
occupations of the directors of IDS as of July 31, 1994. Except as otherwise
noted below, the address of each director is IDS Tower, Minneapolis, MN
55440-0010.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address Principal Occupation
- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Peter J. Anderson Sr. Vice President
Karl J. Breyer Sr. Vice President and General Counsel
James E. Choat Sr. Vice President
William H. Dudley Executive Vice President
Roger S. Edgar Sr. Vice President
Gordon L. Eid Sr. Vice President and Deputy General
Counsel
Louis C. Fornetti Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
Harvey Golub Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
American Express American Express
New York, New York
David R. Hubers President and Chief Executive Officer
Marietta L. Johns Sr. Vice President
Susan D. Kinder Sr. Vice President
Richard W. Kling Sr. Vice President
Steven C. Kumagai Sr. Vice President
Peter A. Lefferts Sr. Vice President
Douglas A. Lennick Executive Vice President
Jonathan S. Linen Vice Chairman, American Express
American Express
New York, New York
James A. Mitchell Executive Vice President
Barry J. Murphy Sr. Vice President
Erven A. Samsel Sr. Vice President
R. Reed Saunders Sr. Vice President
Jeffrey E. Stiefler President, American Express
American Express
New York, New York
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address Principal Occupation
- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Fenton R. Talbot Sr. Vice President, American Express
American Express
New York, New York
John R. Thomas Sr. Vice President
Norman Weaver, Jr. Sr. Vice President
William N. Westhoff Sr. Vice President
Michael R. Woodward Sr. Vice President
</TABLE>
IDS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express. American Express is a
financial services company located at American Express Tower, World Financial
Center, New York, New York.
MISCELLANEOUS
INVESTMENT DECISIONS, PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE. Each investment
decision made for each Fund is made independently from any decision made for
another fund in the GROUP or other account advised by IDS or any of its
subsidiaries. On occasion a Fund and one of the other funds in the GROUP or
another client of the investment manager may simultaneously purchase or sell the
same security. In that case, IDS executes the transaction in a manner which the
Fund agrees in advance is fair. Ordinarily, the transactions of the Fund and
another fund or client of IDS will be averaged as to price and allocated as to
amount between the Fund and the other fund or client pursuant to a formula
considered equitable by the parties to the transactions. Although sharing in
large transactions may at times adversely affect the price or volume of
securities purchased or sold by the Fund, the Fund hopes to gain an overall
advantage in execution.
In selecting broker-dealers to execute transactions, IDS may consider the
price of the security, including commission or mark-up, the size and difficulty
of the order, the reliability, integrity, financial soundness and general
operation and execution capabilities of the broker, the broker's expertise in
particular markets, and research services provided by the broker.
IDS is directed to use its best efforts to obtain the best available price
and most favorable execution except where otherwise authorized by the Board. In
so doing, if, in the professional opinion of the person responsible for
selecting the broker or dealer, several firms can execute the transaction on
that basis, consideration will be given to those firms that offer research
services. Research services may be used by IDS in providing advice to all the
funds in the GROUP or to other accounts advised by IDS and, according to IDS, it
is not possible to relate the benefits to any particular fund or account.
Research provided by brokers supplements the research activities of IDS.
Such services include economic data on, and analysis of, the U.S. and foreign
economies; information on specific industries; information about
26
<PAGE>
specific companies, including earnings estimates; purchase recommendations for
stocks and bonds; portfolio strategy services; political, economic, business and
industry trend assessments; historical statistical information; market data
services providing information on specific issues and prices; and technical
analysis of various aspects of the securities markets, including technical
charts. Research services may take the form of written reports, computer
software or personal contact by telephone or at seminars or other meetings. IDS
has obtained, and in the future may obtain, computer hardware from brokers,
including but not limited to personal computers, that will be used exclusively
for investment decision-making purposes, which include the research, portfolio
management and trading functions and such other services to the extent permitted
under an interpretation by the SEC.
The Board also has adopted a policy authorizing IDS to compensate a broker
for research services, or for brokerage services, by paying a commission which
might not otherwise be charged or a commission in excess of that another broker
might charge to the extent authorized by law, if IDS determines, in good faith,
that the amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage or research services provided by a broker or dealer, viewed either in
the light of that transaction or overall responsibilities of IDS to the funds in
the GROUP.
When paying a commission that might not otherwise be charged or a commission
in excess of the amount another broker might charge, IDS must follow procedures
authorized by the Board. To date, three procedures have been authorized. One
procedure permits IDS to direct an order to buy or sell a security traded on a
national securities exchange to a specific broker for research services it has
provided. The second procedure permits IDS, in order to obtain research, to
direct an order on an agency basis to buy or sell a security traded in the
over-the-counter market to a firm that does not make a market in that security.
The commission paid generally includes compensation for research services. The
third procedure permits IDS, in order to obtain research and brokerage services,
to cause a Fund to pay a commission in excess of the amount another broker might
have charged. IDS has assured the Funds that under all three procedures the
amount of commission paid will be reasonable and competitive in relation to the
value of the brokerage services performed or research provided.
During the last fiscal year, Aggressive Equity and Equity paid brokerage
commissions aggregating $654,720 and $2,723,753, respectively. Substantially all
firms through whom transactions were executed provide research services.
Transactions amounting to $5,548,000, on which $12,351 in commissions were paid,
were specifically directed to firms for Aggressive Equity. Transactions
amounting to $198,789,000, on which $390,001 in commissions were paid, were
specifically directed to firms for Equity.
27
<PAGE>
Certain brokerage transactions were executed through broker-dealer
affiliates of IDS as shown in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent of
Total Value of
Trades Where
Nature of Amount of Percent of All Commissions
Broker Affiliation* Commissions Commissions Were Paid
- -------------------------- ----------------- ------------ --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AGGRESSIVE EQUITY
Lehman Brothers, Inc.... 1 $ 4,710 .16% .17%
American Enterprise
Investment Services
Inc................... 2 38,821 .96 1.45
EQUITY
Lehman Brothers, Inc.... 1 17,037 .58 .61
American Enterprise
Investment Services
Inc................... 2 84,625 2.10 3.15
The Robinson Humphrey
Company, Inc.......... 3 5,749 .14 .21
Shearson Lehman
Brothers, Inc......... 3 62,015 1.53 1.65
<FN>
* Nature of affiliation
(1) Under common control with IDS as a subsidiary of American Express. As of
July 30, 1993, Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. has become Lehman Brothers,
Inc.
(2) Wholly owned subsidiary of IDS.
(3) Under common control with IDS as an indirect subsidiary of American Express
until July 30, 1993.
</TABLE>
These transactions were executed at rates determined to be reasonable and
fair as compared to the rates another broker would charge, pursuant to
procedures adopted by the Board.
OTHER BUSINESS. At this time, the Board does not know of any other business
to come before the meetings. If something does come up, the proxies will use
their best judgment to vote for you on the matter.
SIMULTANEOUS MEETINGS. The regular meeting of shareholders of the Funds is
called to be held at the same time as the regular meetings of shareholders of
the other funds in the GROUP. It is anticipated that all
28
<PAGE>
meetings will be held simultaneously. If any shareholder objects to the holding
of a simultaneous meeting, the shareholder may move for an adjournment of a
Fund's meeting to a time immediately after the simultaneous meetings so that a
meeting of the Fund may be held separately. Should such a motion be made, the
persons named as proxies will take into consideration the reasons for the
objection in deciding whether to vote in favor of the adjournment.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES. The Board is asking for your vote and for you to
return the proxy card by mail as promptly as possible. The Funds will pay the
expenses for the proxy material and the postage. Supplementary solicitations may
be made by mail, telephone, telegraph or personal contact by financial planners.
The expenses of supplementary solicitation will be paid by the Funds.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS. The Funds do not hold regular meetings of
shareholders on an annual basis. Therefore, no anticipated date of the next
regular meeting can be provided. If a shareholder has a proposal which she or he
feels should be presented to all shareholders, the shareholder should send the
proposal to the President of the Funds. The proposal will be considered at a
meeting of the Board as soon as practicable. Should it be a matter which would
have to be submitted to shareholders, it will be presented at the next special
or regular meeting of shareholders. In addition, should it be a matter which the
Board deems of such significance as to require a special meeting, such a meeting
will be called.
ADJOURNMENT. In the event that sufficient votes in favor of any of the
proposals set forth in the Notice of the Meeting and Proxy Statement are not
received by the time scheduled for the meeting, the persons named as proxies may
move for one or more adjournments of the meeting for a period or periods of not
more than 60 days in the aggregate to permit further solicitation of proxies
with respect to any of the proposals. Any adjournment will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the meeting. The persons
named as proxies will vote in favor of adjournment those shares which they are
entitled to vote which have voted in favor of the proposals. They will vote
against any adjournment those proxies which have voted against any of the
proposals. The costs of any additional solicitation and of any adjourned session
will be borne by the Funds.
By Order of the Board LESLIE L. OGG
September 17, 1994 Secretary
IMPORTANT! IF YOU DO NOT INTEND TO BE AT THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE FILL IN
AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT AT ONCE. A RETURN ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
29
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1993
($ THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
Investment securities at amortized cost -- fair value
$23,253,854........................................... $22,156,263
Other securities generally at cost -- fair value
$214,108.............................................. 191,718
Mortgage loans -- fair value $2,301,866................. 2,231,302
Cash and cash equivalents................................. 90,715
Life insurance policy and investment certificate loans.... 417,931
Accounts and notes receivable............................. 563,450
Deferred acquisition costs................................ 1,746,291
Consumer loans............................................ 296,161
Land, buildings and equipment -- less accumulated
depreciation, $103,460.................................. 213,984
Goodwill -- less accumulated amortization, $83,970........ 251,897
Other assets.............................................. 199,805
Assets held in segregated asset accounts -- primarily
common stocks at fair value............................. 8,991,694
-------------
$37,351,211
-------------
-------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Liabilities:
Fixed annuity reserves.................................. $18,492,135
Life and disability insurance reserves.................. 3,169,569
Investment certificate reserves......................... 2,751,825
Career Distributors' Retirement Plan.................... 234,112
Open securities transactions............................ 299,710
Short-term borrowings................................... 302,894
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
liabilities........................................... 961,428
Liabilities related to segregated asset accounts........ 8,991,694
-------------
Total liabilities................................. 35,203,367
-------------
Stockholder's Equity:
Common stock -- $.01 par -- 100 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding................................ --
Additional paid-in capital.............................. 1,150,119
Net unrealized appreciation on equity securities........ 114
Retained earnings....................................... 997,611
-------------
Total stockholder's equity........................ 2,147,844
-------------
$37,351,211
-------------
-------------
Commitments and contingencies
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated balance sheet.
F-1
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET
($ THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
IDS Financial Corporation (hereinafter referred to as IDS) is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company (parent).
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The accompanying condensed consolidated
balance sheet is prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. It includes the accounts of IDS and all of its subsidiaries. All
material intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
ANNUITY ACCOUNTING. Liabilities for single premium deferred annuities and
installment annuities are accumulation values. Liabilities for fixed annuities
in benefit status are the present value of future benefits using established
industry mortality tables.
INSURANCE ACCOUNTING. Liabilities for future benefits on traditional life
and disability income and health insurance policies are generally calculated
using anticipated rates of mortality, morbidity, policy persistency and
investment yields. Liabilities for universal life-type life insurance are
accumulation values.
DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS. The costs of acquiring new business,
principally sales compensation, policy issue costs and underwriting, have been
deferred on annuity, life insurance and other long-term products.
For annuities, the costs are amortized in relation to surrender charge
revenue and a portion of the excess of investment income earned from investment
of contract considerations over the interest credited to contract owners. For
traditional life insurance, and disability income and health insurance policies,
the costs are amortized over an appropriate period in proportion to premium
revenue. For universal life-type insurance, the costs are amortized over the
lives of the policies as a percentage of the estimated gross profits expected to
be realized on the policies.
SEGREGATED ASSET ACCOUNTS. Assets and liabilities related to segregated
asset accounts represent funds held for the exclusive benefit of the variable
annuity and variable life insurance contract owners.
IDS makes contractual mortality assurances to the variable annuity contract
owners that the net assets of the segregated asset accounts will not be affected
by future variations in the actual life expectancy experience of the annuitants
and beneficiaries from the mortality assumptions implicit in the annuity
contracts. IDS makes periodic fund transfers to, or withdrawals from, the
segregated asset accounts for such actuarial adjustments for variable annuities
that are in the benefit payment period. IDS guarantees, for the
F-2
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- CONTINUED
variable life insurance funds, the cost of the contractual insurance rates and
that the death benefit will never be less than the death benefit at the date of
issuance.
INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES. Investment certificates entitle certificate
holders, who have either made lump-sum or installment payments, to receive a
definite sum of money at maturity. Payments from certificate holders are
credited to investment certificate reserves. Investment certificate reserves
accumulate at specified percentage rates of accumulation. For certificates that
allow for the deduction of a surrender charge, cash surrender values may be less
than accumulated investment certificate reserves prior to maturity dates.
Investment certificate reserves are maintained for advance payments by
certificate holders, additional credits granted and interest accrued on each.
The payment distribution, reserve accumulation rates, cash surrender values and
reserve values, among other matters, are governed by the Investment Company Act
of 1940.
GOODWILL. Goodwill represents the unamortized excess of cost over the
underlying fair value of the net tangible assets of IDS as of the date of
acquisition by its parent. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis
over the next 30 years.
INCOME TAXES. IDS taxable income is included in the consolidated Federal
tax return of IDS' parent. Each eligible subsidiary of IDS' parent provides for
income taxes on a separate return basis.
INVESTMENTS. Bonds and notes, mortgage-backed securities, and preferred
stocks that either must be redeemed by the issuer or may be redeemed by the
issuer at the holder's request are carried at amortized cost. The expected
maturities of these investments are, for the most part, matched with the
expected payments of fixed annuity, life and disability insurance, and
investment certificate future benefits. IDS has the ability to hold these
investments to their maturities and has the intent to hold them for the
foreseeable future. When there is a decline in value, which is other than
temporary, the investments are carried at estimated realizable value.
Marketable equity securities of IDS and its subsidiaries, other than the
life insurance subsidiary, are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market
value. Common and nonredeemable preferred stocks of the life insurance
subsidiary are carried at market value. The net unrealized appreciation/
depreciation on such securities is included in stockholder's equity. When there
is a decline in value, which is other than temporary, the securities are carried
at estimated realizable value.
F-3
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- CONTINUED
Prepayments are anticipated on certain investments in mortgage-backed
securities in determining the constant effective yield used to recognize
interest income. Prepayment estimates are based on information received from
brokerage firms which deal in mortgage-backed securities.
INTEREST RATE CAPS. IDS purchases interest rate caps as protection against
exposed interest rate positions. Cost is amortized to the expiration dates on a
straight-line basis. Benefits are recognized when realized.
MORTGAGE LOANS. Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at amortized cost
less reserve for losses. When credit and economic evaluations of the underlying
real estate indicate a loss on the loan is likely to occur, an allowance for
such loss is recorded. IDS generally stops accruing interest on loans for which
interest payments are delinquent more than three months.
The estimated fair value of the mortgage loans is determined by a discounted
cash flow analysis using mortgage interest rates currently offered for mortgages
of similar maturities.
LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT. Land, buildings and equipment are carried at
cost less accumulated depreciation. IDS generally utilizes the straight-line
method of computing depreciation.
2. QUALIFIED ASSETS AND ASSETS ON DEPOSIT
IDS' subsidiary, IDS Certificate Company, has issued investment certificates
to clients. The terms of the investment certificates and the provisions of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 require the maintenance of qualified assets. The
carrying value of qualified assets at December 31, 1993 aggregated $2,931,737
and exceeded legal requirements.
Under the terms of the investment certificates, the Investment Company Act
of 1940, depository agreements and the statutes of various states relating to
investment certificates, assets are required to be on deposit with the states or
authorized depositories. Investments, mortgage loans and other assets on deposit
at December 31, 1993, aggregated $2,814,974 and exceeded legal requirements.
IDS' banking subsidiaries are generally required to maintain reserve
balances with the Federal Reserve Bank, the Depository Trust Company and other
institutions. Based upon the dollar volumes and types of deposit liabilities,
the subsidiaries maintained $1,373 in reserves at December 31, 1993.
3. INVESTMENTS
Fair values of bonds and notes, mortgage-backed securities, and common and
preferred stocks represent quoted market prices where available. In
F-4
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
3. INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED
the absence of quoted market prices, estimated fair values are determined by
established procedures involving, among other things, review of market indices,
price levels of current offerings and comparable issues, price estimates and
market data from independent brokers.
Fair values, and gross unrealized gains and losses of investment securities
at amortized cost at December 31, 1993 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Fair Unrealized Unrealized
Cost Value Gains Losses
------------- ------------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mortgage-backed Securities $ 10,697,725 $ 10,995,052 $ 358,609 $ 61,284
Corporate Bonds and Obligations 10,373,609 11,112,009 792,684 54,282
Preferred Stocks 801,747 839,941 40,851 2,657
State and Municipal Obligations 258,447 283,010 24,602 39
U.S. Government Agency
Obligations 24,735 23,842 484 1,377
------------- ------------- ------------ -----------
Total Investment Securities $ 22,156,263 $ 23,253,854 $ 1,217,230 $ 119,639
------------- ------------- ------------ -----------
------------- ------------- ------------ -----------
</TABLE>
Contractual maturities of debt securities carried at amortized cost as of
December 31, 1993 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fair
Cost Value
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Due within 1 year $ 553,129 $ 558,107
Due after 1 year through 5 years 2,062,332 2,174,664
Due after 5 years through 10 years 6,107,705 6,581,514
Due after 10 years 2,735,372 2,944,517
------------- -------------
11,458,538 12,258,802
Mortgage-backed Securities 10,697,725 10,995,052
------------- -------------
Total Investment Securities $ 22,156,263 $ 23,253,854
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>
(The timing of actual receipts will differ from contractual maturities
because issuers may call or prepay obligations.)
At December 31, 1993, IDS had a valuation allowance of $114 reflecting the
net unrealized appreciation of equity securities carried at fair value at that
date. The amount is net of $160 of gross unrealized appreciation and deferred
taxes of $46.
IDS will implement, effective January 1, 1994, Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
F-5
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
3. INVESTMENTS -- CONTINUED
and Equity Securities". Under the new rules, debt securities that IDS has both
the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity will be carried at amortized
cost. Debt securities that IDS does not have the positive intent and ability to
hold to maturity, as well as all marketable equity securities, will be
classified as available for sale or trading and carried at fair value.
Unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as available for sale will
be carried as a separate component of Stockholder's Equity. Unrealized holding
gains and losses on securities classified as trading will be reported in
earnings. The effect of the new rules will be to increase Stockholder's Equity
by approximately $200 million, net of taxes, as of January 1, 1994. The
measurement of unrealized securities gains (losses) in Stockholder's Equity is
affected by market conditions, and therefore, subject to volatility.
Other securities, at cost, include shares in affiliated mutual funds at
December 31, 1993 of $106,131. The fair value was $115,465.
Included in bonds and notes at December 31, 1993 are interest rate caps at
amortized cost of $51,733 with an estimated fair value of $21,117. These
interest rate caps carry a notional amount of $5,570,000 and expire on various
dates from 1994 to 1998.
4. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
IDS has lines of credit with various banks totaling $495,000, of which
$302,894 was outstanding at December 31, 1993. $75,000 of the amount outstanding
was borrowed from a related party. The weighted average interest rate on the
borrowings was 3.71% at December 31, 1993.
IDS has entered into an interest rate swap agreement expiring in 1999
enabling it to convert $21,000 of its variable-rate borrowings to a fixed
interest rate of 8.88%. IDS has estimated the cost to terminate the agreement in
the current interest rate environment at $2.0 million at December 31, 1993.
5. RETIREMENT PLANS
IDS and its subsidiaries have qualified and non-qualified pension plans
which cover all permanent employees age 21 and over and certain other employees.
Pension benefits generally depend upon length of service, compensation and other
factors. Funding of retirement costs for the qualified plan complies with the
applicable minimum funding requirements specified by the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
F-6
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
5. RETIREMENT PLANS -- CONTINUED
The funded status of the plans at December 31, 1993 is set forth in the
table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unfunded
Funded Plan Plan
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Accumulated benefit obligation........................ $ (67,260) $ (2,283)
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to
date................................................ (107,261) (7,003)
Fair value of plan assets, primarily invested in bonds
and equities........................................... 131,637 --
----------- -----------
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation... 24,376 (7,003)
Unrecognized prior service cost being recognized over
14.2 years............................................. (1,395) 2,978
Unrecognized net (gain) loss from past experience
different from assumptions and effects of changes in
assumptions............................................ (10,266) 801
Unrecognized net transition asset being recognized over
13.7 years............................................. (10,812) --
----------- -----------
Prepaid (accrued) pension cost included in other
assets................................................. $ 1,903 $ (3,224)
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial present
value of the projected benefit obligation of all plans was 7.25%. The rate of
increase in future compensation levels used in determining the actuarial present
value of the projected benefit obligation of all plans was 6.0%. The weighted
average expected long-term rates of return on plan assets was 9.5%.
The Career Distributors' Retirement Plan is an unfunded, noncontributory,
non-qualified deferred compensation plan for IDS financial planners, district
managers and division vice presidents, based on their independent contractor
earnings.
IDS sponsors defined benefit health care plans that provide health care and
life insurance benefits to employees and financial planners who retire after
having worked five years and attained age 55 while in service with IDS or its
subsidiaries. Upon retirement, annual health care premiums will be paid through
participant contributions and fixed amounts contributed by IDS
F-7
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
5. RETIREMENT PLANS -- CONTINUED
based on years of service. For employees and financial planners who retired
prior to April, 1990, IDS contributes a percentage of their annual health care
premiums. The cost of retiree life insurance will be paid entirely by IDS. IDS
funds the cost of these benefits as they are incurred.
The accrued postretirement benefit cost included in other liabilities at
December 31, 1993 was $31,883.
The weighted average discount rates used in determining the 1993
postretirement benefit obligation was 7.25. The rate of increase in the per
capita cost of covered benefits was assumed to be 13% for 1994; the rate was
assumed to decrease 1% per year to 7% in 2000 and remain at the level
thereafter. An increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one
percentage point, in each year, would increase the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation as of December 31, 1993 by $1,653.
6. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Various state laws, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and terms of
investment certificates restrict the amount of dividends that the subsidiaries
may pay to IDS. The amount of net assets of subsidiaries which may be
transferred to IDS was approximately $699.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
IDS is committed to pay aggregate minimum rentals under noncancelable leases
for office facilities and equipment in future years as follows: 1994, $57,313;
1995, $50,341; 1996, $40,737; 1997, $30,572; 1998, $24,337 and an aggregate of
$70,334 thereafter.
Life insurance in force aggregated $46.1 billion at December 31, 1993, of
which $3.0 billion was reinsured. Reinsured risks could become a liability in
the event the reinsurers become unable to meet the obligations they have
assumed.
Approved but unused consumer lines of credit aggregated $457,038 at December
31, 1993. Of the amount approved, 95% is in lines of $25 or less, and less than
1% is in lines exceeding $100.
IDS and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits. In
the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these lawsuits, taken in
the aggregate, will not materially affect IDS' consolidated financial position.
F-8
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
8. CREDIT RISK CONCENTRATIONS
Concentrations of credit risk of investment securities at cost at December
31, 1993 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
On Balance
Sheet
-------------
<S> <C>
By Investment Grade:
Mortgage-backed Securities $ 10,697,725
Aaa/AAA 493,228
Aa/AA 288,727
Aa/A 144,222
A/A 2,619,628
A/BBB 671,159
Baa/BBB 5,182,582
Below Investment Grade 2,058,992
-------------
$ 22,156,263
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
Mortgage-backed securities are FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA pools which are
guaranteed as to principal and interest by agencies of the U.S. Government.
Other debt securities are rated by Moody's and Standard & Poors (S&P) except for
approximately $2.4 billion which is rated by IDS' analysts using criteria
similar to Moody's and S&P. Commitments to purchase investments were $nil at
December 31, 1993.
Concentrations of credit risk of mortgage loans at December 31, 1993 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
On Balance Commitments
Sheet to Purchase
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Mortgage Loans By Region:
North Central $ 896,174 $ 36,325
Atlantic 819,082 94,345
New England 162,227 18,130
South Central 137,707 900
Pacific 128,311 15,140
Mountain 87,801 14,600
------------ -------------
$ 2,231,302 $ 179,440
------------ -------------
------------ -------------
</TABLE>
F-9
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
8. CREDIT RISK CONCENTRATIONS -- CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
On Balance Commitments
Sheet to Purchase
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Mortgage Loans By Property Type:
Apartments $ 821,645 $ 78,560
Shopping Ctrs/Retail 705,319 67,355
Office Buildings 261,673 15,675
Industrial Buildings 253,557 9,250
Retirement Homes 85,338 1,000
Hotels/Motels 36,743 --
Medical Buildings 30,430 6,100
Residential 142 --
Other 36,455 1,500
------------ -------------
$ 2,231,302 $ 179,440
------------ -------------
------------ -------------
</TABLE>
Mortgage loans are first mortgages on real estate. IDS' underwriting policy
is that at the time of loan origination, the loan amount cannot exceed 75% of
appraised value. If a mortgage is in default, IDS can begin foreclosure
proceedings. Commitments to purchase mortgages are made in the ordinary course
of business. The estimated fair value of the mortgage commitments is $nil.
Concentrations of credit risk of unsecured consumer loans at December 31,
1993 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
On Balance Approved
Sheet But Unused
----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Consumer Loans By Region:
North Central $ 88,790 $ 165,829
Atlantic 76,827 120,307
Pacific 51,707 80,205
South Central 34,696 38,637
New England 25,805 27,541
Mountain 18,336 24,519
----------- -------------
$ 296,161 $ 457,038
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
</TABLE>
Consumer loans have a variable rate of interest. As a result, the estimated
fair value of the consumer loans is approximated to be the carrying value. The
estimated fair value of the approved but unused lines of credit is $nil.
F-10
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
8. CREDIT RISK CONCENTRATIONS -- CONTINUED
Included in accounts receivable at December 31, 1993 are interest and
dividends receivable on investments of $350,098 and fees receivable from
affiliated mutual funds of $25,507.
9. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following are fair values of financial instruments not presented
elsewhere in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, and methods and
assumptions that were used to estimate these fair values.
The estimated fair values for short-term financial instruments, such as cash
and cash equivalents, short-term borrowings and customers' deposits are
approximated to be the carrying amounts disclosed in the condensed consolidated
balance sheet.
The estimated fair value of fixed annuities future policy benefits is based
on the status of the annuities at December 31, 1993. The estimated fair value
for deferred annuities approximates the carrying amount less any surrender
charges and related loans. The estimated fair value for annuities in non-life
contingent payout status approximates the present value of projected benefit
payments at the rate appropriate for contracts issued in 1993. At December 31,
1993, the carrying amount and fair value of fixed annuities future policy
benefits, after excluding life insurance-related contracts carried at $913,127
was $17,579,008 and $16,881,747, respectively. The fair value is net of policy
loans of $59,132 at December 31, 1993.
The estimated fair value of investment certificate reserves is based upon a
method appropriate for each class of certificate. The estimated fair value for
investment certificates that reprice within a year approximates the carrying
value. The estimated fair value for other investment certificates is determined
by a discounted cash flow analysis using investment rates currently offered for
investment certificates of similar remaining maturities. These amounts are
reduced by applicable surrender charges and related loans. At December 31, 1993,
the estimated fair value of the investment certificate reserves was $2,694,720,
net of certificate loans of $67,429.
The estimated fair value of liabilities related to segregated asset accounts
is the carrying amount less variable insurance contracts carried at $346,276 and
surrender charges, if applicable. At December 31, 1993, the estimated fair value
of these liabilities was $8,305,209.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
IDS has entered into various related party transactions with its parent and
the parent's other affiliates.
F-11
<PAGE>
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET -- CONTINUED
($ THOUSANDS)
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS -- CONTINUED
IDS has a reinsurance agreement to assume a single premium life line of
business from an affiliated company. The accompanying condensed consolidated
balance sheet at December 31, 1993 includes $759,714 of liabilities for future
policy benefits related to this agreement.
IDS has a reinsurance agreement to cede 50% of its long-term care insurance
business to an affiliated company. The accompanying condensed consolidated
balance sheet at December 31, 1993 includes $44,086 of reinsurance receivables
related to this agreement.
IDS purchased a $35,000 five year secured note from an affiliated company.
The note bears a market interest rate, revised semi-annually, which was 8.42% at
December 31, 1993.
Included in other liabilities is $30,420 at December 31, 1993 for federal
income taxes payable to the parent.
11. INCOME TAXES
At December 31, 1993, the life insurance subsidiary had a policyholders'
surplus account balance of $19,032. The policyholders' surplus is only taxable
if dividends to shareholders exceed the shareholders' surplus account and/or the
company is liquidated. Deferred taxes of $6,661 have not been established
because no distributions of such amounts are contemplated.
F-12
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors and Stockholder
IDS Financial Corporation
We have audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
the consolidated financial statements of IDS Financial Corporation at December
31, 1993, not presented separately herein, and in our report dated February 3,
1994, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying
condensed consolidated balance sheet is fairly stated in all material respects
in relation to the consolidated financial statements from which it has been
derived.
Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 3, 1994
F-13
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made the th day of , 199 , by and between IDS Strategy
Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation") on behalf of its underlying series funds IDS
Strategy Aggressive Fund and IDS Equity Value Fund (individually a "Fund" and
collectively the "Funds"), a Minnesota corporation, and IDS Financial
Corporation ("IDS"), a Delaware corporation.
PART ONE: INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
(1) The Corporation hereby retains IDS, and IDS hereby agrees, for the
period of this Agreement and under the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth, to furnish the Corporation continuously with suggested investment
planning; to determine, consistent with the Funds' investment objectives and
policies, which securities in IDS' discretion shall be purchased, held or sold
and to execute or cause the execution of purchase or sell orders; to prepare and
make available to the Funds all necessary research and statistical data in
connection therewith; to furnish all other services of whatever nature required
in connection with the management of the Funds as provided under this Agreement;
and to pay such expenses as may be provided for in Part Three; subject always to
the direction and control of the Board of Directors (the "Board"), the Executive
Committee and the authorized officers of the Corporation. IDS agrees to maintain
an adequate organization of competent persons to provide the services and to
perform the functions herein mentioned. IDS agrees to meet with any persons at
such times as the Board deems appropriate for the purpose of reviewing IDS'
performance under this Agreement.
(2) IDS agrees that the investment planning and investment decisions will be
in accordance with general investment policies of the Funds as disclosed to IDS
from time to time by the Funds and as set forth in its prospectuses and
registration statements filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC").
(3) IDS agrees that it will maintain all required records, memoranda,
instructions or authorizations relating to the acquisition or disposition of
securities for the Funds.
(4) The Corporation agrees that it will furnish to IDS any information that
the latter may reasonably request with respect to the services performed or to
be performed by IDS under this Agreement.
(5) IDS is authorized to select the brokers or dealers that will execute the
purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Funds and is directed to use
its best efforts to obtain the best available price and most favorable
execution, except as prescribed herein. Subject to prior authorization by the
A-1
<PAGE>
Board of appropriate policies and procedures, and subject to termination at any
time by the Board, IDS may also be authorized to effect individual securities
transactions at commission rates in excess of the minimum commission rates
available, to the extent authorized by law, if IDS determines in good faith that
such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in
terms of either that particular transaction or IDS' overall responsibilities
with respect to the Funds and other funds for which it acts as investment
adviser.
(6) It is understood and agreed that in furnishing the Funds with the
services as herein provided, neither IDS, nor any officer, director or agent
thereof shall be held liable to a Fund or its creditors or shareholders for
errors of judgment or for anything except willful misfeasance, bad faith, or
gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under the terms of this Agreement. It is further
understood and agreed that IDS may rely upon information furnished to it
reasonably believed to be accurate and reliable.
PART TWO: COMPENSATION TO INVESTMENT MANAGER
(1) The Corporation agrees to pay to IDS, and IDS covenants and agrees to
accept from the Corporation in full payment for the services furnished a fee for
each calendar day of each year equal to the total of 1/365th (1/366th in each
leap year) of the amount computed as shown below. The computation shall be made
for each day on the basis of net assets as of the close of business of the full
business day two (2) business days prior to the day for which the computation is
being made. In the case of the suspension of the computation of net asset value,
the asset charge for each day during such suspension shall be computed as of the
close of business on the last full business day on which the net assets were
computed. Net assets as of the close of a full business day shall include all
transactions in shares of the Funds recorded on the books of the Funds for that
day.
The asset charge shall be based on the net assets of each Fund as set forth
in the following table.
ASSET CHARGE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggressive Equity Equity
- ---------------------------- ------------------------------
Assets Annual Rate At Assets Annual Rate At
(Billions) Each Asset Level (Billions) Each Asset Level
- --------- ----------------- ----------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
First $1 0.600% First $0.5 0.530%
Next $1 0.575 Next $0.5 0.505
Next $1 0.550 Next $1 0.480
Next $3 0.525 Next $1 0.455
Over $6 0.500 Next $3 0.430
Over $6 0.400
</TABLE>
A-2
<PAGE>
(2) The fee shall be paid on a monthly basis and, in the event of the
termination of this Agreement, the fee accrued shall be prorated on the basis of
the number of days that this Agreement is in effect during the month with
respect to which such payment is made.
(3) The fee provided for hereunder shall be paid in cash by the Funds to IDS
within five business days after the last day of each month.
PART THREE: ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES
(1) The Corporation agrees to pay:
(a) Fees payable to IDS for its services under the terms of this
Agreement.
(b) Taxes.
(c) Brokerage commissions and charges in connection with the purchase
and sale of assets.
(d) Custodian fees and charges.
(e) Fees and charges of its independent certified public accountants for
services the Funds request.
(f) Premium on the bond required by Rule 17g-1 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.
(g) Fees and expenses of attorneys (i) it employs in matters not
involving the assertion of a claim by a third party against the Corporation,
its directors and officers, (ii) it employs in conjunction with a claim
asserted by the Board against IDS, except that IDS shall reimburse the
Corporation for such fees and expenses if it is ultimately determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction, or IDS agrees, that it is liable in whole
or in part to the Corporation, and (iii) it employs to assert a claim
against a third party.
(h) Fees paid for the qualification and registration for public sale of
the securities of the Funds under the laws of the United States and of the
several states in which such securities shall be offered for sale.
(i) Fees of consultants employed by the Funds.
(j) Directors, officers and employees expenses which shall include fees,
salaries, memberships, dues, travel, seminars, pension, profit sharing, and
all other benefits paid to or provided for directors, officers and
employees, directors and officers liability insurance, errors and omissions
liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance and other expenses
applicable to the directors, officers and employees, except the Corporation
will not pay any fees or expenses of any person who is an officer or
employee of IDS or its affiliates.
(k) Filing fees and charges incurred by the Corporation in connection
with filing any amendment to its articles of incorporation, or incurred in
filing any other document with the State of Minnesota or its political
subdivisions.
(l) Organizational expenses of the Corporation.
A-3
<PAGE>
(m) Expenses incurred in connection with lending portfolio securities of
the Funds.
(n) Expenses properly payable by the Funds, approved by the Board.
(2) IDS agrees to pay all expenses associated with the services it provides
under the terms of this Agreement. Further, IDS agrees that if, at the end of
any month, the expenses of a Fund under this Agreement and any other agreement
between the Fund and IDS, but excluding those expenses set forth in (1)(b) and
(1)(c) of this Part Three, exceed the most restrictive applicable state expenses
limitation, the Fund shall not pay those expenses set forth in (1)(a) and (d)
through (n) of this Part Three to the extent necessary to keep the Fund's
expenses from exceeding the limitation, it being understood that IDS will assume
all unpaid expenses and bill the Fund for them in subsequent months but in no
event can the accumulation of unpaid expenses or billing be carried past the end
of the Fund's fiscal year.
PART FOUR: MISCELLANEOUS
(1) IDS shall be deemed to be an independent contractor and, except as
expressly provided or authorized in this Agreement, shall have no authority to
act for or represent the Funds.
(2) A "full business day" shall be as defined in the By-laws.
(3) Each Fund recognizes that IDS now renders and may continue to render
investment advice and other services to other investment companies and persons
which may or may not have investment policies and investments similar to those
of the Funds and that IDS manages its own investments and/ or those of its
subsidiaries. IDS shall be free to render such investment advice and other
services and each Fund hereby consents thereto.
(4) Neither this Agreement nor any transaction had pursuant hereto shall be
invalidated or in any way affected by the fact that directors, officers, agents
and/or shareholders of the Funds are or may be interested in IDS or any
successor or assignee thereof, as directors, officers, stockholders or
otherwise; that directors, officers, stockholders or agents of IDS are or may be
interested in the Funds as directors, officers, shareholders, or otherwise; or
that IDS or any successor or assignee, is or may be interested in the Funds as
shareholder or otherwise, provided, however, that neither IDS, nor any officer,
director or employee thereof or of the Funds, shall sell to or buy from the
Funds any property or security other than shares issued by the Funds, except in
accordance with applicable regulations or orders of the SEC.
(5) Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing, addressed,
and delivered, or mailed postpaid, to the party to this Agreement entitled to
receive such, at such party's principal place of business in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, or to such other address as either party may designate in writing
mailed to the other.
A-4
<PAGE>
(6) IDS agrees that no officer, director or employee of IDS will deal for or
on behalf of the Funds with himself as principal or agent, or with any
corporation or partnership in which he may have a financial interest, except
that this shall not prohibit:
(a) Officers, directors or employees of IDS from having a financial
interest in the Funds or in IDS.
(b) The purchase of securities for the Funds, or the sale of securities
owned by the Funds, through a security broker or dealer, one or more of
whose partners, officers, directors or employees is an officer, director or
employee of IDS, provided such transactions are handled in the capacity of
broker only and provided commissions charged do not exceed customary
brokerage charges for such services.
(c) Transactions with the Funds by a broker-dealer affiliate of IDS as
may be allowed by rule or order of the SEC and if made pursuant to
procedures adopted by the Board.
(7) IDS agrees that, except as herein otherwise expressly provided or as may
be permitted consistent with the use of a broker-dealer affiliate of IDS under
applicable provisions of the federal securities laws, neither it nor any of its
officers, directors or employees shall at any time during the period of this
Agreement, make, accept or receive, directly or indirectly, any fees, profits or
emoluments of any character in connection with the purchase or sale of
securities (except shares issued by the Funds) or other assets by or for the
Funds.
PART FIVE: RENEWAL AND TERMINATION
(1) This Agreement shall continue in effect until , 199 , or until a
new agreement is approved by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of
each Fund and by vote of the Fund's Board, including the vote required by (b) of
this paragraph, and if no new agreement is so approved, this Agreement shall
continue from year to year thereafter unless and until terminated by either
party as hereinafter provided, except that such continuance shall be
specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a vote of the
majority of the outstanding shares of the Funds and (b) by the vote of a
majority of the directors who are not parties to this Agreement or interested
persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. As used in this paragraph, the term "interested person"
shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act").
(2) This Agreement may be terminated by either a Fund or IDS at any time by
giving the other party 60 days' written notice of such intention to terminate,
provided that any termination shall be made without the payment of any penalty,
and provided further that termination may be effected either by the Board or by
a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund. The vote of
the majority of the outstanding voting shares of a Fund
A-5
<PAGE>
for the purpose of this Part Five shall be the vote at a shareholders' regular
meeting, or a special meeting duly called for the purpose, of 67% or more of the
Fund's shares present at such meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding voting shares are present or represented by proxy, or more than 50%
of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund, whichever is less.
(3) This Agreement shall terminate in the event of its assignment, the term
"assignment" for this purpose having the same meaning as set forth in the 1940
Act.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties hereto have executed the foregoing Agreement
as of the day and year first above written.
IDS STRATEGY FUND, INC.
IDS Strategy Aggressive Fund
IDS Equity Value Fund
By: --------------------------
IDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By: --------------------------
Fund# 334
Job# 94stp3009
A-6
<PAGE>
FORM OF PROXY CARD
VOTE THIS PROXY CARD TODAY!
YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE WILL SAVE YOUR FUND
THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL MAILINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing
Aggressive Equity Fund, a series of
IDS STRATEGY FUND, INC.
PROXY/VOTING
INSTRUCTION CARD
________________________________________________________________________________
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The undersigned hereby appoints William R. Pearce, Leslie L. Ogg and Robert F.
Froehlke, or any one of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution, to
represent and to vote all of the shares of the undersigned at the regular
meeting to be held on November 9, 1994, and any adjournment thereof.
TO HAVE YOUR VOTE COUNTED, YOU MUST SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY. IT WILL
BE VOTED AS MARKED, OR IF NOT MARKED, WILL BE VOTED "FOR" EACH PROPOSAL.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ALL PROPOSALS.
(client name and address)
X_______________________________________
X_______________________________________
Date ____________________, 1994
Owners please sign as names appear at left. Executors, administrators,
trustees, etc., should indicate position when signing.
<PAGE>
VOTE THIS PROXY CARD TODAY!
YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE WILL SAVE YOUR FUND
THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL MAILINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing
1. Election of Board Members FOR ( ) WITHHELD ( ) EXCEPTION ( )
To vote for all nominees, mark the "FOR" box in item 1. To withhold authority
to vote for all nominees, mark the "WITHHELD" box. To withhold authority to
vote for any nominee, mark the "EXCEPTION" box and strike a line through the
nominee's name.
Fourteen board members are to be elected at the meeting. The nominees are LYNNE
V. CHENEY, WILLIAM H. DUDLEY, ROBERT F. FROEHLKE, DAVID R. HUBERS, HEINZ F.
HUTTER, ANNE P. JONES, DONALD M. KENDALL, MELVIN R. LAIRD, LEWIS W. LEHR,
WILLIAM R. PEARCE, EDSON W. SPENCER, JOHN R. THOMAS, WHEELOCK WHITNEY, C. ANGUS
WURTELE.
2. Ratification of FOR ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Independent Auditors
3. Approval of New Investment FOR ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Management Services Agreement
4. Approval of a Change in FOR ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Investment Policies to Permit
the Fund to Invest All its
Assets in Another Investment
Company
5. Approval of Changes in FOR each policy ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Fundamental Investment listed below (except ALL ALL
Policies as marked to the
contrary)
If you do NOT wish to approve a policy change, please check the appropriate box
below:
( ) A. Pledge Assets ( ) E. Exploration/Development
( ) B. Start Up Companies ( ) F. Cash Loans
( ) C. Investment Companies ( ) G. Real Estate
( ) D. Control or Manage ( ) H. Commodities
6. Approval of a New Plan of FOR ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Distribution
<PAGE>
FORM OF PROXY CARD
VOTE THIS PROXY CARD TODAY!
YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE WILL SAVE YOUR FUND
THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL MAILINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing
Equity Fund, a series of
IDS STRATEGY FUND, INC.
PROXY/VOTING
INSTRUCTION CARD
________________________________________________________________________________
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The undersigned hereby appoints William R. Pearce, Leslie L. Ogg and Robert F.
Froehlke, or any one of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution, to
represent and to vote all of the shares of the undersigned at the regular
meeting to be held on November 9, 1994, and any adjournment thereof.
TO HAVE YOUR VOTE COUNTED, YOU MUST SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY. IT WILL
BE VOTED AS MARKED, OR IF NOT MARKED, WILL BE VOTED "FOR" EACH PROPOSAL.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ALL PROPOSALS.
(client name and address)
X_______________________________________
X_______________________________________
Date ____________________, 1994
Owners please sign as names appear at left. Executors, administrators,
trustees, etc., should indicate position when signing.
<PAGE>
VOTE THIS PROXY CARD TODAY!
YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE WILL SAVE YOUR FUND
THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL MAILINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing
1. Election of Board Members FOR ( ) WITHHELD ( ) EXCEPTION ( )
To vote for all nominees, mark the "FOR" box in item 1. To withhold authority
to vote for all nominees, mark the "WITHHELD" box. To withhold authority to
vote for any nominee, mark the "EXCEPTION" box and strike a line through the
nominee's name.
Fourteen board members are to be elected at the meeting. The nominees are LYNNE
V. CHENEY, WILLIAM H. DUDLEY, ROBERT F. FROEHLKE, DAVID R. HUBERS, HEINZ F.
HUTTER, ANNE P. JONES, DONALD M. KENDALL, MELVIN R. LAIRD, LEWIS W. LEHR,
WILLIAM R. PEARCE, EDSON W. SPENCER, JOHN R. THOMAS, WHEELOCK WHITNEY, C. ANGUS
WURTELE.
2. Ratification of
Independent Auditors FOR ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
3. Approval of New Investment FOR ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Management Services Agreement
4. Approval of a Change in FOR ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Investment Policies to Permit
the Fund to Invest All its
Assets in Another Investment
Company
5. Approval of Changes in FOR each policy ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Fundamental Investment listed below (except ALL ALL
Policies as marked to the
contrary)
If you do NOT wish to approve a policy change, please check the appropriate box
below:
( ) A. Pledge Assets ( ) E. Exploration/Development
( ) B. Start Up Companies ( ) F. Cash Loans
( ) C. Investment Companies ( ) G. Real Estate
( ) D. Control or Manage ( ) H. Commodities
6. Approval of a New Plan of FOR ( ) AGAINST ( ) ABSTAIN ( )
Distribution
